January

January this year started off very wet and now its very cold. I prefer the latter although this year the cold spell that followed the above average rainfall has led to some treacherous icy conditions on the smaller lanes around here. The main roads are okay although there is still some ice but the water running off the fields into the lanes makes them into ice rinks. We've limited our walks to the village only, these frosty photographs are from the cold snap before Christmas.

Halfway through January and the afternoons are lighter. On bright sunny days it feels like spring, snowdrops are in flower and even some early daffodils. We seem to be in a hurry to "get through" winter, a place we'd rather not linger. It certainly has its challenges with recent flooding and cold interupting day to day life but for those of us lucky enough to be able to stay warm and dry, it can be a peaceful time to be inside. Winter evenings are when I am content to knit or read, activities that sit well with lower winter energy levels. So although I welcome the lighter days, I want to enjoy this season where I feel I can slow down a little.

December already

Here we are in December. It has been so mild here in southern England that it doesn't really feel as if winter has started yet, though if the weather forecast is correct it will be turning colder this week.

These photographs were taken in the last few days and do seem to be more autumnal than wintry. The oak trees especially seem to be holding on to their leaves.

 

I'll enjoy the autumn colours while they last but I must also look towards Christmas. I've made my cake and got my Christmas food order and veg box sorted but its about time I started on the Christmas cards - maybe tomorrow!

Autumn

 Autumn has taken me by surprise this year.

In mid September we went to Italy for a wedding and a few days holiday. On returning we all tested positive for covid and have stayed at home. I'm now recovered and am out walking again and in those couple of weeks since my last walk, summer has moved into autumn.

The bracken has turned brown and gold and funghi are appearing in the woods.

 

We are off to spend a few days in Scotland, I'm looking forward to noticing the seasonal changes as we travel north.

 

 

Today

 

Today I felt like coming here, to this long neglected space and posting a few photos taken this morning. I'm not sure why, I don't know whether this will be a regular occurence but here I am.

 

All is well here. Things have been quiet over the last couple of years but I am ready to emerge from the self-imposed coccoon I've happily tucked myself away in.

 So to anyone still around to read this, Hello, I hope you are well .

 

 

one week in

Here we are, a week into the restrictions placed upon us to slow the spread of Covid-19. We are allowed out once a day for exercise, a run, walk or cycle of our usual length and as infrequently as possible for shopping for food. Since retiring, on days we spend at home, we  have been in the habit of walking for an hour or two in the morning and then a shorter walk in the afternoon. This week we have had to be content with just the one walk but I am very grateful for that.

Spring is here and walking from home is a pleasure. We see many more people than we normally do whilst walking but everyone is being very careful to maintain the required 2 metre gap as we pass.

The warm weather has brought out the spring flowers, wild cherry blossom and buds on the horse chestnut.

In a sheltered spot I found bluebells and wood anemone.

The hedges are turning white with blackthorn.

Walking this week, I have been very grateful for the countryside around our home and for having a garden, there are many less fortunate. In the coming weeks there may be more restrictions to being outdoors brought into force but for now at least we can enjoy our daily walks.