Cold blows the wind

I've just put my first washing of the year out today- hung the line, wiped it down and got the wooden stretcher poles out of the shed. Perhaps a bit too early in the year but given that we were the only place dotted on the weather map with sunshine it seemed wrong not to take advantage, and anyway, it felt good - somewhat Springlike even.

While up back l noticed all the little things that need tidying - tubs that need moving, decking that needs swept and a touching up of paint on the southern side of the old wash-house. The place can really look quite bleak in January- even the birds seemed quiet today.

We've been feeding the wee garden birds all winter, breaking the ice up in the bird bath and putting out a good mixture of seed, fruit, nuts and fat. I've noticed that there tends to be a flurry of activity and eating first thing in the morning and then they go quiet- l think it's to do with conserving energy.

January really is a restless time of the year for me- I'm desperate to get out in the garden and for the days to grow longer. I don't like the closed-in feeling when you have overcast days and everything seems grey- bring on the snowdrops!

Update: Got the washing in just before dinner- think it might be even wetter than when l put it out! Can you hear the squeak of my pulley?

Scotland's 'washing forecast' : 'in, out, in, out and shake it all about!'