Steam Train to Salisbury

An early start saw us hurrying down Warwick Road to the railway station. We needed to catch the 8 am train in order to get to Victoria soon after nine o'clock. We had plenty of time and soon the steam train Oliver Cromwell was brought in by an English Electric Co-Co and that was a bonus.

Soon we were off and steamed along at a good speed. We stopped at Staines and Brookwood for more passengers and again to take on water at Overton. At Salisbury, we alighted and watched as more water was taken on. Then we had a lovely sunny day in Salisbury and even managed to walk around to the water meadows and see the view that Constable painted.

Finally it was time to come home and the train kept perfect time all the way back to Victoria. A lovely day!

Drawing

So far, I am keeping up with my intention of drawing every day. My work is still laboured and lacks the freshness that I admire elsewhere. I am still falling into the trap of overworking and putting in too much detail. The rusty pump is heavier than I would like and the phlomis flowers are reasonable, but the leaves are mucky and do not show the light shining through them as they should.

The garden has been so dry lately and beginning to suffer even though this year's flowers are brilliant and the best ever. Windy today, and some damage to plants, but now we have a heavy shower that should give them a much need drink.

Recently, I read two books by Michael Williams describing journeys by slow trains across Britain. Wonderful, evocative books and I must seek out some of the slow branch railways myself. At present, I feel duty bound to keep Tegan company as she is very old and feeble and will not be with me much longer. Perhaps I should have her put to sleep, but it will break my heart.