Despite leaving January behind and spring bulbs starting to break cover, today really does feel like the depths of winter. There may be no frost or snow but the low cloud gloominess and a brisk chilling wind make being outside particularly unpleasant; and that’s before the afternoon rain arrives.

I often find February to be the month where I really struggle with the dark days and the seemingly endless wait for spring. I’m hoping with more exercise, I’ll be able to avoid the worst of it. We might now be a long way from Christmas but I feel this is still a time for bringing both light and coziness into the house while we wait for the light to return.