Dank days

It can be dismal at this time of year. Happily the light rain has stopped by the time we’re out of the car, but it’s generally grey and overcast. For a brief few minutes, there were glimpses of blue sky above us – but never a chance of sunshine. At least it’s pretty quiet down here, along Stanley Lane and the old railway track – until the shooting parties begin blasting away at the local pheasants and partridges. They’re at it on both sides of the river – it sounds as though war has broken out! (note to self: check for the proceeds in the local butcher’s shop in the next few days… A pot-roasted partridge with seasonal roots would be just the thing for dank December days)