Judging from his appearance, he seems to have been ill for quite a long time.

[angliholic]

Judging from his appearance, he seems to have been ill for quite a long time.
Being a fine day, we'll go on a picnic.



Though with the same contruction, the second of the above doesn't sound right, while the secoond does. Could you dig up a reason? Thanks.

[Anglika]

To me the first is fine, the second is awkward.

#1
I am looking at him now and am judging by his appearance that he has probably been unwell for some time.

#2
Seeing as it is a fine day, we will go for a picnic.

As it is a fine day,...

Today being fine,...

[angliholic]

Originally Posted by Anglika

To me the first is fine, the second is awkward.

#1
I am looking at him now and am judging by his appearance that he has probably been unwell for some time.

#2
Seeing as it is a fine day, we will go for a picnic.

As it is a fine day,...

Today being fine,...

Thanks, Anglika.
My problem is that both of the sentences in question should be absolute construction, but why is it right to say the first while the second is wrong. To wit,


(We) Judging from his appearance, he seems to have been ill for quite a long time.
It/Today being a fine day, we'll go on a picnic.