There's currently a lull in our planning for Toby and a temporary reprieve from paperwork, so I'm enjoying decompressing a little with regular walks out in the woods.
Although winter still has the countryside in it's grip, there are signs that a change is coming, and the first flower of the year is now in bloom, the glorious snowdrop. I never feel right picking wildflowers to bring home, they all have an integral part in the wild eco-system, so I take only photos when I'm out and about, but the snowdrops in the little glass jar (clothed in beautifully made crochet by my friend Esther) were garden-grown and gifted to me by my cousin-in-law Nicky and are a beautiful reminder of their wild kin that are carpeting the woods right now.
Inspired by their delicate colouring, I have also enjoyed knitting myself a new hat. It's the Alpine Bloom hat from Caitlin Hunter of Boyland Knitworks and I've used some lovely Hampshire 4ply yarn from The Little Grey Sheep (colourways 'hellebore' and 'naturally'). I don't often wear green but I'm feeling drawn to it as a colour at the moment, probably because there is such a lack of it in the countryside over winter. Spring is on the way though, and long summer days will be following, all things to look forward to on a dark winter's evening.
There is a little gentle-paced pattern writing going on here again too, I'll show you more when it's a little further along, 'til next time I hope life is treating you kindly, J x
