Delight of the day

Gentle winter light at the close of the day.

Today we followed our usual routine of dog walks - in the  morning going over to the field and at dusk around the village. 

In the late morning I popped to the allotment for an hour to dig up some leeks and cut some spinach.  The slugs and snails are having a nice time eating the spinach but I am hoping these colder temperatures of late will reduce their munching capacities.  On the two most recent areas I have dug, I laid down some cardboard and topped it with manure - to try to rot any remaining couch grass and bind weed roots.  It usually works reasonably well. 

One of the plots at the allotment was planted last year with lots of little sticks.  The sticks developed shoots and then leaves.  It took me a while to work out that it was willow - several different varieties of it.  Every so often two men with clipboards would come and inspect it - as though it were an experiment.  Today two ladies where at the plot harvesting the willow stems and it appears they are willow basket makers.  One of them had a beautiful handmade basket on the ground next to her with her flask of tea in it.  A little delight for the day.

Tonight we will probably watch more of our sailing video blog - we're really enjoying exploring the coast of British Columbia and all its beautiful inlets, huge waterfalls, expanses of forest and water, not to mention the wildlife.

Hoping  your day has had something special in it.