March into Spring.

After several days of rain pouring from grey skies, the sunshine today was doubly welcome.  On our way to Plan d’eau at Marville, it was noticeable how the rains had left their marks with water-logged fields showing from puddle-sized to lake-sized bodies of water especially where streams and small rivers had risen over their banks.

Apart from sunshine, the greening trees showed we are on the cusp of Spring, that glorious and hopeful season of returning warmth and renewal.  On our arrival, a chorus of birdsong greeted us.  Today I remembered to take stale bread so of course there were no ducks on the water, two coots weren’t interested but black trout happily nibbled the bread sending concentric circles on the smooth surface of the lake. Later, from a distance, I could see two crows enjoying the pieces left scattered on the bank.

The water was very high which left no space under the pontoon bridge between the small and large areas of the lake.

In the sunshine, the trunks of birch shone silver amid the dark green of ivy and the lighter greens of new growth on the mix of trees. 

There was some activity along the paths - two couples, like us strolling, one lady on horseback...

 

... and another walking her small, white dog.  The black dog who lives at the equestrian centre just spread himself out on the grass and disinterestedly watched those busier than he felt inclined to be.

But there was no doubt we were all enjoying the sunshine and its warmth. I felt my soul stir a little as it started to free itself from the wrath of winter and the grip of grief.

White storks are returning - spotted at Vitaraville.

On our return home, Spring seemed to have suddenly sprung with signs of the season’s flowers growing in our small strip of earth between the house and pavement.

As I said…Spring is the season of hope.

Quick outing.

It was bright and sunny but, as we got ready to go out, the sun disappeared behind grey clouds. We realised rain wouldn’t be far behind so decided on a quick outing, heading up through the pretty countryside around Reville-aux-bois, up through forested hills and down to Sivry-sur-Meuse in the valley. We parked by the river, sat on a bench and just had time to throw a little bread into the water - although no sign of fish or fowl - take a couple of photos and the first, fat raindrops started to fall.

We took a different route home via the heights of Haraumont, where the valleys each side were filled with misty rain…

Raindrops on the windscreen on the way to Haraumont.

…then on to Ecuery-en-Verdunois where we were in the right place at the right time to do our good deed for the day by picking up a man walking  in the now steady rain and were able to give him a lift to his destination, 4.7km away at Damvillers - coincidentally the little town where we live.

Indoors, a reprise of my last post on my blog - rain sliding down the window panes and, soon after, a log fire burning brightly.

Comforting.

Sleet falling outside - roaring log fire inside.

Another mystery tour.

Early sunshine soon disappeared to leave a dull, grey day. But at least it was dry although a blustery chill wind forecast possible rain later.  After an early lunch we decided to take a drive using less familiar roads, passing through a huge area of beautiful countryside that makes up just a part of the Meuse and Meurthe-Moselle regions of Lorraine.  High, forested hills which sweep down into pretty valleys, through quiet hamlets, villages, small towns, to high, open hills topped with wind turbines and, eventually, to Longwy Haute and the place d’armes which we hadn’t seen before.

Some impressive architecture around this large square...

In the centre of the square a siege well designed by the prolific military engineer, Vauban 

We seem to stumble across Vauban's work, particularly fortifications almost wherever we go - including Malta!

Colourful tubs around the well - now a Tourist Office.

We turned homeward again at times using unfamiliar roads which took us to the familiar pretty spot with the old lavoirs by the river at...

…then on to Mangiennes, Merle and through the Damvillers Forest and home for a cup of tea and a slice of pain d’epices - spice cake topped with sugar crystals. 

Three times I missed the opportunity of photographing a buzzard - they sit on and blend with roadside posts but I know that, had we stopped, by the time I got out of the car and got the camera ready, the bird would not have hung around for a photo-shoot! They don’t appear to mind being so close to passing traffic but someone being up close and personal would no doubt present a different view!!  One day…

A breath of warm air…

Another beautiful day and we took stale bread to the lake at Les Ballastières, Damvillers.

We had a spell of high winds a couple of weeks ago and they had left some damage around the lake.  The ground was scattered with twigs and branches, large and small, some having been snapped at the base of the trunk.

 

and in the tangle...

...teazels!

There was that magical mix of blue sky, warm sun and water…

Plenty of bird life but none as majestic as the swan.