Wednesday 17.01.2018

An uncompromising winter`s day: a dusting of snow (no snow bombs this far north - yet), bright sun and a vicious icy wind trying to slice off ears and nose as we walked up the road, two layers of headgear not offering much protection.
Once in the woods a different story, the trees shush-shushing all around us, absorbing the fury and removing the sting so the sun soon warmed us and the hats came off.
Reminded me of one of Aesop`s fables:
"The wind and the Sun were disputing which was the stronger. Suddenly they saw a traveller coming down the road, and the Sun said: “I see a way to decide our dispute. Whichever of us can cause that traveller to take off his cloak shall be regarded as the stronger You begin.” So the Sun retired behind a cloud, and the Wind began to blow as hard as it could upon the traveller. But the harder he blew the more closely did the traveller wrap his cloak round him, till at last the Wind had to give up in despair. Then the Sun came out and shone in all his glory upon the traveller, who soon found it too hot to walk with his cloak on.
“KINDNESS EFFECTS MORE THAN SEVERITY.”
I`ll drink to that.

So we were able to enjoy the light and shadow

before heading back, the wind fierce again in the open, poking us in the back all the way down the hill

but we were too warm to care by then.

Wednesday 03.01.2018

Where there was still snow lying in the woods it was covered with a thin frozen crust which made for a satisfyingly crunchy walk. Nearly let the day slip away again but still caught some sunshine though it hadn`t had much effect on the ice that lingers stubbornly in patches.

And as the sun sank lower the light diffused, bathing the landscape in long shadows and soft colours

until it left us with silhouettes, the air completely still, not a sound to be heard, quite breathtaking.

In other news - one of the hens laid her first egg of the year and they went into their shed nearly an hour later than they were doing before Christmas....the days really are drawing out.......

Monday 01.01.2018

Such a stunning day inspired a spontaneous decision to drop everything (well, more or less) and get up Bennachie. Next to no wind and plenty of sunshine though very very icy underfoot it was a fine way to see in the New Year.


Onwards and upwards.