When I got home this afternoon I had a wander around the garden to see what damage had been caused by the recent high winds, fortunately, apart from some twiggy pieces from the walnut trees all was well.    
As I walked by the river I noticed the first snowdrops had appeared, I'm sure they weren't there when Marian and her sister came visit on Friday.  Not a sharp photo, it was taken after 4pm, but a record that the flowers are much earlier this year.    Lovely to have it light until after 4.30 today, the days are gradually getting longer.    
At this time of year my Mum used to say, 'as the days lengthen, so the cold will strengthen', we shall see!!