February 10th
Although spring seems to be on the lips and minds of everyone - eager for some warming sun - yesterday saw a storm here in the UK. Frequent rainy days spattered with the odd dry day in January gave way to extremely high winds and more downpours making walking along the footpaths even more soggy and slippery than it already was. Branches and twigs scatter the paths and fields and today brings with it an icy blast of wind.
Winter is hanging on by her fingertips and she isn't quite going anywhere just yet..
The daffodils are starting to bloom and its lovely to see crocus's popping their beautifully coloured heads of gold and lilac through the lush green grass. Snowdrops are a plenty - the white and green looking quite something and bringing with them, hope and new beginnings. Early dandelions are few and far between, but again, its another sign that Mother Nature is stirring.
February 16th
The weekend brings us again very wet and windy conditions - the trees are well and truly battered after the winds onslaught last weekend and now this; the branches strewn across the roadsides and pathways, some hanging off of the trees at odd angles. The daffodils - those that have opened - almost look forlorn, hanging their heads low.. the rest stay firmly shut against the elements.
The sky is battleship grey - dark and dismal, but there is hope that this will soon pass, giving way to sunshine, blue skies and just a little bit of warmth some days - just to lift our spirits somewhat..pretty please!
Daffodil Friendship Spell
Rose quartz - love and friendship
Malachite - rebalancing
Yellow Calcite
Orange Calcite
Yellow Candle
Pot or vase of Narcissis/daffodils
This spell is for friendship and positive energies within your circle or to generally promote friendships around you. Think of the daffodils as being individual people or as your circle of friends
Light the candle and focus on the flowers. Think positive thoughts - visualise good energies.
"Friendship and Laughter
Loyalty and Trust
Positivity and Happiness
Focus on these I must
So mote it be!
I decided to make this month some lemon snowdrop biscuits.
Snowdrops are one of the first signs that spring is on its way. Its not surprising then, that its correspondences are rebirth, hope, renewal and purity. They are also emblems of friendship in adversity.
You will need:
125g unsalted butter - room temperature
125g caster sugar
Grated zest of 1 unwaxed lemon
3 tablespoons of lemon juice
2 tablespoons of honey
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
250g plain flour
1 teaspoon of baking powder
Pinch of salt
Icing to dust
Method:
Cream the butter and the sugar together until light and fluffy
Add the zest, lemon juice, honey and vanilla to the mix. This may curdle but don't worry. Beat until combined.
Add the flour, baking powder and salt. Beat until it forms a stiff dough.
Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.
Pre-heat your oven to 180C, 350F or Gas Mark 4
Take your dough and pull off a piece and roll into a ball the size of a ping pong ball and place on an ungreased baking tray. Repeat until you have used all the dough and pop in the oven for about 8-10 minutes until the undersides of the biscuit are a golden brown.
Leave to cool then transfer to a baking rack until cold. Dust with icing sugar.
Share with friends and enjoy!
Recipe from The Hedgerow Apothecary with kind permission from Christine Iverson