December 30th – Night finally fell at about 4:30pm near Middleton. Sunset was at 4:01pm. Already, as we move into a new year, the darkness is on the run once more.
Despite the cold, despite the mud, this made me very happy indeed.
Bring on the light!
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 20th – In Shelfield, a reminder of the season. The holly, unlike the cotoneaster, is profuse this year, and every bush I see has the most perfect, shiny, plastic looking leaves.
The bright berries are cheering and a delight on a grey morning.
Only two days to go!
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 15th – The cotoneaster this year seems to have not been doing so well. These bright red berries, beloved of blackbirds, are normal evident in profusion along urban towpaths, footpaths and cycleways, but for some reason are heavily planted on industrial estates.
This huge bed at Moxley is normally a sea of red-orange at this time of year, with a permanent fluster of wings and beaks. But not this year; I’d say the crop is abut 30 percent of it’s normal size.
Whilst my grandfather used to say ‘it’s always a good year for something’ I guess the reverse is true and this just wasn’t the cotoneaster’s year.I hope it’s not cold otherwise the blackbirds may struggle.
December 13th – On the canal near Bentley bridge, the gorse (or is it broom? I’m never sure) is coming into flower and bringing a splash of welcome colour ro a drab, damp landscape.
I love to see this flower – it carries me through winter and reminds me it won’t be long until spring flowers return. It also won’t be long now until the shortest day and once more, the opening out will commence again.
I can’t wait.
November 29th – It’s time. The winter tyres, with tungsten carbide studs in the tread are back on the bike to hopefully prevent further spills this winter. Pumped up hard in normal conditions, Schwalbe Winter roll easily and quietly; let a little air out when icy and they grip beautifully, and run with a satisfying buzz.
Like many cyclists, studded tyres keep me rolling through the winter.
November 28th – Although Victoria Park in Darlaston is beautiful any time of year, in winter it comes into it’s own.
Low sun, long shadows and morning quiet make for a beautiful oasis in the midst of humming industry.
A lovely short stop for a think on a bright, chilly morning commute.
November 27th – It was a very dramatic-looking afternoon as I headed up the canal towards Lichfield on this cold afternoon suffused with golden, low sunlight.
I note from my favourite tree – the lovely horse chestnut at Home Farm, Sandhills – that it is now winter, as it’s bare.
As I noted yesterday, surprising how much colour is still in the landscape.
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