Introducing....

We were treated yesterday to the most perfectly gorgeously Springy sort of day.

I spent it in a haze of happiness Spring cleaning with the doors and windows open and feeling generally inspired for life.  It was fab.  Today was rather gloomier, so I am glad I didn't have time to blog yesterday and can now enjoy the glory all over again!  I can't get enough of this sky, completely clear blue with the pale, shaky rays of sunshine, as if the sun is learning how to shine again.

 I discovered some primroses in the lawn, which although not being ideal for the lawn, are very pretty and exciting.

The crocuses are now in full bloom and looking extremely jolly.

There was even some warmth in the sun and a tiny mild breeze.  I hung washing out which actually dried and had lunch outside in short sleeves, cultivating tiny hopes of starting my tan.

The hens were in ecstasies and spent the day sunbathing and having dust baths.  I don't have a picture because they kept getting up and hoping I had snacks every time I went over.

In fact, now that both my hens have started laying they have earned the right to be formally introduced.

This is Darcey (named after the fabulous ballerina Darcey Bussell), she is a Welsummer bantam and is lovely.  She likes to tell you things when you visit and if you pick her up for a cuddle she will drone on and on in a comforting clucky I-have-so much-to-tell-you-darling sort of way.  She also refused to stand still for her photo.

She lays lovely pale beige eggs which are usually more egg shaped than this, but yesterday's was a bit round.

This is Margot (named after the famous ballerina Margot Fonteyn), she is a Light Sussex bantam and is also lovely but a little bit bonkers.

She was obviously inspired by the sunshine and here is her very first egg, laid yesterday, a beautiful brown and speckly job.

I totally love my chickens!