Contrasts

Yesterday was a day of contrasts. I woke up, the sky was grey and rain laden. The wind was doing its best to start the Autumn fall. I left the house feeling very sorry for myself which was exacerbated by the time I had got out of the village as my shorts were already soaked through. However, as my journey progressed I started to to enjoy the the ride. As I cycled along I watched small streams washing away the red soil deposited by the tractors on their recent harvesting runs. I heard the patter of rain drops on my helmet and on the tress. I heard the birds singing as they made the most of nature's gift. I was in the middle of the beautiful countryside. Then I reached the edge of Exeter and the main roads. Cars speed past noisily as they progressed along the wet roads. Instead of red mud, the puddles and spray contained black gunk that coated my bike. How I wished I were elsewhere.

The journey back by contrast was still and sunny with little wind. The shadows were long, creating patches of twilight that were frequently pierced by the bright light of the low sun. It was glorious. I though was deflated, lethargic. I was struggling and this was puzzling me. Last night the puzzle was solved, I've been hit by the first winter season cold virus!