Every Cloud Has A Silver Lining

The storms go on. We've been hit by yet another one (unnamed this time) with sudden gusts blowing things over and making a mess. I don't think I've ever known a February like it.
I was wakened frequently last night by the windows being buffeted and we're double glazed.
When the children were really small and we first moved into this house, the single glazed windows really rattled in windy weather like this and I can remember having to stuff rolled up newspaper between the gaps in the ancient sash windows. Not that it made much difference.

It's a pity that the weather is letting us down, as Bristol has been having lighted window trails round the city, where people have decorated a lit window or two with all sorts of things from beautiful summer scenes to gruesome things and a whole range of things in between. The windows are beautifully lit up at night and its been lovely to walk round and see them...... except for the weather, that is.
It really isn't very inviting outside right now and it's a challenge to go far.
Spring must surely be on it's way. The nights are lighter though..... there's usually a silver lining in the cloud and the lighter nights are certainly that.

Where's My Recycling Gone?

We've had to endure Storm Gertrude, Storm Henry and worst of all, Storm Imogen. This last one hit the South West hard and blew my bins over, completely sucking away all my carefully separated waste from the collection box. So I apologise if any of you have my waste on your property. It's no where to be seen in my location and as far as I know, flew out to sea. 

Who names these storms, I wonder?

There were several discarded umbrellas on the High Street that had blown inside out and it was difficult to stand against the wind at times and the rain came down like stair rods (as we say in England).

I braved the storm to go and meet a friend in town. I think we both needed a medal as we could hardly stand up against it, but we both decided that we could be waiting for ever if we waited for the weather to turn.

Anyway, the spring flowers continue to peep out of the snow. These aren't mine, by the way but are just typical of what is to come in a couple of weeks time.

All is peaceful today and we've had sunshine that forced me to put on my new varifocal sunglasses when I went out walking. What a wonderful invention these are.

Today is the first day of Lent. I'm not giving up anything this year but intend to give an extra 15 minutes reflection/prayer time instead and see if that is any better than breaking *no chocolate* intentions.

Does any one give up anything for Lent or maybe try to put something back?