Reflection Through The Seasons

REFLECTIONS ON THE THRESHOLD OF SPRING...

There's a touch of magic in the air...

I saw the first white snowdrop peep

And though cold winter holds his sway,

And though the earth seems still asleep,

There's a touch of magic in the air.

I heard the blackbird sing today

His morning anthem to the dawn,

His crystal notes lift heart and mind

And once again fresh hope is born.

New life is waking everywhere...

There's a touch of magic in the air.

Iris Hesselden

We often walk this little pathway alongside the river as it makes its way down to the sea. It's a joy to behold right now... the banks are scattered with crocus, primroses and snowdrops. Whilst the river runs icy cold, released from the grips of snowy mountain tops.

February brings with it the first real dreams of a change in the season. When you can feel that certain magic in the air that Iris Hesselden writes about in the above poem.

See the frail promise of spring as delicate flowers nestle in the frost tinged grass...

....and the dripping trees look alive again as the sunlight glints on bare branches

There's a stark cold beauty as the water tumbles over mossy stones

Dry stone walls such at this, built with impressive boulders dominate the countryside and flank the bridleways... they run for miles, often up and over incredible slopes. Held together simply by the skill of the builder selecting just the right shaped stone to fit against the next one. They certainly stand the test of time. Who built them and when?

Looking over the wall sheep quietly graze as the sea comes into view.

It's a pebbly beach... the stones washed so beautifully smooth by the constant toing and froing of the tide... all different shapes and sizes. I can never resist taking a few chosen ones back for garden decoration.

When our grandchildren were small they loved to visit the local beaches, collect shells, seaweed, pretty pebbles of all colours and shapes. They would bring home a bucket of sand and create their own little beach in the backyard... happy days!

AROUND THE VILLAGE

Snowdrops are in flower in cottage gardens and woodlands.

There have been days when heavy rain has made the little river flood...

...and other days when it has run at a gentler flow.

Our little river flows into this bigger one.

A frosty morning, the sun has just risen above the mountains and glints through the hedgerow as we walk Kenzo.

The sunlight glows on the hillside and quickly takes the frost... the shadier fields have to wait a while, their turn for warmth will come soon enough.

The frost makes pretty patterns on the fence posts.

It's time to turn back to a warm kitchen and get the coffee on. Kenzo would be quite happy to go on though...

...but after a few persuasive calls and whistles he runs back hoping there will be a treat for him.

The morning sun catches the top of the pampas grass as Kenzo sniffs around thinking... 'maybe the neighbours cat has visited whilst I've been out'.

For supper that evening I made a savory flan... very simple and quite delicious!

Have a good weekend everyone

Blessings - Marion