It is a stop-start time of year. The light has certainly changed as the days are lengthening and the sun gets higher. Yesterday the Skylarks were almost deafening in their song over fields where crops are now beginning to sprout green. The largest trees are still dormant in the grey woods on the Cotswold hills but in sheltered valleys and hollows, buds are beginning to pop open on their lowest branches. Daisies have appeared on the pastures, to be neatly picked by the grazing horses, but the grass is not yet growing. The horses are starting to shed their coats but have rugs at night. I could even leave off a layer of clothing when riding and be comfortable. The first hesitant steps of spring yet the threat of frost remains.