Every morning we look out on this scene; we are very fortunate. Sun, rain, snow or sleet, it remains a magical panorama. I have captured these trees so many times, in so many different lights, they must consider themselves celebrities. We have watched them for over twenty years and, in turn, they have watched over us. Beneath their branches generations of cattle and sheep have drifted by, indifferent to our stares.
Late yesterday afternoon, I climbed the fence and set up a time lapse beneath those same trees to get their view of us, to get their view as the last of 2016’s light faded in the west.
We don’t go overboard on New Year’s Eve , staying out late on a cold winter night has lost its attraction. A modicum of alcohol, a log fire and a good film seem much the better option. Last night we watched John Maclean’s excellent Slow West – It’s only slow in the way a rattlesnake or a predatory killer is slow. This terrific film is actually tense, twisty and brilliant – The Guardian. The film may be Coen-esque but the story of an innocent drifting in a violent world is a direct descendant of Jim Jarmusch’s work of genius, Dead Man. So much so that, realising it was free to view on Amazon Prime, we watched it too – a fine way to enter 2017, in the company of William Blake, Nobody and Neil Young’s haunting soundtrack.
A happy and creative 2017, one and all!
northumbrian : light 
…so beautiful, Robin…your trees friends…lovely way to start…
Many thanks Kari – I am unusually attached to this pair of friendly ents.
Here’s wishing you, too, a happy and creative 2017!
Many thanks Sue and likewise.
Thanks, Robin!
I loved your time lapse video. May your 2017 be one filled with many blessings.
janet
Many thanks Janet, much a ppreciated amd all the best to you and yours.
I can imagine they watch over you with as much affection as you have for them. We never go out on New Year’s Eve anymore, especially in this part of Europe. Too many inebriated buffoons with too much firework artillery.
The only event I feel I should make an effort for is the Allendale Tar Barrels – we used to have a ringside seat but then a good friend moved away and I struggle to make the effort 😦 https://vimeo.com/159326358
A Happy New Year to you, too,
Pit
Thanks Pit – all the very best to you and yours.
A life with a view – I understand if you never get tired of it. Warden Spirits. I wish you a wonderful and healthy 2017!
Thanks Leya – and all the very best for a peaceful and happy 2017.
Like minds re NY celebrations – cosy evening in with a glass or two and a good film. Dead Man is one of my favourites. So will look out for Slow West. We watched the Korean film The Assassin – enigmatic but exquisitely created. Happy 2017!
That should read Taiwanese/Hong Kong/Chinese film.
Just watched the trailer Tish – it looks wonderful. Such intense colours, it’s as though it was shot using a Fuji Velvia simulation. I will be renting soon!
All the very best to you and yours for a very happy and creative 2017.
🙂 It’s a bit short on obvious plot which I gather is Master Hou’s particular style.
I love photographing trees in all of the seasons, the winter and fall are my favs. A great way to celebrate the end of one year and the beginning of another. Looking forward to more beautiful images from the land of Northumbria in 2017!!!
And I will be looking forward to more inspiring images from NY – have a happy and creative 2017 Cate!
Gorgeous video and perspective, Robin.
Many thanks Jean – if I was committed I would be out there this morning. The sunrise and the pink light are wonderful but it is just too darned cold 😉
Loved your video and the story about your trees, which are beautiful. Happy New Year to you and yours, and to the trees too 🙂
Many thanks Tina and a very Happy New Year from me (and the trees 🙂 )
Happy New Year Robin and family. Just catching up after having a houseful of friends spending their first Hogmanay in Scotland. It was very sedate, with just a glass or two but we did enjoy a spectacular display of fireworks, viewed from the comfort of our house, that guests staying at the hotel up the hill would have been paying a great deal for!
Like you, we are so lucky to have a lovely view of the countryside from our house but in our case it is across the trees and fields to the hills. We never tire of the way the light and colour change the look of the landscape during the day, even in Winter, and it has been interesting to listen to the comments of our friends about how wonderful the colours are at this time of year.
Thanks Gillean and a very happy 2017 to you and Bruce. You sound to be settling well into your new home, it is a fine part of the world and much more convenient than Northumberland for my preferred holiday destinations 😉 I am in planning mode at the moment – seriously looking at staying at the Golspie course cottage followed by one or more of the following – Harris, Orkney, Shetland and/or Iceland. So many places, so little time 🙂
All the best, Robin
So beautifully written. Thanks for sharing “Goodbye 2016”, I am moved to tears…
Thanks so much but dry those eyes Malin, tears were never intended 😉 ❤