It was so cold today with the outside thermometer not registering above 7c and almost continuous mizzle and dark clouds with the forecast to be cool and dull for the next few days.  Our walk, postponed from yesterday, looks unlikely to happen for a few days but we did manage a short one today during a lull in the rain.   Unlike in the last few days, the birds were fairly quiet and I heard comparatively few species and hope that if there are any eggs or young chicks they are not suffering from the cold or lack of insects or grubs.  At home a bunch of freesias are brightening the room and filling it with their delicate perfume.