Blue skies, woodland birds & flowers - sometimes that's all I need

What is this life if, full of care, We have no time to stand and stare.

No time to stand beneath the boughs, And stare as long as sheep or cows.

…William Henry Davies

This poem was a favourite of my Mum's. She'd recite it from time to time and, today, the words resonated with me as I walked early (for me) this morning.

It’s so true what it says. We cannot be so busy that we are

unable to stop for five minutes and watch, listen and observe nature around us.

Today was a day to just drink in the Springtime before me. To chill (quite literally on occasions with the cold northerly breeze) and to use all my senses.

The woodland birds were singing their hearts out, the spring woodland flowers like celandine, primroses and violets were turning their heads to the sunshine and even a couple of bluebells in sheltered spots were almost out.

I saw many regular woodland birds but also 5 Little Egrets, Jay, Kestrel and Treecreeper. Delightful.

The week has been rather fraught with car issues – you know the ones – those electronic faults that say one thing and probably mean another. So, after receiving yet another big bill to keep the wheels on the road I decided to call time on the car, sell it and look for another one. I have to say I was impressed with the service from “We Buy Any Car”. They made the selling process very easy and efficient, even advising the DVLA straight away of the transfer of the car to their books.

So, you see, I am on ‘shanks’s pony’. No car. No stress. Just me and my thoughts and the quiet solitude of walking, watching the birds and drinking in the springtime air.

For me, a perfect start to my Saturday morning.

Reality will kick in soon enough. I have my first haircut after 20 weeks later today (hurrah, I cannot wait) and the hunt for a replacement vehicle is about to start. In this transition time between traditional diesel, petrol, hybrid, electric choices the decision-making process will be even harder.

Wish me luck.

Have a good weekend whatever you’re up to. I hope you are able to enjoy some downtime and get out into the countryside to reboot your mind from your busy week. Meantime, I thought you might like to see some pictures from my walk in the South Downs area today.