Spring is not that far away . . .

I love this time of year, not long after Christmas, when I suddenly realise that the garden is coming back to life again after a bare Winter.

I noticed a few weeks ago that our very early daffodils by the front door were making their usual encouraging appearance at the beginning of the month.  Now they are well on their way with buds already formed.

Even an old pelargonium in a tub that I hadn't got around to re-potting at the end of the Summer seems to have survived and even looks like it might put on a show again this year.

But where it is most noticeable that things are stirring is in the rockery.  What has looked like just a covering of fallen leaves up to now, is now interspersed with shoots pushing their way through the leaves and of polyanthus beginning to flower.  So encouraging!

But what excites me most of all, despite seeing it every year, is the sight of all the new buds on our camellia.    I remember buying this plant so many years ago as a tiny plantlet in a 4" pot from Woolworths (do you remember them?) for the grand sum of 99p if I remember rightly.  It must be nearly 20 years ago, I think.  It's done really well.

I know we'll probably have snow and certainly frost before Spring arrives, and we'll lose  a lot of these buds, but I also know, from past years, that more will replace them and we'll have a splendid display in early Spring.

All these signs fill me with joyful anticipation.

A bare tree and an early SatNav . . .

Today we celebrated the Solemnity of the Epiphany in style.  A beautiful Mass followed by a delicious pub lunch.

Back home to the usual Epiphany tasks.  First to place the 'Kings' in the crib and then to take down the decorations.

I must admit, in typical housewife fashion, I rather enjoy the taking down of the decorations, lights etc.  Whilst the menfolk deal with the heavier chores of dismantling outside lights and searching for storage boxes in the loft, I take my time wandering round the house collecting Christmas cards, removing bits and pieces of decorations and 'undressing' the tree.

Like many families, some of our tree decorations are quiet old dating from the time our children were tiny (our oldest is now 31!).  Worth hardly anything in material terms but priceless in  terms of the memories they evoke.

I'm a bit fanatical about organising things generally and Christmas is no different. I still have the original packing for most of the decorations and everything is labelled.  I know I must be a nightmare for anyone who likes a carefree approach, but I can lay my hands on anything in an instant and immediately know if something is missing.

With music playing quietly in the background I go about my task happily and after not too long, we have a result . . . 

One bare tree!

And here are the magi who, having followed what must have been one of the earliest forms of Satellite Navigation, have finally arrived at their destination and kneel in adoration before the Infant Jesus.

We'll leave our crib in place until the Baptism of the Lord next week.

Oops!  Nearly forgot - Happy Epiphany everyone!