Spring Blooms & Gifts

Today was full of pretty surprises. Walking into the back garden I was able to pick daffodils to bring into the house. They were hiding around bends and in corners by the fence, bright yellow King Alfred and creamy Ice Follies. I planted more daffodils than tulips in late Autumn. Usually I do the reverse, planting up huge pots of tulips, my favorite flower. Knowing that we would be on strict water restrictions all Winter, there was concern that, without rain, we wouldn't be able to water quick drying pots. So I planted daffodils in the ground wherever I could find soft earth..................and here they are, brightening up this wind chilled February day. We are now under a complete outdoor watering ban. This means garden centers and landscape companies are letting employees go, some will have to close down their businesses, Spring planting will be negligible in our area. Nature is beautiful but cruel at times.

No, not late with my Valentine post. In fact, lucky me is celebrating another day of love and kindness! Several weeks ago I was so fortunate to win a wonderful Valentine giveaway from Lynda at Hedgerow Hollow. Do visit Lynda at her lovely blog. The deep snows of Ontario, Canada prevented Lynda from blazing a trail to her post office early on, and then the mail delivery was very slow. No matter, the anticipation was part of the fun and here today, waiting in the mailbox, were these lovely gifts. A delightful book, VICTORIAN SWEETS introduced as follows ~

The last dish of a good dinner should be light and elegant, and convey the greatest amount of pleasure to the taste, with the least possible nourishment.

The illustrations are adorable and the delicious recipes include such offerings as ~ Citron Heart Cakes ~ Deliciose (Victorian Brownies) ~ Transparent Pie (Lemony Custard) ~ and many of my personal favorites which include ginger, such as ~Soft Ginger Cake ~ Fairy Gingerbread ~ Hard Gingerbread.

Lynda - I'll be busy in the kitchen trying out these!

Lynda made me a sweet floral heart trimmed with lace and ribbon ~ this will make a great pincushion. I can see she's 'tag gal' just like me ~ hers are gorgeous! The heart and cameo buttons are lovely, I know I'll use them in an art project, along with the pretty Susan Branch 'love' stickers. All these gifts were accompanied by Lynda's handmade card. Thank you so much for these generous presents ~ I'm thrilled with everything.