At last — our first daffodil of the spring is in bloom. Admittedly, it is almost lost amongst the bird dropping-spattered leaves and ivy under the weeping willow pear tree, but it is a welcome sight nevertheless. The crocuses and pulmonaria are well in bloom, and the first blossoms have been seen on the rhododendrons and azaleas. However, winter has not lost its grip yet; the forecast for tomorrow is gale-force winds (again) and wintry showers on the high ground.