Well Spring is here as far as the date is concerned. The Canadians get very excited about spring and in Vancouver they hold a bloom census where people count the number of flowers in bloom!

Well here in the Whelbourn garden the count is ZERO, see the photo below taken this morning.

The grass is only visible because I used to snowblow a path to the bird table for Kathryn to keep the local bird population alive (and probably the local Hawks).

Here are a couple more photos for you to see why people here celebrate Spring.

Julie by the open door of my Escape. Points to note; the ice is finally off the drive and the snow banks are shrinking (honest).

Beautiful blue sky and the gentle waft of woodsmoke from the chimney.

We have alot of sunshine in Fredericton, it was one of the reasons we came here rather than Nova Scotia. This year I want to build a solar heater for the pool that I can also use to heat the Garage in the Autumn and Winter. I also want to build a cold-frame and start growing our own lettuce / salads greens etc. If I manage to achieve one of those I'll be happy.

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Other news, Kathryn is preparing to move back to the UK for 6 Months at the end of April. I have to admit she is the most organised I have ever seen her. This weekend she is taking a Bartending course so she can add another skillset for potential jobs when she arrives.

Gemma is applying for a Applied Arts degree with University of New Brunswick and The New Brunswick College of Art and Design. She is also aiming to pass her driving test before Kathryn leaves at the end of April. She will then assume her part ownership in their car (a white Chrysler Neon 2001  model). Gemma is convinced the Car is a money pit, but when Dad Taxi starts charging her $10 per trip (if the trip is just for her benefit) she will soon realise the car is a benefit.  sometimes love has to be tough.

One final thing I have to say is "Boy did it feel good to see England beat France in the Six Nations last week"