The Bad Season.

Between now and the end of April there is little to do other than stay comfortable, keep the place reasonably tidy, and do some painting.

Haddock's is lying fallow, it's too cold to swim, and all we can do is wait for spring.

The pool cover is filled with water after all the rian, and there are plenty of leaves that still need to be removed. It won't be too long before the Toads arrive, and start laying their long chains of eggs. I tend not to go too near the pool at this season.

In the afternoons we sometimes go 'upstairs' to the barn, make sure it's warm, and have a cup of tea. We occasionally light the woodburner, and play table tennis. The barn is always comfortable, its big open space is so different to the 'downstairs' cottage; we feel as if we're on holiday. 

It's still early in the year, and the weather has plenty of time to turn nasty; we are certainly not complacent.

So, we keep the home fires burning, eat comforting stews and roasts, and make sure that the Husqvarna is kept busy.

Our fingers are crossed that the wretched Aussie Flu doesn't hit us, and that we emerge into spring in good form.

Nothing is certain in the bad season.