A Witch's Cat

Next door's bad tempered, bushy tailed and very unfriendly black cat decided to give me a really nice photo opp tonight.

Alas the composition wasn't amazing because if I'd opened the door the pissy moggy would have run off. But I'm still pleased I got the shot.

Si

All text and images copyright CreamCrackeredNature 31.10.18

Up to the Nature Reserve

My heel has gotten a bit sore after I did that 11.5km run - grrrr - and was particularly bothering me after the 6km yesterday.

So today, I put on my big walking boots, and my new Aldi hooded training top -  as ever  you to go to Aldi to buy a bottle of coke and end up digging through the specials and take home some bit of sports kit or other - and walked up to Beacon Hill nature reserve through Clay Lane park.

I was hoping to find a) winter thrushes in the hedgerows or fields and b) interesting fungi in the woodland in the reserve.

In the end I found neither. But I did have a highly pleasant walk on a very bright day, happily listening to Stuart Maconie, a brilliant writer as well as brilliant DJ, and using the sun for photographic purposes.

So, I've had an okay weekend in the end, after the rank, miserable Saturday where I did nothing.

Si

All text and images copyright CreamCrackeredNature 29.10.18

Polish Commemorations

A day of two outside sessions; a very much 4 seasons in one day kind  of visit to Sconce Park where warming sun and chilling  rain alternated at 20 minutes intervals, and then a 6km twilight  run around the lakes.

I noticed in the cemetery that it was the annual Polish Commemoration of their war dead buried in a section of the graveyard. General Sikorski is no longer buried here, but his  countrymen still rest here and every year the local Polish community - quite a large one - light a lantern on every grave.

The candles will still be burning now.

It was a nice run actually, took it pretty smoothly and it was cool enough to make my running jacket wearable without it getting too boil in the bag. The gulls had already flown to their roosts, the ducks gathered under the trees overhanging the lakes.

It's been a pleasant, if cold, day.

Si

All text and images copyright CreamCrackeredNature 28.10.18

More Skies

This week sunset has put on an incredible display, high altitude crystals, Rayleigh Scattering, smoke from the sugar factory and power station.

The sky goes gold as the lower edge of the sun skims the horizon, then the dark violet band of the girdle of venus appears and the lower clouds go purple, and the higher ones go gilded orange; vapour trails from escaping jets leave temporary scars across the vault.

It's beautiful.

Si

All text and images copyright CreamCrackeredNature 26.10.18

The Last Bee of the Year

I have some beautiful skies to show you, but later, dear readers, later.

Today I saw what was almost certainly the last bee I will see this year, feeding off the small flowers that grow in a hedge at work. The chances of any bees being around after the forecasted temperature drop tonight seems pretty mimimal to me.

So here it is, not great shots alas, but a sort of watershed moment nonetheless.

Si

All text and images copyright CreamCrackeredNature 25.10.18

Just a Little Amble

After my run yesterday, my heel has been a bit sore today so I decided to take it easy and just have a couple of  hours walking on what was a very bright but cool afternoon.

Not a lot to say, other than trundling about  listening to Stuart Maconie on Radio  6 is one of the greatest pleasures I have in my life, and there were some nice things to photograph around the two lakes.

Now I'm on the lookout for a winter walking jacket. I'm also wondering if I'm brave enough to try a winter sleep out!

Si

All text and images copyright CreamCrackeredNature 22.10.18

Back in the Long Game

Today started off with a glorious morning; I walked down to the park with my denim jacket on and by the time I got there I was absolutely melting and found myself sitting out at the cafe with just a T-Shirt on, which is kind of crazy for mid October.

There were even butterflies about; flushed a red admiral on my driveway and large whites were up too.

The afternoon did get rather dull, but perhaps I didn't want it to be hot if I was going running. And run I did, 12km, the furthest I've run in ages. Took me ages as well, but to run the Farndon river route after so long felt good, the power station glowering under menacing clouds.

So many geese about too, they've all come back from their holidays!

Si

All text and images copyright CreamCrackeredNature 21.10.18

The Angry Owl

Bit tired today after a run last night - my muscles are still a bit grumbly so I  took it easy today and pottered around on a warm autumn day, shopping (i.e buying rum) and getting my annoying hair cropped.

With advancing years,  my eyebrows are becoming increasingly irritating as well. No wonder eyebrow  threaders seem to charge so much for doing whatever it is that threading is.

The Kilton Raptors were in town today, first time for a while and only three birds today. The scopps type owl looked like it was very mad at me, and was making chacky type noises with its beak.

I hate it when owls are mad at me.

Si

All text and images copyright CreamCrackeredNature 20.10.18

More Golden Hour

It was another glorious evening, the world was plated in a layer of gold and the sun set like god's own blow torch.

I had to take a couple of minutes to photograph it again!

Si

All text and images copyright CreamCrackeredNature 18.10.18

All I have for you is The Sun and Sky

Late on we had more spectacular skies tonight, after a pleasant afternoon where the workplace kestrel flew past my  window on several occasions.

Been a bit ticcy the last couple of days, and I've really hurt my neck and shoulder. No run for me tonight, did an hour on  an exercise bike. Skanky afterwards.

Si

All text and images copyright CreamCrackeredNature 17.10.18

More Rain

You wouldn't know the sun had risen today, the sky was lucky to have made it as bright as "Battleship Grey" at any point today.

A grim day indeed, and unlike yesterday not one I wanted to get out in as there were no cafes open in the parks. But I still had a short walk, exploring the library gardens and the wet blooms within.

There was still the most wonderful smell of lavender in the air, augmented by the wet weather. The mysterious green fruit by the library door I've now discovered are actually those of a species of walnut tree.

Other flowers are blooming, the library has a lot of books in it, I've watched some decent films. Nothing exciting about the day. Just nice.

Si

All text and images copyright CreamCrackeredNature 15.10.18