August 19 – Some folk, of course, don’t even notice the rain and carry on regardless. After all, when you live on the water, what difference does a drop more make?
This cygnet – one of the Watermead family, still apparently in rude health – was just getting some greens as I splashed past near Silver Street.
I love the way these shoots are constantly cropped by the swans – it’s like their own little grazing patch.
August 19th – First really wet commute in ages, and the rain wasn’t cold, so it wasn’t particularly unpleasant. The traffic, though, lulled into the forgetfulness it normal befalls in summer, wasn’t so pleasant.
I hate the way summer rain seems to make drivers behave so oddly. I was glad to get home.
August 17th – Another marker of impending autumn – the elderberries are turning to shiny black perfection at Shelfield. These days, these bitter fruits are in great demand for home-made wine and jams, but they used to be mostly left for the birds.
They’re such perfect, beautiful fruits.
August 7th – This oak tree was spotted by the cycle way in Pelsall, and seems to be afflicted by the same ills befalling similar trees everywhere I go. The poor oaks this year seem to have few acorns, leaves dying off early and tiny, deformed acorns.
I hope this is an aberrant year and in seasons to come are better.
August 7th – Still, don’t let the recent preoccupation with berries, harvest and fruit fool you; there are still plenty of wildflowers out there, and more to come. As I rode to work today, I spotted this hairy chap busy in the thistles, just doing his thing.
I love bees. Such gentle, busy creatures. They get a bad press sometimes, but they mean no harm and just want to get on with things undisturbed…
August 6th – Another fruit of the season, but this time doing well, are honeysuckle berries. Sticky, poisonous and sugary they would upset human digestion but not that of the local birds, who will strip the shrubs on the south side of the Black Cock Bridge clear of berries as soon as they’re ripe.
Their sticky coating leads to them acquiring a patina of dust and road film, and I often wonder what effect that has on the wildlife that dines upon it.
August 1st – Also spotted in Aldridge, this loyal old dog waiting for his master outside a cafe. He was peaceful, and just lay there contentedly, secure in the knowledge that the boss would be back soon.
Such patience in those sad old eyes.
July 27th – It’s the time of year when I dread getting stopped by the police.
The cowslips I loved so much in the spring are now seeding, and I have in my pocket a growing bag of little black seeds, like these. I pluck a seed head or two from each clump (careful to leave enough to seed next year), and collect the wee black dots that shake out.
When I have a decent quantity, I’ll spread a few new patches in barren spots or places that would benefit from a little cowslip love.
These flowers cheer me so much, it’s like repaying my debt to them. I invite you to do the same.
July 27th – I awoke to a better day. It was warm again and the sun was shining sporadically. After the dismal unpleasantness of the previous day, this was refreshing and welcome, particularly as I’d expected a wet morning commute.
The dearth of traffic (due to the Industrial Fortnight) also made for a pleasant ride.
Passing the rowans in Pleck, I noticed their berries were plump and now bright orange. This pleased me.
Sometimes, like the berries, sun and warmth is all I need.
July 26th – Everything was wet. Hour after hour of rain.
I could do without it, if it’s all the same with you.
BrownhillsBob's #365daysofbiking 