I have been unable to blog as conscientiously as I was for a while.  The political scene has been quite absorbing, even though, confusing at times.  In addition, we have been trying to reduce our amount of driving, so we have been hanging around near the town where our kids go to school.  Hence, the decrease in time spent in front of the computer.

In some ways, it is good.  It means we are spending more time outdoors and getting some exercise.  Yesterday, we followed a footpath in Lindfield which led into the commons.  On our return, we took a different route in the footpath and surprisingly, found ourselves in the middle of a nature reserve – right in the middle of Haywards Heath. The woods shut out all the city noises and you could hear birds singing in the trees.  Very relaxing. 

The disappointment came when we reached the end and found ourselves facing what we would have called in the US, “the projects”.  These were obviously old council homes, many of which have been abandoned and boarded up.  We had never seen this area, though we had travelled on the roads near it.  That’s because it is well-hidden behind all the newer and nicer neighbourhoods.  It’s unbelievable to look from one side of the road to the other and see the differences.  Such a shame as well.  Council homes do not need to be allowed to run down.

The footpath showed us so much diversity that we’re hoping to explore more as the weather improves.  Even if it means squeezing between the narrow paths with brambles and stinging nettles on all sides.

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It seems that spring comes much earlier here. The days have been getting warmer, although the last few days have felt a bit nippy at times. The flowers are growing. Every spring I anticipate seeing them, and the snowdrops and crocuses have lived up to expectations. Not only that, the daffodils have come up, though they have not bloomed yet.

If I were in the US, I know that I would be speaking too soon. Very often, we would get a spring snowstorm sometime in March. It never seems to fail. Yet, the weather has been too nice for me to believe that any such thing would happen here. I will have to wait and see. For now, I am content and look forward to spending time outdoors again.