Old English Proverb - fact or fiction?

If March comes in like a lion, it will go out like a lamb.

Here's hoping!  With the beginning of March bringing us the "Beast from the East", freezing temperatures, blizardous conditions and heaps of snow there has never been a better time to believe the old proverb. Weather folklore sayings are as colorful as our imagination. While many sayings are based on careful observations and turn out to be accurate, others are merely rhymes or beliefs of the people who came before us.  

(photo: Lutley Bridge March 2108)

Here in Kittisford we did indeed have snow, a rare sight in these parts.  After the beast had blown through, the snow had settled, the roads turned white and everyone had hunkered down it was so peaceful.   Even the wildlife hid low and our nature cams went through a very quiet time.  However we're really grateful to Foxy who bravely went out one night and posed in front of the nature cam to illustrate the depth of snow.  All too quickly though, the snowploughs went through, temperatures rose, roads turned back to black and the countryside reverted to the more typical green.  

With the brand new look countryside it was a great opportunity to get out and about with the camera and take loads of photos.  The wonderful snowman on TCB's lawn even made it into the local paper - fame at last!  

As temperatures rise and the sun warms the earth we're enjoying the beautiful spring flowers.  The last of the snowdrops are hanging on and the primroses, daffodils and beautiful violets are beginning to emerge brightening up our glorious countryside.  Frog spawn is turning into tadpoles, the toads are beginning to march towards their spawning ponds, birds are singing.......so spring is here - or is it?  What's this about the "Beast from the East" returning?  Nowhere can I find "In like a lion, turn to a lamb and then back to a lion" - something's gone wrong here!  Whatever the weather here at TCB you will always find warmth, inside the house, in front of the log fire, in the sauna or in the Spa Hall and when the weather goes in our favour lounging on the lawn.  British weather, you've got to love it, just as we all love The Cottage Beyond - the perfect place to be whatever the weather.