Hibiscus

Forced to stay in on this lovely dry bright sky day due to winter germs,

decided I needed to view something with a bit of colour.

Archived some of my pass photos, in particular, I really like this Hibiscus flower.

One main photo but edited to produce closer-up shots.

Vibirant & beautiful.

Photo taken in the Gambia, November 2007.

The flower head only lasted for one day.

Bareness & Blue Skies

Such vibrant Blue Skies,

 together with the leaveless silhouettes of magnificant trees,

with all photos taken just before Christmas or the New Year. . . .

Bitterly cold weather, appearances very mis-leading!

Viewing out towards the Bristol Channel

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Location:   Quantock Hills, Somerset

Flooding on the Levels

Totally amazed to the extent of the flood water on the Somerset Levels. . . .

Definitely covering field after field. . . .

Although some preventive work was completed some years ago,

to help stop flooding,

 this was definitely apparent it hadn't worked in this corner of the Levels.

Fortunately, it didn't invade the road going to Street that was very closeby.

I just wonder how long this will linger. . . .

Burrow Mump

Sunday morning, up & out quite early.

Decided to head to the Somerset Levels.

We were intrigued to see for ourselves the extent

 of the floods following the recent snow & rain.

The best place to view this is at Burrow Mump, Burrowbridge.

Although plenty to see from ground level,

once at the top of this small hill,

you're able to view as far as the eye can see.

The hill was surrounded with blue skies & yet,

 even though the sun tried to come out over the flooded fields,

there was a chill with a hazy mist in the distance.

The floods invaded field after field,

 which was about the only thing that was visible,

 as far in the distance as it was possible to see.

In fact, so much so,

  that this huge expanse of water was

 attracting many wild geese & birds, even sightings of swans.

A real haven for them at the moment.

~   ~   ~

Other photos to follow. . . .

Homeward Bound

Definitely noticed a slight withdraw of the

 early darkening evenings on returning home today.

Was amazed by the colours of the sun setting,

 the photos don't really do it justice.

Couldn't wait to get my camera, rushed,

 so many photos were well out of focus.

but these proved to be the best of what was taken.

At the moment, I normally arrive home later & in complete darkness from work,

so this was a pleasant way to end the working week.

So Close

A couple of weeks, just before Xmas,

this Blackbird took me by surprise,

as he was so close to the house

 & remained so for quite awhile.

I was in the kitchen, oblivous at first of his presence.

I happened to stop what I was doing & he caught my attention.

Thought he may fly off as I continually stared out of the window,

 but he seemed determined to stay.

 Every now & then,

he hopped along the ground in search of insects & worms.

In fact, he stayed long enough for me to get my camera.
He certainly wasn't camera shy either.

The Four Seasons

The thaw has continued with immense speed during the last couple of days, with now the prospect of strong winds accompanied with rain,

With the thought of this,

my thoughts have turned to the various seasons,

most probably looking forward to the prospect of Spring,

not that I'm really wishing my time away.

 Just looking through the archive of photos I have stored away. . . .

A Slight Thaw!?!

With the snow follows a slow thaw from the trees. . . .

The water droplets suddenly casscade to the ground. . . .

Something so small, & yet so beautiful after a closer inspection.

Although still much snow & ice on the ground,

 the majority of  branches are now nearly bare once again,

some snow remains & hangs on  into every crevice. . . .

Finallly Snow

Last night, it started to Snow.

My neighbours returned from Switzland last night,

& they say it started the minute they entered their door.

I think the weather followed them. . . .

Although  it was photogenic, it mean't I wasn't going to work.

May have passed my driving test many years ago, but only drove for first time in snow last winter,

but this has instinctivitly put me off driving in such conditions.

This may have been forcasted, but it still seems to take you by surprise.

Just not use to living with the snow,

 as our last big  significant downfall was so many years ago.

It snowed during the night & into the morning, then restarting late morning.

 As they say, beauty can be seen in every season.

Very much a true meaning in every sense of the wording.

Tomorrow,

could be worse due to the ice,

& eventually,

even a threat of more snow on the way. . . .

 ~   ~   ~

But, tomorrow,

 I will at least attempt to walk to work,

eventhough it's quite a long walk. . . .

Icy Conditions

Yesterday, we travelled to London for the second time during the past week.

Our aim was to head for the London Wetlands Centre @ Barnes.

The weather was bitterly cold with icy conditions,

so warm clothes & the regular intake of hot drinks

 were very much needed to keep us going through the day.

A majority of the water was frozen,

 making it extremely difficult for the various species of ducks/geese.

Certainly didn't need to see a 'Panotmine on Ice',

 as the spectacular of the day was 'Ducks on Ice!'

Although treacherous conditions for the wildlife, even slippery conditions for us humans,

so grateful for my walking boots, although even then, I had to take care.

Just loved the duck below preening his feathers

Pleasant Surprise

A cold but relatively bright start to the New Year.

A drive to the nearby Quantocks via Kilve in the early afternoon.

Parked up to an area that lead to several footpaths onto the Quantock Hills.

While parked in the car park, spotted a Robin.

Such inquisitive birds, but such a tease, especially the one that frequents my garden.

Not been lucky enough yet to photograph this one.

But today was going to make up for that.

It was so cold that very soon felt the chill of the day with feet & hands becoming nearly numb.

The ground was predominantly firm as the frost & ice had well & truly set in.

The fallen leaves & now brown bracken was tinged with white,

 a very wintery look to add to the day, but at least no sign of rain.

Just a cold crisp day!  

A lovely start for the 1st January 2010!

Max thoroughly enjoyed his walk,

& he even ignored me when I called him,

 he was also trying to make the most of the day!

A new camera lense to practice with,

 so was well & truly looking for the delights of nature,

as I was eager to use the macro setting.

I wasn't disappointed.

The homemade soup on our return home thankfully helped us to thaw out!