The Gibberd Garden... with snowdrops

We had a brief visit to the Gibberd Garden this afternoon... it's open especially for the snowdrops.  However, when it opens more regularly it's really well worth a visit.  (If you do intend visiting check the open days...)

The temperature was raw today, so not a day for lingering too long.

 and then back for a very welcome cuppa - a good visit but nice to be back in the warmth!

We braved snow and bitter winds....to Ickworth & Hildersham

Woke up and looked out the window.  A snow 'flurry'.... rather like frozen drizzle.  We initially thought Anglesey for snowdrops but in the end, headed further north to Ickworth.

By the time we got there the snow had stopped and for about 2 minutes we'd seen some sunshine.  After a welcome cuppa we headed off for a walk.

Snowdrops everywhere - beautiful.

Whilst we were looking at this tree, we became aware of several birds in it... Pete got his binocs onto them - about 20 Waxwings!! Wow.  They flew off and came back; this time there was a Mistle Thrush amongst them!

Into the cafe via the Orangery, for a welcome cuppa tea.

Rather than go back into the Restaurant, we had Carrot and Ginger soup from the 'Porter's Lodge' hot and spicy and just the ticket for a freezing cold day.

And from there onto Holy Trinity, Hildersham - amazing church for a small village.

Whilst walking around the church grounds, I heard, then saw, three buzzards.

We'd also seen two Kestrels ( in different places ) and two Great Spotted Woodies - which were in the trees at Ickworth..

Despite the snow flurries, and cold cold wind... it was good to get out and have some fresh air to blow away the cobwebs... back home for a welcome cuppa!