It seems like an age since I last wrote a blog, but so much has happened in that time. To say that I have been challenged would be an understatement! It was always my intention to write a blog every month. However, it has just not been possible in recent weeks/months. Between that last blog written in June and now, I lost my Mum, the UK lost its Queen (my boss when I was in the army), and there have been two new Prime Ministers! On top of all that, I have had to fix problems with my computer and deal with a lengthy legal matter. Thankfully, the legal case was recently concluded and there was a favourable outcome. Feeling mentally drained, I am now trying to settle back into some sort of normality.
As you may remember, I had started to construct a timber hide in the orchard.
Progress has been slow but despite all of the recent problems, I am pleased to say that it has now been completed. Some of the locals have been very curious as to what I have been doing and trail cam footage has shown some checking it out.
Word travels very quickly in the hamlet! I feel very proud of myself; the hide has turned out exactly as I wanted and has given me a great vantage point to watch and photograph the wildlife. I am also very grateful to the neighbour who transported all of the timber to the site.
It is a good community here and there are those who are only too happy to help. The hide is now equipped with a camping stove, kettle and all the ingredients for making a nice cuppa on the cold days of winter. Don't forget. in the Store you can by a mug printed with any one of my images along with a large variety of other products.
Ceramic Mug
This quality 11 ounce ceramic mug with a wrap-around print is the perfect keepsake. Size: 11 oz.
Work on the hide went smoothly but as I have already mentioned, progress was slow. There were days in July and August when temperatures hit 40 degrees, it was just too hot to work. There were other days having to be spent buried in legal procedures and jargon. However, when conditions suited, it was so satisfying to work on the hide. It acted as a therapy to take my mind off all of those negative issues going on.
Yes, it was sometimes difficult to motivate myself and I won’t deny that I became very down on several occasions. Nonetheless, I had a plan and I was determined to see it through. During construction, I noticed many birds in the surrounding trees and hedgerows. It was as if they were watching me, curious and wanted to know what was going on, but they remained totally unfazed.
We have the greatest sunsets around here, I worked late some evenings!
Les Grues (Common cranes) have been flying over in large flocks, heading south for the winter. I may be wrong, but it seems as if the migration has been extended this year. Last month, we saw the familiar flocks overhead, but the latest cold spell seems to have encouraged the stragglers to make their dash south. The calls of the cranes overhead is always a sure sign that winter is upon us. They will of course return around the end of February and this is our indicator that spring is on the way.
I watch them fly with interest and, every so often, they break formation and start to fly around in circles as if lost. I can’t help but imagine that they are saying to each other “I thought you had the map”! Eventually, they readjust and continue on their way in a lovely arrow formation. It reminds me of life in some ways. We can be on a particular pathway for a while and then encounter chaos. We just have to ride it out, adjust our heading, and then continue on our way towards our goals.
The end of another year is fast approaching. I would like to take this opportunity to say a big Thank You to all those who have signed up to the website, your support is greatly appreciated. Furthermore, I would like to wish everyone a great time during the upcoming holidays and All the very best for 2023. I look forward to writing and posting more photos for you next year.
