This morning was the first decent frosty morning this winter although, to be honest, while it was certainly chilly, here in ‘Sauff’ London it wasn’t that “OmyGod my teeth hurt” kinda frosty. I had already decided to work from home today but I felt I needed a proper ‘wake-up’ blast of fresh air and so I popped out for a quick walk around the Common before I sat down to work on some commissioned illustrations. I took my camera to capture the lovely wintery morning and I’ve decided to share my walk with you.
T and I are lucky as Tooting Bec Common is only across the road. It’s wonderful to be able to nip out and immediately be walking around such a large open green space with woods and playing fields and a tea room and tennis courts. Oh and a duck pond, there were two ponds when we first moved to Balham but one developed a leak, so the story from the council goes, and was drained several years ago and has now almost filled in.
Anyway, have a quick look and you’ll see why I was feeling lucky this Friday the Thirteenth.
This is the unassuming little lane which takes us right into the Common in secoonds.
I know seeing litter like this should annoy me but it actually made me smile (yes I did pick it up and drop it into the bin).
The frost was pristine in so many places but 15 minutes later on the return journey all the pretty crystals had melted away in the winter sun.
The bramble leaves looked like they were sugar coated cake decorations.
As I approached one of the crab apple trees not only could I smell the boozy fruit but came across some very happy green parakeets!
Needless to say the Common is a Mecca for joggers (indeed even ol' T jogged around it this morning - 6.30 am)
This stand-off was funny, the dog obviously didn't want to leave and stood staring down his frustrated owner as he called to him to get in the van.
