The real sign that winter is over isn’t the flowers or the flush of green on the tips of the branches. No, those are just the window dressing. The real sign that winter is over are the insects, the bees and the butterflies. In early March 2014 the insect seemed to suddenly reappear after their winter absence and I knew Spring wasn’t far off at all. Continue reading Bees, butterflies and regeneration – first published 8 March 2014
21 July 2016
The medical bods can’t seem to decide whether Commando is suffering from a stress fracture or a ligament issue. Either way the advice is rest, ice, elevation and two weeks off work. While he was at home finally doing what he was told, CJ and I decided to go for a walk. It was another hot, muggy morning so sticking close to water and shade was the order of the day. Continue reading A floral tour of Monks Brook Meadows
15 June 2015
As Sunday ended up bright enough for me to catch a little sun on my arms and chest I naievly expected more of the same on Monday. With this in mind I’d planned a nice walk along the shore towards Hamble. Looking out of the window when I got up threw those plans into disarray. If anything it looked like rain, all thick grey cloud, black around the edges. Obviously I would have to think again. Continue reading An exciting discovery in Mayfield Park
24 May 2015
On Sunday I had a lunch date with Panda. It’s been a while since I’ve seen her, although we’ve spoken on the phone and texted. We’d arranged to meet at eleven, giving me time for a little lie in and a slow wander over to town by way of a Sunday walk. As luck would have it, it was sunny when I set out, not long after Commando had gone off for his Sunday morning run. To be on the safe side I wore my thin mack, just in case, but, by the time I got to the Big Bridge, I was hot. The water sparkled and the rowing club were powering along the river. Continue reading A lunch date and a walk in the enchanted park
4 to 5 May
As if time has jerked backwards rather than forwards, the weather over the last week has seemed more like the first week of February than the first week of May, with grey skies, bitter winds and heavy rain. For the first time in as long as I can remember a weekend passed with no walking of any kind, unless you count around the garden or a trip or two up the Big Hill for supplies. The weather wasn’t kind for the Bank Holiday and, coupled with my birthday and wedding anniversary, I spent most of it being lazy. There was a trip out to the New Forest on Monday to test drive my new car but I didn’t even stop, never mind get out and walk. It was a very strange state of affairs indeed and will mean a lot of catching up if I’m to get anything like good miles under my belt in May. Continue reading A walk free weekend
4 to 7 March 2015
The Tuesday afternoon hailstorm was short lived and, by Wednesday morning, it was back to blue skies by the time I left for work. For a change I decided to take a slightly longer route along the river with lovely glimpses through the fences and gates to all the moorings there. The water was flat and calm reflecting the boats moored under Cobden Bridge and I couldn’t help smiling to myself as I made my way to the office. It was going to be a busy week with two members of staff on holiday and a new one to train so I needed all the calm views I could get especially as I was still expecting Commando’s stomach bug to kick in at any moment. Continue reading A blue sky kind of week