Spring! Yes, it’s arrived. Or should I say the early signs of spring. The forsythia, which is always my first real signal that the earth is waking up in our part of the hemisphere, is absolutely glorious this year. I’m seeing it everywhere, both in the Netherlands and in our newly acquired corner of France.
And then here’s the hawthorn blossom and the early cherry, which is quite magnificent this year. I don’t know about anyone else here, but I love spring more than any other season. It is so vibrant and explosive with new life.
At the moment, we are in France, but all the photos above were taken around our Zeeland home. France is just as lovely, though. It’s still cold, but the sun is shining and everything is looking clean, fresh and ready for the rest of the year. This morning, Zoe and I took a lovely long walk along the canal nearby. Her little nose was going like the clappers with all the new sniffs. The rabbits are pretty active around here, which drives Zoe into a frenzy of excitement. Sadly, I also saw lots of squished frogs on the road too, which suggested that someone had run over a whole group of migrating
grenouilles as they trooped over the road.
Here are just a few photos from our gorgeous village and the canal. I’m so looking forward to seeing a boat passing by, but I know it’s a bit early yet.
We’ll be here in France for another week doing some much needed jobs that include clearing dense undergrowth from the garden, finding out how to deal with a possible bee invasion and securing the tiles on the roof that blew off in a gale. The tiles are back on now, thanks to my wonderful, helpful daughter. Now we have to put some galvanised sidings over the edges to reduce the risk of the wind catching them again. All fun and games on an old flagman’s house in France, but the village and region are so beautiful, it’s all worth it!
Till next time,
allemaal. Keep well and enjoy the spring!
Fantastic! I love Spring for the blossom and scents and blue sky and sun and... I can cope with it being cold as long as it's bright. Much luck with your new 'chateau sur le plateau'. 😉😁
ReplyDeleteHaha, I like that, Aidan. Our 'chateau sur le plateau' is a lovely place to be in spring. ☺️
DeleteThank you for sharing those lovely spring photos. Like you, spring is my favorite. Your description of it is great: "It is so vibrant and explosive with new life." Enjoy! God bless. (Steph)
ReplyDeleteThank you, dear Steph. I'm glad you enjoyed it. It's still pretty cold here, but the sunshine and blossom are wonderful gems to treasure.
DeleteOh Val, your village is in a gorgeous place. The flowers are sublime. I have not heard of forsythia but what a gorgeous yellow. I wonder if I will see it in Germany? The signs of Spring are really bursting out for you.
ReplyDeleteWe feel very blessed, Trish. it really is lovely here! Sadly, forsythia's glorious flowering period doesn't last very long, so unless you're going soon I'm afraid you'll miss it, but I'm sure they will have it in Germany too.
DeleteThanks so much to your photos of Zeeland Val.Thats where my ancestors lived,until they came to South Africa generations ago.Have never been there but hope to visit.
ReplyDeletePrevious comment from Jan Olivier.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jan Olivier! I have lots of Zeeland photos on my blog posts is you scroll through them. It makes me happy to know you have a connection there and I love sharing how beautiful it is in Zeeland.
DeleteHi Val - yes ... it makes it feel so much better now we know Spring is upon us ... in a few days it'll be wonderful - not quite so cold ... I'm a wimp! You have chosen a beautiful spot where the flagman's cottage is situated - though I realise these pics are from Zeeland. Glad you're getting the basics of your new place sorted out ... that will be a relief and then you can get on in your time. What fun ... and how long before the boats might be passing by? Just enjoy wherever you both are - and happy days with your daughter nearby ... cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteHilary, I’m sorry for the confusion between Zeeland and France, but the blossom in Zeeland is everywhere and I have to drive a bit to see it here in our village. That said, it’s also colder here, so maybe the blossom will be a bit later. I love it, though and the canal is such a soothing presence. Thank you for the kind good wishes. We are really enjoying our new surroundings.
DeleteOh Iove forsythia too, Val. We don't have it here in Texas, sadly. What beautiful spring blossoms you have. I really envy you your own little corner of France. Such a dream come true. And little Zoe is having so much fun. I hope the sun keeps shining on you. 💚 xxx
ReplyDeleteOh Chris, I wish I could send you some forsythia for your lovely garden. I wonder if it would grow there. Maybe it’s too warm even in March. Thank you so much for the sunshiny wishes. It’s been beautiful so far. Xxx
DeleteVal, this is a refreshing post. Ah, spring at last. It's one of my favorite seasons. I love the pictures and Zoe seems to be enjoying herself as well.
ReplyDeleteThank you, my friend. It is glorious to see the spring here. Zoe is having a ball! 😄
DeleteYes, Spring is finally starting. Most hedges are getting the green sheen of new leaves and Daffodils are everywhere. I'm even pleased to have seen Oilseed Rape beginning to flower today. My wife's favourite season was Autumn but, as lovely as it can be, I find it comes with a tinge of sadness. Spring signals new life, warmer weather and long evenings after a hot day.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your photo's, thanks for including a couple of the canal. I laughed when I saw Zoe out at the end of her extending lead, I have several like that with Popcorn! I almost wrote Suzi just then, she still tugs at my heart. Sorry to get "sloppy" but I know that you're a dog lover too and will empathise.
Lovely post Val, take care. David and Popcorn.
David, I share your feeling about the autumn and absolutely love the spring. I’m glad you liked the canal photos. I’ll take some more for you tomorrow, and yes, I know those slips of the fingers. I so often start calling Zoe Sindy and it catches at my heart. They are never forgotten or replaced, are they? Popcorn and Zoe are additions and much loved, but they don’t remove the special memories of our beloved former companions.
DeleteThank you Val
DeleteI love all your photos Val, I love Spring too and, like you beautiful Forsythia. I discovered ( from an Andrew Cotter video) that it was named after a Scottish botanist Willian Forsyth who was head gardener at Kensington Palace. I live and learn! Zoe looks super excited to be out having a lovely walk along the canal. Hope one day you can 'fare' along it. What a beautiful and unspoilt area your little house is in. You will be quite spoilt for choice - Crumbly Cottage or fabululous France. Please give gorgeous Zoe a cuddle from me. xx
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting fact, Rebecca. My daughter and I were talking about the possibility that forsythia comes from someone called Forsyth and now you’ve confirmed it. Thank you for that! I do agree we are very blessed in our crumbly homes. The environs make up for all the crumbliness 😆 And I shall happily give Zoe a cuddle for you.
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