Winter

Making the most of the snowy weather and living near the marshes and canal:

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Bells, bursting into stars

Delicate pink bells, bursting into stars. Lush green spikes, triumphant.

My hyacinths have opened: come on, spring!

Yon Bonnie Banks

This time last weekend, we were regretfully driving away from the brilliant wedding of my doc cousin and his fab lady and towards an Easyjet flight back to London and reality.

The wedding was held at Boturich Castle and the scenery of Loch Lomond and the mountains beyond was simply breathtaking.

It took me back to my misspent youth / awkward teenage years listening to - among other things, I hasten to add - Scots rockers Runrig. Here for your delectation is their interpretation of the traditional folk song Long Lomond (Enjoy, Jo!).

Congratulations Tom and Fi, and thanks so much for inviting us to celebrate with you!

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Autumn Walk

Out of London, via poor old Waterloo where the beautifully engineered ceiling is overshadowed by the hurlyburly and the nasty 'sixties architecture, into the countryside. Well, not the countryside but some very picturesque Surrey suburbs.

We walked along the canal towpath for about five miles. And the dog swam most of the way.

I felt clearheaded and energised by being in nature, despite the rain. Just like a Romantic poet.

In lieu of spring

Some photos from a recent visit, with Aged Parents, to a National Trust winter garden at Dunham Massey in Cheshire.

I find myself increasingly fascinated by mossy organic textures - perhaps the cold dank (seemingly endless) winter that means my eye is drawn to these colours and shapes? In lieu of spring, I look to glossy evergreens ...

 

Not organic but fast becoming it, as the wind and weather erodes the mellow old brick? I find these colours strangely statisfying and nourishing. I think it is the quality of the red-orange against the warm grey stone ...