Spring forward

It's 2°C/36°F outside and feels colder with the wind chill. The seasonal average for Epsom is around 12°C/54°F. I don't think the temperature has been much above 5°C since Christmas but I may be wrong.

We put the clocks forward at the weekend; you know: spring forward (fall back). It doesn't feel much like spring here.

Are we nearly there yet?

Imbolc Dawn, fabrics, 10x12 in by Jude Spacks

This has been one of the longest winters I've ever known. The heavy snow had me almost housebound and there have been too many days when the weather is simply grey and I begin to wonder if we will ever see the sun again.

But the days are getting longer and I was delighted to discover that today is officially Imbolc - the pagan festival that celebrates the beginning of spring.

Imbolc Dawn by Jude Spacks, detail

So, Happy Imbolc to everyone! Here's to more sun coming our way!

(Of course, if you live in the Southern Hemisphere it isn't Imbolc at all, but I send you my best wishes anyway.)