Wednesday 4th December - Mail Coach in a Snow Storm

Don't tell Mr Walker, but his Christmas present arrived yesterday.  I regret the death of the High Street as much as the next person but the truth is that (a) Hell is other people while Christmas shopping and (b) I love getting stuff through the post.  I have never yet been involved in any actual fisticuffs in a shop, although I came quite near it once in Asda when a lady took umbridge when she thought I was queue jumping.  I wasn't, I was trying to get past, but that earned a threat of a good hiding.  Town is over crowded, noisy, too hot in shops and I can do without the spectre of imminent violence.  Plus, it's cheaper online.  Mainly though I love things being brought to me by the Postie.  I even love going to the sorting office and collecting parcels. One of my images therefore has to be something like this...

Mail Coach in a Snow Storm Charles Cooper Henderson

I have the distinct impression that our postman has a little red van rather than a coach and four, but I'm sure the effect is the same.  Look at them, boldly galloping on through the snow in order to bring me my books and DVDs!  Look at the gentlemen, perched like ice sculptures on the outside of the carriage, nobly delivering the mail, though the roads be treacherous and the wind sharp as a blade!  Hurrah for Postmen!

When searching for the image, this was not the only one I found.  For variety's sake, here is another, completely different, scene of intrepid mail delivery...

Mail Coach in a Snow Storm Samuel Henry Alken

Okay, when I said 'different' I obviously meant 'absolutely the same'.  Splendid red coach in this one, striking a lovely note with the russet beauty of the four horses.  Everyone looks a little less like ice-lollies in this image and I think there is a good chance all of these postmen will live.  Hurrah!

Mail Coach in the Snow with a Fallen Leader (1883) Alfred Frank de Prades

Hello, we have something a bit different here.  For starters, there are six horses.  Or at least, there were. I'm sure the horse is just having a bit of a sit down and will jump up at any moment to continue his happy trotting.  Or something like that.  I love the shine on the horses, it contrasts so nicely with the softening effect of the snow on the landscape.  They have the sheen of conkers, it's absolutely beautiful.  It does make you wonder at the cost to human and animal life, getting post back and forth in such cold weather.  I'm guessing that no animals are harmed in the delivery of my parcels from Amazon, The Book People, Lakeland and Lindybop, which is a relief.

I think if I had to pick a favourite, I'd go for the middle one because it is such a jolly scene, no-one is 'having a rest' and the colours are so rich.  It reminds me of the sort of thing my Grandmother would have had on her wall or on placemats.  A scene of the past with nostalgic overtones.  Unless you got the print with the dead horse in it.  Lawks, that's enough to put you off your Christmas dinner.  Poor horse.

I have another scene of uncertain nostalgia to share with you, but you will have to wait until another day...

See you tomorrow.