21st December from the West Cliff Green, Bournemouth
A steady cold rain blotting out the distant horizon, although there is a pale light where the sun might break through. The litter picker has been and gone. There are the marks from the tyres of his pick up. The litter man is assiduous and caring. Without him and his deputy the West Cliff |Green would be in a sorry state. Merry Christmas to someone who makes our lives that much better.
From 21st December 2021
Creaking cold. A sharp, nipping wind rattles a couple of dried leaves along the path in front of me. The sea provides a steady, rushing continuo. No stars tonight but the big silver moon slides in and out of the grey slabs and drags of grey cloud. Distant voices sound hollow on the night air. A door slams. #Bournemouth #WestCliff #December #winter
From 21st December 2020
As soon as I step outside a cold rain prickles my face. The wind buffets me along the wet pavement. The trees, dark brown and black stride off into the grey mist. Underfoot swathes of big golden leaves deaden my steps. And everywhere, as deafening as a steel works, the sea roars. I am delighted by this weather. On the beach, the sand polished flat by the waves into an almost mirror shine, reflects the lone jogger as though he runs with a companion. It feels good to be part of all this. I am present in the weather. There is an is-ness about it all. I strongly recommend you put on your waterproofs and try it for yourself. You may not have the sea but you have shiny wet pavements, tall blocks emerging from the mist, the sound of the traffic. Enjoy the solstice as it is.
From 21st December 2013
Clearing out two shelves worth of empty jam jars. They never quite prove as useful as you think they might. But Marmite jars. You can't throw away Marmite jars, can you?
From 21st December 2009
(Not really West Cliff Green But, hey, you know…)
Big snow over the top of Creech and Steeple. Practically a blizzard covering the tracks of the car in front. More snow in Lulworth so came back via Stoborough. By Corfe Castle it was just sleety rain and a steady drizzle here in Swanage. All to Ravel's Bolero on Radio 3.
