Rhododendron ready to burst

We went to Richmond today to do a few things. It was very wet and cold when we left home, but arrived in Richmond to a fine morning. By the time we were ready to leave this afternoon, it was pouring and 6 degrees C - which is a low temperature for Nelson for this time of the year. On the way home, the temperature dropped to 4 degrees C, with sleet falling from Glenhope to the Owen. We arrived home to 8 degrees, which tonight has fallen to 4.5 degrees. It's now pouring with rain.

This sort of weather at this time of the year is not normal, although I suppose we have had a rather mild winter. It 's the newborn animals that I feel sorry for.

This is one of our Rhododendron's about to burst into bloom. It's a beautiful deep red colour - the bush looks amazing when it is in full flower.