Friday 18 April 2014

11th April – Spring Arrived





The British weather makes no allowance for Spring beginning at the equinox on 20th March.  This year, on The Wirral Peninsula, it began on 11th April so far as I’m concerned.  My test of Spring is the day on which one can set one’s foot on seven Daisies.   


I can’t recall who told me it was seven but that was definitely the number I have known for many years.  Upon checking it seems twelve was a more common number in the old calendars but perhaps Daisies were more common on those days.  As it happens I could just about have managed twelve and I do have small feet!

We can now plant our ‘foot upon nine daisies’ and not until that can be done do the old-fashioned country people believe that spring is really come.
    [1863 R. Chambers Book of Days i. 312]

    ‘It ain't spring until you can plant your foot upon twelve daisies,’ is a proverb still very prevalent.
    [1878 T. F. Thiselton-dyer English Folk-Lore i.]

    Spring is here when you can tread on nine daisies at once on the village green; so goes one of the country proverbs.
    [1910 Spectator 26 Mar. 499]

    When you can step on six daisies at once, summer has come.
    [1972 Casson & Grenfell Nanny Says 52]


The weather was truly Spring-like and I had a little walk down the Wirral Way at West Kirby.  On the lake the birds were enjoying the sunshine.



 







The coots were building a nest.





A Small Tortoiseshell was flitting about.  When I think how common they were in my youth I find it very sad that they are now worthy of remark.  We never get them in our garden.


 


On a happier note, I saw my first Bluebells in flower.




19 comments:

  1. Great pictures, as always on your blog, John! Glad to see you were well enough to enjoy the spring weather on a walk. Over here, we've had a lot of warm and sunny weather, so much so that farmers and gardeners are getting worried about the lack of rain. But they needn't worry today; it is a chilly 8 Celsius, grey, and raining. Good day to stay home and have a leisurely tour of blogland.

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  2. You have made my day by showing the bluebells blooming! Happy Spring to you, John! Happy to go on these walks with you. :-)

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  3. That saying must be a rare example of such deflation over time.

    Great goose head pic.

    I had no idea Coot feet looked like that.

    I love bluebells. Remember Bluebell Woods? Of course you do.

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  4. PS What is the relevance of the notice in the first photo?

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    Replies
    1. I assume that's a rhetorical question?

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    2. No. I'm obviously been even more thick than usual.

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    3. I was in West Kirby. My surname is Edwards. I am known for my interest in postcards and snail mail. It just seemed an appropriate sign to photograph for a blog about me in West Kirby! Perhaps not?

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    4. Ah. I can see its relevance to you. I just couldn't work out what the sign was. I'm still puzzled.

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    5. It's just the name of the shop / post office. Strange, I admit.

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    6. Right! Its so obvious once you have told me. My mind had the scale as nearer envelope size for some reason. Silly me.

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  5. It looks like the animals especially are enjoying the beautiful weather. Happy Spring to you!

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  6. I bet the daisies have their own saying. "Spring isn't here until those bastards start trying to step on all of us at once." 8-)

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    Replies
    1. Just wait - we'll cut their heads off for that!

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  7. I'd never heard about setting foot on daisies before. I like it; iit's a nice tradition.

    Your photos are gorgeous as alwats. I especially like the duck with the iridescent green head and all the bluebells. Truly a sign of spring.

    Happy Easter to you and all the family, with love & hugs, C & R

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  8. Beautiful spring shots, love the bluebells. What weird feet those coots have. I guess they are perfect for coots though.

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  9. I ditto Pauline's comment about the coots. Spring has been slow here in the States also. We had snow just a week ago, the day after we had 70 degree temperatures. Snow was predicted for the northeast states. Some have set records this year. I guess I've not seen a male mallard on land and close up because I haven't seen that beautiful shade of blue feathers.

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  10. Wow between yourself and GB, you two take the most incredible bird photos...loved them all.

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  11. time for some new medication. ha ha.

    :0p

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  12. For me I knew that Spring was here when blossom was looking good in my garden. The daisies on lawn were only 4 but that of course is because it is mowed. Love your pictures.

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