Tag: warm

May 19th – I had gone to work on a pleasantly sunny morning, but returned in light rain, through a glistening, green, dripping landscape, no more in evidence anywhere than Green Lane on the Walsall Wood/Shelfield border.

The wet tarmac glistened, the trees, bright in their new green jackets, dripped softly. There was the gentle hiss of rain and babble of water.

But it was warm, the wind was behind me and for once, I didn’t mind.

Sometimes the only thing to do is open your senses and let it all in.

January 31st – It’s been a hard weekend. Technology hasn’t been working well, and I’ve not been well with a cold. Today I was better, but felt low, and the grey, inclement weather didn’t help. I decided I needed physical activity, so I turned the computer off and went in search of some colour. 

Thankfully, I found it.

In St. Anne’s churchyard and cemetery opposite in Chasetown, spring has arrived due to the unseasonably warm weather. A single daffodil bobbed in the wind (such that my photos of it were nothing but a blur); easter primroses and calendula were bright and cheering.

Despite the terrible light and encroaching dusk, I think it can be seen that the usual carpet of purple and white crocuses in the cemetery is just coming into flower.

It’s the last day of January, and I’ve still to see a single solitary snowdrop.

The seasons in the last two years have been mad – I have no idea what’s going on. But thanks to them, my mood was lifted on a very dull last day in January.

August 30th – A grey day, but I needed a ride. It’s been a few weeks since I had a good one, what with the cold and everything else. Conditions were pleasant enough, and it was warm with a little drizzle.

I went out to Whittington, and back across the heath to Weeford. I forgot how nice Weeford is, and what a curious little marooned village it is: built as a demonstration of his architectural prowess by noted ecclesiastical architect John Wyatt, it clings to a hillside in rolling countryside bisected by the A38.

The late summer colour was nice, and the roads were peaceful.

I need more of this in my life.

July 20th – It was a fast, damp ride home, and the light was terrible – thoroughly uninspiring. It was warm rain though, and quite pleasant once I stop resisting and accepted I was going to get wet. 

How nice, thought, to stand on a quiet canal, with no noise from people or traffic, and just listen to the music of raindrops on the water.

Even on the greyest days, they’re something to enjoy.

June 15th – The warmer days seem to be here at last, and out on the streets come the cats. These fair-weather flaneurs of the urban streets roll, stroll, preen and posture, but mainly just laze around languidly waiting for something interesting.

I saw this chap in the backstreets of Walsall. There’s an admirable air of relaxation and smugness there. Impressive.

February 17th – Darlaston, again. What a difference a day made. Spring was in the air, the sun on my face and warmth in my heart.

Shame about the trees in front of St. Lawrence’s Church. They make it impossible to get a decent angle on one of the finest churches hereabouts.

31st October – It’s been unseasonably warm – I rode home at sunset in shirtsleeves. Even still, the sunset seemed cold and autumnal. Catching it from the North Street railway bridge at Ryecroft, the view was lovely.

We’re getting some great skies at them moment, but rarely seem to be in a good position to capture them!

July 27th – I headed out to Burntwood to the supermarket to get some shopping in. I deliberately waited until the rain started, and cycling in it was joyous; warm, soothing, but cool and refreshing, I rejoiced in the rain running down my face and legs. Everything smelt gorgeous, and I’d forgotten how loud rain can be.

It’s not often you’re glad of rain, but I was today.