The view from the bedroom window.
I’ve been thinking a lot about how lucky we are. We managed to hold Christmas here at Pinks Barn and see our two children but were still very aware that not everyone was celebrating. We all had Covid last October and Bill was in hospital for 48 hours with a secondary chest infection, which scared me silly. My thoughts are with anyone whose loved one was not as lucky as Bill.
We are both well again, although I think we both get tired more easily. I am not sure if this is the virus leaving a trail or that lockdown seems much harder this time around. Last time there was the novelty of the quiet, no traffic, clear skies… with no planes, starry nights were clearer, birdsong louder and glorious weather… I know it is a very English thing to do, but I have moaned daily about the weather recently as it has been so wet and grey. It was difficult to keep my spirits up until the other morning when we woke to a good covering of snow. It looked lovely and our little dog Monty did not know what to do with himself. Better still our grandson Felix could build his very first snowman.
I treated myself to some really pretty viola plants today and there is no doubt that seeing plants coming up through the soil gives me a lift of the spirits and some sort of confirmation that we will come out of this and this year things will improve. We both had our first vaccinations this week, so it seems being old does have its advantages after all!
I do value your patience and the lovely feedback I have had from you all – it is much appreciated this end.
Felix and his friend Frosty! 
A little bit of extra help for the garden.
