Slow spring

Late April, and the forsythia, though past its best, is still in bloom. Meanwhile, although the plum blossom hasn't been frostbitten since the snow a couple of weeks back, it's been too cold for any sightings of pollinating insects; and meanwhile the blossom is browning in the wet.

The cold easterly wind and heavy cloud reminds me of poor springs of 30 years ago -- and of two years ago.