One I Made Earlier

When Jackie logged on yesterday to book a trip to the Council Refuse Centre she was surprised to see that the only day with no bookings was today. We knew this would be the responsibility of Storm Ciarán, keeping people away. To us it was a potential opportunity to have the centre to ourselves.

Yellow ochre liquid running off the fields en route, filling guttering and spreading across the tarmac sent showers from our wheels such as those experienced when seated within an automatic car wash facility.

There were just two others unloading into the bays. Had Jackie not made her usual inspection of the Reuse Shop we would have been in and out in no time. It was fortunate that we now have a good sheet of polythene on which to lay our now hole-tattered spent compost bags, because they had leaked considerably, but the protective cover scooped up all the water in order for Jackie to bale it out.

The rain had desisted until it blurred the windscreen as we arrived home. Thereafter the Amanogawa cherry tree leaves washed my sitting room window with clean water regularly replenished from above. The Weeping Birch swayed violently and the maples emulated the rhythms of St Vitus dance.

Pendulous minuscule crystal balls reflected weather forecasts before dripping from glistening foliage.

Dinge descended and passing wheels swished while emergency vehicles broadcast their various alarms.

I can think of no more original ways of photographing all this, so the header photograph is one I made earlier.

J. B. Priestley’s “Literature & Western Man” seems a suitable book to start reading during continuous such days. So I did it.

This evening we all dined on Red Chilli’s excellent takeaway fare with which Jackie drank Hoegaarden and I drank Gran Selone Italian Red Wine.

53 comments

  1. Yes, I think you are right. When weather is thus, it is best to settle into a cozy chair or sofa and pick up a good book!

  2. Rain rain rain! It seems that the storms that beat up the US east coast and Atlantic Canada travel across the Atlantic and beat up the UK, Derrick!

  3. I see an owl! 🙂
    That photo sure does capture Mother Nature’s mood. Great rain photo!
    Your vivid descriptive poetic telling of the adventure got my imagination in gear. 🙂 So glad you survived the adventure and got back home safely…with time to crack open a suitable book and enjoy some delicious take away food! 🙂
    (((HUGS))) ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

  4. What a dreadful day we all had. Thankfully, tomorrow’s forecast shows an improvement.
    We drove across to Harrogate in similar driving conditions and I bought a… raincoat! A super warm one from M&S. But our afternoon wasn’t as peaceful as yours, we spent ours babysitting three of the younger grandchildren on half term.

      1. No, it was fun listening to the conversations between the cousins.
        We had three yesterday and three the day before. Aged between nine and two.

  5. You could write an entire short story around that magnificent photo, Derrick. I’m glad you have a sizable library to enjoy during your soggy days. The flooding and heavy rains are alarming.

  6. Storm Ciarán sounds awful. Your lively description of it brings it to life for your readers. We are expecting some scattered thundershowers today. Unlike in your part of the world, they will be gratefully received here 🙂 Happy reading.

  7. We had leaking horse manure bags last week- we were transporting them from a local stables to our allotment. An on tarpaulin saved the day!

  8. Aptly and ably described, Derrick! Dry, sunny and a little breezy in our part of Spain (Costa Blanca.) A good book is the best antidote! Cheers.

  9. Oh my! Your literary muse was busy at work, alive and well today!! “Pendulous minuscule crystal balls reflected weather forecasts before dripping from glistening foliage.” Beautiful poetic prose, Derrick. I love reading your blog :o)

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