First signs of Spring

I spotted the snowdrops ,in a corner of the garden, this morning as I was going out to do the weekly shopping.
Then when we got back and I was waiting for MrC to open the door, I saw this tiny blue perriwinkle in the corner , just trying to climb up the wall.
How wonderful that these tiny, delicate flowers can survive under all that snow, and now look so beautiful !
The wonders of nature, always amaze me.

I am just in the middle of cooking some lamb shanks for our meal tonight.
We haven't had any for ages, and the butcher had some nice ones today.
The recipe is one of Jamie Olivers, from his early cookery book, The Naked Chef.
Published in 1999. It was his first TV programme if I remember rightly.
I have been using the book ever since.
The introduction for this recipe says that lamb shanks are one of the cheapest cuts of lamb.
Well they were then, but now chefs have made them popular they have more than doubled in price.
This is still my favourite way of cooking them.
Slowly in the oven ,with coriander seeds,,chilli,rosemary,oregano,garlic,carrots,celery,onions,balsamic vinegar,white wine,anchovy fillets,tin of plum tomatoes, and fresh parsley to finish.
Served with Creamy mashed potato, and sprouts.
Along with the half bottle of wine we opened yesterday!
(We may have wine most days, but in moderation!)

The weekend starts tomorrow, and the weather is forcast sunny! Let's hope so.
Hope you all enjoy it!