Sign of Spring

When we bought this house two years ago, we weren't aware that the house had been built on a site of a camellia and rhododendron specialist plant nursery. It was therefore a wonderful surprise to see these shrubs break into bloom throughout our first Spring and Summer.  One of the bushes has already started flowering. Such a sign of hope.  

It is quite dull and overcast today and I have started an internal dialogue as to whether the dogs would mind just playing with the ball in the garden  or whether they really want a trudge through the woods. Not sure which voice will win at the moment.