Piglets!

We made the most of the lovely weather today to take a walk to visit our favourite pigs at Quarr.  We'd heard rumours that there were piglets, so really we couldn't not go ;-)

And we weren't disappointed.  Seven little piglets, all squealing and playing in the mud, falling over each other in their efforts to get to mum (provider of food!)  There was quite a crowd around the enclosures; it's such a popular place for families, and the children were well entertained by the little piggies' antics.  

The Abbey has secured Lottery funding for improvements and restoration to the buildings and grounds, and it will be interesting to see the work when it has been completed.  As always, we had a very peaceful and restful wander around (even with the squeals!), and also spent some time at the latest art exhibition there, admiring the work of some very talented local artists.

Signs of Spring were all around.  Lambs in the fields:

and bluebells in the woods.  

Over the next couple of weeks, the woodland floor will turn into a sea of blue with these wild flowers - we saw a 'bluebell walk' advertised for next weekend.    
I've been a bit remiss with my baking recently - so much for my intention to try a new recipe every week *sigh* - but yesterday I got myself organised and baked a cherry cake, from 'The Great British Book of Baking'.  It has ground almonds in it, and I have to say it's a very good cake indeed.

I would like to point out that I followed the recipe very closely, but despite coating the cherries in flour, as instructed, they have all sunk to the bottom :(
Never mind, I shall just have to try this cake again . . . and again . . . and again.