Precipitation of varying velocity and winds of unwavering ferocity beset the day.
This morning we drove to the outskirts of Burley and back.
It is not unusual to be held up by tree cutters carrying out routine arboreal management. This is perhaps more frequent at the moment, as the unrelenting recent series of storms have taken their toll.
Here, on Holmsley Road, overhanging branches were being lopped . Especially in the pouring rain, I do sympathise with the men supporting the Stop/Go lollipops. I hope they take it in turns. Jackie let me out of the car when we were stopped and took the first photograph through the windscreen before passing the barrier. I walked, and took the second. The men were somewhat concerned that I might not stay on my feet.
The gentleman doing the lopping was happy to pose for a rear view.
Further along the road I wondered whether that team had earlier attended to this fallen tree
which attracted a trio of ponies seeking fresh nutriment from the lichen coated branches.
The last time I photographed this dead oak tree with its fungus and lichen on Bisterne Close it was standing firm.
It stands no more,
its shallow roots ripped into open air. This giant will now gradually take its part in the maintenance of the forest ecology, feeding insects, plants, and soil for years to come.
Given its position on the verge it did well to fall away from the road.
The rain really hammered down on our return home. A group of stoic ponies alongside Holmsley Passage simply stood and bore it.
This evening we dined on second helpings of Hordle Chinese Take Away’s excellent fare with which Jackie finished the Sauvignon Blanc and I finished the Shiraz.