A Colder Climate....

Our winter,

 in the South West region of the UK,

 has been exceptionally mild,

until the  chill started to set

 in during the latter part of last week.

Saturday,

we certainly woke up to a 'white' looking start.

No, not snow,

but a very icy frost.....

out came the woollies, hats, scraves & gloves.

The coldness of the weather,

not only a shock to the system for us humans,

but a shock to the plant life aswell.

Definitley a time to wrap up warm

Early, but not alone.....

With the return of work last week,

 after the Christmas & New Year break,

the reality of the early starts in the mornings,

 started to set in,

eventhough the weekend break!

The chance of a later sleep in but no!

Needless to say,

awake exceptionaly early!

So early,

enough time to see the early moring sun!

Firstly,

the cleaning of the car, heck,  it's Sunday!

then proceeding to the local town's park.

Although the odd person walking through,

some with their Sunday newspapers,

in the background,

the ringing of nearby church bells,

the walk,

 a tranquil haven,

 with the sun rising for the coming day.

The majority of the time,

 I was left to soak in the

 quietness of my surroundings.

But,

 the activities of a squirrel,

 made me realise I wasn't the only one,

to enjoy this tranquility.

This was also confirmed by  the activity on the stream,

 running at the side of the park,

a hive of activity with various species of duck & swan.

A quiet moment to the start of the day,

but definitely not alone....!!!

Resting. . . . .

While in Dartmouth last Wednesday,

 I couldn't resist taking this photo,

 of a slumped bike & upturned boat,

 attached to an old fashioned lamp post.

 ~   ~   ~   ~

With a late night,

 seeing the New Year in with neighbours & friends,

all I wanted to do,

particularly in the afternoon on New Year's Day,

was to be slouched on a comfy sofa.

Resting!

While relaxing,

I reviewed  my final photos,

 taken on New Year's Eve of 2011!

The photos,

above & below, 

were taken from Burrow Mump,

Somerset Levels,

 just as the sun was lowering. 

Although Burrow Mump monument

stood on the top of the hill in solitude,

the fields below were flooded from recent weather

As the sun finally settles on New Year's Eve,

there's not only thought of a new day to arrive, but also a new year!

~   ~   ~   ~

Really look forward to photographying aspects

of the various seasons once again.

Happy New Year

Wishing all family & friends

 all the best for 2012!

Let's hope it's a positive & memorable one!