Taken this afternoon in my garden, one of several daffodils flowering surrounded by Herb Robert

The sun shone today, and encouraged me from my gloom to see what was happening in the garden. I was still in mourning for my Hellebores, when it became quite apparent to me that the Witch Hazels were struggling badly too, and were only just on the edge of life.

Just as despondency was about to over take me, I caught glimpse of butter yellow. I thought I had lost these too, they usually flower by mid December. I normally place some of them on the Christmas Lunch table to remind me that longer days are coming, but no, there they were; poking their heads above ground, succulent morsels of green, and best of all, flowers breaking bud in the warm bright light! I can't recall which variety they are, but they have always been earlier than the snowdrops. I planted them in the herb bed which is easily visible from the French windows in the sitting room.  How I had missed them I don't know. It probably had something to do with walking around in a daze most the time, and staring at my feet. Anyway, I can't tell you how much joy it gave me to see their cheery faces today; life certainly looked brighter for their presence. I resisted the temptation to pick any, but know I probably will, and stick a few in a jug alongside foraged Catkins, which I noticed are also waggling their tails in a come hither fashion.

Spring can't be too far away?