Out doors

In a world that seems set by disasters simple pleasures mean everything.

There have been lovely moments here today.

It started when l got up this morning and the toast, perfectly browned, seemed to leap enthusiastically into my hand - a sure sign that a good day was coming...

I visited with my daughter and granddaughter first thing - Mel already had her washings hung out in the sunshine and kept busy cleaning and gardening. Olwyn and l spent time talking and playing together - her cuddles filled my heart with joy.

My oldest son took his wee brother out for hours- they played football, went to the park, romped around, bought sweets, etc.. Sam should sleep tonight!

When l got back home my husband was busy working up at the very back of our place so we met up for lunch before we went back out to work together. I cleared up all the old pots and baskets and planted Viola's. It just felt great to feel the sunshine on my back and to see the place getting cleared up a bit more for Spring.

We have lots of different types of trees up in that area of garden and in a few weeks we'll be tapping the Silver Birch to collect sap for wine making. The Birch sap tastes so pure and slightly sweet - you can even drink it straight.

In Scotland the Silver Birch is also known as 'Lady of the Woods' (christened by the poet Coleridge 1802) and has long been known as a 'traditional tonic' and medicinal plant. It is one of my favourite trees - not just for the colour of the bark or it's sap but because of the gentle way it seems to move and sway even in the strongest of winds.

Yesterday we all went to visit with my dad for his 80th birthday. We had a lovely time but as always it was hard to say goodbye.