Early Morning Gloaming

I walked Sam to school this morning in the rain and half-light – the street lamps bouncing back at us from the puddles below. The mornings have, of course, been getting lighter but it's a long way still from the light am skies of summer. In the West Country they have a word for this type of light called 'dimpsy' – l love the way this word sounds. It reminds me of Cornwall, cream teas and Worzel Gummidge (a TV series that ran from 1979-1981). In Scotland we call it the 'gloaming' meaning the time before the sunrise and after sunset.

Yesterday l took my walk along the shore front and up by the church again - enjoying the solitude and ever changing landscape. The shapes and shadows in this half-light are beautiful and add to the stillness that you feel when up on the hill – its a good place to think. You look down into the town and see windows all aglow with early morning bustle and feel privileged that you're part of something bigger.

Incidentally the hillside on which l was walking is where Sir Harry Lauder wrote his song, 'Roamin in the Gloamin'.

Roamin' in the Gloamin'

I've seen lots of bonnie lassies travellin' far and wide,

But my heart is centred noo on bonnie Kate McBride;

And altho' I'm no a chap that throws a word away,

I'm surprised mysel' at times at a' I've got to say

Chorus:

Roamin' in the gloamin' on the bonnie banks o' Clyde,

Roamin' in the gloamin' wi' ma lassie by ma side,

When the sun has gone to rest, that's the time that I like best,

O, it's lovely roamin' in the gloamin'!

One nicht in the gloamin' we were trippin' side by side.

I kissed her twice, and asked her once if she would be my bride;

She was shy, and so was I, we were baith the same,

But I got brave and braver on the journey comin' hame.

Chorus:

Last nicht efter strollin' we got hame at half-past nine.

Sittin' at the kitchen fire I asked her to be mine.

When she promised I got up and danced the Hielan' Fling;

I've just been to the jewellers and I've picked a nice wee ring.

Chorus:

Below is a slideshow of yesterdays ramble.