Went outside. Just a small patch of grey light between dark clouds, low, across the river. Still. Silent bats in the silent dark. When I was on the river at Windsor as a boy I could hear those bats. I do have large ears. Now, I can't even hear the wife when she gets a bit high-pitched.
Last night she was all relaxed though. She drove down and we walked the dogs up to the pub for a drink. "Chardonnay or Sauvignon"? Well at least it's no longer "Medium or Sweet".
Then again, when you know that either will have but the merest hint of flavour why bother make customers choose. There must be more flavour in one bottle of Laithwaite's Sauvignon than there is in a whole case of basic pub 'Sauvignon'. Anyway just my little rant.
There now; was that distant cockerel one of those up at the Pub? "And you, mate!" No birdsong yet. Could just make out shapes moving towards me. German Battle Fleet? Scharnhorst? Gniesenau? Canada Geese. Half a dozen adults shepherding twenty or more babies. The babies twitter very quietly. The adults are silent and watchful. I don't move as they pass. Don't want to set that lot honking.
Now the birdsong has started. Two, three, then suddenly dozens. Little birds. No pigeons for a change. Swans come past. Also with young. Sunlight hits the opposite bank except it can't be; wrong direction. It is a very bright beam of light. Ah, on a boat, slipping quietly up river. Another old wooden craft for today's Trad Boat Rally at Henley. Helmsman, fag aglow, makes no wash. Unlike some sod last night who must've been going flat out, had me off my bunk just about. Thought I really was under attack.
On August 19th all who love The River should come to our Summer Fine Wine and Canapés Evening. (Note; NOT Canoes) at The River and Rowing Museum. Worth it just for the Wind in the Willows dioramas. Ask any of Laithwaites Friendly Wine People. FWP's, they will be able to tell you more about the evening and get tickets to you.
That's enough writing. Back to sleep. My turn to snore. Move over, fat dog.
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