Catching my eye

Today we went to Stanley so that Mum could see the consultant from Sunderland Eye Infirmary. They have an extremely well run peripheral clinic in the health centre and a team from Sunderland comes over on Tuesday afternoons. They system runs like clockwork.

The good news is that the small haemorrhage noted last time has dissolved and there are no new ones. The bad news is that Mum's vision is unlikely to improve with new specs.

It's been raining and dark all day. On the way back from Stanley, I spotted this tree and parked in a nearby layby. The colours are hanging on despite the severe frosts. Last night's rain washed the frost away but left a lot of surface water on roads.

I must tell you about last night's talk by Tom Stoddart. He talked about his life in photography and showed us images from numerous trouble spots in the world. He has stayed for long periods, no doubt risking his life, in order to document what is happening. I was inspired by his unassuming attitude and his humility in the face of the worst that people can do to each other.  He discussed ethical issues of his work too.  Have a look at some of his work if you have time.

There was some light relief - with images of politicians. I can't imagine how he persuaded them to let him be around, but I'm sure they trusted him when he said he would not release any images that were deliberately cruel.

Lots and lots to think about.