Tuesday 13.11.2018

Tipped out about quarter past three with the sun already sinking fast behind clouds and throwing long shadows. As we crested the hill before getting into the woods, hundreds of geese lifted off a nearby stubble field, making a terrific commotion as they spiralled upwards before heading into the distance: a moment of pure awe at the sight and sound.

A cool wind blew straight at us on the way up but as we emerged an hour or so later the evening was transformed: completely still, deliciously icy air , red-tinged clouds on the horizon, a waxing moon and silhouettes presaging winter.

Which might make you want to wax lyrical....except now I`m left wondering what that`s got to do with the moon.........

Ah! From www.phrases.org.uk: What's the origin of the phrase 'Wax lyrical'? ... The verb 'to wax' is 'to grow'; the opposite of 'to wane', which is 'to decrease'. Grow and decrease have largely superseded the archaic terms wax and wane in almost all modern usages, apart from the waxing and waning of the moon.

All makes perfect sense now. Live and learn.