Photo Credit - Angela Hall(All rights reserved)
2 months ago
Sunday, November 08, 2009
Remember
Photo Credit - Angela Hall(All rights reserved)
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
B&W set - Hotel pod shots
Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.
These are a small selection from an interior we did on the last showcase development I worked on.
Sunday, November 01, 2009
Sunday Morning Musings - Part 62
Well it is Sunday, but late, but seeing as I have been absent of late,this is me trying to get better. I did give last week a miss though, as we have been on vacation for the week, and I decided to take a complete chill out. It also gave me a chance to get out and about with the camera, as I always feel slightly guilty posting without anything new.... hey ho. So we have spent our week visiting places and catching up with folks, and tidying up the garden (the pictures of the leaves where taken AFTER I swept up a whole load... and still they came....)
Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.
We took a trip out, one day, to the historic town of Ely, in Cambridgeshire, as I have always wanted to visit the Cathedral there. Unfortunately the view I was anticipating getting must be on the approach from the other direction (from the Sea), as we came across it, and the town, all of a sudden and I know that there is a particular view of the building rising out of the plain. Maybe it gives me an excuse to go back!
Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.
Anyhow, we had a good day there, a mooch around and a decent lunch too (always time for a decent lunch) The day was pretty overcast so when running the photos through for selection, I have used a cross-process filter on them, giving them a grainy quality but enhancing the vibrancy of the autumn colours.
I love the interior shots, as I feel they have a slightly Potteresque feel to them (as in Hogwarts, not the playwrite), and as we have just celebrated All Hallows, here are a few atmospheric shots for you.
I was taken with the Bishop in repose on his tomb, although I feel that he may have led an equally lazy life! Who knows. The cottage belonged to a rogue or savior, depending on whose point of view you have, Mr Oliver Cromwell.
Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.
We spent last night at a fantastic firework show in Milton Keynes Village, a big well done to the Fireworks Committee, as the show was brilliant. I believe that the show was put on through Kimbolton Fireworks, a marvellous outfit started by the Rev. Ron Lancaster, and run as a family concern. These guys are probably some of the best.
So apart from catching up with friends last night ( and a couple of nights in between - a sumptuous Indian Meal with G&S springs to mind), with lazy week too, it just leaves me to check on our dinner: Roast Chicken, bucketfuls of Roasted Veg (Beetroot, Turnip, Potato, Sweet potato, Parsnip) a good thick gravy and cabbage from the garden. The only thing else of any significance is that I deleted my Facebook account... more on that another time!
Have a great week folks, enjoy
PS - the other reason for the delay is getting Pictobrowser to work on setting up the slideshows, and as you can see, I had to find an alternative. If the good folks at Pictobrowser contact me, I'll let them know what the problems are.
Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.
We took a trip out, one day, to the historic town of Ely, in Cambridgeshire, as I have always wanted to visit the Cathedral there. Unfortunately the view I was anticipating getting must be on the approach from the other direction (from the Sea), as we came across it, and the town, all of a sudden and I know that there is a particular view of the building rising out of the plain. Maybe it gives me an excuse to go back!
Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.
Anyhow, we had a good day there, a mooch around and a decent lunch too (always time for a decent lunch) The day was pretty overcast so when running the photos through for selection, I have used a cross-process filter on them, giving them a grainy quality but enhancing the vibrancy of the autumn colours.
I love the interior shots, as I feel they have a slightly Potteresque feel to them (as in Hogwarts, not the playwrite), and as we have just celebrated All Hallows, here are a few atmospheric shots for you.
I was taken with the Bishop in repose on his tomb, although I feel that he may have led an equally lazy life! Who knows. The cottage belonged to a rogue or savior, depending on whose point of view you have, Mr Oliver Cromwell.
Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.
We spent last night at a fantastic firework show in Milton Keynes Village, a big well done to the Fireworks Committee, as the show was brilliant. I believe that the show was put on through Kimbolton Fireworks, a marvellous outfit started by the Rev. Ron Lancaster, and run as a family concern. These guys are probably some of the best.
So apart from catching up with friends last night ( and a couple of nights in between - a sumptuous Indian Meal with G&S springs to mind), with lazy week too, it just leaves me to check on our dinner: Roast Chicken, bucketfuls of Roasted Veg (Beetroot, Turnip, Potato, Sweet potato, Parsnip) a good thick gravy and cabbage from the garden. The only thing else of any significance is that I deleted my Facebook account... more on that another time!
Have a great week folks, enjoy
PS - the other reason for the delay is getting Pictobrowser to work on setting up the slideshows, and as you can see, I had to find an alternative. If the good folks at Pictobrowser contact me, I'll let them know what the problems are.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Sshh!
I like this idea, a lot. I don't normally promote one way or the other about lifestyles, choices etc, but occasionally something catches my eye and I mention it in a post.
David Watkin's idea is very simple, and as with all simple ideas it takes a great leap of faith to try it out. But all those small tiny leaps of faith can make a big difference, so see what he has to say, think on the idea, and maybe even try it out, after all, it's only holding onto someone's hand.... what harm can there be in that?
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Sunday Morning Musings - Part 61
Autumn has struck, this was Saturday morning at about 7.30, with the sun just beginning to peek over the tree tops, unfortunately, it stayed there, so no glowing shots of green and gold fields or clouds on fire.. oh well!
I can't recall ever posting a Sunday Morning musing on a Wednesday lunchtime before now, and I think a two week absence is pretty bad too, so I can only apologise and say that we have been pretty busy and a few things have cropped up along the way that needed dealing with.
First up was that on the 11th of this month, Peter and I celebrated our first anniversary! Where that year has gone I don't know, it seems only months ago at the most that I was posting about the day's events. We had a quiet celebration, kept it simple and had a really nice evening. Thanks to everyone for the cards and warm wishes.
On the Sunday (the anniversary day itself) we stayed at home, had a nice easy breakfast and read through the papers, with the obligatory pots of tea, something that Autumn mornings where just made for.
As well as quietly celebrating our anniversary, we also spent a weekend back at my mother's home, helping my uncle celebrate his 90th birthday. It was great to get up to see cousins and family I haven't seen in years, I just wish we could have spent more time with them. As it is though , we have a wonderful photo of my Uncle Ray, my Mum, Aunty Ethel, and Aunty Joyce, all gathered together, totting up a whacking 337 years between them. I so hope I have the Murphy genes!
The only one downside of the past few weeks, and one that has been occupying most of my time though, is the impending redundancy notice. Yes, before anyone else says it, this will be the third time in 6 years, however there is an option of an alternative role, which I have literally just accepted (17.12). It will be a change of pace, teams, and levels of expertise, but it will also give me another insight into how our business runs. So wish me luck, as I start in just over a weeks time.
Getting back to my point about Autumn, I think this season is my favourtie season of the year. When things are beginning to feel a little drab and the nights begin to close in, the trees and shrubs offer an alternative source of colour and interest in the garden and countryside, all we need to usually do is just look up above our heads.
Trees especially take on a new persona at this time of the year, as the nights draw in and the temperatures drop. Suddenly as the leaves begin to fall, we are greeted by splashes of colour and texture, more so than any other part of the year I think.
The trees in garden and hedgerows become a predominant feature at this time of the year and everything and everyone are drawn to them, from those of us that have favourite trees to sit under (and a lot of people do) to the flora and fauna that use the shelter of the trees to feed and grow. a natural hedgerow is a glorious thing all year 'round, however at this time of the year, for me at least, they sparkle.
So with Autumn bedding in, a new role on its way, and a lot of celebrations under the belt, I'm off home soon to sit and listen to the radio and watch the sun go down. Enjoy the rest of your week folks, and I'll catch up soon.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Blog Action Day - 15/10/09
Blog Action Day is an annual event that unites the world's bloggers in posting about the same issue on the same day on their own blogs with the aim of sparking discussion around an issue of global importance. Blog Action Day 2009 will be the largest-ever social change event on the web. One day. One issue. Thousands of voices.
This year the day is all about climate change and how we can all affect it in some way. Some time ago, we decided to start thinking more about how we use our resources at home and especially our utilities.
Simple things like putting on a jumper instead of whacking up the heat help, but more so and by complete accident, we've managed to reduce our electricity bills by a staggering 26% in the last 5 months... how, simple, the dishwasher has been out of action. 26 PERCENT!! That is frightening to know that a dishwasher uses so much energy. Even allowing for summer and daylight lasting longer, that is a big chunk of usage saved. I don't even know what the knock on effect is on water saving etc.
Couple that with a local council that has incredibly robust re-cycling policies, meaning we practically throw no general waste out now (less than quarter of a bin bag), and I think we are doing pretty well.
So tomorow is the day, think what you can do, even if it is the smallest thing, because everything makes a difference.
http://www.blogactionday.org/
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Sunday Morning Musings - Part 60
Yesterday we spent a wonderful day helping our friends Peter and Ali celebrate their wedding day.
Peter (the Groom) and my Peter went to University together, many moons ago, and I have known him a little over 15 years, after becoming part of (my) Peter's life.
Ali we met a little over a year ago, and after me attending her Hen weekend last week, I feel like I have known her for years (although and surprisingly to me, at first she thought I didn't like her).
Both Ali and Peter have been married before, but this time around they have found something special in each other, and we can rejoice in that.
Yesterday saw all the elements that these two people enjoy with, and about, each other, come together in a day of celebration. The gathering of their friends and family, their sheer joy of seeing these people come together to help them see the day through with excitement, enjoyment, tears and laughter.
The bride was radiant, attended by her bridesmaids, and escorted down the aisle by her mum, to a Groom and his Best Man, both looking resplendent in their morning suits, the smiles on their faces reflected by the smiles on everyone that was there to witness the day.
During the signing of the register, Peter's niece played guitar and in a crystal clear and wonderful voice, sang a song of her own composition (she has to go far, she is truly incredible) and then the new couple walked out into the beaming sunshine, to be joined by the gathering for photos, drinks on the lawn and a catch up of old and new friends.
Siting down later to a wedding breakfast that was truly delicious, (and credit to the staff of the Hotel here, as they where honestly marvellous throughout the whole of the day) as well as credit to Ali and Peter for picking such a truly wonderful menu, we came at last to the speeches. First up was Andy, whose eloquence, charm and warm humour dragged Ali's past kicking and screaming into the room, fuelled mainly on tales that involve an enormous amount of cocktails, to have the gathered party reaching for anything to wipe away the tears of laughter. Such was the quality of the speeches that I gave up taking pot shot photos, to listen and enjoy them. Next up was Peter's son and Best Man, who gave a short, funny and confident speech, handing over to his father, the Groom.
Now Peter is an excellent public speaker, with his skills honed through his student years, and through many years as an adult involved in local politics, and his speech kept that entire room rapt with attention, wracked with laughter, and on a couple of occasions, soliciting tears too. It was a speech that would have made anyone proud to have spoken, and from me to him, it was a pleasure to be there to listen to it, to hear his words of wonderment, love and fortitude. For this speech had to encompass many things, and touch on the untouchable, which was Peter's (the groom) cancer, that was diagnosed in the spring of this year. But this was no maudlin affair, yes there were tears, but no surprises, we all knew the score and we knew too, as sure as God made little green apples, that Peter would discuss it, and this is what he surmised his predicament with, and you know, this should be shouted from the rooftops in celebration of this wonderful, mad, and truly in love couple, he said this " I have cancer.. but cancer doesn't have me". By god, we gave that man a round of applause.
So how do you follow that? Well that was down to my Peter, who, by sheer fact that he cannot find it in him to throw anything away (and it truly irritates the bejezzus out of me, but for this he gets dispensation) managed to find a number of posters and news papers that both he and Peter (groom) where involved in in their student days. My how young they both looked. A hard act to follow, but he gave a speech delivered with humour and the friendship of years that shines through on these occasions.
We decamped to the bar for a while to gather our strength, greet new friends, laugh, cry and steel ourselves for dancing and revelry, and boy did we dance! Yes there was a tribute to Patrick Swayze by me and Claire, with the help of a dining chair, Peter and his son's tap steps to Adam Ant where a treat, and his niece's singing while the evening buffet was served kept people in rapt attention. The night drew to a close with a nightcap in the bar, kisses and good nights, and exhausted we slept the sleep of the contented.
We enjoyed a breakfast with the bride and groom and guests this morning, and finally said our goodbyes, while the happy couple prepared to jet off for a week in the sun. ..... And that's the whole point of this post, the happy couple, because that is what they are, utterly happy. Nothing can take that away from them, and I think my life is richer because of them, and when you can say that, what can stop you from being happy.....
Peter (the Groom) and my Peter went to University together, many moons ago, and I have known him a little over 15 years, after becoming part of (my) Peter's life.
Ali we met a little over a year ago, and after me attending her Hen weekend last week, I feel like I have known her for years (although and surprisingly to me, at first she thought I didn't like her).
Both Ali and Peter have been married before, but this time around they have found something special in each other, and we can rejoice in that.
Yesterday saw all the elements that these two people enjoy with, and about, each other, come together in a day of celebration. The gathering of their friends and family, their sheer joy of seeing these people come together to help them see the day through with excitement, enjoyment, tears and laughter.
The bride was radiant, attended by her bridesmaids, and escorted down the aisle by her mum, to a Groom and his Best Man, both looking resplendent in their morning suits, the smiles on their faces reflected by the smiles on everyone that was there to witness the day.
During the signing of the register, Peter's niece played guitar and in a crystal clear and wonderful voice, sang a song of her own composition (she has to go far, she is truly incredible) and then the new couple walked out into the beaming sunshine, to be joined by the gathering for photos, drinks on the lawn and a catch up of old and new friends.
Siting down later to a wedding breakfast that was truly delicious, (and credit to the staff of the Hotel here, as they where honestly marvellous throughout the whole of the day) as well as credit to Ali and Peter for picking such a truly wonderful menu, we came at last to the speeches. First up was Andy, whose eloquence, charm and warm humour dragged Ali's past kicking and screaming into the room, fuelled mainly on tales that involve an enormous amount of cocktails, to have the gathered party reaching for anything to wipe away the tears of laughter. Such was the quality of the speeches that I gave up taking pot shot photos, to listen and enjoy them. Next up was Peter's son and Best Man, who gave a short, funny and confident speech, handing over to his father, the Groom.
Now Peter is an excellent public speaker, with his skills honed through his student years, and through many years as an adult involved in local politics, and his speech kept that entire room rapt with attention, wracked with laughter, and on a couple of occasions, soliciting tears too. It was a speech that would have made anyone proud to have spoken, and from me to him, it was a pleasure to be there to listen to it, to hear his words of wonderment, love and fortitude. For this speech had to encompass many things, and touch on the untouchable, which was Peter's (the groom) cancer, that was diagnosed in the spring of this year. But this was no maudlin affair, yes there were tears, but no surprises, we all knew the score and we knew too, as sure as God made little green apples, that Peter would discuss it, and this is what he surmised his predicament with, and you know, this should be shouted from the rooftops in celebration of this wonderful, mad, and truly in love couple, he said this " I have cancer.. but cancer doesn't have me". By god, we gave that man a round of applause.
So how do you follow that? Well that was down to my Peter, who, by sheer fact that he cannot find it in him to throw anything away (and it truly irritates the bejezzus out of me, but for this he gets dispensation) managed to find a number of posters and news papers that both he and Peter (groom) where involved in in their student days. My how young they both looked. A hard act to follow, but he gave a speech delivered with humour and the friendship of years that shines through on these occasions.
We decamped to the bar for a while to gather our strength, greet new friends, laugh, cry and steel ourselves for dancing and revelry, and boy did we dance! Yes there was a tribute to Patrick Swayze by me and Claire, with the help of a dining chair, Peter and his son's tap steps to Adam Ant where a treat, and his niece's singing while the evening buffet was served kept people in rapt attention. The night drew to a close with a nightcap in the bar, kisses and good nights, and exhausted we slept the sleep of the contented.
We enjoyed a breakfast with the bride and groom and guests this morning, and finally said our goodbyes, while the happy couple prepared to jet off for a week in the sun. ..... And that's the whole point of this post, the happy couple, because that is what they are, utterly happy. Nothing can take that away from them, and I think my life is richer because of them, and when you can say that, what can stop you from being happy.....
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Sunday Morning Musings - Part 59
It is a slow day today, with the pair of us taking it easy. Himself was out visiting a good old friend last night and catching up before his wedding next week, while I was out around the town in Cambridge, with said good friend's wife to be, 6 squaws, 1 brave and a cowboy (yes, I was the cowboy).
There are an awful lot of tourists that have photos of this slightly mad, loud and gently tipsy group being punted up and down the Cam. It got better when we hit the vodka bar too... it had to be done. It'll be a blast next week and we are looking forward to the day, and I do have to say thanks again to the Brave for organising yesterday, it was a fun day. Mind you, I knew it would be good weather, as I've just put the hard top back on the Stag!
The weather held out for us and being punted along the backs in Cambridge is just a really lovely way to ease into a day and enjoy yourself. If you have never done it, try it sometime. There used to be a group of us that went to either Oxford or Cambridge one bank holiday during the year just for a days punting, taking a mixed bag of goodies with us. Not sure why it fizzled out, just one of those things I suppose. We where due to join friends on a canal barge for a day trip yesterday, but as usual I had double booked the day, but it sounds like it may have been hard work, a lot of locks? ;o)
Going back to the weather, and the fact that it becomes damned as soon as I take the hard top off the Stag, and then perks up as soon as I put the damn thing back on, what is it with people that buy new and modern convertibles? Apparently we buy more convertible cars in the country, than the rest of Europe put together, we love them. So I have to ask again, that bearing in mind, I need three people, skinned knuckles, a mallet and a small crowbar to either put my soft top up or down, why in god's name don't people with new swanky, "touch of a button and it disappears" convertibles, put their bloody roofs down? I just really don't understand it . I do have two friends that have lovely MX5's, and they are always getting their tops off.... ahem!
Have a good week folks
There are an awful lot of tourists that have photos of this slightly mad, loud and gently tipsy group being punted up and down the Cam. It got better when we hit the vodka bar too... it had to be done. It'll be a blast next week and we are looking forward to the day, and I do have to say thanks again to the Brave for organising yesterday, it was a fun day. Mind you, I knew it would be good weather, as I've just put the hard top back on the Stag!
The weather held out for us and being punted along the backs in Cambridge is just a really lovely way to ease into a day and enjoy yourself. If you have never done it, try it sometime. There used to be a group of us that went to either Oxford or Cambridge one bank holiday during the year just for a days punting, taking a mixed bag of goodies with us. Not sure why it fizzled out, just one of those things I suppose. We where due to join friends on a canal barge for a day trip yesterday, but as usual I had double booked the day, but it sounds like it may have been hard work, a lot of locks? ;o)
Going back to the weather, and the fact that it becomes damned as soon as I take the hard top off the Stag, and then perks up as soon as I put the damn thing back on, what is it with people that buy new and modern convertibles? Apparently we buy more convertible cars in the country, than the rest of Europe put together, we love them. So I have to ask again, that bearing in mind, I need three people, skinned knuckles, a mallet and a small crowbar to either put my soft top up or down, why in god's name don't people with new swanky, "touch of a button and it disappears" convertibles, put their bloody roofs down? I just really don't understand it . I do have two friends that have lovely MX5's, and they are always getting their tops off.... ahem!
Have a good week folks
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Sunday Morning Musings - Part 58
So here I am sitting in the Kitchen, thinking about dinner, and generally catching up on things, having ironed a shed load of shirts, boosted the Stag and taken her for a run out, then caught up with emails, diaries, plans for the next couple of weekends, and listening to the radio.
Well I was listening to the radio, but short of killing it dead, I thought it best to turn it off. There is a big, big live concert on in Hyde park tonight celebrating all things Abba, kicked off by Lulu singing "Gimme Gimme Gimme", and it has just been followed up by the Feeling singing "Knowing me, Knowing you"..... now I'm sure it must be brilliant live, but it is coming out as utter crap on the radio... something akin to a bunch of slightly talented amateurs in their first big break... something you sit through and cringe because you are not sure if you are embarrassed for them or by them, hitting the right keys would help..... god I'm getting more old and grumpy... or maybe it's just that I must be a die hard Abba fan... who knows.. it could also be down to having re-potted "Billy the Bastard"... more than likely!
My good and old friend Bill has bought me a number of Cacti over the years, so I hope his son Toby will appreciate the one I am growing for him.... he's only just gone one, so I'm keeping hold of it for now ;o)
Short and sweet this week, the mind is full of things to say and do, but sometimes less is best, but I'll leave you with this quote;
Well I was listening to the radio, but short of killing it dead, I thought it best to turn it off. There is a big, big live concert on in Hyde park tonight celebrating all things Abba, kicked off by Lulu singing "Gimme Gimme Gimme", and it has just been followed up by the Feeling singing "Knowing me, Knowing you"..... now I'm sure it must be brilliant live, but it is coming out as utter crap on the radio... something akin to a bunch of slightly talented amateurs in their first big break... something you sit through and cringe because you are not sure if you are embarrassed for them or by them, hitting the right keys would help..... god I'm getting more old and grumpy... or maybe it's just that I must be a die hard Abba fan... who knows.. it could also be down to having re-potted "Billy the Bastard"... more than likely!
My good and old friend Bill has bought me a number of Cacti over the years, so I hope his son Toby will appreciate the one I am growing for him.... he's only just gone one, so I'm keeping hold of it for now ;o)
Short and sweet this week, the mind is full of things to say and do, but sometimes less is best, but I'll leave you with this quote;
“With my sunglasses on, I’m Jack Nicholson. Without them, I’m fat and 60.”
Jack Nicholson.
Sunday, September 06, 2009
Sunday Morning Musings - Part 57
So here we are, the first week of September over already, the sunshine waning earlier in the day, and the mornings looking more crisp and cooler, with Autumn knocking on our heels. Although we have a few more weeks of Summer left, what Summer we have had has been cool, with spurts of hot, warm weather, and with a fair amount of rain, so not the best.
We took two weeks vacation recently and it rained for most of that two weeks, and although we felt relaxed and didn't think of work through all that time, it probably didn't re-charge the batteries as best as they could have been. However, thinking of the past couple of weeks, although cool, the weather has been on our side, and it has given us the opportunity to get to grips with big changes in the garden, that has been desperate for attention for the last 18 months, ever since we had the extension built.
There has been a big media emphasis this year extolling the virtues of anyone and everyone getting back into gardens, allotments, and community gardens etc, and growing their own produce. Not only does this give you that satisfaction of growing your own produce, but in these straightened times, it can also save you money on your grocery bill! Growing our own is something we have toyed with before, but we decided this year to see what we could do to improve on previous results. It started first with successfully growing our own crops of potatoes, then salad leaves, alongside a few other crops in containers, so when we started looking at what needed doing in the garden, the thoughts of growing our own produce played a part too.
Over the period of the past couple of weekends, and with help from friends along the way (Karl and Andy S get a mention) we've dug, sawn, carried, raked, chopped, huffed, sworn, laughed and slept the sleep of honest men. We've also carried and moved a dozen or more railway sleepers, moved 4 tonnes of topsoil, 2 tonnes of gravel, re-laid a path, built raised beds, brick-lined the lawn, built a boardwalk, and built a second shed. So hopefully this has allayed any fears that we have dropped of the face of the earth, (Thanks Lee, x) honest we have just been so busy, and what with work being as relentless as ever, any spare moment has been taken up with sleeping or eating.
Over the past months too, although busy, we have managed to catch up with a good few friends, especially some we haven't seen for a good while too, so that, and the garden re-modelling has been pretty worthwhile, all told.
We are beginning to see the fruits (no pun intended) of our labour too, as we have had Runner Beans, Peas, lots of mixed Salad leaves, juicy little Tomatoes, and delicious Spuds, and we are looking forward to Squash, Red & Green Cabbage, Curly Kale and Purple Sprouting Broccoli.. I can't wait.
One thing the mild and damp weather has been good for is the enormous variety of insects that have been out and about, predominately chomping their way through all the aphids (good news), but more so for the variety of dragonflies that have been keeping a holding pattern throughout the garden during the summer. These wonderful insects never cease to amaze me. Only the other week, I was opening up the blinds in the kitchen when I spotted an incredible turquoise one, on the floor behind the blinds. I grabbed the camera, then made the mistake of opening up the glass wall, to get a better shot, only to have it zoom off before I could snap of a shot! That'll teach me!
The other good thing about the sunshine (when it was here) was that I could test out my new wheels too
This fella could well be the world's smallest solar powered car - OK, so you set the wheels for it's turning circle etc, and you'd be hard pressed to get far on it, as it is as big as the first knuckle of my thumb, but I think it's cute, and I'm still contemplating building a track for it! (yes I am that big kid). Anyone that is that mad keen on getting their hands on one should check out EcoLogicCool in Brighton, run by Jake Greene (who may just have sorted a track out already... and may not remember our conversation, as it was early this year when we were down for a wedding)
Right folks, the Sun is over the yard-arm, dinner is cooking in the oven, so I think a glass of wine is in order and I can chill into the evening, before contemplating more mayhem tomorrow. Keep well, stay fit, I hope all your plans work, and may your respective deity of choice go with you (a la Dave Allen)
Don't forget, Facebook still doesn't show all the Pictobrowser photos, so you'll have to check out the blog to see them
We took two weeks vacation recently and it rained for most of that two weeks, and although we felt relaxed and didn't think of work through all that time, it probably didn't re-charge the batteries as best as they could have been. However, thinking of the past couple of weeks, although cool, the weather has been on our side, and it has given us the opportunity to get to grips with big changes in the garden, that has been desperate for attention for the last 18 months, ever since we had the extension built.
Get the flash player here: http://www.adobe.com/flashplayer
There has been a big media emphasis this year extolling the virtues of anyone and everyone getting back into gardens, allotments, and community gardens etc, and growing their own produce. Not only does this give you that satisfaction of growing your own produce, but in these straightened times, it can also save you money on your grocery bill! Growing our own is something we have toyed with before, but we decided this year to see what we could do to improve on previous results. It started first with successfully growing our own crops of potatoes, then salad leaves, alongside a few other crops in containers, so when we started looking at what needed doing in the garden, the thoughts of growing our own produce played a part too.
Over the period of the past couple of weekends, and with help from friends along the way (Karl and Andy S get a mention) we've dug, sawn, carried, raked, chopped, huffed, sworn, laughed and slept the sleep of honest men. We've also carried and moved a dozen or more railway sleepers, moved 4 tonnes of topsoil, 2 tonnes of gravel, re-laid a path, built raised beds, brick-lined the lawn, built a boardwalk, and built a second shed. So hopefully this has allayed any fears that we have dropped of the face of the earth, (Thanks Lee, x) honest we have just been so busy, and what with work being as relentless as ever, any spare moment has been taken up with sleeping or eating.
Get the flash player here: http://www.adobe.com/flashplayer
Over the past months too, although busy, we have managed to catch up with a good few friends, especially some we haven't seen for a good while too, so that, and the garden re-modelling has been pretty worthwhile, all told.
We are beginning to see the fruits (no pun intended) of our labour too, as we have had Runner Beans, Peas, lots of mixed Salad leaves, juicy little Tomatoes, and delicious Spuds, and we are looking forward to Squash, Red & Green Cabbage, Curly Kale and Purple Sprouting Broccoli.. I can't wait.
One thing the mild and damp weather has been good for is the enormous variety of insects that have been out and about, predominately chomping their way through all the aphids (good news), but more so for the variety of dragonflies that have been keeping a holding pattern throughout the garden during the summer. These wonderful insects never cease to amaze me. Only the other week, I was opening up the blinds in the kitchen when I spotted an incredible turquoise one, on the floor behind the blinds. I grabbed the camera, then made the mistake of opening up the glass wall, to get a better shot, only to have it zoom off before I could snap of a shot! That'll teach me!
The other good thing about the sunshine (when it was here) was that I could test out my new wheels too
This fella could well be the world's smallest solar powered car - OK, so you set the wheels for it's turning circle etc, and you'd be hard pressed to get far on it, as it is as big as the first knuckle of my thumb, but I think it's cute, and I'm still contemplating building a track for it! (yes I am that big kid). Anyone that is that mad keen on getting their hands on one should check out EcoLogicCool in Brighton, run by Jake Greene (who may just have sorted a track out already... and may not remember our conversation, as it was early this year when we were down for a wedding)
Right folks, the Sun is over the yard-arm, dinner is cooking in the oven, so I think a glass of wine is in order and I can chill into the evening, before contemplating more mayhem tomorrow. Keep well, stay fit, I hope all your plans work, and may your respective deity of choice go with you (a la Dave Allen)
Don't forget, Facebook still doesn't show all the Pictobrowser photos, so you'll have to check out the blog to see them
Monday, August 17, 2009
Sunday Morning Musings - Part 56
A tad late - old habits die hard, however it has been the first week back to work after the break, and what can I say! Does anyone else still get that "back to school" feeling?
I have been thinking about my photography the past couple of weeks, especially since coming back from the Lakes, where I think I could have taken some much nicer shots. This set me to thinking about what 'type' of photographer I am. I think of myself as an opportunistic photographer, happy to take the shot if I see it. Do I like the idea of setting up shots, well I'm not sure, as I don't think I have the patience, and how many times do I look at something and think "why don't I have a camera on me?"
To be honest, I think the above sums it all up for me. There are times when I love setting up shots, I honestly wish I had the patience that Ilva seems to have in abundance, however I don't, so if something really doesn't seem to be working, the shot doesn't get taken. I do frequently troll around with the camera and take what I like, importantly though, I am making big allowances and being really determined to take a decent tripod with me, so that is a start. I do think I should learn to think of keeping a camera around me more often too. We shall see.
In the meantime I'm going to direct you to two links that cannot fail to impress you as they did me. The first
is a series of photos from an incredible photographer called Michael Bosanko. I was enthralled by his photos, and even more impressed to here that he came across his talent almost by accident. I'd happily have one of these on my walls.
The second one, well you'll just have to take my word for it that the photos where very good... why my word. Well it was a featured Photographer whose work has appeared over the past few weeks in the Independent Newspaper magazine at the weekend. And I can't remember their name and I can't find out who it was because the Indy web page is chock full of shite and no discernible "easy to use" search facility... it may just be me being cranky, as I need to eat, but if all else fails, just go and look back at Michael's photo's again! Have a good week folks....
I have been thinking about my photography the past couple of weeks, especially since coming back from the Lakes, where I think I could have taken some much nicer shots. This set me to thinking about what 'type' of photographer I am. I think of myself as an opportunistic photographer, happy to take the shot if I see it. Do I like the idea of setting up shots, well I'm not sure, as I don't think I have the patience, and how many times do I look at something and think "why don't I have a camera on me?"
To be honest, I think the above sums it all up for me. There are times when I love setting up shots, I honestly wish I had the patience that Ilva seems to have in abundance, however I don't, so if something really doesn't seem to be working, the shot doesn't get taken. I do frequently troll around with the camera and take what I like, importantly though, I am making big allowances and being really determined to take a decent tripod with me, so that is a start. I do think I should learn to think of keeping a camera around me more often too. We shall see.
In the meantime I'm going to direct you to two links that cannot fail to impress you as they did me. The first
is a series of photos from an incredible photographer called Michael Bosanko. I was enthralled by his photos, and even more impressed to here that he came across his talent almost by accident. I'd happily have one of these on my walls.
The second one, well you'll just have to take my word for it that the photos where very good... why my word. Well it was a featured Photographer whose work has appeared over the past few weeks in the Independent Newspaper magazine at the weekend. And I can't remember their name and I can't find out who it was because the Indy web page is chock full of shite and no discernible "easy to use" search facility... it may just be me being cranky, as I need to eat, but if all else fails, just go and look back at Michael's photo's again! Have a good week folks....
Sunday, August 09, 2009
Sunday Morning Musings - Part 55
Well here we are at the end of a two week vacation, with the two finest days weather being yesterday and today, so a big fat hairy thank you to the weather gods (other gods are available), for making it possibly the wettest holiday I have ever had ,apart from the one week I had in Worthing that was so bad we spent the entire week in the new Olympic swimming pool (it was new when I was about 8). I would have got less wet stood on the deck of this thing!
Still we had a reasonable first week in the Lake District, with some relative breaks in the weather, giving us chance to tear ourselves away from the local beers and restaurants and get some mild walking done, and dust the cobwebs off the camera, with the second week chilling at home.
The Lake District is a wonderful place, full of charming villages, breathtaking scenery, and equally warm people. Spoilt only by the fact that thousands of tourists beat a path to its collective door every waking moment. We stayed in a cottage for the week, and by the end of the week I felt that I lived there for years, so why where all these people parking outside "my" house, gawping at "my " cute cottage, walking along the wrong side* of "my" road, and generally pissing me off ..... it really gets under your skin how local people must feel like, after numerous occasions of spotting tourists just acting so bloody awfully, I made a mental note to make sure that we were not like that (OK, I did complain about a pudding... but it was a Pudding!)
*Note - when we were taught about hiking and walking, the unwritten etiquette for walking on a road that has no footpath, was to walk in the direction of the oncoming traffic. The reasoning being that you and the driver "see" each other, you can step out of its path, and more importantly you "hear" the car. If you have your back to an oncoming car, you can easily miss (not hear) its approach and step into its path. The other simple reason from the guy that taught us was, if all of this fails, you can see death coming at you! So at some point somebody should start making a new generation AWARE..... otherwise I'm going to make a point of clipping people off at the back of the knees on these small roads...... rant over.
Anyhow, we had a good week (honest I am totally calm... even about going to work tomorrow...argh....) Seriously, I suppose anywhere that is such a tourist trap has to contend with such an influx, so I can only thank everyone we encountered on their genuine friendliness and courtesy, it goes a long way and takes no time at all.
It is difficult defining the Lakes, as I feel that they have always been a mysterious place for me. The whole place can change, in seconds, when the weather changes. It can go from divine and incredible views, to threatening and serious in minutes, so you always have to be prepared. But on a good day, you can't beat it for the scenery...
When you think you have the scenery sorted out, then you realise that it (the area) also has a quaintness that belies the fact that it can be a desolate place to live and work within, and again, on a sunny day the buildings take on a warmth and charm all of their own, but get them in the bad weather and the almost look like they are hunkering down to wait it out, almost brooding until the sun shines again. Even in the bad weather it can take on an almost breathtaking dynamic, but again, treat the place with care, the mountains can snap at you like a rabid dog if you are unprepared.
The place also takes on a lot of charm when you consider it's history too, it is dotted with numerous places where the good and the great either stayed, worked, or spent their lives. It also has some fabulous oddities too, with my favourite being the Pencil Museum! (seriously, I love the place, but then I have a strange attraction to pencils) And perish the thought that you haven't heard of Beatrix Potter or Wordsworth, this is the place for you to fill your boots with everything they have ever done.
We had a great week, we ate well, found some delightful local brews, and I even managed to find the perfect Sticky Toffee Pudding, more than once (in my opinion, this is the best retail product) ;o) Oh, and not to be left out, the best gingerbread in the world... Sarah Nelson's.
The past week has seen us chilling at home, I've managed to catch up with everyone else whose blog I follow, being charmed as always by mouthwatering recipes (Ilva and Wendy), stunning photos, tales of urns (Morgan) and tales of Age, Idiots and Quality rants (Lee), to name but a few highlights! There is always something to read on the other blogs that I follow, and they are easy to find, somewhere down the left hand side links.
We also managed to get to our first crop of home grown produce too, and you know, there is nothing quite so satisfying..... have a great week folks
Still we had a reasonable first week in the Lake District, with some relative breaks in the weather, giving us chance to tear ourselves away from the local beers and restaurants and get some mild walking done, and dust the cobwebs off the camera, with the second week chilling at home.
The Lake District is a wonderful place, full of charming villages, breathtaking scenery, and equally warm people. Spoilt only by the fact that thousands of tourists beat a path to its collective door every waking moment. We stayed in a cottage for the week, and by the end of the week I felt that I lived there for years, so why where all these people parking outside "my" house, gawping at "my " cute cottage, walking along the wrong side* of "my" road, and generally pissing me off ..... it really gets under your skin how local people must feel like, after numerous occasions of spotting tourists just acting so bloody awfully, I made a mental note to make sure that we were not like that (OK, I did complain about a pudding... but it was a Pudding!)
*Note - when we were taught about hiking and walking, the unwritten etiquette for walking on a road that has no footpath, was to walk in the direction of the oncoming traffic. The reasoning being that you and the driver "see" each other, you can step out of its path, and more importantly you "hear" the car. If you have your back to an oncoming car, you can easily miss (not hear) its approach and step into its path. The other simple reason from the guy that taught us was, if all of this fails, you can see death coming at you! So at some point somebody should start making a new generation AWARE..... otherwise I'm going to make a point of clipping people off at the back of the knees on these small roads...... rant over.
Anyhow, we had a good week (honest I am totally calm... even about going to work tomorrow...argh....) Seriously, I suppose anywhere that is such a tourist trap has to contend with such an influx, so I can only thank everyone we encountered on their genuine friendliness and courtesy, it goes a long way and takes no time at all.
Get the flash player here: http://www.adobe.com/flashplayer
It is difficult defining the Lakes, as I feel that they have always been a mysterious place for me. The whole place can change, in seconds, when the weather changes. It can go from divine and incredible views, to threatening and serious in minutes, so you always have to be prepared. But on a good day, you can't beat it for the scenery...
Get the flash player here: http://www.adobe.com/flashplayer
When you think you have the scenery sorted out, then you realise that it (the area) also has a quaintness that belies the fact that it can be a desolate place to live and work within, and again, on a sunny day the buildings take on a warmth and charm all of their own, but get them in the bad weather and the almost look like they are hunkering down to wait it out, almost brooding until the sun shines again. Even in the bad weather it can take on an almost breathtaking dynamic, but again, treat the place with care, the mountains can snap at you like a rabid dog if you are unprepared.
Get the flash player here: http://www.adobe.com/flashplayer
The place also takes on a lot of charm when you consider it's history too, it is dotted with numerous places where the good and the great either stayed, worked, or spent their lives. It also has some fabulous oddities too, with my favourite being the Pencil Museum! (seriously, I love the place, but then I have a strange attraction to pencils) And perish the thought that you haven't heard of Beatrix Potter or Wordsworth, this is the place for you to fill your boots with everything they have ever done.
We had a great week, we ate well, found some delightful local brews, and I even managed to find the perfect Sticky Toffee Pudding, more than once (in my opinion, this is the best retail product) ;o) Oh, and not to be left out, the best gingerbread in the world... Sarah Nelson's.
The past week has seen us chilling at home, I've managed to catch up with everyone else whose blog I follow, being charmed as always by mouthwatering recipes (Ilva and Wendy), stunning photos, tales of urns (Morgan) and tales of Age, Idiots and Quality rants (Lee), to name but a few highlights! There is always something to read on the other blogs that I follow, and they are easy to find, somewhere down the left hand side links.
We also managed to get to our first crop of home grown produce too, and you know, there is nothing quite so satisfying..... have a great week folks
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