Most of the narrow boats we see along the canal near here are either hired out for holidays/vacations, or belong to people using them for business. However, these few are permanent homes – the boats don’t move from one year to another, and some of the residents have created gardens alongside the tow path, complete even with sheds in some cases! 
… by the sunshine. It’s a lot colder here than it looks – barely above freezing today. In the summer we’ll have the doors open and be sitting outside our little ‘gin palace’ at the top of the garden, enjoying the views and a G&T, but for now it’s all closed up against the elements. 
This strange looking affair in Market Drayton is a WW2 ‘pill box’, a name given to reinforced concrete defence structures. It was built in 1940, and stands at the junction of Newcastle Road, and what is now known as the Shropshire Union Canal. It could be manned by a compliment of 8 infantry armed with rifles and machine guns. It’s the only one of its type remaining, and as such is a ‘listed’ or protected building.
… came the sunshine. This morning’s short, sharp fall of snow caught everyone out around here – it looked like we had missed the snow that blanketed most of the UK yesterday, but it was not to be. Anyway, it didn’t last long; the sun came out and by midday it was mostly gone. Whether we get more remains to be seen…
After the really miserable weather yesterday, today has been beautiful and sunny (but cold), culminating in this colourful sunset… However, the forecast is not promising – sleet and snow are expected over the next two days, and with travel disruption expected, my plans for the rest of the week look to be in jeopardy.
This compelling mural was painted on a wall in our town (Market Drayton) to celebrate the centenary of the end of WW1 last year. It’s a lasting reminder of the sacrifices made by that generation. 
… with my strong arms outstretched, all alone but ever watchful. 
After a cloudy start to the morning, things brightened up as I drove through town, so I figured I could find some interesting detail in the local graveyard to set against the colourful sky. The wide angle (18mm) lens fitted to the iPhone allows for a more dramatic perspective. 
These few rusted sheets of corrugated iron are all that remains of the former army camp at Prees, near Whitchurch. Originally a WW1 training camp, an airfield was also built nearby at the beginning of WW2, and it later became a Prisoner of War camp. After the war it served as housing for Polish refugees and army families before being closed and abandoned in the 1950s. 
Not only is The Red Lion my favourite pub, but it’s also a brewery! The pub dates back to 1623 and the brewery was built on the site in 2010, brewing Slumbering Monk ale and Green Monkey craft lager. With great food too, it’s a popular stop on our walks in the area. 
One Day At A Time... 