The storms finally ended a couple of weeks ago, and we have had some reasonable weather since. The woods are full of snowdrops, and daffodils are bursting into flower alongside crocus, polyanthus, forsythia and blossom on trees. I have been in the garden weeding and pruning this week.

Yesterday, 1st March St David’s day, was a beautiful sunny day. We took advantage of the Welsh government’s generosity of heritage sites being free to enter on St David’s Day, and went to Raglan Castle not far from here.

Feeling spring-like, I painted a vase of daffodils. I also worked on my deer, which I think is now done.

The weather continues very wet with the jet stream sending us a constant procession of storms off the Atlantic.

We haven’t been out walking much lately, partly because of the rain, and partly because we have been very busy with house stuff. We have lots of plans for the house, some of which we have started to put into action – we will have a new kitchen installed this time next month, and I have done some re-decorating in the utility room. That involved painting but is, unfortunately, the only painting I have done!

However, I have been giving Izzy art lessons, which has been fun.

Izzy turned 7 at the end of January – it was the first of her birthdays that we were able to celebrate with her. We were so happy to see her on her birthday, and to attend her pool party the next day.

Pictures of Izzy after swimming at her pool party:

The girls put on a dance show for us in our living room:

Charley drawing:

We have had a great deal of rain here in Britain for the last few weeks, but the temperatures have been mild. We have been for some very muddy walks, but the scenery is still spectacular.

This post box is up the road from us – last summer birds nested in it.

The river Wye is very full!

Not much painting going on as we have been looking for a car (bought one yesterday) and we are looking to buy a new kitchen, both of which are very time-consuming.

I did manage to paint a floral

and this deer is on the easel in progress.

I have produced very little artwork since my move to Wales in October this year, but plan to get going again in 2014.

A carol service at Tintern Abbey was a beautiful experience, and one that I felt moved to paint.

We had a wonderful Christmas in the beautiful Wye Valley, and our turkey fryer from America was put to use on Christmas day.

Tintern Abbey in the Mist

Turkey frying on Christmas Day.

Boxing Day walk