Magnolia flourishing

Just a hint of sunshine today and this was probably the most warming evidence that Spring is definitely on its way.
Early flowering daffodils, primroses at the roadside and blossom on the trees is a good omen, but then it seems we get days of incessant rain.
Even so, even a short break in the cloud, and a glimpse of sunlight lifts the heart, yet possibly nothing more than this. Magnolia blossom about to burst forth in our garden.
Now, it is usual for magnolias to flower before their leaf emerges, and the sight of these blooms may well be all the indicators we really needed that the time of year when things are brighter all round is virtually upon us.
We have had this magnolia almost from the time we moved into the house many years ago, and was probably about the first thing we planted, and it has flourished!
Our reward has been its delicate, yet striking, flowers year after year. And the great thing is that it goes on flowering, almost in flushes throughout spring, summer and into early autumn.

Today, it is my re-assurance that February is nearly out, and with March just round the corner, we can look forward to the time of year when all our spirits are lifted.
On top of that we seem to have a preponderance of birthdays in March.  Including mine!