Tuesday 31.3.2020

Another early start. Spur of the moment. Dogs and I beat the bounds on the back hill as usual on a grey, mizzly morning but as we came back down the sun suddenly emerged from behind a cloud and bathed the landscape in the most extraordinary light.
Swapped wellies for walking boots, shooed old dog back in (she went gratefully) and younger dog and I scuttled up the road towards the woods. Birds all in fine voice, including the woodpecker, his (her?) hammering ringing out in the icy air. For despite the warmth of the sun, when it occasionally disappeared and we were left to the mercies of a strong north-westerly wind it was freezing.

Met a man with a gun, as you do. Not quite so sinister as it sounds: this was a friendly country gentleman of mature years who I`ve never encountered in the woods before, and (the designated two metres apart of course) we agreed it was a lovely morning and discussed the local bird life. He had a large pair of binoculars and what looked like a tripod and we parted with a cheery wave.....but I`m still not sure what he was hoping to bag with the rifle at quarter to eight on a Spring morning. Did wonder if he`d given up shopping as too problematic and was trying to secure his next lunch.

Always think it`s odd we don`t meet more walkers in the woods - it`s generally the usual few suspects and then not very often.

However, it was a lovely morning for a walk, the catkins always an optimistic sight at this time of year

and that early light creating some magic.

And later, got to go for a second walk in the woods (but this time didn`t meet anyone), slow dog came along too so we took our time, properly relishing the space and fresh air. Not lucky exactly, we chose to live up here, but particularly fortunate just now. Onwards and upwards and into April!

Friday 28.3.2020

An increasingly weird and surreal few days, instructions changing daily. So as in the army, obey the most recent order, and here we are, socially distanced. But then we are anyway up here on the hill. And counting blessings galore, in particular the space that surrounds us: our own few acres of Scottish land plus, about 4 or 5 hundred yards up the road, a 300 acre wood for our delight and relief.

And younger dog and I were up there early this morning - while old dogs slept on :) - blown up the road for a change as overnight the wind had gone round and was coming down from the north with the
odd bit of sleet and hail on it. Cold:sunshine one minute, freezing showers the next. The deer were startled to see us up there so early but it was a good place to be,the fresh air with that extra early morning tang, the birds in full morning chorus mode.

Couldn`t have been more diffferent yesterday afternoon and evening when the sun burst through the stone grey skies we`d had all week, the wind dropped and all we could do was sit around soaking up the warmth. It was even possible to spend half an hour at the top of the field, watching the sun go down, without turning to stone.

Tonight, then, the clocks "spring forward" but I suspect we won`t be springing anywhere very far in the foreseeable.

Friday 13.3.2020

High grey cloud, air cool but completely still, encouraging the intake of great lungfuls of the stuff which seemed a particularly positive thing to be able to do in the light of the impending cataclysm.

Two lapwings cavorted in a field as we walked up the road, a lovely sight and sound but a sad reminder of the flocks of them we used to see 30 odd years ago.

Anyway, we strode into the woods which were eerily quiet, even the birdsong seemed muted though the woodpecker is back and was making his presence felt. The clouds began to shift a little and a weak sun came struggling through as we turned for home, looking forward to a virus-bashing lunch. Roasted garlic soup anyone?

Monday 9.3.2020

Shirtsleeve order this morning, hat and gloves abandoned even before we got up the drive and sweater removed once we were in the woods. Not exactly sunrise though a little earlier than we have been setting off recently (not long after nine) but the birds were still giving it the full dawn chorus, amplified in the completely still air. Warm sun offset by a cool breeze made walking-quite-fast the ideal pace, the urge to keep looking up through the trees to the very blue sky irresistible.

Even old dog picked up a little while younger dog covered a couple of miles for every one of ours - no bird, deer or little furry creature left in peace. She still hasn`t worked out that they`re all too quick for her but it keeps her fit. :)

Wednesday 4.3.2020

Last few days perfect for walking whether in the woods or round the bounds. During the day bright blue and white and sunny with a wind which, though cold, has been enlivening rather than seeking to kill. Beautiful light with the suggestion of spring in the birdsong and scents of grass and pine and freshly turned earth.

Most mornings and evenings the wind has dropped, the icy stillness grabs at the breath and the soul. In the mornings larks hover overhead heralding the day; in the evening it`s a demi waxing moon that hangs in the sky and watches over our return to the fireside and supper.

A lot of magic in the air on these kind of days.