14th July from the West Cliff Green, Bournemouth

Shakespeare wrote about “Sad cypress” alluding to their ancient association with death, perhaps because of their sadly down-sloping branches. Today, all the trees have taken on a mournful appearance with their branches weighed down with foliage and fruit and raindrops dripping from them like tears. The clouds are thick and lumpy like badly made cold porage and blot out the sun entirely. The rain persists throughout the day in sudden showers and lighter periods of drizzle. The wind roars through the pine tops and carves the sea into long lines of breakers that send clouds of spume high into the air above the beach. It is difficult to hear the pigeons above the din.

From 14th July 2022

The sheer blue tent that is the sky has been troubled only by the tiniest tufts of white cloud. The heat of the sun is intense but a steady breeze keeps the temperature bearable. There is some property in summer air that makes the sound picture somehow softer but clearer. It may be something to do with the fact that sound travels faster in hot air than cold. Or it may not. The intensity of the day seems to match the heat. The sea is barely ruffled and the slap of the little waves are heard distinctly on the clifftop. Bees buzz, Butterflies flutter, pigeons coo. I don't know what constitutes a drought but we must be very near, The grassy areas are parched and dusty. Luckily spring and summer have been early and mild so the majority of plants have set already seed. The apples on a cliff face tree are nearly full size. A group of lads are playing football. The ball skids across and lands at my feet. "Pass it back" someone yells. You all know what should happen at this point. The ball skids off my trainers, over the fence and lands up on the beach far below. But no. For once I am blessed with the skills of James Ward-Prowse and the ball lands at the feet of the player who has called out. He returns to the game quite unaware of the satisfaction that has been afforded me. #bournemouth #westcliffgreen #summer #July

From 14th July 2021

The sun beams down from between the scudding grey clouds. There is definitely more than enough blue to make a sailor a whole uniform. The breez barely ruffles the gentle swell. And floating on the water you can look down at the mesmerising sun light rippling and dancing on the sandy bottom. The bare places on the cliff are beginning to show a mass of purple with the heather. On my way home I meet a trio of West Cliff wanderers. The woman says "You are looking good. I love your trainers." I glow with pride "You all look good." I say and they smile and wave. If you can't do anything else pay someone a compliment. It makes the sun shine even brighter.