Balance

After last night's storm, it came as a relief to wake to a scene of quiet and still. The wind and rain had been relentless and unforgiving but somehow I had managed to sleep well, waking shortly before 8o'clock.

Determined not to feel as I had yesterday, I began the morning with my usual mug of coffee, then enjoyed a delicious bowl of porridge with compote, after which it was decided a walk in the fresh air would do us the world of good.

With our wellies on - many walks around here would be almost impassable without wearing them just now - we set off through the fields, along beneath the trees and up the lane towards the church. Usually this is where we would stop for a while, eat our chocolate and enjoy the view. This morning, however, the view was hidden beneath the clouds and with the spit spotting of rain threatening to turn much heavier, we made a hasty retreat back down the hillside, past the overflowing stream, and into the scant shelter of the woods, by which time the rain had eased off at least.

Although the cold winter days are still ahead of us, it is reassuring to see tiny buds on the tree branches and new shoots poking up through the earth. Signs of new life emerging. Signs of hope.

Refreshed from our walk, we returned home just in time for lunch, which for me was soup, served with some crusty bread still warm from the oven, and maybe just a very small slice of cheese :)

This afternoon I've enjoyed a coffee and a natter with a friend over video call. It's been too long since we've seen one another, so it was lovely to have a good catch up but I really hope we will be able to meet up in person very soon. 

J. X