21st May from the West Cliff Green, Bournemouth
Delicate white feathers against a clear blue sky. For once, the warmth of the sun overcomes the sharp breeze and it feels like summer. The shadows are deep and inviting. The view of the distant sea is framed by the cliff top trees. The waves slap lazily on the sand. Shoals of little boats rise and fall on the glittering ocean. There is a mid day doziness about the Green. Of course, it is still spring and everything is fat and lush but it all seems poised to burst into summer. Small birds twitter excitedly from the gorse. The pigeons croon from the trees.
From 21st May 2022
The day alternates between grey and blue. The temperature zips up and down accordingly. There is a boisterous little breeze that also becomes stronger and lessens throughout the day. The waves fold over onto the beach making the sort of wave noises you expect to hear at the seaside. At one of the hotels, workers continue with their building. Two crows sit on a fence eyeing them critically. Every so often they turn to each other and shake their heads. A little row of Saturday fishing boats make their way back to harbour. The voices of three lads playing football carry on the evening air. #bournemouth #westcliffgreen #May #Summer.
From 21st May 2020
This bloke comes pounding down the road towards me a case of beer under his arm. He is followed by the lad from the Nicely Nicely Shop running flat out. It takes me a few seconds to realise what is going on but my pensioner's knees prevent me from joining in the fun. A lady from the shop pulls up in a car and we exchange a few pleasantries about the situation. As I near the end of the road she stops again and, winding down the window, says "we got 'im." I feel glad because it's a local shop for local people and they have kept many of us going over the last few weeks.
From 21st May 2014
According to the forecast there is 0% chance of thunder in Bournemouth but looking out across the bay it looks very sullen and the tiny hairs on the back of my neck are standing up - a sure sign of electricity in the air. We'll see who's right.
From 21st May 2011
The crooked pine tree is black against the sea but the peachy rays of the sun are picking out one side in sharp relief. The sea is mirror smooth reflecting the palest of blue skies. There is just the slightest pink and grey haze on the horizon.
Later
However beautiful the day is. However smooth and inviting the sea. However blue the sky and warm the sun, I shall have to spend some of it sitting in the launderette.
