Surviving Winter, Enjoying Spring

Winter seems finally on its way out and Spring seems to have arrived.  This winter has been long and cold and wet, the worst winter that I can remember. But I say that every year. So either winter is getting worse every year or I just have a terrible memory.

Winter 2013 was made bearable by some of my favourite winter things:

1: My Travel Mug and Jennifer Mug: they keep my tea warmer for longer, and my travel mug has been especially useful in keeping my hands warm in the morning on the way to work. Although I guess gloves would have had the same effect.

2. My hand painted gumboots (painted by yours truly and seen here in my garden which is severely overgrown after all the rain this winter). Although they are NOT warm, I always get to work with dry feet and I am pretty sure the worst thing in the world is having wet socks the whole day.  I wouldn't know, cos my boots always keep me dry.  I do have to carry a change of shoes for the office though, which can be a bit annoying, but its a small price to pay.

3. My Bio-Fuel fireplace.  Okay, its looks a bit unruly here, but there is nothing like a little fireplace to make you feel instantly warm and cosy.

And Spring brings some of nature's own awesomess:

This cute little duck family I have been watching grow - this photo was taken a few weeks ago and I am pleased to report that all 6 ducklings survived the winter rains and are growing up so fast.

Spring also brings with it flowers that come up in the most unexpected places sometimes. Although this also brings with it hay fever and sinus problems for me, seeing this jasmine flower on the barb wire fence at the end of my garden has really filled me with hope.