Early signs of spring

Clay's scouting trip to Lille was in January, 2025. What he had read about the winter weather and what he experienced on that trip was that typical days were cloudy and often rainy, but temperatures above freezing for the most part and little snow. Everyone asks us why we chose Lille and are often surprised when the weather one of the factors we mention. Most retirees want to live in the south of France, lured by sunshine and warmth. However, in a country without air conditioning, that winter warmth is sultry heat in the summer and didn't want that. Lille seemed to be closer to more comfortable year round temperatures. 

So far, this winter has been better than I expected. We did get a bit of snow once or twice but it never amounted to anything and I was fine with that. There have actually been more sunny times than I expected and even when it was cloudy and wet, the rain was not constant. The south of France has actually had worse weather this winter. Several severe storms from the Atlantic have hit the area and caused widespread flooding as well as wind damage. 

I realize that it's only mid-February but we are already beginning to see some early signs of spring as evidenced by these photos. The first spring wild flowers seem to be snowdrops and they are in full bloom right now. Other things are sprouting as well giving me something to watch and look for. My indoor plants are growing as well and I keep adding to them when I see something. This morning I bought some tulip bulbs and planted them in an indoor planter. I'll post a picture when they are in bloom. 

Snowdrops

I'm not sure what this is, but it's sprouting.

Cyclamen, planted, not wild. This was the first houseplant I bought, it died.

A wet day walk. 

This is some type of moss that has recently greened up. 

Daffodils, forming buds already.

This is a planted area I pass by twice daily, neat rows of tightly trimmed shrubs.

Just recently I've noticed rows of daffodils sprouting. They are going to be beautiful.

Don't forget: FUCK TRUMP, FUCK ICE, FUCK THE GOP ENABLERS.