Today’s Pictures: 28 Dec 20

On By stuartakenIn Nature, Photography
A low sun bursts through a gap in the branches of this ancient beech.

The more people who share this post on social media, the more it will let those stuck indoors due to Covid 19, enjoy it. And it’ll reach more people to show them our wonderful world. Maybe, between us, we’ll restore some love and respect for nature and slow down the damage to our environment. Thank you.

A breaking wave on England’s south coast. Shot in May 2013.
Tall firs provide shade on a fenced path descending into the Forest of Dean.

If you like my pictures, why not have a look at my gallery? You can find it here or through the ‘Gallery’ tab at the top of the page.

18 thoughts on “Today’s Pictures: 28 Dec 20”

  1. Pingback: Today’s Pictures: 28 Dec 20 | In the Net! – Stories of Life and Narcissistic Survival

    1. It is, Noelle. I worry a little about potential forest fires when we have a prolonged dry spell, but that doesn’t happen often here, and the stone setting makes it unlikely up there. When up there, you can almost see the hobbits gathered around telling their tales.

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  4. I never get tired of looking at the forest, it is nice that the sun poked its head out at the perfect moment too. That made for a beautiful picture of that giant and most beautiful tree. Thank you my friend. love and hugs coming to you xoxoxo

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    1. That wonderful old beech, Joni, is one of a small number that grow on the edge of an ancient quarry where someone with time and skill has used abandoned flat slabs of quarried stone to make a circular seat with a hearth in the centre. We suspect it’s used for bar-b-ques in the summer months, but we’ve never actually seen anyone else up there! The first time we found this spot we ascended an extremely steep climb and entered the old quarry, From there, we did a spot of rock climbing to find the actual area at the top where the seat lies. Only later did we discover we could reach the same spot by an easier route. But it was an interesting little adventure!

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      1. That is a beauty of a tree. You have an adventurous story that accompany every photograph Stuart. How interesting. You two like a challenge I can tell that much, and I love it. Walking in the woods is not just great exercise, an amazing place to capture photographs but to have an adventure with your wife. Have a wonderful evening you two. Love Joni xoxo

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        1. I can’t help myself, Joni. Telling stories appears to be in my blood. And the only way to gather material for stories is to live them as often as possible. Mind you, my joints and bones do seem to complain a bit these days. Valerie and I always have the view that we’ll ‘do whatever we’re able until we’re not able any more.’
          You and Scott keep safe and stay well. And enjoy life – it’s the only one we get, after all.

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          1. I sometimes think about how I use to climb an oak or climb a fence like it was nothing. Your right about our experiences, when we write from the heart that is when we really feel it. You certainly have a gift. We will be careful. We try to walk a bit and only go to the grocery store or Dr. appointments if they don’t do virtual. That hasn’t been a problem. Life for us is but a second here my dear friend. Be safe you two. Sending lots of love and hugs. 🦋🤗💕❤️⭐️⭐️

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              1. Thank you Stuart that is very kind of you. I once ran away when I was sixteen. There was a city recreation center where we lived, which was really just a building an acres of grass and forest. My parents sent someone to look for me but they could not find me. I stayed hidden in one of the oldest and most beautiful oaks right in the center of the grassy section during the day. I could watch the person calling for me and searching but I was more comfortable with the trees then with most people. Sorry for the rant but your kind words brought that memory right to me. Love to you both. I am so grateful you two are able to stay clear of people. In the US they have already said the hospitals will soon have to start choosing who will live and who will die with triage. Sending safe love wrapped in hugs. 🤗💕Joni

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                1. I know you had a difficult childhood, Joni. I’m not at all surprised you tried to escape it. And that was hardly a rant, more a gentle account of a childhood trauma.
                  On the hospital issue, I suspect that outcome will be common worldwide before this pandemic is done. All we can do is look after ourselves and those we love and hope the idiots who, through ignorance or fear, deny the reality and continue to lead ‘normal’ lives leave us alone.
                  You two keep safe and stay well.

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                  1. Thank you Stuart, I consider you a good friend. I have been blessed by knowing you.
                    It may seem strange to others but I don’t really care about that. You have a very kind heart and I
                    Know that Valerie does as well because to live with a creative person can sometimes be a challenge but we have spouses which are supportive.
                    You are probably right about the hospitals. I would not want that job. I can’t even imagine being a nurse now. They will suffer from all kinds of psychological issues. Many have PTSD already. So grateful for all the front liners. You two have an amazing day my friend. Love ❤️ Joni

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                    1. I was only thinking of that the other day, Joni; how challenging it can be for the spouse of a creative person. Valerie isn’t really creative; much more interested in sport, where I have almost no interest. But we fell in love on sight over 36 years ago and are still very much in love. Seems you and Scott have a similarly loving relationship. It’s something we all value and never take for granted.
                      Hope the coming New Year brings you all you hope for.

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                    2. I agree. Scott is supportive and loving. He has never once complained about my blogging. It is romantic that you feel in love at first site. Sounds like we are both extremely blessed. Scott is my best friend and we love each other very much. I am lucky and try never to take him for granted. We can’t stand to travel without the other. I have felt so badly for anyone alone during all this craziness. Happy New Year to you too friend. I hope you two have all your dreams. Give Valerie my best and lots of gardenias for the house. Love ❤️ to you both. Joni 🤗💕❤️🦋

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    1. They grow in a plantation just above our house, Brenda. The track leads into the forest from a hairpin bend on the road above. There’s an ancient quarry off the track that always seems full of mystery.
      So pleased they find an emotional connection for you.

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