Bracing walks

We've had very welcome guests (son and DIL) with us for a couple of days and it has been lovely to spend time with them.  A good excuse for a bit of a bake-up - homemade bread, cakes and cookies always appreciated.  We had a short bracing walk along Cowes seafront (brrr!) but mostly we were at home enjoying the company.  And doing jigsaw puzzles ;-)

I'm trying to get out for a walk whenever I can, it's one way of keeping warm in these chilly days of January and February (or at least the house feels warmer when I come back in!) and I managed a brisk 5-miler on Sunday; the 'tea cosy' (of previous post) was certainly a wise knitting move! 
Some of the sights along the way:

I passed several large magnolias which are just waiting to burst into flower; they are going to look a real picture very soon, so I must make sure I tread this same path again in the not too distant future.  A magnolia in full bloom is a beautiful sight.  

The past couple of days we haven't had to draw the curtains until gone 16.45, the light is gradually extending and although it's not by much, there is a feeling that we're over the really dark, short days of winter and lighter days are slowly creeping in.  Little signs are there - this afternoon, walking back from town, we noticed a purple crocus in flower - and the anticipation of Spring, full of promise of renewal, in so many different ways, is always something to gladden the soul.  

We have begun the next project - the hall cupboard - so I need to search out the paint and work dungarees.  Ah, DIY, I have missed you!