The sun...caterpillars....and the need to read instruction manuals.

I finally managed to escape the padded cell on Monday, released from the conversations of the four walls surrounding me.  I know that sounds as if I'm going slightly mad, but after being cooped up in the hovel for days on end, unable to do some filming due to the sun having gone on strike, or holiday, for about ten long days, then you shouldn't be that surprised by my reaction.

Yes, it's late spring and you can't help wonder if it's just the winter being extended because Mother Nature has decided she has a sense of humour.  A warped sense of humour I might add.  Of course the lack of sun and warm weather might well be the result of global warming, and whilst the proponents might have a point I also tend to think that the strange behaviour of the weather is perfectly normal.  No matter how easy it is to pin the blame on the human race for its disgraceful abuse of the environment and natural resources, the Earth's history has been dominated by extremes of weather change; perhaps this is just another.

But back to the 'great escape'.  One of the things my city is blessed with is a river running through its centre, and plenty of parks through which to casually amble and soak in the fresh air.  And although Starbucks may not be everyone's cup of tea, I spend the occasional time drinking my frappucino by the side of the river.  All of this has nothing whatsoever to do with the great escape, but it's nice being slightly frivolous which clearly indicates that 'Englishmen shouldn't go out into the midday sun.'  Which makes you wonder if there's any connection between the nasty effects of the sun and the British love for fried food.

Anyway back to the story in hand, which seems such a long time ago now.  I wandered down to the park of my choice, the river running along its entire length, frantically searching for a bees nest to film.  You may view this however you wish, but there is a thin line separating madness and inspired creativity, and I always lean toward the latter.  Disappointed not to find nature's constant perplexing question 'In terms of physics how on earth does the bee manage to fly?' I happened upon a row of hawthorn trees close to the path I was walking along, which contained a number of finely woven hammocks, slung between branches, full of minute black eggs and developed caterpillars.  Needless to say I became somewhat excited by the 2cm wriggly things, which undoubtedly proves I might need to get a life after all.  That aside, it was wonderful to watch a moment, and film it, where all the elements of nature came together in one perfect moment.

Watching those delightful nondescript caterpillars going about their natural business, cocooned for a brief period of time before setting off on their own eventful journeys, it's somewhat educational to watch the natural behaviour of wildlife in its true environment and the simple pleasures it provides to the well-being of the human psyche. 

And the filming, well it just goes to show that no matter educated you are, you realise why they teach you to read from a very early age, such is the penalty for being enthusiastically creative.  I finally understand those comments of my school teachers who use to write on my reports 'tried hard but needs to concentrate more.'  As for the sun, I give up!