New paintings and regular art updates.
I’ve never been to this nature reserve, and yet it’s only about a mile away behind the local University. My friend showed it me today. It takes in some hills, a lake and the River Trent. We walked quickly so I feel really tired out. Its somewhere to visit as the spring progresses. We might even have a picnic. X
Views include the river Trent, near Leek Road, Stoke-on-Trent,
Weeping Willow outside the Gardeners Retreat pub on our walk today. I took the photo because of the way the wind was blowing its fronds around. The clouds were scurrying across the sky and a pale pink glow was growing on the horizon. It was a warm walk, the rain spitted at the start but then fizzled out and we were walking in a buffering wind. In the end I only walked a short distance, around, 7500 steps, but that’s OK……
Walking through rain showers today, saw a spectacular rainbow but I couldn’t get to my phone, this was much later on when I went out again. I’d been for my covid19 vaccination and was worried because my arm hurt. But the walk took the pain away. Now it’s just my feet that hurt. I did over 10000 steps for the second day (just over 4 miles). I’ve never walked so far, and up hill too! Taking in the varied city scenery, I’ll take different photos, but I like this viewpoint.
There was a very heavy rain shower just before my friend and I went out for our afternoon walk. I always wear a mask when I walk even though we are socially distanced. Today I was glad I did as a couple of people (without masks), were coughing as they walked past. My friend noticed I was holding my breath and I explained that I’m always wary of people coughing, or jogging and I will hold my breath for a few seconds. I even notice if the wind is blowing from the cougher towards me.
On a nicer note, the skies were washed clean by the rain and wind. I tried to take photos of the sunset, and although it appeared quite bright the colours really show up in my pictures. X
Another day, 14 so far, will I be able to do #100daywalkingchallenge? What happens when I get there, or trip up and twist an ankle. I hope I can be determined enough. My mind seems to be getting into a walking gear, I’m not as scared of walking as I was. I used to think walking a few hundred yards was hard. The best thing I did was to decide to walk up our steep hill on most walks, get the hard effort done at the start… It really helped me, getting through the pain… I might not be doing 10000 steps, but I’m doing my best!
Oh it was wet today! My feet were wet, my coat soaked, my glasses were both steamed up and splashed with rain. My hubby had a body warmer and his old tweed coat on. But we had a good walk. I bought myself valentine flowers and him a packet of chocolate biscuits. Then we had a Thai takeaway for our evening meal… Not the most romantic day, but comfortable…
Walking every day for a couple of weeks seems to have put me back in touch with the seasons. I’ve been frozen for the last few days, the sun has been shining brightly but the wind has been blowing from the East. It actually made it good to wear a mask, it helped keep my face warm. Seeing the sun setting slightly later each day, when it gets past 5pm I really feel like we are heading back to Spring. Seeing a few snowdrops and crocuses about now. Soon it will be the turn of Daffodils. Hooray!
Walked across the Croft today, a green lung in our city. Frequented by dog walkers who were out in force today. Its like a patch of common land, open to the public, but the local council wanted to open it up as a housing development. Basically to make money. A lot of people protested but it’s still being discussed as far as I know. It would be sad to lose it.
In some ways it’s like another development, HS2, ancient land and forests and trees being grubbed up for a train line which might knock 30 minutes travel time off the journey between London and Manchester. The tickets are likely to be massively expensive, £250 a time, so only someone on a large salary will be able to afford it. Yet again work to support the prosperous and damage and destroy nature.
Well not all of it, where the water was running through the locks there was less or no ice, but some sections were solid with ice about an inch thick. This was in Etruria, Stoke-on-Trent, by the Etruria Industrial Museum. At least it was sunny and out of the easterly wind.
A thaw is due, but then wet weather too. Oh well at least I’ll be able to save on my heating bills!
When you go for a walk and the local fountain looks like this, you know it’s cold!
It’s taken me four hours since I got in to stop shivering. I’m sitting here with a tee shirt, jumper, thick trousers, a fleece and a dressing gown. My hands are still chilly.
I’ve got a few more photos to post, but only after something hot to eat and drink….
Mallaband-Brown