I’m hoping for a good summer this year. After the hard winter it seems more likely this year, somehow.

In our region, there were always hard winters and long hot summers twenty years ago.

Yes, I’m lucky that I can work outside.

Hi Michelle

Just spending 45 mins an evening is gradually reaping dividends. I’m thinking of getting up a bit earlier too. Roll on the day when I can afford to spend all day in the garden 

I will post a picture of the daffodils.

Hello Joanna

Wow snow since November. I love snow but not for that length of time!

Great that you escaped to Cyprus.

Hello Casalba

Winter flowering honeysuckle need a warm protected spot. Ours grows beside the front door, it has leaves all year and on an off throughout the winter it has highly scented flowers (warm patches). It’s a real power plant.

I would advise getting four rather than three hens as then they can each have a friend. This cuts down bullying.

Yes, the chicken poo is a valuable resource. You can put it straight on the garden and it will not burn like uncomposted manure.

Carol http://www.cottagesmallholder.com/?p=194 is a Maran. She has loads of personality and go. She also is a great layer, at five years old she lays an egg nearly every day. Lovely big dark brown ones.

I have not experience of Rhode Island Reds but I’ve heard that they’re really good chickens too.

Hi Nadia

You’d be welcome anytime!

Hi KarenO

Yes I’ve experienced outdoor work with teaming rain. I just have to go home and not earn any money. It’s maddening.

Great that you had a few days in the garden. The sunnier weather certainly brings a spring to my step.

Hello Wendy

That sounds like a long and gruelling task.

I bet if you advertised on your local Freecycle people would come and collect the wood for their fires and wood burning stoves.

Hi Kate(uk)

I’m still wearing my thermals, just in case 

Hello Natasha

It was a gorgeous day today and we spent it indoors as my mum came for Mother’s day lunch.

Thanks for dropping by.

I enjoyed some serious sunshine today….