I don’t work on Thursdays so was pleased today to find it was sunny if rather chilly and still windy. After going for a walk to North Shields Fish Quays and round to Tynemouth and back, I then went out into the Magic Garden to see how much damage had accrued last night. There are more things horizontal than there should be but I think last night’s wind was less severe than the previous storms. Now we are waiting for the next one, Storm Eunice.

There are definite signs of spring now with crocuses and daffodils coming into bloom and large patches of irises. I always expect my daffodils to get blown over but there was rather a lot horizontal as are a surprising number of my snowdrops. There are a few other blooms too including a Leopard’s bane that has a double round of ‘petals’. I was slightly taken aback to find a translucent green caterpillar tucked up close inside the bloom.

Ben was not very enthusiastic about being out but as usual came out to keep an eye on me before retreating for a long nap indoors.