Spring in my step

I am fully aware that it is still January (the last day of it, though). But these last two days have been so beautifully springlike that it feels more like April than January. And I've got a spring in my step!

Speaking of steps... one really needs to watch ones step when venturing outdoors and in the direction of the henhouse, as the path leading to it has turned rather hazardous. Anyone attempting to walk along it (including the poor hens) risks a severe injury if ones step slips, so to speak...

But the hens do not seem to worry over such minor details, and are rather enjoying there newfound freedom, after months of incarceration indoors. So they are making the most of it, scratching the (icy) ground and picking on the (frozen) grass.

I, too, love to take a stroll in the garden, and to feel the weak winter sun on my face (not much warmth there yet). I know that it will still be a good while till I actually get to do anything in the garden, but a day like today helps to keep my spirits up.

And I know that my flower pots and other garden paraphernalia will also keep, till their time comes.

The lovely swelling lilac buds better keep too, as it is not their time yet either. But the sky is blue, and the grass is green... what more can I expect at the end of January...?

To help spring along, I have picked a bunch of cherry branches, in the hope that sometime in the not too distant future I get to enjoy some pretty, delicate cherry blossoms, way before they will actually appear outdoors.

I know, I know, it is only January, and my springtime feelings are sure to prove premature, as we have not seen the last of winter as of yet. Never mind, I've got a spring in my step, regardless...

Should you wish to see more of the "Linen and toile" quilt, the original entry can be found here.