February 1st – Friday was, again, bitter. In practice, probably not as cold as previous recent winters have been, but it seemed positively arctic after the mild season generally this time around.
The canal ices was getting quite thick – maybe an IC5 today.
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January 27th – At least it wasn’t raining.
At lunchtime, the wind was horrendous as I rode to Chasewater. Stood on the dam fighting it, it rose white-crested waves on the reservoir that broke angrily around the pier, shore and wakeboard ramps.
It was impressively dramatic but not an easy day to cycle on.
I suppose a clear day with little wind is too much to ask?
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January 25th – Passing through the Butts in Walsall mid morning, I was able to photograph this delightful character, whom I’ve met before. She’s a tiny, gorgeous little cat I’ve since found out is called Belle.
A very friendly, affectionate puss, I often see her on the bins here but usually can’t take pictures due to the nearby school.
Today, she shared head boops, nose and back tickles and purred appreciatetively, without taking her eye off the neighbourhood.
Nice to be meeting cats again…
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January 23rd – The snow quickly petered out, and it went very cold overnight, with a small, further flurry in the early hours. I had stuff to do near home early in the morning, so left for work when the sun was well up and the sky a precious, azure blue.
Jockey Meadows in Walsall Wood and the Mystic Bridge in Darlaston were nothing short of stunning.
It’s not often we get sun and snow together like this. It was absolutely captivating, and a joy to be cycling in it.
For a while, my commute was like the kingdom of Narnia, and it ma=de me happy.
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January 20th – A belated trip on another awfully grim day to see the restored signal beside the cycleway at Clayhanger Marsh, that the lovely people from Back the Track have painted and restored to its former glory.
These guys do a brilliant job of creating and maintaining the semi-official cycle path and walking route along the old South Staffordshire line – now called the McCLean Way – and this is a superb little project.
I love the trail logo fontal on the top. A lovely touch.
Thanks to all who work on this great project!
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January 17th – Signs of spring continue to seep into my daily commute.
On a bright, sunny, blue-sky morning fresh, alder catkins are growing, ready for spring next to last year’s fruit – female catkins which grow to become Coe-shaped and release seeds in winter, in the same was as pine cones.
Catkins are some of the first tree blooms of spring, and always a welcome sight.
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January 15th – Painfully early morning, and it was cold. I needed to drop something off in Pelsall on my way to work, so crossed Clayhanger Common via the old Spot Path.
In the strange, ethereal pre-daen light it was almost beautiful.
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January 5th – Heading back up the High Street to get a takeaway, I passed the now well-lit Morris with the lights on the surrounding trees looking beautiful.
I will never tire of photographing this statue. Is is by turns, dramatic, beautiful, ridiculously out of place, preposterous and wonderful.
Fantastic by day, even better by night. Morris symbolises home and the town I love.
And I wouldn’t have it any other way.
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December 20th – Back at work, I noted that the holly trees around the industrial estate where I work, normally heavy by now with a bountiful berry crop – were very sparse this year.
Still, there were enough red berries to feel festive. Bad news for the local birds though.
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December 19th – Recovery, and finally getting things done. Catching up with stuff, then Christmas shopping in Brum with good companions.
Every year I say I won’t do the Christmas Market again, but every year I do and I always fall for the lights, the pricey but tasty food and the atmosphere.
Birmingham is still changing as it has been since I first came here 40 years ago. I love this city. I adore it’s quirks and festive foibles.
A great evening rounded off with excellent saag paneer and lamb tikka on the Soho Road.
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