Cheerful bulbs

The snowdrops put in their appearance a few weeks ago, displaying their glowing brilliance in the shade of the lilac tree. It lifts the spirits to see them poking through the winter earth and know at a visceral level that spring is on her way back again. This year I have been especially cheered by the way they gleam in the shadows on those days when the clouds block out the feeble returning sun and the world is grey and cold and damp.
Today I noticed that we now have a golden crocus among the snowdrops. A rich buttery yellow, it adds some real presence tot he garden. The snowdrops announce the end of winter; the croci herald the more imminent arrival of warmer days and new life.
Already the world is lighter earlier in the morning and I hear the mutterings of birds in the branches outside the window. Soon I will be complaining about the racket, but for now it is a joy.
Our village has kept going through the snow and cold and dark; we continue to hold events and spend time with neighbours, fund-raising for our village hall and for wider concerns such as Youth Diabetes. or celebrating birthdays and other triumphs.
It is a privilege to live in a warm community, and if it is sometimes difficult to find the time or energy to contribute, then we each know that eventually the effort will seem easier and the energy will return.