Frühlingsrauschen

Though we've had a lot of grey, wet, stormy days, we're getting some fine ones as well.  Normally when I'm stuck indoors at the hobby, of course, but today started fine and we had a few hours of sunshine.  The spring bulbs are getting into their stride, though we've only had yellow crocuses so far, and I haven't seen any signs of fritillaries.  Plenty of snowdrops, though, and some of the roses are sending out lots of new shoots.  I may have been a bit early with the spuds, which are chitting nicely out in the sitooterie, alongside some healthy perennials that have grown out of recognition since they were delivered as pluglets last back end.  The neighbourhood woodpeckers are drumming away like mad most mornings, and a blackbird is singing beautifully.  Haven't heard so much from the tawny owls lately, though, and mercifully, our neighbourhood vixen seems to have stopped advertising her services.

Last Saturday was the Mayor's quiz, and we did quite respectably - 18th out of 45, and one member short of our usual eight, one of our number having sacked the latest suitor.  The wooden spoons have been held over this year - the losing team saw the writing on the wall and left at  half-time.  Dashed poor show, what?  The Rt Hon Gent's team beat us as usual.  They were at the next table to us, so I guess I missed a trick in failing to spike their drinks.  Memo to self: go easy on the mousetrap next time.  I did not sleep well after the ploughman's copious supper.  Next engagement is the local Citizens' Advice Friends' quiz evening in March, where we tend to do better, doubtless thanks to the fish and chips.

I decided to have another crack at the Mèze sunrise piece, scaling it up a bit to roughly A3.  The rocks are now too prominent, but I'm not unhappy otherwise with the overall effect.  Anyway, I'm instructed that we aren't parting with it.  I won an unexpected day at art class last week after we'd despatched a two-day trial in a startlingly efficient single day.  Good, since I'll be missing the next two Thursdays.  Our art group is exhibiting in a church hall turned café in Edenbridge shortly for a month or so, and we're gathering there for mutual back-slapping on the next Thursday I can do.  I've put in a couple of pieces that I can bear to be without, and will adjust prices downwards if need be!  Meanwhile, a couple of little sketches - the first hack at the Mèze sunrise and a Portuguese sunset - are with our excellent framer.

Marmalade supplies are now modestly replenished, so we are probably adequately supplied until next year's Sevilles come in.  I had a real struggle with the labels last year, so did without.  For some reason, this year's presented no problems, so we can tell t'other from which.

We now have a full complement of robust doors.  The Jokers Я Us Home Improvements front and kitchen doors were pretty decrepit fifteen years after they were installed, and Wimpey's garage back door and window were not wearing their 36 years comfortably.  We're working our way down the list, slowly but surely.  Home ownership is something of a black hole, eh?