THE RAMBLINGS OF A STRUGGLING ARTIST ON LIFE WITH TWO TERRIERS, A PONY WITH ISSUES AND OTHER WILDLIFE AND BIRDS THAT CROSS OUR PATH

18 November 2014

A SEA OF MIST


One early morning over the weekend, the dogs and I climbed up to Kestor and were greeted with a view over Devon which resembled peninsulas and islands in a white sea. Chagford is somewhere under the first big white expanse. It was just beautiful. There was a strange haziness in the air too:


Sorry but I have to press some more views of the mist sea upon you.....





Looking back at Kestor as we walked home. I love the way the sun is catching the haze:


Something I've never seen before - lack of awareness rather then it being an unknown phenomenon - a shadow of Kestor on our little hamlet:


That sunshine was a rare thing this week without there being rain with it. Most days have been dull and wet. These poor cows' backs were covered in dew one morning:



The dogs and I were completely drenched by what caused this beautiful rainbow at the end of last week:






The murder if crows is still around. I'm trying to get some good flying shots but this is the best I have managed so far:


Snippet really is camera shy at the moment.....


A lot of fungi are collapsing;



Whilst some are going strong. This Witch's Butter comes and goes all winter: 


These little ones come up every year and look like Chanterelles but I'm not sure enough to put them in the frying pan:


Hawthorn berries are fading to this beautiful dark, crimson red:


Another member of the murder sits on the Long Stone:


OB noticed this tree whose leaves have been ripped off on one side by an very strong and unusual South Easterly wind:


I haven't included the obligatory Meadow Pipit for a while but here it is today. I feel better now for it being here. I've been missing them.


I love this picture of Jack. I wonder what was so interesting in the distance.


Today I had my annual diabetic review AND a mammogram all before 1.00pm. Not much fun but important, especially as I've asked to be referred to Exeter for an Insulin pump. I know in the States, most type 1 diabetics use them but we've been extremely slow on the uptake in this country. When it was first suggested to me some ten years ago, I was very reluctant as it was clunky and offered no real advantage to me as it had no way of monitoring my blood sugar levels. I have always had a problem with my levels plummeting overnight and then rising steeply before waking and no one has ever been able to solve it. As a result, I am constantly tired and the hidden consequences are ones I try not to think about. Despite the problem, my overall control has always been good and I have no complications, but recently, there have been slight changes in my retina and I've been struggling with control; Insulin pumps are now completely different and can offer integrated glucose monitoring as well as being much lighter to wear so I decided, now is the time to to go for it....Devon's NHS budget allowing. They are expensive. I'll keep you posted.......

All the cards have been sold in theory, but I will probably be ordering more as I now have none for myself, so let me know if you would like some. See the previous post (http://dartmoorramblings.blogspot.co.uk/2014/11/cards-are-ready-but-id-be-fired-by-lord.html) for details.

So until next time, here are the dogs in one of rare sunny moments, Snippet still managing to avoid full disclosure. Have a great week everyone.



61 comments:

  1. Jack is such an intelligent looking dog. They have such a joyous life I wouldn't mind being one of your dogs! Beautiful photographs as always.

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    1. I think Jack is quite bright Chris but unfortunately channels it into mischief!

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  2. Your photos of the mist are amazing, so beautiful. The picture of the crow is outstanding! It is a wonderful shot. I hope that things go well with the pump and that perhaps it can even things out for you somewhat - or completely actually!! I had wondered about getting some cards from you before, but I am afraid that I still won't as having got the box out of the loft at the weekend I find that I am overrun with ones left from last year!! I hope that the second lot of sales go as well as the first though! xx

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    1. I do that every year Amy and never learn my lesson. However, this year, when I need some, I have none...........typical.

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  3. So much to comment on...
    First... I wait to read your blog when I have some quiet time because I know it will be filled with FABULOUS photos and news. so never apologize.
    The sea of mist, when living in Laguna Beach we had days like that and I so miss them.
    Love the stand off photo of cow and Jack. So cute.
    I think your cards are wonderful but I don't want you sending them to America again. Plus I think you could sell a set of "everyday" cards also. Your photos are outstanding. Mine look so puny next to yours.
    Glad you are checking up on the insulin pump. I knew someone who changed over to one years ago and she was so much better. I hope that it will help you.
    As always love the photos of The Boys !

    cheers, parsnip

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    1. I like the sound of Laguna beach. I wonder why you moved. I've moved many times but only one big one, from London to Devon and I guess, by US standards, 200 miles isn't so far!

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  4. Beautiful long and landscape shots they're gorgeous, flight shots are really hard for me as well especially crows, ravens, and tiny birds because they always come out looking like silhouettes in the end even when they're not flying. lol

    Just love your pups and those cows are adorable (I should have been a country girl instead of a city girl) beautiful photography of nature shots.

    You just take good care of yourself hopefully after they put in the insulin pump you'll feel much better and not so tired sweetie. Be well and keep resting! Hugs ♥

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    1. Thanks Marie and I know exactly what you mean about sillhouettes. At least crows look like one anyway!

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  5. More wonderful photos. I think the top crow might be a Raven, though.

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    1. It was definitely with a group of crows but I guess they might hang out with each other. What do I know? Thick neck....not very flattering.

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  6. As always loved seeing all the marvelous shots. Ah yes medical issues are so confounding at times . I'm off to a Boston hospital myself tomorrow for a rather serious review, wish me luck.Take care of yourself and be well my friend.

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    1. I wish you lots of luck Willow. I think we tend to think everyone around us is just fine but actually, it's quite the opposite! I'll be thinking of you.

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  7. Oh my goodness, your world is so beautiful! Those rock formations are astounding.
    Love the macro shots - will look up witch's butter.
    Best wishes for the insulin pump. It sounds like it could be a big help.

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    1. I hope so but the funding may be an issue. They'll do anything to avoid big money items!

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  8. Cow vs. Jack was my fave.

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  9. Sea mists...have you seen "The Fog"? Saw it when we lived by the sea...frightened me for sure.
    Good luck with the pump.
    Jane x

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    1. I read it as a teenager and found it very disturbing! x

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  10. Oh Em, your pics of Kestor Rock and surrounds are fabulous, and your hamlet tucked into the trees - what a marvelous place to live and create your art. I think you may not be far from Manaton - I had a friend who lived there many, many years back, in fact before I came to the States, and I loved visiting on weekends.
    The rainbow with pony is beautiful, and that pic of your Jack looking into the distance will have to become a drawing I think!
    I wish you success is procuring the insulin pump - no first hand knowledge but have heard people are better off with one. I know diabetes is not easy to live with and wish you easier days if possible. You are certainly energetic to be climbing the tors - do take care.
    Hugs - Mary

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    1. Manaton is quite close ans the crow flies but takes well over half an hour to get to. Ridiculous really but the lanes are SO narrow as you know.

      Definitely right about the drawing of Jack! x

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  11. What a wonderful and full post. Firstly I hope you get your insulin pump so life would be a bit easier for you. I love the rainbow shots and the cow with the wet curly hair. The scenes are so beautiful adn of course it an excellent environment for the dogs.

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    1. They're pretty fit Margaret; I just wish I was....I have no stamina at all, despite walking for miles every day!

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  12. Beautiful misty photos Em. Our Meadow Pipits are back too.

    So sorry you have not been well and I do hope the insulin pump can soon be helping you.x

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    1. Lovely to hear from you. I think the lack of control is about stress what with OB and my mum but there's not a lot to be done about that. I just have to take better care of myself. xx

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  13. Amazing scenic images Em and yes a great shot of the Meadow Pipit.

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    1. Thanks Roy. That Pipit was very small compared with most I saw over the summer.

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  14. Love the misty photos. The photos of the the cows are great! Would be a wonderful reference piece for art as would that gorgeous photo of Jack.

    My boss has an insulin pump (type 2) and he abuses it. Thinks all he has to do is dial in what he's eating and eats and drinks whatever he wants. I know if you get one you will do much, much better with it. My best friend has one and it has made all the difference to her.

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    1. If someone with type 2 is on insulin at all they must be abusing themselves! Thanks for your encouragement - it's a big decision having something attached to you all the time. x

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  15. Fabulous, fabulous pictures of the mist Em. It's been damp enough lately hasn't it. The witch's butter is amazing too, never seen anything quite like that before.

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    1. You were under that mist too by the look of how far it stretched!

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  16. So pleased all your cards have gone - they certainly deserve to be sold, your photography is superb.
    I always feel rather sorry for cattle still out at the time of the year, although the farmer assures me that they would rather be out than, and they have good thick coats.
    Love that golden yellow fungi.

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    1. I'm sure he's right Pat. They always look happy, even when it's absolutely tipping down.

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  17. Hi Em!! Wonderful photos and very atmospheric! The autumn light is captured brilliantly :) We've had some impressive mist over the marshes in Kent recently. Sorry to hear you are having a tough time with your diabetes, I hope you manage to find a way of keeping it under control soon :) x

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    1. Thanks Lou and lovely to hear form you. Hope all's well in your life. I've been so rubbish at keeping up I may have missed you posting and perhaps pictures of your mist marshes? xx

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    2. All is well, just been busy busy! You won't have missed anything from the last 5 months because I haven't posted in all that time... until last Friday! I meant to say first time round... the photo of Jack and that curly cow is brilliant, what a brave little dog he is! I'm surprised the cow didn't squash him! xx

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  18. Stunning photos, as always Em. NIce to see so much green, as our world has suddenly become very white.
    Sorry to hear that your diabetes is giving you grief...and congrats on selling all of your lovely cards :)

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    1. Not a whiff of the white stuff yet Jenn and we really could do with some cold. Cheap on the heating front though; we're still not lighting the fire till 8.00pm!

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  19. What wonderful photos Em. Jack and the crows is simply stunning. Good luck with the insulin pump - I'd be hopeless if I had diabetes, the self control needed would kill me!

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    1. It just becomes part of life really. I wasn't diagnosed till I was 31 so I never had that kind of resentment children have through their teens. I was ready to be more disciplined I think.

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  20. I wish you would put some of your beautiful photos up on the Redbubble website. Then we could go there anytime to order cards ( also if you want to offer them prints, phone covers, mugs, pillows etc!). You dong have the hassle. They are good quality products delivered quickly and you get to set the commission margin you choose. Also an interesting community if artists. photographers and writers. Jean

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    1. I'm going to have a look now Jean - thank you.

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  21. Glorious set of pics Em. Particularly like the sea mist. Interesting about the pump, hope it all works out for you xx

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    1. Thanks CT.....no word from Exeter hospital yet.....xx

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  22. Beautiful atmospheric photos - love the mist and rainbow ones :) Fungi look interesting :) Hope you manage to get the pump and it helps.

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    1. I hope so too. It's all about money I'm afraid.

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  23. What wonderfully atmospheric photos Em. I wish I'd been up there with you to see it for myself.

    I hope your insulin pump will be forthcoming, and what news on OB?

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    1. We're still waiting to hear from Devon CAMHS and are getting that sinking feeling again. School SENCO is trying to organise a meeting with everyone which is proving extremely difficult. Why is it not difficult at GOSH but seemingly impossible here. Grrrr. Will email you. Xx

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  24. That mist has a chilly look in spite of the sun coming through--I trust you had a warm jacket and wooly socks.
    I've just had a catch up with your recent posts, some of which I had missed. I especially enjoyed the cob-webbed branches and the close-ups of feather detail. You've an artistic eye and great camera skills--almost as good as taking the walk with you.
    I hope the insulin pump comes through for you--its a challenging condition. Several acquaintances have found the pump to be helpful.

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    1. That's great to know. Thanks so much. My half brother lives in the States and he's had one for years.

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  25. Oh my goodness, another gorgeous selection of photos. Love the mist shots and Jack looks positively regal in that pose. Still want the cards Em, I will be in touch later on today.

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  26. You like our sun shine, I love the poetry of your mist and autumn gloom. When I lived north, November was not my favorite time. looking at your photos, I miss it

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  27. I came across this blog link this morning and thought of OB. This might keep him quiet around Christmas time. http://stephensorigami.blogspot.co.uk/2010/12/origami-christmas-tree-tutorial.html

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    1. Thanks so much BB - it looks great. I love the Christmas tree. I'll show OB when he gets home. x

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  28. Stunning photos Em, I love the shaggy cows. Hope all goes well with the pump xx

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  29. Beautiful photos Em, I hope your regime for diabetes works out, and the pump is the answer. Roll on the day when stem cells are found to do the trick.

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    1. Absolutely Thelma although I think they'll be too late for me! You never know though.

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  30. Thank you for sharing those wonderful mist pictures. It looks so magical, I hope you are able to get an insulin pump and find it beneficial. Sarah x

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    1. It;s proving more difficult than I thought Sarah but I may think about swimging into latter writing mode again! x

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