It definately feels at last as though spring is on its way. My friend Leila arrives tomorrow for a short stay - it will be wonderful to see her. Went to Tesco today to pick up a few ingredients - definately doing Nigella's maple chicken as everyone who eats it practically slavers over it and licks the plate clean. Following that with a pink cake with a topping of fresh strawberries and pink vanilla icing. Yes, it's girly, but what the heck!

As a surprise 40th birthday present, I have made her a quilt which she will be receiving tomorrow as I didn't feel confident about posting it. The monetary value is not high but the time and effort put in is irreplaceable. I attach a photo which Andrew took, and as you can see, Andy decided he wanted to be in too. Some other pics attached from the garden. It's good to see flowers out there and lots of interesting things sprouting. Spent most of this afternoon ironing - that never ending task. We walked the dogs this morning over at Tredegar House - lots of lovely flowers there too - celandines gleaming and the wonderful sticky buds of horse chestnuts. Near their nursery they have a winter honeysuckle which has been flowering well, nearly over now but still smelling lovely.