The first burst.

I was very surprised to see these apricot blossoms close to bursting out when I was on my regular morning perambulation earlier today. I lingered in the orchard and saw leaves emerging from the plum trees too. 

I am sure these signs of spring are early. And it is in spite of the longest and coldest winter of the eight that I have experienced Chez Mima.

It has been a damp, sometimes wet day. So cooking has been undertaken: sourdough loaves baked; milk pasteurised; crackers baked; fromage fort* whizzed up and potted; a shepherds' cottage made.

Bean supervised from beneath two blankets and behind closed eyes. Except for when we had a long brisk walk.


*Fromage fort is a blend of bits of old cheese, white wine (alcohol-free in my case), garlic, black pepper. I added some olives today for extra juj. Eaten on crackers, or over a baked potato, or as a dip with chips.