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This week has been another hectic one; the kind of week that I'm guessing John Lennon had in mind when he said: "Life is what happens when you're busy making plans." Therefore, in similar style to the last 7 days (and my state of mind) this will be a somewhat disjointed but busy blog post, summarising disparate moments and memories.
WILDLIFE
We have frogspawn! Almost a year after creating our pond, we were both ridiculously excited to see that our humble little stretch of water has now truly acquired wildlife status. I know it's primary school stuff, but I'm going to photograph the three clumps (now four) of frogspawn daily, to chart its progress. Did you know that these little miracles are also able exert some control over their own rate of development? Apparently, if conditions aren't favourable, tadpoles can remain in the water in arrested development for up to a year.
Here's the first batch of photos, taken on day 3, 4 and 5 (there was no discernible difference between day 1 and 3).
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| Day 3 |
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| Day 5 |
SPRING FLOWERS
Crocuses in the garden.
Daffodils on the Enville Estate.
GIFT OF THE GAB
Thursday marked St Patrick's Day and given that it was nearly the weekend, we embraced the occasion, listening to the Pogues and drinking Guinness - once the sun was over the yardarm. I dug out some old photos taken on our 90s road trip around Ireland. Amongst the under-exposed, poorly composed photos, I found this one.
You'll have to take my word for it, but these are Gareth's legs. Before you jump to conclusions, no he hadn't imbibed Irish moonshine or poitin (anglicised as porteen or portheen). He was in fact kissing the Blarney Stone. We joined millions of pilgrims climbing the steps of Blarney Castle to kiss the Blarney Stone (someone holds your legs to ensure you don't fall to your death through the gap) and have bestowed upon us the "gift of the gab" or eloquence. Coincidentally Gareth had also found some old Irish currency and a Guinness pin badge on the same day whilst searching for a box to pack an order.
TWO CLAIRES, COFFEE AND CAKE
A cheeky Friday afternoon diversion with my Mom at Enville's small, but perfectly formed coffee shop, Archie's Attic. A couple of years ago, I photographed the coffee shop's bunting, blowing in the breeze. Claire, the business owner, was thrilled with the photo and left a lovely comment. On Friday I finally got round to visiting Archie's Attic, purchasing Rooibos Tea for me and carrot cake and superfruit tea for Mom. I was greeted warmly by the staff inside and immediately asked "Are you Winter Peach?" by a smiley lady who introduced herself as Claire. Fame at last!
LA LUNA
The moon has played its part beautifully this week. Earlier in the week, we seized a couple of hours and took a walk down to "the cut" (Black Country speak for canal). After a few experimental shots (I do love to view the world through water)...
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| Reflected crow in flight (image flipped) |
...we headed back via a narrow footpath flanked by fields. In one of the fields is a beautiful pylon. Yes, you read that correctly. Pylons (along with wind turbines) are amongst the few bits of manmade infrastructure that I find very pleasing to the eye.
I loved the juxtaposition of Earth's natural satellite seemingly triangulated within this imposing metal structure.
Last night's moon - in its Waxing Gibbous phase (92.85% illuminated) was a stunner with its orange glow which is apparent when it is hanging low in the sky and viewed through much more of the Earth's atmosphere.
THE STARS
What is the moon without stars? Here I have a couple of stars of the magnolia world. First up (on a morning visit to Ashwood to discuss work experience for the sprog), this impressive Magnolia Stellata with its fragrant, star-like blooms. For £220.00 I think I would want shooting stars!
Also, this stunning specimen, spotted on the return leg of an afternoon walk along the River Severn.
