23rd October from the West Cliff Green, Bournemouth
Thunder and heavy rain during the early hours. But now it’s a day to be outside. The sky is blue and the sun is strong. A family of Five magpies chase each other through the tree tops. Five for silver. And now there is a silvery sheen to the sky as the clouds build up. It is warm enough for people to swimm and the waves are no more than big playful puppies not knowing their own size and strength and push the unwary swimmer over. All afternoon there are grumbles of thunder from an enormous storm out in the channel. Then a big charcoal shelf of cloud pushes over the horizon. The eyes of God slant down through the edges. Rain showers can be seen in the distance and, just as the sun disappears, a rainbow forms. Then the rumbling becomes distinct claps of thunder. The wise are already running for cover as the big drops of rain start to fall. And in a matter of seconds, the rain becomes a torrent and unwary walkers are instantly drenched. The hail joins the rain. It is hard and hurtful and everything is lost in a grey out. The thunder continues but by now we are inside. Clothes heavy with water and the best view of the storm is through a window.
From 23rd October 2021
A cold wind and grey skies. But old friends and good company warms you through.
From 23rd October 2013
Across the cliff the sky is thickly blue-black and hunched, looking for trouble. Directly above it is the palest blue and speaks of milk maids on their way to the dairy.
Later
Those big ugly clouds have cleared off for breakfast. A mass of gold edged hangers-on are racing after them so that they don't miss the action.
