Winter light

These winter honeysuckle blooms really do mean 'winter light' for me: a reminder that even in the darkest weeks of the year, something's growing. And their scent is wonderful.  Lonicera Purpusii: a lifetime favourite.

Richard drove off just after 4 a.m. to catch the morning ferry from Birkenhead to Belfast. This week will see the first anniversary of his brother-in-law Jim's death, and there'll be a small family gathering. Then he'll be back on Friday night.  I'm staying home, since missing our regular grandchild-care days would really cause some difficulties.

I did get back to sleep for a little while, after he went, but not enough... so after getting out to a garden centre in the morning, with Val, I came back and had the luxury of an afternoon nap.

Now for a long overdue Blip catch-up!