I have been struggling against a heavy cold for three days. It was not until after lunch today that my coughing, spluttering, sneezing, and leaking nose had dried, and my dull head cleared adequately for me to accept the offered forest drive from Jackie. Yesterday I had declined.
It was therefore a shock to step out just after lunch into a gloomy day with a temperature just two degrees above freezing. Winter had crept up.
Although it is Sunday, there was very little sign of life.
The seasonal roadside pools, reflecting overhead branches, like these at East Boldre, are all now replenished; autumn leaves floating on their surfaces and scattered over the sward.
The narrow, winding, Tanners Lane with its ancient hedgerows exposing banked roots is, in warmer weather, popular enough for us to avoid the difficulty of finding a safe parking spot without slipping into a ditch.
The owners of this field have ensured, by blocking the entrance, that it will not be used as such.
This was therefore the perfect day for us to enjoy unhindered access to the beach with its views of the Isle of Wight.
A line of shore birds searched for food along the shallows of the tidal Lymington River.
This evening’s dinner consisted of Jackie’s spicy chilli con carne and rice, with which she drank Hoegaarden and I started another bottle of the Gran Selone before settling down to watch the World Cup football match between England and Senegal.
All beautiful but I’m partial to the line of shore birds searching for food.
Thank you very much, Kelly. My favourite, too
I agree with Kelly. That photo was my favorite, too.
I’m sorry you weren’t feeling well, but I’m glad you’re feeling better now.
Thank you very much, Merril
Beautiful reflections here, Derrick – both real and intellectually. I am glad you had perked up enough to go for a drive. Sometimes simply getting out of one’s home can provide one with a lift of spirits. I do not envy your cold conditions.
Thank you so much, Anne, especially for reading reflections as I had hoped
Gorgeous photos
You must have felt badly to turn down a forest drive.😢
I really did. Thanks very much, Pat
I’m also watching the soccer game!
Thanks very much, Aletta
I hope you are completely well soon.
Glad you got out for a drive to photograph today!
I especially love seeing the birds lined up along the shore! An Avian Assembly! 😉 😀 They are truly showing us that “Birds of a feather flock together.” 😀
(((HUGS)))
Thank you very much, Carolyn X
Great photos, but like you said, no sign of life.
Thanks very much, GP
I’m glad you’re feeling better and were feeling up for a drive. The banked roots look like good hiding places for small animals. I hope you feel even better tomorrow. Take it easy.
Thank you so much, JoAnna
I am glad that you are feeling better, Derrick, and I am glad that England won. They are going to have a tough time against France, though.
A gloomy set of photos; not exactly winter, but a transition from autumn.
Thanks very much, Dolly
You are very welcome, Derrick.
Hope you feel tip-top soon.
I will. Thanks a lot, Gwen
« In the dead of winter » Glad you’re feeling better.
Thanks very much, Sheree
The reflection along the river was excellent
Thank you very much, John. It was my favourite
I’m glad you’re feeling better, Derrick. Take care of yourself, you don’t want a relapse. Beautiful shots!
Thank you so much, Jill
I hope you, like the weather, clears up soon my friend.
Thank you very much, Cindy
I hope that the football cheered you up a bit.
Thanks a lot, Tootlepedal
Happy Holidays
Thank you very much, More. I hope you are well
Thank you. I am well just alot of family things going on
Understood
I’m sorry you haven’t been feeling well, Derrick. The drive through the deserted forest is a big change from previous drives. My favorite photo is the second one because of the silvery color of the trees.
Thank you so much, Liz.
You’re welcome, Derrick.
I am glad to learn that you are feeling a little better. The forest looks beautiful.
Thank you very much, Sylvie
I’m sorry you haven’t been well; I hope you continue to improve and to enjoy your drives out. I love the empty beach and the views of the Island. Also those wonderful reflections in the pools at East Boldre.
Thank you very much, Clare
Glad you are feeling better and were up for an outing.
Thanks very much, Laurie
It does look lovely and deserted, Derrick. I’m glad you are better.
Thanks very much, Robbie
If that beach stays quiet, it should play host to a lot of winter visitors, perhaps even snow buntings.
Thanks very much, John
The temperature rather added a magical effects to the photos. They are very beautiful.
Thank you very much for seeing that, Eunice
You are welcome.
I especially like the reflections. I am glad you are recovering from your cold.
Hope you’re feeling much better today! The photos are wonderful.
Thanks very much, Leslie. I am rather better
Lovely mood-setting photos and I especially like the one with the shore birds. I hope you’re feeling better now.
Thanks very much, Eugi. Getting there
Most welcome, Derrick.
It’s not yet bleak midwinter, but your photos recall the lines from the famous hymn: “earth lay hard as iron, water like a stone.”
I will have to look that one up.
Thank you so much, Linda
I am sorry you have been ill, Derrick. It does look cold and bleak there. I agree, beaches in winter offer some peace and solitude. Winter days have their own special beauty.
Thank you so much, Lavinia
Now that’s what I call a peaceful Sunday.
Thanks very much, Sue
Winter has indeed arrived in your neck of the woods. Mind the colds. They’ve come back nastier than ever. Just caught one from my grandaughter. Lasted me a fortnight.
Cheers Derrick.
We got ours from our great granddaughter 🙂 Thanks very much, Brian
Ha. Why am I not surprised? After the pandemic, the little kids seem to bring home one cold a week. (And to us too…) How old is your great-granddaughter?
3 months. The doctor doing standard tests in one possible culprit.
3 months is very sweet. Culprit? Ahhh. As my mother would have said: “poor mite”.
I was curious when winter officially started in the UK, apparently December 1st. So as I’m in the opposite hemisphere, I checked when summer starts here, apparently not until December 22nd, so it’s still spring here…been a very wet and windy spring!
I hope your summer is better than your spring. Thanks very much, Catherine
I’m glad you’re feeling better! I like that deserted beach!
Thank yo very much, Ribana