Autumn Series No 2: Waterside Trees, Reflected

I made a very thought provoking visit in connection with work this lunchtime.  We visited a property to see the owner who had bought the property from a couple who were in the process of divorcing 30 years ago.  His intention was to allow the husband, his good friend, to remain in the property.  The husband had laboured on the property over many years and had created a fascinating, if somewhat eccentric home.

in the 30 years that had passed the friend, now in his 90s, was still living in the property, despite declining health.  He had come to the attention of the social care professionals, but steadfastly refused help.  An ex-Coldstream Guard, you can only imagine that pride prevented him from accepting help.  Regrettably, his health is now so poor that he has had to be taken into hospital.  Dementia is also suspected and the health professionals are concerned at allowing him back home to fend for himself.

We were asked to visit the property to assess its state of fitness for someone of his advanced years and failing health.  The owner also found himself in a very difficult position as the occupier had refused any approaches to carry out essential repairs.  Their relationship is unique in my experience; an incredible generous gesture at the time, but increasingly placing a moral burden on the owner as he saw his good friend deteriorate and refusing any help.  The property is a veritable death trap; electricians had visited that morning and taken immediate action to isolate the supply.  There is no heating or hot water; changes in floor levels are present all over the house, wood is rotting everywhere.  That he had lived there for so long seems inconceivable, yet I have seen worse.  As we left, our discussion with the mental health nurse left little doubt that a decision would be made in his best interests.  He won't like it!  Taking control of someone's life is only done in extreme circumstances and when it is deemed that the individual lacks capacity to look after themselves.  

With regard to the image this is the second in a series looking at the colours of autumn.  There already seems to be a bit of a theme of abstracts.  Not intentional at all, but using reflected light reduced the harsh highlights associated with the straight shot.

The acer reflected on the left will be an absolute riot of colour in a few days.  I remember the first time I saw this tree about 10 years ago.  Still a sapling at that time, it has developed into a magnificent specimen tree on the edge of this small pool.