24.5.12

yesterday...



yesterday, what a glorious blue sky was waiting for me up on the common! It was nine o'clock and it was showing all the signs of an absolute scorcher. Walking on the track out across the common, the wildlife was humming and the day was already hot. I was thinking that I would need to come up here an hour earlier possibly if I want to have a walk in the cool beginning of the day!


see the cows already sheltering from the heat, such a lovely spot at the top here.


the hazy heat hovering over my home town in the cotswolds. The River Severn in the distance, with Wales beyond.... I am a suburban girl really, brought up on the out-skirts of London. This is amazing to live in a place like this with such an incredible view. It does it for me everytime. Wow! such a great way to start the day. The mood and atmosphere of the landscape changes depending on the weather. Today, up here on the peaceful common, there is a sunny feel of expectation down in the town.


today is the day that the olypmic torch will be travelling through Stroud. All is calm at the moment. The colourful bunting flutters in the breeze, the union jacks line the streets, waiting. People are quietly wondering around.

In the afternoon we will come down to the town, I live up the hill!

people begin to gather, the children leave school early. Small children holding flags and golden home-made torches appear. We start to look for our spot. Seats fold out on the paths, we find a shady spot to wait in for a while. The anticipation builds. The local bobbies have fun with the teasing school kids. It is Hot now! phew.... we wonder how many will come. It feels exciting to be part of it.

This morning after two hours of waiting I finally managed to get two tickets for the Volleyball during the olympics. My son is desperate to go. Its all that's left! but we will enjoy it and enter into the spirit of things, perhaps also a day pass into the olympic park will happen.

we find our spot on the green by the canal. Our friend finds us. Lots more people now. The excitment is tangible now. The crowd moves forward and takes over the path. The stewards and bobbies hold us back. Alot of fun is being had in this heat. And I can tell you, it was hot! we waited for about 2 hours. The flame was late of course! we watched the local buses get confused over the road being closed. We all cheered the lone cyclists which were still coming through!


first came the vehicles, and boy were there alot of them! Well the crowd duly cheered them on as well. Infact everyone was happy to cheer anyone in the end!


and look, here comes the torch, can you see it there? Give a big cheer now!!


just look at all the crowds! you see him going by.

fantastic atmosphere, it was great to be part of it. It was a first for me, and great to see so many people turn out for it. and wow it was a hot one!



ok, home now, have tea and feet up, ready for a lovely bit of crochet........

have you seen the flame yet? will you go?......

                                                                 Heather                                                        

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