Magnificence in nature...

uesday 16th February, 2021

A sunny day and the thaw in full swing but a few irritating snow men standing around as well as piles of snow pushed from cars and drive ways. My first safe walk on the pavement at 11am to get bread...no bread had arrived so I will try tomorrow. I did see my old friend the mystic painter who was delivering African foods to the parish priest. He is from the Congo and has not yet gotten used to our diet. Also collections are non existent as churches closed and no services allowed. She is so thoughtful. I asked as to the foods and she showed me all sorts.

Then after a lunch of failed fruit scones ( actually rather delicious with butter and lavender jelly ) another walk. This time I took my litter grabber. It was lovely although the sun directly in my eyes as it is so low. A wondrous sound of geese and two vast skeins in the sky. They were like lights flashing as the sun reflected off their wing movements. It is the sounds I relish. Then various amorous pigeons and some very loud birds, mainly sparrows in a quarrel yet also some chaffinches...Spring is here and nests may soon be underway. To my amazement a buzzard sat on our sea wall. It must have been driven by hunger. A magnificent bird but also the answer as to why so few song birds are about.

The litter grabber was hard at work. I bumped in to the pharmacist. I had a chat with a fellow Probus member and he is 'bored out of his mind'. Then a Mother and Daughter from church who 'have had a wonderful time with the snow'. Also my stylish loud exciting trouser wearer with a superb red military shaped jacket. Oh to be young. Another acquaintance in a bit of a state as her dog has diarrhoea and her 'pooh bag is not helpful'. So the people's one meets. I also had fun kicking at snow stacks...it helps the melting process and makes one feel so good!

This morning I was saddened to read of the coverage of the interview of Prince Harry and his wife with Oprah Winfrey. So much speculation and gossip and unkind commentary. The media...but I suppose we have a celebrity culture and celebrities need publicity to make money and even feed their vanities. Yet also impressive news. Chris Lewis a Mountain rescuer had gone with others to rescue two people who were sick somewhere on the Yorkshire Moors. They were there against the Covid rules and regulations and law but still got in to trouble. Chris slipped and it seems has broken his back and will never walk again. His first comment in hospital was to ask how the two people were. Fellow rescuers were telling of his generosity and how he and they never judge, they do their job to the best of their ability.

I had an email from my MP Wendy Chamberlain. I often write of my concerns and she always answers. This was about the Trade Bill and the possible trading with regimes who have committed genocide. Then another email telling me of the death of an old friend of yesteryear. RIP.....a good man, ever generous and I recalled such great dinners together. Finally three letters one of which saddened me as it was of a friend's mental depressions.

Once again a fabulous sunset with nature displaying her utter beauty and vast collection of unique shows for us all. As I gazed at the sunset so I focussed also on my pot of daffodils...another has budded and is opening. I am reminded of the awesome nature of life, of creation. Magnificent...one simply needs to note it.