I often wonder where phrases emanate from and have done so for as long as I can remember. Language is a curious thing especially when taken out of context or in cases where the context is misunderstood. Coming from up North, my expressions can still confuse people who have known me down South for the past 37 years.

Photographs are a form of language but possibly in the vein of Esperanto in that the medium is to some extent in the form of a common root. Thereafter it is open to the interpretation of the seer. Today’s images, although somewhat pictorial in nature are part of my extended Edgelands series shot on digital media and would need to be seen in context with other images from the series to see how they fit.

I have been far too lardy of late and I was cooking last night I listened the shipping and weather forecasts and made the link to lard and exercise (not that I am an idle person) plus the high pressure system and deemed it right for a waddle along the Gipping path first thing Sunday morning.

It was as forecast – rather cold at -6C but I love the cold weather and all that it brings to us unlike Mrs O – she lives for the warmth of an English summer (whenever that arrives). I was cold at certain parts of my extremities even with appropriate clothing on this morning, but what a delight to behold. I love a hoar frost but feel for the water based birds in these conditions. I saw none of my beloved Kingfishers but their plight will be difficult on days like these seeking open water to catch their own bodyweight in fish in order to survive.

Sunrise was spectacular and seemingly incredibly slow giving me plenty of opportunity to waddle along the river path and back to can a few images.

The swans were certainly up the swanny.

I need to get out more…