Swam!

Yes! I managed to get myself up and out for an early swim. I have felt a bit of ‘tension’ lately with this newer stent so I didn’t want to force unnecessary strain. I swam 700 metres, which was enough today, given the floating snails that occupied my lane,

I had driven to Didcot, in the dark, via Wallingford. I returned across country, splashing through minor flooding that remains. My new spectacles stood up to the test of dark driving really well.

But, when visible, the views on the outward trip were outstanding. Across the fields behind me, the sun was slowly rising , and a liquid fiery gold spread across the mistiness of the fields. But in the opposite direction, a vast, really vast, straw coloured moon was setting. There was nowhere to stop, so its beauty was not recorded.

I returned home for a little break, and more painting before taking H out. The day was bright and sunny so I decided to check out Pangbourne Meadows, now, with winter in mind, renamed Pangbourne Marshes. I’ve seen them worse and wetter, although we have not been there for a few weeks. The river was high and fast flowing. H disappeared into the distance, busy on some important investigation or other. She seemed comfortably familiar with her soggy, lush surroundings. The grass was thick and the ground spongy. Few people were about so it was all very pleasant.
A heron perched itself in the opposite bank to say hello. So did the geese, but on the same bank as us. H now regards them as subjects to be ignored.

I was just leaving the car park when I received a phone call from DCI, asking if I could give him a lift to Goring station. He was about to take a trip by train to Leeds in order to pick up his parents, and drive them, in their car, down to Streatley. Freda is the only driver now, and the journey from Leeds south, is not an easy one. So Dave got his lift, H got to play with Minnie for half an hour, because it was easier to go directly there than to go home, and I drank a cup of decaf coffee.

I arrived home and involved myself in more painting. I’ve just enrolled for a half day workshop on snowscapes in water colour, another with Denny. Mid November.

Very late lunch and a doze followed. The grass requires attention from the mower but it may have to wait until the stent is removed. But it is now quite tricky finding it dry enough to mow. I reckon one more cut will do it.

Safe travels to Terry and Eleanor after their holiday in Grammeno. They return to the U.K. tomorrow.

Thought for the Day