Hinton Ampner.. in more sunshine than I was expecting..

The sun came up this morning and looked lovely out of the bedroom window.

Where to?  I headed off to Hinton Ampner.... been a couple of times before but never at this time of the year.

However as I drove through Cowdray I stopped by the pond as the sun was shining and the birds were about..

The sun had gone by the time I arrived....

but gradually it came out again in fits and starts..

Someone with a sense of humour..

  Promise of Spring

And carpets of Snowdrops and Aconites :D

Just the hall was open today...

and lunch?  well a scone of course... and a very good fruity one.... so a 4.5 out of 5 for today's score :D

Some of the paths were closed as very muddy and getting quite worn as a result.. nice to see preservation in action... :)

Thursday lunchtime at LSO St Lukes with a Cellist and Pianist

It was snowing and blowing a gale when I set off for the station yesterday on Thursday - getting the train to London to meet Pete for a wander and a concert at LSO St Lukes

We met in Pret where I really needed a coffee before setting off to walk the rest of the way  It was FREEZING and dribbles of rain so the camera stayed in its bag.

We stopped for lunch in a nearby Pret - as you might gather... we rather like Pret :D

Today it was Natalie Clein - cello, and Sergio Tiempo - piano.

Now I've never really thought much about the Cello as a solo instrument - and probably quite remiss in this.  And as the morning progressed I was blown away with the sheer pleasure of hearing two such very talented musicians and a cello which sang when played by Natalie Clein.

Natalie Clien opened the concert with S Back Suite No 3 in C major for Solo Cello BMV 1009.  Not often have I seen an artist play with such emotion, dedication and utter absorption in the music and her instrument.  Fantastic.

The turn then of Sergio Tiempo play Chopin 6 preludes from Op 20 - very varied piece of music which I liked quite well - and another amazing performance.

Before the final piece, Natalie spoke to the audience - giving us a brief explanation of how the 3 pieces today, were linked - which I though was great.  I just wish more artists would follow her example.  A charming young lady.

And finally Natalie and Sergio came together for Shostakovich Sonata for Cello and Piano in D minor Op 40.

I had reservations about the Shostakovich - not being a huge fan generally, but I have to admit I did enjoy it.  It was a very intense piece and beautifully executed.  I'm no musical buff in an interpretation of the word... but I just know I had a thoroughly enjoyable morning of music.







The Shosta is a work I'd not listen to at home but liked live!! Very intense performance and I enjoyed it.

Warnham... on ice..

Popped into Warnham on my way home this afternoon.  Around the feeders it was quiet.  Out on the water, however, a few hundred gulls were walking on ice - mixture of ice and unfrozen water!

Mostly Black-headed and Herring Gulls.  Also 6 Pochard and about 16 Teal.  A couple of Mute Swans and the usual coots.  8 Cormorants were up in the trees and a Heron in one of the Oaks.. possibly a nesting site?...

Around the feeders it was unusually quiet.. most of the usual culprits.. Goldfinches were mostly twittering in the trees...

But this beauty was feeding under the feeders.. looked like breeding plumage... very handsome :)

Looks like the work is almost complete around the weir area..... :)

and I must say 'thank you' to the wonderful band of volunteers who keep the reserve so well maintained.....