There are lots of ways to judge the arrival of spring. St Brigid's Day, February 1st,
is traditionally regarded as the beginning of spring in Ireland, but it still seems
like the middle of winter to me. The appearance of the first snowdrop is welcomed
by others as a sign that spring is here but I'm wary that it may find itself
peeping out from a carpet of snow. The cheery yellow daffodils are a better
indication that winter is nearing an end. But for me, it's the arrival of our
neighbours' lambs which mark the true beginning of spring.