December 21st – At last, work is over for the year, coinciding happily with the shortest day. The winter solstice is important to me, as once it’s passed, the days begin their sinusoidal rollercoaster of opening out once more – slowly at first, then careering to daylight as the spring comes. 

When I reach this point, I always feel I’ve survived. From here on in, things can only improve. And Christmas is here!

I passed the Black Cock in Walsall Wood on my way home; a pub that’s clinging on despite several changes of landlord in a short time, it remains popular and the welcoming, warm lights in the darkness made it feel festive and welcoming.

I’m ready for Christmas now, and a rest.

December 20th – I keep passing this sign at the garden centre on the Chester Road near Mill Green, and as I passed it tonight, I realised that as with every year, it’s purpose had now all but ceased; few people will be buying the traditional nordman fir now, and so inexorably, the season is ticking away; One more day at work, then holiday, then on my return, a new year and nights that open out again after the winter solstice and shortest day, which occur the very next day.

Time marches on quickly for me these days, but this autumn, with the huge workload and long hours, has seemed particularly cruel.

I long for spring flowers, warm breezes and the sun on my face.

Soon be over the peak.

December 19th – Near the Black Country Route in Moxley, the moss on this old hawthorn buss fascinates me. Although, to be fair, it could be lichen… like fellow hugely complex organisms fungi, mosses and lichens are fascinating, intricate and a world away from conventional plants.

The colours alone are stunning. I wonder why this particular bush?

December 19th – It may be deepest winter, but along the cycleways and towpaths there are still tenacious hips, haws and berries clinging on to sparse shrubs and trees providing food for songbirds, who seem to be devouring them now with a passion not shown in many a year.

Grandad used to say that if there was a profusion of fruit, it meant a bad winter was in store. I’m not sure about that, but the birds do seem to be stocking up for something this year.

I wonder what they know we don’t?

December 18th – While I was stuffing my face at Middleton Hall, something remarkable was happening in the sky to the west beyond the hall: a most remarkable sunset.

I watched it grow deeper and deeper over the hall lake, and then up the hill towards Wishaw. Beautiful blend of azure sky and pink-lit clouds, it was the kind of sunset that doesn’t happen too often.

So glad I was in a good place to catch this.

December 18th – A trip to Middleton Hall via Buzzards Valley for a cuppa and some cake, as well as a few card deliveries and other errands.

I was rewarded with a truly stunning sunset, but also I saw Middleton Hall and the courtyard in the dusk. It was gorgeous, and made me feel very Christmassy.

I think I’m finally getting down with the Christmas spirit…

December 17th – A long sleep, then an early run to Rugeley, on a traditional pre-Christmas shopping trip. I had errand there, at Gentleshaw, Litchfield and Whittington, so I did a loop around all of them, returning just after dark.

It was a lovely day, and I enjoyed the riding and Rugeley very much. Lichfield was crowded and difficult, but I was rewarded with peace and quiet at Whittington. 

Now quiet and awaiting decommissioning, Rugeley Power Station is like a sleeping giant. I’ll miss the old place when it goes.

I was intrigued by the witness on the doorway to the passed life of a creeper, which I spotted in Lichfield, and Heron house looks like a fun old place.

The sight of Ivy Cottage, looking beautiful in the dark, was gorgeous at Lower Stonnall. 

That cottage is like a beacon to my soul.

December 16th – Heading back into Brownhills mid evening, the roads were oddly still busy, the traffic through the High Street heavy and challenging. Emergency vehicles came through, perhaps an accident, or perhaps just the normal buzz of life.

I was tired. It had been a long week. But a pleasant meal and evening with workmates had been enjoyable.

A weekend, and three days to go. I just need to hang in there.