A walk in the park.

After a health check concerned with my repeat prescription meds, and a blood test, at our local GP Practice early this morning, we decided to get the train into our local town, Sutton Coldfield. It is only one stop down the Cross City Line.
One of the southern entrances to Sutton Park Nature Reserve is near the station. 
Then we set off to walk back home via the Bistro next to Blackroot Pool. 
The skies were dull and cloudy as we set off but bit by bit the clouds dissipated and the sky became a beautiful clear blue, albeit with a cool wind. 
If you were sheltered from the wind at various points by the trees, the sun felt warm on our backs. 
I took the first photo as we passed a large puddle at the side of the path. The reflections were really clear, and you can see where the cloud cover is gradually dispersing. 
There were not as many people about, a few walkers like us, and also the regular sight of people with their dogs. 
Arriving at the Bistro we were surprised there were not many folk inside and easily found a table. 
Our coffees arrived very soon after ordering.
    Our route home afterwards, once we have passed through the next access gate, takes us through a very prestigious housing estate, known as Four Oaks Park. The residences themselves are all gated, some with long drives, and set in extremely large surrounding gardens. The various roads are all tree lined, with grass verges. 
At Christmas it is fun to walk through to the park and see all the wreaths and ribbons on the gates. 
The properties themselves are of various designs. One of our favourites looks like the kind of house CS Lewis would have lived in. 
You need over a million pounds if you would ever like to own one of them.
Yet, in the extra photo, is one such house, set in its own grounds, which has had two attempts at being restored to its Arts and Crafts style.
     We enjoyed watching the last project as it progressed bit by bit each year, until it was the victim of an arson attack. 
    Not only that, this was the second time. 
There it stands, forlorn and a sad sight. after more than two years. 
No-one was ever caught. 
After lunch it was warm enough in the summerhouse, when the sun was shining through the windows, to have a sit and a cuppa for a short time.
  Now at  4.00 pm.the sky is very clear, and the tree branches opposite in  the school grounds are silhouetted against the icy clear blue. 
A bonus day for walking.