Yes, there are dull days in January. Dull, dreary, dreich, cold, freezing, snowy (or “wintry mix” as Apple weather app calls it), but there are bright days too, and today is an example. *”The Darkling Thrush”, Hardy.

The sun has been up an hour, and the dragon’s breath from the river has yet to clear. The birds are chattering quite confidently and joyfully but not loudly proclaiming the advent of Spring, time enough for that, but some fancying is happening and flirting has begun.

The cottage is looking at its best, New Year, new beginnings, new adventures with new plans.