The veritable Christmas aroma of cinnamon and cloves that permeated the house this morning came from Jackie’s rice factory in preparation for Boxing Day.
Anyone who has followed my ramblings for a while may be wondering what the mice have been up to this year. They have brought their lambs to venerate the crib.
This bright and sunny afternoon we drove to Barton on Sea for a closer examination, from sea level, of the crumbling cliffs.
Perched on a platform at the foot of the steps I had descended yesterday, a young man was silhouetted photographing the Isle of Wight. At my request he obligingly went through the motions again.
Beyond the stairway, a railed footpath leads down to the sea. It will be seen that yesterday’s theodolites have been removed. Such is the transient nature of photographic moments.
A barrier complete with warning signs closes to the public the path to the left of the railings. Only a year ago I regularly walked the two miles along the cliff top to Milford on Sea. I was told yesterday that this is now quite unsafe.
Rows of buildings close to the cliff edge show how tenuous is their tenure to the top.
Having grown up in post-war London I was, and still am, in some areas, familiar with remnants of the sides of terraced houses adhering to the on next door that went unscathed. Brickwork, wallpaper, staircases, doorways, fireplaces, and other skeletal structures remained as if pasted to their neighbours’ flanks.
That is what I thought of as I observed brickwork and piping protruding from the cliffside. Nature outstrips the Luftwaffe.
This section of the beach is also out of bounds.
Rocks are heaped around.
Red warning markers pierce the breakwaters.
Becky, Ian and Scooby; Mat, Tess, and Poppy all arrived this evening. Flo, in America, was remembered with fondness and tears. Christmas was beginning. Various forms of alcohol were imbibed, and Jackie and I drove off to Hordle Chinese Take Away for our dinner. I will not report on the meal, because you’ve read it all before, and I won’t be in a fit state later.
Merry Christmas Derrick and Jackie. The cliffs were often unsafe as a kid. I fell down accompanied by the boxer once ending up in brambles rather fortunately. I always had a respect for the edge after that. That would have been at Hordle Cliff.
Thanks, Geoff. And to you and yours
Derrick – I KNOW you and Jackie will have an outstanding Christmas, so let me wish an even better New Year!!
Thanks, GP. Enjoy it all yourself
I love your mice, Derrick. They are so cute. I have noticed that you have a Guest & Friends book. Am I right? I envy you Derrick because you have a cliff where you can walk and admire the sea 🙂
Thank you, Monica. You are right.
Meeeerrryyy Christmas, Derrick! Have fun with your lovely family! Be happy and healthy! <3
What a beautiful blue sky! Wishing you and yours a wonderful Christmas.
Thanks, Sue. You too
Wonderful skyline. Have a wonderful Christmas
Thanks, Alex. You too
How morbidly fascinating it is to watch the makings of a ruin. I hope we won’t witness any man made destruction more powerful than nature can wreak. That would be my wish for the new year and beyond. Happy holidays.
Thank you, Mary
Happy Christmas to you all!
Thanks Laurie. You too
Blue sky? Rain, hail and then more rain here today. Not that unusual I suppose.
Have a lovely Christmas all.
Thank you, Jessica. Our weather has been amazing. Have a good time yourself
Merry Christmas!!
Thanks, Leslie. You too
Again, great photos – very descriptive. !
Merry Christmas to you, Jackie and all who are with you – do hope you are enjoying the day!
Many thanks, Rob. You too
What a beautiful, desolate place. Peace and love to you and yours, Derrick!
Thanks, Anna. You, too
I would love to see more areas restricted for humans 🙂 Earth needs some time to heal herself.
Have a wonderful New Year!
Thank you, Inese
The mice are really adorable, all grouped together like that. Wish you and Jackie the best Christmas and hope you’re warm and safe and full of good food. Hugs and kisses, Crystal <3
And to you and Tara, Crystal