Willow catkins are already in the swampy area
by our lake.
Out in our green spaces, the first signs of spring are starting to show. It is slushy and icy underfoot and this has been an exceptionally warm start to the year. These catkins make yellow pollen which is spread by the wind, people and wild creatures.
About 12% of the world’s flowering plants are wind-pollinated, including grasses, cereal crops and many trees. Wind pollination is a much more understated and quiet affair.
Can you see our lake Pitkäjärvi in the background?
Here I am clearing access to our home, we get snowed in easily and often.
Time to put the skis on and ski off my tiny backyard.
I still really enjoy cross-country skiing though I need new equipment. I have managed about 60 kilometers so far this winter mostly before Christmas due to the poor snow and + temperatures.
The backyard can get pretty snowed in
As can the front yard which means a lot of work clearing snow off the car 
)
Here’s my allotment just over the hill 15 minutes from our home at Rastaala.
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Rabbits, hares and foxes have been foraging here, which keeps them going over our long winter.
