The Sky On Fire

And while last night’s Wolf Moon still held on in the west, to the east the sky was on fire. Aren’t you glad you didn’t stay in bed to miss it?

But, just in case you did: a Good Molten Morning to you all.

Hour Of The Wolf

The Wolf Moon over Manchester tonight, despite the fog.

And, despite that by which it is known, there was no howling to be heard, not even by the wind. Maybe somewhere else in the world tonight the moon was suitably greeted.

I really hope so.

From A Distance

Manchester from Spinningfields.

Spring from Winter.

June from January.

You can see anything you want, from a distance.

Birds, Prey Tell

I took this this morning when heading out before the forecasted bad weather.

Think I just need a kestrel on my arm.

From Me To You

Merry Christmas guys

20 Stories; 21 Years

My daughter sent me this photo that she’d taken of a rainy Manchester, taken from 20 Stories in Spinningfields.

I was going to tell her that that would be a great vantage point for seeing Santa come into the city on Christmas Eve, then I remembered that tomorrow she’ll be twenty-one.

Still The Seasonal Vibes: Three Photos

I took this first photograph while waiting for a funeral cortège, a funeral we couldn’t attend. The mother of a friend had passed after catching Covid, despite being jabbed. We’d spoke with her once in our town centre, not long after lockdown had ended, and she was afraid of catching the virus. Despite following all advice and taking all necessary precautions, she caught it and having underlying health issues sadly succumbed.

My wife and I were waiting the results of our own PCR tests and so couldn’t attend the funeral. But, with it being local, we wanted to stand at the cemetery gates, away from everybody else, to show our respects as the hearse and family cars arrived. As we waited in the car, sheltering from the rain, the wind scattered leaves across the windscreen and this one caught for a few seconds.

The dark day had persuaded the streetlight sensor that night was falling.

The smell of wet leaves, that mulchy, earthy smell. This bench, on the cemetery edge, was waiting for Spring to bring with it regular occupants, to maybe bask in early sunshine and watch the world awaken. It helps to think of cycles and the natural order of things.

It reminded me a little of the more famous, Autumn bench that those four Swedes once sat on. I’ve actually seen that bench in Stockholm. Perhaps this one would attract someone of equal renown. Perhaps it already had. Who but the bench would know?

Another day and another break in the clouds. My wife, son and I all received negative results, but my daughter tested positive and so she’s isolating. With my Mum living next door, unable to remain out of our home due to her Alzheimer’s, we are having to navigate all that.

So far so good.

We nipped into Middleton and, in the midst of a deluge, the sun came out and I took this photograph. It could have been better but I was too slow – by the time I’d got my phone out the sun was already slipping behind a cloud.

At this time of year, a time of change and lengthening shadow, you have to be fast to catch any light.

Sold On The Idea Of Autumn

Autumn Arrives Tonight

Stealth

While we were sat around talking heatwaves, Autumn came tiptoeing in.