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Trees, Snow and Confused Dogs.

Richard was undeterred by the weather.
So far this week we've had snow (twice), icy winds, torrential rain and a fleeting glimpse of spring sunshine. This figures, as I'm on annual leave for a few days.

On Monday we decided to take the dogs to the beach, seeing as the first batch of snow had melted. Would it be New Brighton or West Kirby? We chose to board whichever bus came first, and a short while later we disembarked at Hoylake. We meandered round the shops along Market Street then took the public footpath which runs between the railway line and the golf course, coming out on Greenbank Road in West Kirby.

Emily got  a bit confused and wanted to turn left, the route we used to take to head for home - or rather, to what used to be home three years ago. The familiar sight of the beach cheered her up, even though the tide had only just turned and much of the sand remained underwater. Poppi gave a chunk of seaweed a good barking at because it was there.


Richard is currently watching a DVD which shows every goal ever scored by Everton FC. My updating of this blog is not coincidental.

Sport bores me. It always did. I simply do not care who can run in a circle the fastest, or who can jump over the highest stick. If people wish to risk life and limb by hurtling down an icy tube whilst clinging to a little metal sledge-thing, then they are totally welcome to do so. Each to our own, etc., etc. Just don't talk to me about it.

Moorland Stream; watercolour.


Tree #1: Birkenhead Park Series; oil on canvas.

I have begun working on paintings for my planned Birkenhead Park series. Here you can see the self-explanatory Tree #1, though it's not a particularly good image as I had to scan it while holding the still-wet oil painting off the screen. Consequently the focus is marred, and the scanner has zoned in on the weave of the canvas.  

Tree #2 has been started. Both paintings are just 7.5" square, and based on sketches done in the park. The tree in Tree #1 stands very close to the Roman boathouse, and I've sketched it a number of times as I'm fond of its lovely gnarly, twisty shape.

Our Garden, 8th March 2018.

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Hi, and thank you for your kind comment. I'm glad you enjoyed reading my blog, which I try to update at least once a month.

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