Feeling springlike

Is winter finally over? Today has been glorious in the south-east corner of England, a balmy 18 deg, with a clear blue sky overhead. We're seeing blue at ground level too, with this delightful little grape hyacinth (Muscari Armeniacum) soaking up the sunshine in our porch and cheering us with its vivid blue flowers. Plants are starting to stir, the almond tree is in flower, and buds are swelling on the hydrangeas - heaven knows they've had enough moisture to satisfying their 'water barrel' name.

Maybe spring is finally on the way? Fingers crossed it stays like this until it's time for hot cross buns. Summer can't be far off. We could certainly do with some drier weather ...