All Creatures Great and Small

 It’s one of those TV serials that warm one’s heart. Had seen the first three seasons, and wasn’t aware two more are out. Finished Season 4 yesterday. Started to watch Season 5 today, and it’s Grand Finale will be telecast on the 25th, when we will be home. Not sure it will be available in the US. Going to try to finish as much as possible this week. 

Shot in the Yorkshire Dales, its breathtaking scenery is a treat for the eyes. I’m reminded of my first trip to Yorkshire in the winter of 1978. We went with Margaret and Eddie to the house of Margaret’s Auntie Bessie. Forgetting the name of the village, but she did not have running water, and we used a jug of water in her basin. Her toilet was outdoors. 

Tough country folk who never complain, and live by adapting to the seasons. Plus they grow and preserve their own food. The Allotment culture of this country is one of its finer traditions.We went to the village pond to feed the ducks. Have old photos to remind me of those days. 

All Creatures Great and Small brings back those memories. This is not what the plan was when I was thinking of today’s blog, but I’m glad it came up. There’s a comforting factor about Nature, it’s like having a powerful friend on your side. Never mind Nature can bring pleasant and unpleasant surprises. However, it is never without its rewards when we befriend it. Just like music, it penetrates deep and touches your soul to be in the natural world. 

In a few days, it will be December 21st. The Winter Solstice will be the shortest day of the year. Then the days start to become longer. Right now, sunrise is at 8:03 am, and sunset at 3:51pm.The days are growing shorter till the Solstice. For me, even thinking about it spells Hope. Just as its darkest before dawn, so it is with life, with the winters of our lives, which bring promise of better days to come.  

Looking at the landscape one wonders what magic will prevail when the same land, which today looks bleak with its bare branched trees, will be lush and green and the blackberry bushes will grow flowers and be laden with fruits. Fruit trees will be hanging low with the weight of their yields. The grass will be green, the spiders will build intricate cobwebs and the bulbs in the ground will spring forth with beautiful flowers. 

Every tree, every bush, every vegetable patch will one by one bear their offering for the benefit of mankind. It may be a good idea for us to to get to know each other and introduce our children to our magical world, to Nature, which plays out God’s plan. 

How can we do that? 

Veenu Banga

12/09/2024

11:50 pm.