Harbinger of Spring....

One of the loveliest signs of spring to come, in my view, is the appearance of “Pussy Willow” buds. I spotted this Pussy Willow alongside one of the river tracks early this morning. I love the emerging velvety buds followed by the “blooms”. They take me back to childhood when we spent time stroking those soft buds. Years ago we named one of our breeding Birman Queens “Pussy Willow”. She was a sweet, gentle girl and such a good mother cat.