What a horrible world!

Rogart. A day of heavy snow that turned to rain. The weight of it brought scots pine branches cracking down. We cleared two big ones off the road. Bringing home firewood & goat food. Scowls from strangers, despite waves from us. Them not realising that the road was blocked prior to our arrival…

Rogart. The snow has completely gone. The ground is beyond sodden, but green again. There’s water coming out of molehills where I’ve never seen it flow before. More rain & strong winds, but occasional clear patches reveal nacreous clouds. Little pieces of magic in the sky…

Rogart. Morning after solstice. The rain has turned to snow. The sky is lit orange by the gritter passing by. Solstice was spent gathering. The eldest is home (& his budgies) & the larder is stocked. I already feel better, possibly in the mood for a celebration. (Or at least a nice bit of cheese)…

Rogart. Brooding sky. Stars coming & going. Fixed points in fast moving cloud. Willows bending & blurring. High gust so far is 55mph. (We’ve had worse). Strange noises from outside, when the pile of handle less shovels takes off across concrete. Heavy metal leaves blowing in the wind…

Rogart. Solstice’s eve. A day spent leaning hard into the wind & travelling back the other way at three times the speed. River up over parks at the bottom of the strath. New springs appearing, silvery on tired grass. Above the fast grey ones, a hint of mother of pearl. Beautiful nacreous clouds…

Rogart. On a day when it got light by a hidden sunrise. Morning drizzle has blown away & is passing by in sheets. A windy day is forecast for tomorrow. It’s all sad looking grass, sticks & skeletons. Though in the garden, snowdrop spears bring hope. Wet birds are spiky & cross looking…

Rogart. Daytime moon. Solstice approaches. The start of winter. (I feel it’s been here awhile). Short days. Forcing unwanted hurry. Bring on the beginning of the end of the dark. (Even if it’s mainly in name rather than in extra minutes of daylight following the shortest day)…