It is a mid july afternoon, quiet and stillness reigns.  The sky is slowly fading into darkness.  This is happening later now than just a week ago.  Although the air is cold and frost was thick this morning, this change in the timing of day to night promises spring. 

frost at 8.15, it disappeared soon after

  Magnolia trees are covered in buds that stand up from their bare branches like candles on a Christmas tree.   The wisteria vine is covered in buds. 

After a week of hideous winds, today has been one of those perfect winter days that would be quite easy to live with for the whole of the season.  Despite the cold, the sky was a cloudless blue all day.  The sun actually warmed you if you stood in it long enough and the ever so slight breeze did no more than ruffle your scarf.

This afternoon I walked in the main park and took photographs of the promises of spring, the light that was lingering well after 5pm, the leaves still in piles on the ground under the trees,  the moon  ¾ full and shining benignly down from a still blue sky.  People were walking their dogs, walking themselves, walking home from work, a few were jogging industriously.

Despite many trees reaching upward with bare arms, the beauty in their stucture is wonderful.  I've always loved winter and the differences in nature.  Seeing the sculptural aspect of trees without their leaves gives them a whole new level of beauty. 

I loved the way this patch of light went straight to the tree

The light that spreads across the landscape, highlighting the greens, is exquisite.  Photos cannot really translate this adequately.  The whole feel of the air combined with the diminishing light is almost magical. 

There were beautiful camellias, iceberg roses not yet cut back for their winter pruning, jonquils, irises, violets all beginning to bloom and give that promise of spring. The garden beds are planted out ready for the coming spring and some of these flowers are already popping up little flower heads.  Violas, petunias, the odd marigold.  How brave they are in the face of the cold we have had. 

So far we have had a winter that is reminiscent of sort we had 20 years ago, came in right at the beginning of the season, preceded by an autumn that was also crisp, cool and invigorating. 

see the moon peaking through the upper branches

light quickly sinking

As much as I will appreciate the warmer weather when it comes, I am trying to enjoy the special beauties that winter brings.  All the seasons have their saving grace no matter how we view them individually.  Try and enjoy what they offer. Life goes quickly enough without wishing it away because we don't like the weather.

Savour each day, till next time

Jo