Saturday, February 11, 2012

LIFE SPRINGS ETERNAL

This time last year, snowdrops had no sooner popped up their heads than they decided it was just too, too cold, and popped their heads back in again. About six weeks later than usual they warily reappeared. A lot of hardy plants didn't survive last winter here in Scotland, and those that did, either partially presented, appearing half dead, or, appeared very late indeed. The ground was so cold that bulbs that would have flowered by June, were pushing through green shoots in mid August and were then fading away by the end of September. So, there was not much of a flowering season for anything or anyone. 

Today, the clumps of snowdrops are prolific. Wherever you walked there were carpets of them to be seen. Many people have been remarking upon the lovely sight of the snowdrops, I suspect, in part, because it is all so different from 2011. I didn't have my camera with me today, however, instead of flowering plant life, here is a picture of some other new life of the year.

Twin-ewe-Suffolk-lambs-born-2012-1-11th Wb

These Suffolk lamb twin girls were born on the 11th January this year. In this picture, the lambs are about twelve days old, they are following mum, Megan, back into the lambing shed. It was a cold bright day, where the frost lifted, allowing the lambs to experience the outdoors for a little while, then return to the protection of the shed before the temperatures dropped. Being a month old today,now bigger and stronger, the lambs with their mum are to be seen more regularly out in the field.

4 comments:

keiko amano said...

ZACL,

They are so cute!!! Watching them makes people feel warm inside, I'm sure. I hope you'll have longer spring or summer this year.

Flighty said...

I've not seen any snowdrops yet! That's a lovely springlike picture.
Here's hoping that we all have a good spring, starting soon. Flighty xx

ZACL said...

Hello Keiko,

Thanks for your good weather wishes. Hope springs eternal!

The lambs are a good looking pair of twins, now with long sturdy legs. It will be interesting to see if they are going to be show stoppers. Mum, a new one of the breed to the flock, it a good looking ewe.

ZACL said...

Hi Mr F.

You're having a really cold snap in the 'soft south', aren't you. It's all a reversal of expectations. Our winter is not over yet, but we are glad to benefit from a shorter one, (hopefully).

I believe you can expect a change in weather patterns later this week.

XX