1st March

One of the places I've traces my family tree back to is the Herefordshire village of Dymock.  It is renowned for the wild daffodils that grow there, and nearby villages that straddle the Herefordshire/Gloucestershire border, and onwards towards Monmouthshire.

Two years ago, I was able to buy some bulbs of the local strain, from the Newent Garden Centre, as we made our traditional stop at The Nest in Trumpet for a fortifying brunch of Buck Rarebit before heading home from the Malvern Autumn show.

This bulbs were planted in the refurbished tiny lawn at the front of our house along with some species crocus & grape hyacinths.  They have thrived and are putting a grand display on for passers by, perfectly timed for St David's Day.

Having suffered badly with my knee problem for a couple of months, I felt pain free enough (as in tread carefully, no sudden moves, especially sideways or twisting) to venture out & potter this afternoon.  The broad beans sown towards the end of last year are growing strongly & hopefully Howard will be able to plant them out at the allotment next week.  Same goes for the Autumn sown onions, garlic & shallots.

Spring seems to be about three weeks ahead, in spite of the storms.  The sloe bushes on the opposite side of the street are full of blossom, & earlier this evening I saw Canada Geese flying towards the lake in pairs as opposed to a flock - a sure sign Spring is rapidly approaching.

So that appointment for the ultrasound guided injection into the joint that is supposed to be the start of fixing this knee injury, a mere 20 years after the accident that caused the pain & immobility, would be most welcome.