False promises

0605/7th May 2025

.

Why do people crave man made accoutrements and pleasures when the natural world provides so much more that is vastly more wondrous and inspiring?

Largely, I suppose it’s because so many are brought up without access to what is natural.

.

Yesterday afternoon’s perusal of swollen rivers was mostly disappointing and with more rain overnight, we decided to take another expedition today, which has left me a bit short of time, but here are some of this morning’s pre-breakfast snaps.

.

It was a dawn of false promises.

The forecast had been for more rain so, surprised by early sunlight, I went out to watch the sun rise.

.

As it crests the hill across the valley, the Sun bathes our upper field with glorious golden light.

After many days of grey gloom, it is especially uplifting.

.

Once engaged, you have to keep watching and sweep your eyes back and forth.

.

My attempt at a video was unsatisfactory, largely because I’m not good at it and also because a heavy farm vehicle rather ruined the birdsong.

There were already signs of returning rain, but this sort of day can be picturesque.

.

Images moments apart and from a slightly different angle.

Some would say they are the same.

Some would say red wine is red wine.

.

Running back the other way, I saw the horse ranch had lit up.

.

As had the trees on a distant hill, brought close by the telephoto.

This light emphasises the subtle differences of the greens.

.

The lilac is in bloom, having survived another winter due to a lack of false starts this year.

All too often the lilac has burst forth too soon only to fall prey to late frost.

.

While rain had stopped for now, water is still gushing down our hill to flood the corn field.

.

Does this make you want to ask:

“Hey! What’s going on over there?”

.

Grabbing my buckets of bird food, I trotted toward the garage, ready to chase the foxes…

.

Yesterday they were romping by the road and although there is very little traffic, it would be better if the farmer didn’t catch sight of them.

There have been no corpses for the last three days, I’m glad to report.

.

Luckily today the foxes were being kept in.

It was now full daylight and time to feed the dear little darlings indoors.

5 thoughts on “False promises

  1. After our mini-heatwave, we have been under dull cloud and chilly temperatures for days now. But no rain for a long time, by Beetley standards a real dry spell. That suits me nicely. The foxes are very cute!
    Best wishes, Pete.

  2. Thank you, Carolyn, for the nature-inspired post! Some of your beautiful photos reminded me of Constable’s paintings. I love the lilac tree and the young foxes!

    Joanna

  3. Nature has a lot to offer. Like Jeremiah Johnson said “Been to a town.” However there is a lot to be said for indoor plumbing and climate control for those times nature isn’t cooperative. It’s one thing to be 6 and camp out with your grampa on a gravely sandbar in the middle of Tablerock Lake and quite another to live there🤦🏻‍♂️

  4. The trees are lovely, and the foxes are adorable!
    Thank you for sharing 😊

    Catherine

  5. I would be very happy to enjoy such spectacular views so early in the morning – and no photo is the same. There are so many beautiful photos here that you could almost make an exhibition of just this post! Love the photo of the foxes!

Leave a Reply to Phil HustonCancel reply