I think it may be on its way!

 Spring that is.... After what seems like weeks and weeks of rain (for some much worse than here), and living in almost permanent night, we have finally had a couple of days of sunshine.
My how that lifts the spirit and actually makes you want to do things.
We have even managed a lovely walk through Clumber Park, though it was so cold I put up with carrying a flask of soup to warm us up mid trek! Oh the joy of holding a hot mug in your chilled hands and letting the spicy parsnip soup warm your insides. It felt like a banquet and certainly put a bit more spring in our steps on the homeward straight.

 This little fella seemed quite happy for us to join him

 And yet another beautiful boy  singing his little heart out....

We have visited Springfield Gardens too on our way home from a toy fair. We were hoping to see swathes of snowdrops and crocus, but even here the rain has soaked the ground so much that being surrounded by waterways most of the gardens were closed to the public for safety reasons. Still we did see some signs of Spring and the promise of things to come.......

 Not sure what these  berries are on but I'm sure there's someone out there can tell me.. I know I've seen them before but my brains gone blank!  They are such a stunning orange though so I couldn't resist the picture.......

It's also made me start thinking of what we need to do to the house this year. Unfortunately the main things are all a bit more than just decorating! New patio doors, re plastering the hall and stairway (a beast of a space) and the possibility of a new bathroom. I am even tempted by some lovely pictures on Pinterest and in some of my collection of home design books to paint the risers on our stripped stairs. Love the look of those that have dared to wallpaper them, but not sure that would quite work here. Perhaps I will first just give the kitchen a fresh lick of paint and break myself in slowly! Though if  I am completely truthful my job will be the clearing and washing of all my collectibles and DH will do most of the paintbrush wielding. Whatever you have planned I hope these little bursts of sunshine will lift your spirits too and become  more regular so that our beautiful country can finally start to dry out.

Just as a little aside I once did a post on utility china, and I know a lot of you in blogland are collectors like me. Well if you or you know of anyone interested we now have quite a few bits up for sale in our new Vintage Emporium, and you never know something else may take your fancy too! Just pop a comment 'Reserved' against anything you're interested in and we'll get back to you.

Have a good weekend 

TTFN

Jenny xx