Back in January I anticipated the arrival of the beautiful sign that Winter would soon be over, the daffodil. After an unexpectedly cold two months, I saw my first crop of yellow just two days ago.
Here in Wales today we are celebrating the day of our patron Saint, David, with cakes, leeks, National costume and of course, daffodils.
For the benefit of my friends over the oceans, yes, Wales is a country, not a province. It’s not a part of England, it’s part of the United Kingdom (of which England is another part) and yes, the Welsh language is used on a daily basis. I remember an online acquaintance trying desperately to persuade me otherwise so thought it was best to clarify 
Having been asked why she likes Dydd Dewi Sant (Saint David’s Day) my eldest replied, “Welsh cakes!” but the first of March isn’t reliant on cakes to lift your spirits. Here’s three other things that will try:
Sunshine
I appreciate this depends entirely on your geography but getting up to sunshine is psychologically much easier than not. Remember SAD? One treatment includes light therapy. There’s nothing like a generous dose of vitamin D to get you going.
Fresh air
Despite the best of intentions, for the majority, there’s no fun to be had in getting outside when it’s cold and gloomy. Saturday mornings at the beach wrapped up in scarves, hats and gloves has it’s appeals, especially when accompanied by young ones. However, whilst I appreciate it might just be me, I believe it’s much more fun to get outside when you don’t have to impersonate the Michelin man
Bird song
Call me a dinosaur if you like but I love waking up to the dawn chorus. I don’t remember appreciating it when I was in my teens so maybe I am getting old. I like to think it’s more an indication of my drastically earlier waking time than my age
So whether you’re Welsh or not, have a fabulous Saint David’s Day. Find some simple pleasures, get a little fresh air and smile 
Twitter: paulworswick
Eleanor,
Thank you for enlightening me about Wales and St David’s day; my ignorance about the day it occurs, is no more than an embarassment.
Your three things to lift your spirits; sunshine, fresh air and a bird song are something I miss since I moved from the country. One day I’ll move back hopefully sooner rather than later.
Thank you for sharing and have a great St David’s day.
Regards
Paul
.-= Paul´s last blog ..Rocky Road =-.
Twitter: GiveABrick
Hi Paul,
Please don’t be embarrassed. I’d struggle to do more than name the month in which St Andrew’s Day is
Reading your comment about needing to move back to the country to hear birdsong made me feel very fortunate. I don’t live in the country, far from it. I live on a busy main road in the middle of a busy town. But first thing in the morning when those birds get going, with my room being at the back of the house, I can imagine I’m living in peace and solitude. At least until the children wake up
Twitter: ralphcarlson
Here in the northern California foothills we had our first daffodils in January but the bulk of the flowers are just opening now. I didn’t know there was a St. David or what he is know for and have no idea what a Welch cake is (anything like a hot cross bun?). Obviously you have more work to do. Don’t quite get how Wales (or Scotland) are separate countries. Aren’t you subject to laws passed by Parliament? Maybe we need a class on the UK for us foreigners.
Twitter: GiveABrick
Hi Ralph,
You’ve just given me enough thoughts for a whole other blog post. Not sure if the web is ready for El’s quick guide to Wales but I’ll give it some thought
How do I describe a Welsh cake?! It’s got self-raising flour, an egg, a little milk, sugar and currants. So imagine all those as a stiff dough. They’re then rolled out and and cut with a biscuit cutter.
Just asked my dad to describe them and he suggested I air mail you one!
Twitter: ralphcarlson
How different is it from a scone? Actually I don’t think scones have eggs.
Twitter: GiveABrick
Thinking about it, they probably like flat scones but without the bumpy texture. We will have to arrange a shipment