Words from Chapter One of “The Little Grey Men” by B.B., a wonderful old children’s book set in the heart of the English countryside…
“It was one of those days at the tail end of the winter when spring, in some subtle way, announced its presence.”
“The hedges were still purple and bristly, the fields bleached and bitten, full of quarrelling starling flocks; but there was no doubt about it, the winter was virtually over and done with for another seven months.”
“The great tide was on the turn, to creep so slowly at first and then to rise ever higher to culminate in the glorious flood, the top of the tide, at midsummer.”
“Think of it! All that power, all those millions of leaves, those extra inches to be added to bushes, trees, and flowers. It was all there under the earth, though you would never have guessed it.”
Wonderful thought…more snow daily and cold until Easter here…no new growth
It’s cold here too – it all seems to be taking longer than usual, but I can at least enjoy the first signs of spring without the panic of having to weed and tidy up! LOL!
What great words! It really does make you think of the wonder of spring’s renewal.
Yes, a great writer, and for a children’s book quite magical.
The first green signs of spring…oh, how exciting!
The birds have started building nests already too!
An irresistible photo essay! You captured that magnificent moment as one season gives way to the next.
There is little in the way of flowers yet, so it made me look more closely at the tiniest signs of life!
It is a magical time of year! Thanks Cathy for sharing these lovely words and pictures.
Thank you Strawberryindigo. I found the words so calming and hopeful. 😀
Here too the buds are showing, the birds are singing. I love this moment – thanks for capturing it so well, Cathy!
Hi Verity – the birds have started waking me in the morning they are so loud! 😉
These are wonderful words and your pictures fit so well 🙂
I like the decription great tide.
I wish you a sunny weekend – Uta
Thanks Uta. Have a lovely weekend too. Hope the sun shines on your wintery landscape!
Delightful words and photos Cathy. Just sheer delight
Thanks Claire. The writer was from the Midlands, so the countryside he describes is that of my childhood! 😀
The great tide is on the turn…lovely, that’s exactly how I feel.
With the prolonged cold weather it seems to be happening in slow motion this year… to be relished!
“…all those millions of leaves, those extra inches to be added to bushes, trees, and flowers.” That is such a wonderful line to consider. Great post Cathy!
Thanks Susie. I loved those words too. 😀
Your early spring photos are great fun, thank you for sharing.
And thank you for your lovely comment Charlie. 😀
I love your gorgeous photos and I love the ‘tail end of winter’! We have snow here again at the minute so it definitely still feels more like winter!
Same here – definitely still winter and a little snow in the air…
Great pics as ever and great to see the tress springing into life; nature never fails to amaze me.
Thanks Eddy. I am also amazed every year that all the dead-looking vegetation is so full of life after all!
Beautiful! What wonderful words to accompany your very welcome signs of spring! 🙂
Thank you! I’m glad you liked the opening lines of this old favourite! 😀
Hi Cathy your photos are beautiful what camera are you using? I use a Nokia D90, but very amateurishly!
Thanks Cat. I use a Canon but couldn’t tell you exactly which one right now -definitely an amateur this end too! LOL!
Lovely words but methinks you spoke to soon Cathy 🙂
Methinks you are very right!