The first signs ...

Round about my wife's birthday (February 19th) we always had a little friendly competition to see which of us, when we were out in the car together, would spot the first open daffodil of the spring, and the first lamb.  In this image we have some early daffodil shoots (is that the right word?) in a tub at the front of my home.  This makes me feel optimistic as, although here at a latitude of 52 degrees north it is still definitely winter, I know that spring is round the corner - and I love that thought.