Shadow on a Swan

Winter River

The Fallen Willow

This tree last summer had a swing attached to a branch, and other odds and ends scattered about, that indicated children had used this quite secret spot by the old bridge as a hide-out.  A few months ago this same great branch that they had been swinging on came down, landing just shy of the bridge; and the whole scene of devastation has been left as it was, though as the seasons pass it changes. The whole tree is spread-eagled now, like something on a battlefield, but from the fallen branch the willow flowers and a profusion of leaves are still growing, as the branch is still just attached to the trunk. As I was leaving this spot two children arrived with their dog, and I heard the dog splashing around, and the children calling to each other  behind me.

Cow Parsley by River Leet

Backwater, Blue Water

Still everywhere in the Scottish Borders the fawns of February remain, but touched with the brighter colours of Spring.  Was it Coleridge who described that haze of leaf-buds on trees as “chocolate mist” ?  Usually I walk on the other side of the river, but this day I explored a few yards on the pathless side, and enjoyed the peace of a small plantation crossed by the River Leet, where one could catch in the distance the sound of children shouting from up above; but scarcely a bird to be heard this March afternoon, not even the harsh cry of a disturbed heron.  Yes, all very quiet, with  water like blue glass echoing precisely the outline of that tree.

Reflections in River Leet

The Green Leaf

 

 

Heron in the Leet 2

Heron in the Leet 1

Moon, Mooching, River Tweed

Came back in just as the dark was creeping in. The moon was in the clear sky, but what drew my eye me was that heap of pale cloud over the hills on the horizon. I took some pictures earlier of those hills, looking through the new zoom lens, almost like looking through binoculars:

With my naked eye I don’t see the folds of those far hills, and don’t notice that achromatic haze created by distance. I can see I am going to have to find out more about the ins and outs of this camera, and I also know that I am going to have some fun. The delights of not quite knowing what one is about, the real meaning of the word “amateur”, the time to go walkabout. In the morning I am working on a commission, which will take up all next week, if the rough is accepted.  A very interesting commission, but with the need to fulfil expectations upon me, and the hope of pleasing.

With the camera I can just wander about as I please – and since we are on limited rations every other day of the week, I don’t even have to make the supper.  Don’t think I will take a “food” photograph of the tin of red pepper soup and the dried fruit which I dug out of the cupboard in desperation, having bought it in Lidl a year ago. It’s surprisingly sweet and cheap. Unlike myself.