Morning, and the sun wakes us up.  Whilst it is still very wet underfoot it is great to get out and enjoy the warmth and glow of a winter sun.   I have to be honest and tell you that it wasn’t ‘wall to wall’ sunshine all day.  Just enough bright spells to put a spring in the step and a smile on the face.  As for that smile…. well sunshine on my favourite Silver Birch makes me pause and smile..

Sunshine or not, the Lake still looked grey and cold, but the bankside vegetation still retaining some of its autumnal greens and browns…..

In the Garden the Twisted Hazel is anticipating the Spring.  Fresh Catkins and new buds swelling on the distinctive twisted branches.

The Mahonia is starting to adopt its winter colours…. a shrub that for most of the year sports a somber green coat, but come December  – out comes a rich mix of gold, red and ambre…

It is surprisingly refreshing how such a brief spell of sunshine can be…… guaranteed to lift the spirits.   Not that the Golfers needed much encouragement for a round of Socially Distanced Golf in the winter sun….

We just wait, once again, to see what the weather will deliver tomorrow, could it possibly be another sunny day?

Please Remember ….

Stay Safe …. Be Kind…. Look After Each Other

19th December

(C) David Oakes 2020