Hello! Our internet is very wonky at the moment, because our broadband is being “upgraded”. As we live in a rural area where connectivity has never been that great, the prospect of speedy wifi is really quite exciting . . . the only downside is a few days of slow internet, and some difficulty transferring files and photos. The switchover is scheduled for this weekend . . . fingers crossed we don’t just disappear, but if things go quiet here, you’ll know the reason why.
The title of this post reads rather oddly to me, since this has been one of the dryest and sunniest Aprils I can remember in Scotland. We live in a notoriously wet area, and honestly, it’s not often that we long for rain, but today’s showers have felt very welcome indeed.
Things are still fine and dry inside my potting shed
But outside, the garden is pinging into life
. . . and our whole surrounding landscape looks so much fresher, and much greener, than just a few days ago. Here are some more photographs from our rather rainy walk this morning.
These wethers don’t really mind a change in weather
Though the wee coos seemed less sure . . .
Despite the heavy showers, there was still plenty of bird activity to be seen
meadow pippits . . .
curlews
and this spider, pootling over a pool’s meniscus, was completely in its element
But it was the plantlife that seemed most appreciative of the rain
There are no “Young Lambs” in our immediate environs, but I still called to mind John Clare’s poem of that name this morning: “The spring is coming, by a many signs.”
Such gorgeous images. Many thanks!!!
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Amazing photos, I especially enjoyed the photo of the curlews. I know that the curlews have all but disappeared in Ireland.
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Beautiful images which brighten my soul this afternoon. Here in Shetland weāre in full flow with baby lambs coming on Bobbyās farm and weāve also gotten the rain which has meant fresh shoots of sweet grass are popping up to give much needed energy to the new mumās!
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I so enjoy seeing the land and nature that surrounds you. Love to pretend I’m walking alongside you:)
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That fern looks poised on the point of a pirouette! Spring is a bit behind in NE Scotland but it’s more colourful every day.
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What I noticed on my weekly drive into town yesterday was that, even just a half mile from my house, spring is much further along. We have a damp, shady back yard and its microclimate says April 15 to othersā May 1. It was exciting to see trees in flower along the street!
Fingers crossed for a smooth internet transition.
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Stunning photographs, thank you!
Yesterday was a showery day here too, but we were treated to a fantastically strong rainbow in the early evening, which cheered me up enormously. Later today we visit the plot, although the earth will be too wet to work (more showers expected).
Hope the broadband upgrade goes smoothly!
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Thank you for your lovely pictures. We are also having rain showers in Portland,Oregon. Itās a welcome relief after a very dry April. We live down the hill from our beautiful International text rose garden where I volunteer each year deadheading roses. Greg and I found our first rose open yesterday. Iām so excited to start deadheading roses again, I hope probably in about a monthš
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what a lovely thing to look forward to Mary. Enjoy your roses.
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Thank you Kate and Tom for showing us a glimpse of your beautiful part of the world.
Our April has been the opposite in South Australia, we have had the wettest April in 22 years which is an absolute bonus, as the cereal farmers can go full steam ahead and plant their crops. Anzac Day is the traditional start to the season, but it doesnāt always work out that way. We live in the driest state in the driest continent and we will always appreciate any moisture from the heavens!
Good luck with the internet upgrade, it will be worth it.
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Amazing photos. I love the color and views of a far away Scotland. Thank you
Elaine
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NOTHING like a spring rain….the colours/scents/feel of it! Thanks.
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Those wee coos made my heart swell.
And the curlews and the spider.
All of it…
We are heading into winter here, after the most terrible bushfires.
We’ve had some rain.
For the first time in an age, with the sound of it on the roof, the grief I feel for my country flowed.
Your post, your wee flat-backed baby coo, created a wordless prayer for a kinder Humanity.
Good luck with your new Internet connection.
After years of hot-spotting from a mobile phone precariously perched on an antique iron-stand outside an open window, it was a life-changer for me.
Thank you.
Cheers
Karin
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Thank you for the lovely pictyres!
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A friend commented to me a few days ago that her records note lovely warm and dry March and April months for the last few years and then cold and wet May arrives. Certainly last year I did lots of gardening starting in March and then had to stop in May. A few days ago I discovered a lovely new little flower in my garden next to the woods. Itās called the town hall clock plant, for obvious reasons when you see it, and I love it. Your seedlings make me feel guilty for not being as efficient as you. I really envy you getting a decent broadband. I canāt understand the need for 5G when some of us barely have any broadband at all, and quite often none at all.
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Lovely post, thank you.
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Thank you so much for this wonderful post and photos. I’m in Las Vegas, and our Internet provider was totally crashed with everyone staying home and online. It means several days with no Internet at all. Quite strange, in addition to the total strangeness of the situation… And we miss rain so much! They’re a rare treat over here. Please stay safe and healthy, you and your loved ones.
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Mesmerizing photos! Thanks so much for brightening a rainy NYC day.
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This was lovely! Thank you!
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Lovely! I’ve enjoyed your walk!
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The photographs are breath-taking. Thank you for showing us your world today.
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I really liked the photo of the fern opening up! Last week I was showing my two year old the seed pods on our maple tree and noticed the tiny leaves starting to unfurl. It was amazing to see them so tiny because now they are full size and our wind on Monday produced a helicopter storm (we called the maple seed pods āhelicoptersā growing up, no idea if thatās a universal thing).
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Stunning photos of your pastoral countryside. Soft rain lets them all breathe again.
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So lovely! In Seattle, we went through a record setting dry spell. Then the rains began again. The area around here breathed a sigh of relief. The leaves are jumping out of their buds.
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Thank you so much for both blog and photos. Lovely to have another outlook. Weāre enjoying a bit of rain this morning too just north of Toronto. But not enough to to prevent having to water this weekend. Glad you are both keeping well. Pat
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Insanely jealous…MY rural internet is even more painfully slow these days than usual, with no relief even planned. Sigh.
But thank you for the gorgeous photos. It’s a rainy day here as well, but these certainly brighten the day.
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Grateful for your beautiful post and photographs…
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