Bulbs, shoots, antlers and lazy buggers

Ah, springtime.  I love it.  Not least because my birthday really sets the whole thing off, but also because of all the little things: waking up to sunshine (however weak, watery and Cavan-like), new shoots in the garden (and memories of how my back ached after a very mucky winter’s day spent digging holes in the lawn and planting bulbs):

…and if this tulip survives after being regularly stomped on by Bert it’ll be a miracle:

And then there are the sheep, who greet us first thing in the morning with a chorus of ‘bleurggghhh’, which always makes me smile.  Yesterday, one of them had got stuck in the brambles and given himself a rather fetching pair of antlers:

…but there are always some of us that would much prefer to stay indoors:

C’est la vie, eh?

17 Responses to “Bulbs, shoots, antlers and lazy buggers”

1. Val says:

   April 4, 2009 at 11:32 am

   It’s lovely to see the Spring, it feels like it’s been such a long Winter.
   I like the sheep antlers…you could start a whole new trend.
2. Rachel@fairycakeheaven says:

   April 4, 2009 at 12:34 pm

   I see you’re feeling all springlike and happy today, nothing like some sunshine to brighten the mood eh?
3. Daily Spud says:

   April 4, 2009 at 1:10 pm

   Sheep with antlers? They certainly have some strange breeds up there in Cavan…
4. English Mum says:

   April 4, 2009 at 1:36 pm

   Val: It is, isn’t it? I got so tired of all the snow, no matter how pretty it is! They’re funky aren’t they? I had visions of the others going ‘oy! It’s our turn with the antlers now – stop hogging’!!.x

   Rach: Ah yes, I think a weird side effect of really sad news is that you’re so much more appreciative of your own little lot, don’t you? x

   Spudness: Hmm, wonder if they taste any different….!! x
5. Coastal Aussie says:

   April 4, 2009 at 2:04 pm

   I love the antler business going on there. Excellent eye for the unusual. Can I ask, what are the white blubs, I mean what kind of flower they are. They do look mushroomy to me, and I wish little blue smurfs lived in them.

   Sending big hugs and many good thoughts, your way, for yesterday.
6. English Mum says:

   April 4, 2009 at 4:22 pm

   Aussie: they’re crocuses. I took that first thing in the morning before they’d opened out. And maybe the smurfs are why Bert’s so interested in them!! I’m a bit disappointed as I seemed to have planted hundreds of bulbs yet I’ve had very few come up. Maybe this month? And thanks, you’re a sweetie and your thoughts are much appreciated xx
7. Tara says:

   April 4, 2009 at 10:42 pm

   that sheep is so cute.
8. june in florida says:

   April 5, 2009 at 2:43 am

   Crocus looks lovely,i miss spring we dont get it here realy.Did Bert pee on that tulip, it looks traumatized?
9. English Mum says:

   April 5, 2009 at 9:00 am

   Tara:I know. It walked about all day with all that crap on its head. Stupid animal!!

   June: No, but it’s on his ‘oh crikey I’m desperate for a pee’ route up to the hedge, so it gets stomped on regularly! x
10. Jamie says:

    April 5, 2009 at 9:31 am

    Love the Spring photos! Beautiful! And love the sheep and love that dog!
11. English Mum says:

    April 5, 2009 at 10:58 am

    Jamie: Aw thanks. I love him too. The lazy, boring sod that he is
12. Kate says:

    April 5, 2009 at 4:38 pm

    Do not wish for Bert to be any different – Hippie is the complete opposite – not for us the lazy boring sod type dog…. oh no we get the ‘ I’m up why aren’t you? Lets go play…. I can run faster than you can…don’t be boring!!!!
    God bless Bert!!!! x
13. English Mum says:

    April 5, 2009 at 6:03 pm

    Kate: Hubby and I were just pondering this very thing today when, half way up the boat road, Bert decided he’d had enough of walking and stopped dead. I’d love to see Hippie in action though – don’t think I’ve ever met an enthusiastic greyhound!! x
14. Kate says:

    April 6, 2009 at 2:22 pm

    I will try to upload a video … she is a complete nutcase, terrorised a red setter yesterday, trying to get her to run around the park…. its mayhem!
15. English Mum says:

    April 6, 2009 at 10:05 pm

    Kate: At least you can let her off! Bert’s a total nutcase – doesn’t come when he’s called. He’d be a nightmare in a built-up area! Would love to see that video x
16. Jay says:

    April 7, 2009 at 11:12 pm

    Bert is gorgeous! I love him.

    But the sheep with antlers? HAHAHAHAHA!!!
17. English Mum says:

    April 8, 2009 at 7:51 am

    Jay: Aw we love him too but he’s the laziest yoke on the planet! And antler sheep is back to normal, sadly, but watch this space