April 2nd – In these difficult and very strange times, I’m finding solace and joy in small things.
On a sunny morning, what can be nicer than the perfect, but very naturally dishevelled beauty of the common daisy, shedding pollen on to it’s perfect white tissue paper petals?
I think I’m starting to return to basic things again.
This journal is moving home. Find out more by clicking here
from Tumblr https://ift.tt/34NSMGe
via IFTTT
April 1st – Every day now there’s a new flower to see on every journey – even the short ones.
Adding to the bright yellows of spring, a flower at first glance often mistaken for dandelions. Hawkweed.
This beautiful spring soldier is generally yellow but does come in a variety of colours and types. All dwell on edge lands, verges and in hedgerows.
This profusion of flowers is just what I need right now.
This journal is moving home. Find out more by clicking here
from Tumblr https://ift.tt/3co6SAO
via IFTTT
March 31st – The weather seems to be improving every day now – and despite the fact that my commute to work is on virtually empty roads, I’m still taking about the same time to ride it as the springtime attractions are far too beautiful to miss. This fantastic crop of daffodils cheer and welcome me every day on the industrial estate where I work.
This journal is moving home. Find out more by clicking here
from Tumblr https://ift.tt/3cuPkDb
via IFTTT
March 30th – The day was a little more summery than that previously and on my way home I nipped up the canal to see if the field of oilseed rape was out yet at Home Farm.
It’s getting there, it’s getting there. About another week to ten days, depending on how warm and sunny it is.
I love the smell, the colour and the spectacle of the sun-loving brassica. A real sign summer is coming!
This journal is moving home. Find out more by clicking here
from Tumblr https://ift.tt/34LDq5e
via IFTTT
March 29th – The first light, British Summer Time evening of 2020 was grey, but quite soft. At Pelsall Road on the canal the old Victorian railway bridge took on an ethereal air in the mist, which was actually caused by a garden bonfire nearby.
Up on the old Cement Works bridge, I continued my mission from the night before, as I tried to clear my head. I stood here in the chill, watching the lights come on.
These are incredibly hard times. I’m better off than most – I am reasonably financially secure, and I have a job which is needed. But I have no idea where I’m going or where this will end.
I can’t see if there’s a way through, so all I can do is to take the next step.
This journal is moving home. Find out more by clicking here
from Tumblr https://ift.tt/3bmezYp
via IFTTT
March 28th – On the last dark night of spring 2020, I pottered out to take my daily exercise to Chasewater, just as the sun was setting. There was next to nobody around, and the sun was gorgeous as it dropped gently over the horizon, making the scene precious as it did so.
I’m finding work hard: I have a lot to do, and unusual things to apply myself to. It’s stressful; unpleasant work. I don’t want it, but it’s needed. Seeing Chasewater like this, still full to overflowing was a real tonic.
I just became still, and felt the spirit of this place. And tonight, with nobody around, there was no disputing it was mine. All mine.
This journal is moving home. Find out more by clicking here
from Tumblr https://ift.tt/2REslNV
via IFTTT
March 27th – Slipping home in the early evening, I couldn’t resist that quick hop up the canal to see how my favourite tree over at Home Farm was doing. I thought maybe I could seee a hint of green on it, but I think it was wishful thinking.
I gauge the seasons by that venerable, perfectly shaped horse chestnut tree. It’s as part of my life as cycling or drinking tea.
And tonight, in this most imperial of golden hours, it looked splendid.
This journal is moving home. Find out more by clicking here
from Tumblr https://ift.tt/2XwOwcO
via IFTTT
March 26th – However, it’s a glorious spring, the rain seems to have stopped and nature at least seems to be behaving normally.
On Clayhanger Common, small yellow flowers have appeared- my favourites; the cowslip.
These tiny primroses bring me such joy. Seeing the first of these is such good news.
This journal is moving home. Find out more by clicking here
from Tumblr https://ift.tt/2K834aJ
via IFTTT
March 25th – The country in which I live is slowly shutting down in a way I never considered likely, or even possible. Little things that make my daily life normal – stopping for coffee, calling into the supermarket – nipping out to the park – are now either not going to be possible, or require a lot of planning.
I have key worker status, and for now cannot work from home. So I continue to be out and about, but always with a letter, announcing my status and reasons for being considered so, should the police stop me.
There is now a normal, defensive hostility from strangers – like this gorgeous ginger and white floof who gave me the shoulder in Walsall Wood from the opposite side of the canal.
We’re all in a grump now, I guess.
This journal is moving home. Find out more by clicking here
from Tumblr https://ift.tt/3cmBpPF
via IFTTT
March 24th – As I get older and wiser I realise that mallard ducks are just loud, shouty idiots with very unpalatable mating habits.
Here on the canal at Walsall Wood on my way to work, two males were competitively battling each other to mate with a female.
They were fighting for some time and the noise and disruption was considerable. Interesting that a coot seemed to be refereeing.
We are now under some kind of lockdown – I can only got to work if I can’t from home, or if I am a ‘key worker’; I can have some exercise every day and got to the shops. Most everything else is restricted or banned.
Unless you’re a duck. Then any old shit goes.
This journal is moving home. Find out more by clicking here
from Tumblr https://ift.tt/3b7jWKD
via IFTTT
BrownhillsBob's #365daysofbiking 