Today is Boxing day and feeling too stuffed with too much rich food, it was the day for a good walk along the canal path. The weather has been mild as the weather people keep telling us so I’m forced to use their cliche – unseasonably! The buddleia bushes have thrown up fresh, silver green leaves, instead of the mouldy brown you would expect in late December. Umbelliferous plants have buds on stems remaining from summer and new shoots bursting from the undergrowth – boy do they have a shock to come, unless we really are going to skip winter this year.
It was a very pale pink flower that drew me really close though
Yes I really did take this photo today in Devon!
As well as this one,
I decided against harvesting them, hopefully they will provide some smaller beastie with a treat for supper. Apart from anything else, legend has it that Old Nick himself pees on any blackberries after the tenth of October. I expect it’s an old wives tale started to protect children from the tiny worms that commonly infest hedgerow fruit at the end of the season.
They were still a delight to see!
Lucid Gypsy 
It certainly is unseasonably mild which I find a bit scary at times. I’m waiting to wear all my winter gear & feel a little cheated! It is wonderful not to have to slip & slide around though!
I love blackberries!
What a beautiful place you live in, Gil!
It really is a strange winter so far, that’s for sure, but I’m not complaining. Christmas travelling where I live has been stress free this year. Thanks for the part about the old legend – that gave me my first laugh of the day!
Gilly, just lovely, the walk AND your photos. Margie
A nice long walk is always a treat after the rich heavy holiday meals. What a sight these must be at this time of the year! Lovely photos!
Nice thought that the hedgerows are still providing food for wildlife. I’m truly thankful that we haven’t had a bout of cold weather. Hopefully it will continue – although we do need rain here. The ground is very dry. Glad you had a happy time.
Lovely photos. 🙂
Thanks everyone the stretch was needed after too much food and today I walked beside the sea at Sidmouth!
Nice pix’s, Gilly … I love the old wifes tale about Santa.
lolol
Toodles,
Isadora