Happy New Year

I've not written a blog for a few weeks, I'm afraid I've been in hibernation mode. I've been off work since 16th December, working for a university I get the week off between Christmas and New Year but I always take a few extra days at this time of year to try and get a couple of weeks off to recuperate from a busy year. To relax and catch up with reading, watch films and visit friends and family. I can't believe how fast it has gone, its back to work tomorrow. But the break was needed and I do feel rested.
The weather has been poor over the two weeks, so I've only been up to the allotment a couple of times, to pick some of the last few crops, the winter harvest includes leeks, celeriac, parsnips, purple sprouting broccoli and kale.

Its not been cold, in fact has been very mild at times. But it has been very wet and so still not suitable for digging but there is plenty of time for that. Though could do with some digging exercise to counter all the chocolates eaten over Christmas!
I wanted to show one of my favourite christmas presents, from my friend Amy, she is so thoughtful. It will have pride of place on my shed.

Today I did my first trip to the allotment of the new year, it was a lovely sunny day, bit of a chilly wind but it blew away the cobwebs.
This was the state of my shed.

I couldn't even get in it, I'd just been throwing everything in and it has gradually got worse and worse. But today was the start of the new year and a new organised shed! Hooks are the answer so all the tools have gone on the wall. Canes all stacked at the back. I can now get in, if I need to shelter!

It needs a bit more work, some shelves would be handy so that is the next job.
But I sat for a bit after I'd finished looking over the plot as the sun went down.

I came away feeling great, it is the ultimate therapy for me, just getting out in the fresh air, knowing that the shortest day has been and gone and that spring will be here before we know it. Time to get planning.......