Blog~~Scribblings~Scrawlings and Scratchings

February 19th, 2020

19/2/2020

I just appreciate the magnificence of Nature

I snapped the above photographs in our garden this morning, the sun was shining, but there was a sharp wind blowing. Too cold to actually get any gardening done. The pink Azalea looks beautiful, I bought this plant from Lidl’s supermarket four years ago and it's survived and is still thriving wonderfully. I still can't believe the way the white Marguerite is flowering at this time of the year, they are reputed to be half hardy plants that generally die off in Winter. There's a hardy Geranium in view in a pot, and some colourful Primulas and Primroses. I bought these Primroses and Primulas from Lidl's supermarket for the bargain price of £2:99 for a tray of 10 plants.
I'm particularly proud of the green Hellebore plant, I bought from a church sale eight years ago. This has thrived in our garden and the light green flowers get more attractive every year.

0 Comments

February 14th, 2020

14/2/2020

0 Comments

FRIDAY 14th FEBRUARY 2020

I photographed this fantastic sunrise as it happened this morning, outside our house and again at the allotments. Suddenly, a surreal moment occurred at home, when the sky lit up and flooded our kitchen with light. I guessed it was probably an unusual sunrise and I grabbed my Google pixel phone and snapped off a couple of photos.

The weather was perfect for gardening and I made my way to the allotment. The actual sunrise was beautiful and I immediately snapped off a couple of wonderful photos when I arrived there. The colours of the early morning flash of pre-sunrise lights were incredible, yet totally different from the amazing later complete sunrise.

I try to capture the different shades of life as they happen as every day is welcomed by a new dawn bursting out with a unique pattern. Almost paralleling life itself with a new scenario to face as the ebb and and flow of situations take a unique path.

0 Comments

GRESSENHALL FARM AND WORKHOUSE ~ 22nd MARCH 2016

24/3/2016

0 Comments

AN AFTERNOON ON THE FARM
by John Yeo

Today we have made our minds up to visit the farm at the Gressenhall Workhouse situated just outside the town of Dereham in Norfolk. We entered the historic walls of this much studied example of Victorian life in England. As always, I experienced a bi-polar feeling of a love\hate moment as we made our way to the ticket office.

Our first taste of farming in action was the sight in the distance of a young man working the land with a Suffolk Punch horse. We stopped and chatted with him and he explained he was harrowing the soil, breaking up the dry large clods, ready to sow Barley in this field.

This is the magnificent Suffolk Punch horse who was working very hard when we approached.

Images © Copyright John and Margaret ~

Margaret, won his heart with a few kind words and some friendly strokes and pats on his head. The horse had enormous feet and we were standing back as the young man lifted one of his hooves off the floor and pointed out the large metal horseshoes nailed to the horses feet.

The sun was shining beautifully as we wandered around this very impressive small farm. The farm was started during the workhouse years, to employ some of the inmates and provide some food to help with the running costs and expenses. Next we visited the sheep pens and we watched a couple of lambs gambolling in the field closely guarded by their mothers. Quite a few full grown sheep were nibbling the grass in this field and I made friends with a couple of personable goats.

We decided to explore a part of the farm that we have never encountered before, and we came across this lovely river flowing at the borders of the farm. A notice board informed us this was a tributary of the River Wensum that flows through Norfolk and there was an interesting list of wildlife to look out for.

We wandered further along the river past some very impressive, very costly property, set well back from the riverbanks. We followed the riverbank path for about half a mile just taking in the scenery.
We finally arrived back at the Workhouse where we enjoyed an excellent lunch and a welcome pot of tea for two.

Copyright © Written by John Yeo ~ All rights reserved

0 Comments

THE CHANGES ~ 20th MARCH 2016

22/3/2016

0 Comments

THE CHANGES
by John Yeo
The allotments are a fruitful place to ponder on the ever-changing cycles of the planting year and the changes of the scenery as man made structures appear. The flowers are a sure sign of continual change. At the end of winter the snowdrops are the first flowers to appear, closely followed by daffodils and primulas and hyacinths. The hardy vegetables that have survived the windy blasts of winter, such as kale, leeks and broccoli are finishing their cycle of life and then the weather dictates the garden year. The soil has to be warm to enable seeds to be set and it is interesting to see the changes of method aligned to the natural cycle of weather. At the beginning of spring more birds appear as the breeding cycle begins. An unusual sight is a pair of large seagulls that have taken up residence, one is on the waste green part of the allotments every day, just watching and taking in the scenery. Many subtle changes are slowly taking place that will dictate the eventual results of the growing cycle. Perhaps a new greenhouse on a neighbouring allotment will allow a new barter system to operate as plants are swapped between friends. Small changes that can result in large alterations as life on the allotments goes forward.

MUSING

I planted some Onion seeds in a large pot on the allotment today. I intend to allow these to grow quite large and then transplant the seedlings into the ground. I also planted a different variety of Carrots into another of my large planters. I intend to leave these exactly where they are to grow.
The double Petunias I planted at home are showing through with their first two leaves and I transplanted twelve of these into a couple of planters with six cells in each to grow stronger and larger. I still have about another twelve tiny little seedlings showing through in the window planter.

Copyright © Written by John Yeo ~ All rights reserved

0 Comments

ICE-AGE ~ 17th MARCH 2016

19/3/2016

0 Comments

Image © Copyright ~ John and Margaret

ICE AGE
by John Yeo

Suddenly the ice that has developed over many months is showing signs of thawing. The cold seemed interminable and the atmosphere froze water solid. Jagged edges would appear if any attempt was made to facilitate penetration. When the long period of the freeze began to take effect, countermeasures were started, but the early follow through, failed to stem the systems of ice forming. What is the answer to the continual frozen silence that seems to make the atmosphere darker than ever.
     Trying to conserve the tiny measures of heat that are available is not easy. The blood runs warm in spite of the cold atmosphere that seems to permeate to the soul. There is no rapid answer to the situation once the freeze has taken hold and in spite of everything, everyone feels the chill to a a degree. The stubborn cold refuses to show any signs of a thaw, and the effects of an excessively frozen atmosphere lead to stressful situations for all.
At the centre of the ice web of linking frozen icicles is the helpless victim of a state of mind, that seems to banish the accepted patterns of thinking and feeling that normally stabilise the formation of adverse weather conditions. There seems to be a lack of warmth and affect to generate the antidote to the stormy conditions that will invariably lead to the formation of ice.
There are factors that have been encouraged to become dependant on the ice formation at the centre of the ever expanding ice sheet. This collateral effect can be extraordinarily damaging and virulent to the conditions involved. There is a general outward spread of degenerating icy conditions that is almost impossible to contain.
The total lack of genuine warmth that is normally expected from ordinary weather systems is sadly missing. There is no sense of feeling the need to embrace the natural raising of temperature that has been lost and a continual permanent freeze has irrevocably developed.
The abrasive edges of the ice sheets often collide and cause explosive splits in an otherwise serene environment. All effects of this unreal, yet very real, state of affairs are due to the permanent ice formation, and the withdrawal of warmth from the general icy atmosphere.
Storm clouds are frequent and do little to aid the commencement or maintenance of the long awaited thaw in relations between the various aspects of the ice age that is now underway.
Many temperature variations go almost unnoticed in the storm conditions that continually prevail. The underlying atmosphere generated by the outward conditions, needs very careful attention and quiet handling to enable the outward storm condition to settle down without damage to the entity.
Life must be allowed to flow and adapt, in tune to the prevailing conditions that are freezing the normal controls of the outward situation, allowing the usual system of checks and balances to be satisfactorily restored if that is possible.
   The ice has become so well entrenched now the situation looks as if it has gone beyond the outward bounds of normal reconciliation.
   There are many close factors involved in the overall situation that are more responsible to aid the attempt at any form of a thaw.
The triangle is headed by the subject, the major power that originally generated the storm. There are two subsets of this power that continue to be involved in the ice age that has set in since the storm broke out. One of these subsets is very tricky to control and is more vulnerable than the other, however there is a major part of this subset that should be exerting some authority and instituting some form of survival measures into the equation.
    The other subset is linked to both of these storm effects and also has the means to alleviate some of the barometric influences.
    A tangled web of weather systems that are so frozen away from the major power that the thaw to the continual ice age becomes too impossible to contemplate rationally.
    A major part of this eternal freeze is at least one step away from the centre of the storm and powerless to control the sharp frictions generated by the ice edges continually rubbing up against each other.
    The only possible way to approach the formation of a solution, is to sit and watch the developing ice take its long term toll, and wait for the prevailing conditions to rectify this unwarranted and unplanned ice age.

Copyright © Written by John Yeo ~ All rights reserved

0 Comments

THE PARISH LUNCH ~ 3rd FEBRUARY 2016

6/2/2016

0 Comments

"SNOWDROPS' ~ Image © Copyright John and Margaret

THE PARISH LUNCH
by John Yeo

About fifty people gathered together to enjoy a meal in The Dormy House Hotel, this a thriving establishment overlooking the sea on the outskirts of West Runton in Norfolk. People began arriving on foot and by car, in good time, dressed in lunchtime finery. Many overcoats hats and scarves were in evidence as the wind was biting and the temperatures were in the low single figures. With ample parking space at the rear, just a short walk from the entrance, a superb lunch was promised by the aroma of food emanating from the building as we made our way to the entrance.
   At the entrance to the restaurant, with a smile and a greeting of welcome stood Dr May, the organist and musical director of Holy Trinity Church. As the organiser, he welcomed everybody individually and recorded their presence by ticking their names off on a list. Coats were discarded and hung on the many available hooks and there was an impressive coat stand. Pre-dinner drinks were consumed as the diners whetted their appetites for the feast.
   The appointed time arrived and at a signal from the organiser, we all began to file into the well prepared restaurant. The tables were set up in readiness, five long tables set up to seat twelve people on each. The staff here at the Dormy are always friendly and efficient with a welcoming smile.
  We walked passed the carvery, displaying the meats available for our lunch. A large joint of Beef a joint of Gammon, with a Turkey Breast Crown, waiting and ready for carving. We took our seats. The table positions reflected the wishes of the diners, as people who wished to dine with each other, simply sat together. When everyone was comfortably seated, the Rector welcomed everyone and said Grace.
The waitresses served a uniform starter of tasty Parsnip soup and croutons. Bottles of cold water were placed on the tables for liquid refreshment. Soon an orderly queue of diners were lined up, table by table ordering their main course. A friendly personable chef was carving the meats, and an excellent array of vegetables and gravy was available.
There was a ripple of continuous conversation from the diners, as everyone tucked into their meals, a great deal of general catching up of Parish affairs, and much friendly enjoyment of a happy congenial occasion. When the main course was consumed and the dishes were cleared away, the waitresses delivered the dessert menu’s, a tempting selection of dishes designed to finish an excellent meal, by leaving a sweet taste on the palate.
   Sitting back with a feeling of contented satiation, it was time for a welcome cup of tea or coffee to finish off an excellent companionable meal and give thanks for a splendid lunch.
   A discreet offertory bag was passed around from table to table, the diners placed tips for the waitresses and staff inside, with gratitude for an excellent service.
  Thanks were extended to the staff by Dr May for a wonderful meal. Finally the Rector, thanked Dr May for organising this splendid Parish lunch, bringing everyone together.
  Then the members of the community slowly left the venue. Many worthy parishioners, (myself included), would sleep the sleep of the contented later this afternoon.
Some of our lady dining companions would be attending a pre-arranged Mother’s meeting later this afternoon, at St Andrew's Church, possibly stifling contented yawns from the after effects of a heavy lunch.

This afternoon’s meal was an illustration of the congregations of two village churches, comprising the parish of Runton, bringing people together from several nearby towns and communities to enjoy a friendly dining experience.

Copyright © Written by John Yeo ~ All rights reserved

0 Comments

SYMBIOTIC RELATIONSHIPS ~ 30th January 2016

1/2/2016

0 Comments

SYMBIOTIC RELATIONSHIPS
by John Yeo

The more I think about life in general, the more I become aware of the ingrained symbiosis that permeates our lives at all levels. The employee that is in a symbiotic relationship with an employer is a prime example of symbiosis, each is dependant on the other and the relationship is beneficially dependant on both sides. The employer derives the results of the employee’s input and labour to further his business interests, and becomes symbiotically dependant. On the other side of this symbiotic relationship the employee is totally dependent on the employer to pay him a living wage for the benefit of his input. Both sides of the relationship are symbiotic and beneficial to the lives of each other.
Our personal relationships are another example of the symbiotic nature of humanity. Many people get married or live with their partner in a symbiotic relationship that is thoroughly steeped in symbiosis. Each partner of a successful relationship brings much to each other in the form of love, respect, admiration, and support. They live together, learn to love one another, and in many cases stand shoulder to shoulder together, by confroningt everything that that is thrown up to destroy their symbiotic relationship. Children of the symbiotic union do much to cement the symbiosis and can add strength to the symbiotically joined people until the time arrives when they fledge their wings and develop a symbiotic relationship with a partner of their own.

There is another fragile example of a symbiosis that can lead to much hurt and suffering. People who are unaware that the ongoing friendly, perhaps taken for granted relationship, has slowly but surely developed into a symbiotic dependency that is vulnerable and can be just as hurtful. Perhaps between a single parent and their child or perhaps children who spend many years merging together with the parent, the symbiotic dependence on each other grows, without their awareness or understanding. This is a vulnerable relationship that is always doomed to bring a shock as one or other of the parties to the symbiosis is suddenly gone, irrevocably ripped away by death. Realisation sets in slowly. The life of the surviving person has hugely altered and a replacement symbiosis is virtually impossible to attain due to the impossibility of trying to replace a person who was so close over many years.
Dangers can arise as loneliness can set in, this is a modern curse in our now sadly closed society, where people take their pleasures in the electronic privacy of their homes and rarely cross the threshold to make new friends. There are many shades of vulnerability, some develop a carapace and become too isolated and wary of others to fight.
At this sad time many people take refuge in religion and seek comfort in the family of the church, trying desperately to relate and take some comfort and control of their now empty lives. Finding their own way, re-gaining self confidence and meeting other people, as their faith develops, encouraging their strength to return in the shelter of the words of comfort that are gradually healing the wounds.

Copyright © Written by John Yeo ~ All rights reserved

0 Comments

WRITING ~ "VISTA" ~ 6th SEPTEMBER 2015

8/9/2015

I decided I would try to conjure up a piece of written work using a single word. I chose the word vista, and described a day at sea on a voyage aboard a sea-going ship.

VISTA
by John Yeo

The watery view was endless, waves as far as the eye could see from the side of the ship to the far distant horizon or skyline. Where the sea meets the sky a natural black line separates the two. This is known as the water horizon. The foam-flecked waves were hypnotic, a cerulean blue that was the reflection of an almost cloudless sky on the wavy water below. Almost cloudless, except for the few straggling fluffy white clouds drifting freely, moving slowly as our ship sailed on.
Very few seabirds fly out this far, perhaps a few adventurous Gulls, always on the alert and on the hunt for food. These avian hunters usually fly out within reach of their colonies, especially during the breeding season. The closer to land our ship reaches the more birds are visible, following the vessel and congregating on the shore. On some very rare occasions a solitary migrating bird will land on board ship to rest and search for food or fresh water.
We encounter a number of other vessels on our way, mostly cargo ships piled high with containers. Much of the worlds goods for trade is now transported on board these huge ships. Sometimes we will encounter a small fishing vessel sailing out to follow the fishing routes, usually the closer to land the more small craft we will meet.
Suddenly there is a ripple as the waves seem to open naturally and a grey smooth, powerful, shiny, bottle-nosed dolphin, leaps to the surface from beneath the waves. Then another, and more, as a pair break the surface of the water together. This pod of dolphins numbers at least seven and their greyish blue glistening bodies shine as they leap above the surface of the sea, too fast and unpredictable to get a decent photograph.
Then the wind picks up and the waves get higher, rocking and rolling, testing the ships stabilisers. The beauty of the white-topped waves is clear, white foamy broiling waves with a dark grey reflection from the now stormy looking cloudy skies above.
As we travel through this almost endless vista of deep wavy water as far as the eye can see, the spray and bubbly spume from the now broiling almost stormy sea adds a dramatic frame to the hypnotic splendour of a very unforgiving picture. The mind seems to take flight into the depths beneath the surface, how many sunken ships from many centuries lie rusting and decaying beneath our modern vessel as we steam onwards to our destination? How many lives have been lost to this unmerciful, powerful sea.
The journey continues as the sun sinks beneath the distant horizon in a glorious orange red and golden sunset. This is a memorable beauty that can be preserved and the camera captures the magnificence for later re-living of this superb vista.
A silvery light then illuminates a much calmer sea as night falls, and a full moon lights up the night sky and the waves below, reflecting the moonbeams that now dominate the endless vista of the restless sea.

Copyright © Written by John Yeo ~ All rights reserved.

FLASH FICTION ~ Saturday, 10th January 2015

12/1/2015

0 Comments

ELECTRIC ~ PASSIONATE ~ SAVAGE
Three Word Wednesday
Write something based on and including these three words

FRESH AIR
by John Yeo

The tension in the room had been slowly building to a crescendo. The news had had a devastating effect on the assembled directors and creative money men. The fantastic news had been leaked in advance, air was the new force that would drive everything in the future. Electric power was now redundant as were all the associated fuels and gasses that had previously kept the wheels of life turning.

The presenter was very passionate about his subject. Air, ordinary free air will provide endless power for everything in the future, at the touch of a button air would now produce endless supplies of power. A tiny alteration in the ingredients that make up fresh air is all that is required and the piped results would make up a free miracle fuel.

This bombshell provoked a very savage unexpected reaction from certain sections of the audience, particularly among the fuel and oil industry. This will affect many, many people, jobs and employment in our industries will be wiped out. Savagely demanding that this breakthrough should be hidden and buried, never to be heard of again.

Too late replied the presenter, the genie is now out of the lamp, a lamp that will in future be powered by fresh air.

Copyright (c) ~ Written by John Yeo ~ All rights reserved

0 Comments

The Daily Post~Sounds Right

11/8/2014

1 Comment

SPLURGE

Splurge is a very descriptive word. Descriptive of what I hear your cry. A splurge of colour on a canvas can begin to represent anything in the artists mind. The splurge can be anything loose and messy, mud tends to ooze and a splurge of mud oozing over the hands as one begins to wipe the mess away from the surface can be annoying. A splurge of delicious ice cream left on the lips after enjoying an ice-cream cone can only be dealt with by licking the lips, a universal remedy. I ask you my discerning fellow daily post followers, what else could a splurge be? Apart from something very messy and inconvenient. The universally understood splurge, is the retail binge, shopping and spending as if there were no tomorrow. The splurgy mess comes in when the credit cards are maxed and the interest uncontrollably and messily splurges on the monthly statement.