Routine Thursday - Y at BJ - Me messing-about - 67F and 5mph W Wind

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Having done a collage of flowers out in the front garden yesterday it seemed to naturally follow that I turn my attention to the rear garden today. And there they are. I suppose we could have a 'name that flower' competition, but then again .......

I took Y to the 9.38am tram and then went to the doctor's for 10.10am - she had had a cancellation and saw me at 10am. Dr Chamberlain, another young lady doctor who I hadn't seen before. I was quite happy with her and she put my mind at rest about certain things. She took yet another blood test and I am to see her a week today for the result.

After the doctor's I went shopping to Lidl and Morrisons - it takes the pressure off tomorrow. I know we are going to Debra's and don't want to leave a fridge full of commodities we shan't use.

Picture 2 is a photoshop drawing of The Pantiles.

For those of us who can't draw these sort of programmes create for oneself the illusion that one can - if you see what I mean.

I shall probably print it as a 10 x 8 print, just to see what it looks like.

The weather is really weird isn't it ? Here today there's been sunny spells, but all the time that niggly wind - and now it is raining again, quite heavily. So much for the bit of gardening I had promised myself this evening. And I don't know if there is anything we can watch together on the telly.

My responses to your comments

Madeline ..... Thank you very much indeed for your input. The Norton Safeweb symbols are simply Norton's equivalent to McAfee's siteadvisor symbols. Green tick for 'site clear' etc ...... Allegedly updated more often than McAfee though.

I haven't yet got round to working through your suggested 'workaround' but it all seems to make sense and I'll have a go either this evening, or in the dead of the night. By the way, I don't think one can do 'links' in the comments box.

During today there has been a 'Firefox update' to build 3.0.12 so. if that goes onto the laptop too (I'm on the PC at the moment) it may have solved the problem anyway.

I shall report back.

Thanks for the kind comments about the blog !

Bob ...... I thought Epoisses would appeal to you. It really is worth making a special trip to Sainsburys - although I don't know where your nearest is. Perhaps on one of your Newark or Retford sorties !

No problem with flies - I feel the aroma would knock-em out rather than attract them.

The bed-height isn't really a Karen type problem. There are these special cuplike devices braced across for safety. I already have some on an easy chair, and they work well.

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Quotation slot ......

"There is nothing more dreadful than imagination without taste"

Johan Wolfgang von Goethe

"Sleep tight everybody - I'll try and catch you tomorrow - prior to a break over the weekend"



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Tardy blog-post - definitely cooler - 53F - No wind

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At last I've got round to doing my blog.

I publish the picture of my Ikea chest-of-drawers almost as the mug-shot of an offender, because that is where my time has gone and leading to my being flat-packered.

Y's praise, whilst welcome, was a little premature. The outer shell was no problem. But the drawers had wheels running in runners and were hard (for me that is) to assemble. Anyway the task is now completed.

I managed to make it to The Widow Frost in Mansfield to meet Bob for lunch. We both opted for the 'veggie-burger/salad/chips - plus drink' option which seemed reasonable at £4.69p. Mine came with a Becks Alcoholfree and Bob had a pint of bitter. We had a good chat and some laughs although I had to leave fairly early, to return to my chest-of-drawers.

Y did her usual Burton Joyce run but it tires her a little these days. It is a 3½ hr round trip, and she has her routine tasks whilst there. When Millicent starts proper School in September Y thinks she will make alternative BJ visiting arrangements. She has been going since Hannah was born - 12yrs ago and she has loved it.

Millicent was kind enough to ask Y to bring me the picture on the left. As you can see, it is a portrait. Millicent says she 'can't do bodies' hence my long legs leading straight down from the neck. Its all there - the sun (with rays) a blue sky above my head, some grass to stand on, and a tree with a very narrow trunk but with plenty of red berries. It is some time since I had a new grand-child picture for my wall and I shall treasure it.

Our National Trust trip to Thaymar IceCream was a success and it is good to support and find out about local environmentally friendly enterprises. The lady proprietor who founded the firm 20 yrs ago was good to listen to. Minor problems were due to her being under-staffed and over-stretched. The buffet was of excellent quality but a pot of tea with it would have been nice. At our table for instance, as with the others, Joan G had to ask for water.

Another good thing happened today.

I searched the car thoroughly for a 'pin' which Bill S has lost. Something under a rear seat gleamed and I thought he was in luck.

The lucky person however was me. The item was my 'lost' Police College cuff-link which I can't remember if I told you about or not.

A difficult subject to photograph. On camera flash made a right pig's ear of it. The best result was on 800ISO and photographed under-exposed under my desk light. I then corrected the 'white-balance' in photoshop.

My responses to your comments

Bob .... It is a Witch-Hazel and the nut-shaped things are quite hard like cobnuts. Just that it hasn't had them before.

Glad we were able to semi-sort out your phone's abilities. 'Text' reminders should be just what you need.

Yvonne ..... Please see above re chest-of-drawers.

We shall just have to disagree about the 4th Plinth.

Jill ..... TK-Maxx sounds well worth a visit. I've just googled to find that we have 2 in Nottingham and 1 in Mansfield so I shall have to go and see for myself.

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Quotation time .....................

"I detest life-insurance agents; they always argue that I shall some day die, which is not so."

Stephen Leacock

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"Sleep tight - catch you tomorrow (really will)"



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Y at BJ - Me quiet and messing about - 60F - Windy

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Y has gone over to Burton Joyce as usual having managed a little rest yesterday. I stress 'a little' because whenever I saw her she was either using the washing-machine, tumble-drier, or ironing-board. Household equipment with which I seldom experiment.

Having been a long-term uniform wearer though, I can put a tidy crease into a pair of trousers - if necessary, but so seldom these days.

The snap on the left from Wells-next-the-Sea will please Norfolk Coast fans because this firm have been trading here as long as I can remember. And we certainly enjoyed our dishes of freshly dressed crab. He also had a small amount of freshly gathered samphire and I wish I had brought home a small amount to use with our salad today. But I fear it would have gone soggy and limp.

This morning I thought I was fully recovered even though still on the anti-biotics. In consequence I risked milk in my tea. Bad decision because the feelings of sickness immediately returned. I shall stick to my green-tea with lemon and black coffee for the time being. Is that CoffeeMate stuff diary free I wonder ? Must read the box carefully.

Having mentioned the Heavy Horses in their field I attach the above collage of two snaps from the bedroom window. Jill said she liked the idea, so here they are.

I note from my EXIF data a timing of 5.03am which accounts for the attractive lighting. As a boy (about 5yrs old) I was allowed to sit on the back of a super Shire Horse pulling a haycart, and holding onto the top of his halter tightly. The horse seemed enormous and I was so high in the air. Elf & Safety would probably prosecute the farmer these days but, there you are, I remember it vividly nearly 70yrs later.

The picture on the right is a collage of the front/rear of the packet of Smoked Maldon Sea Salt. I tasted a few grains this morning and it is certainly a subtle and interesting flavour. I'm preparing a salad for our evening meal which will be a good opportunity to try it out.

If my problem with dairy produce and meat continue I must consult Helen C and Bob's Sandra who are both experienced in the field. Missing out cheese long term would be the biggest problem. I feel that, with regard to meat, I am going off it steadily anyway.

I have heard nothing from my fellow WoW-ers and don't even know where they went on Wednesday. I'm sure I shall though in due course. If they haven't read the blog they probably don't even know I'm back. This evening I'll probably ring Reg....

My responses to your previous comments

Yvonne .... I wouldn't have rated the Walnut Tree Shades as the worst pub. My feet didn't stick to the floor for one thing, and there was no lipstick on the glasses.

And what about that IRA pub near Waterloo Station where the hubbub of conversation died when we walked in ?

I maintain my position over the greengrocers' apostrophe. My aim was to discuss 'their' Carnival and to say we would visit their's rather than our own. A moot point I think. Other opinions would be welcomed.

David ..... We too are looking forward to coming over to see your Long Eaton Carnival. I love the countdown timer at the bottom of the web-page. At the time of writing I have just 1 day - 20 hours - 11 minutes - and 27 seconds to wait.

It will be great to see you all and have a little lunch with you.

jbw ..... I can recall the house you mention and I agree with your assessment of its architecture. Unfortunately I didn't take a snap or I could have blogged it.

Jill ..... Just to clear up the point about the hotel food. It was very good indeed.

After the first morning I decided to leave the fry-up alone and have a more continental start to the day. Although the actual food was super the waitering was sloppy. You'd ask for toast and nothing would happen. Then you'd ask again and two lots would arrive. But minor irritants only. Some of the starters and puddings were exceptionally good, especially those based on sorbets.

I didn't complain to the Farm Shop because I can't quite be sure about the pork pie. And re-reading what I have just written about going off the 'fry-ups' I wonder if my tummy started to be iffy earlier.

We didn't like the singer in the purple tent either. I found neither her voice, nor the rest of her, at all attractive.

Bob ..... Please see above re food.

You are right about the weight-loss - I lost nearly 3 lbs. Not an attractive way to do it though.

Really sorry to hear about your chickens. Usually there is no doubt if it is a fox, due to the feather debris left behind.

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Quotation time ......

"The English country gentleman galloping after a fox - the unspeakable in full pursuit of the uneatable"

Oscar Wilde

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Quiet Sunday - Gone cold again - 52F - 16mph ENE

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I bought this gadget in Ikea yesterday and have already used it successfully several times.

They must have a proper name but I can't remember what it is. The idea is to put a spoonful of leaf-tea in the wire-mesh end (it opens by compressing the two arms against the spring) then you put it in your mug and pour boiling water over. Obviously, when your tea is a suitably brewed colour you take it out.

Ingenious ! The one we had at home wasn't spring loaded and had holes in the metal rather then mesh. The results so far have been more than satisfactory.

The rain has been extremely heavy and our poorly draining bits are awash. Going down now though (6pm) because it has stopped raining. Also very cold and an ENE wind with 29mph gusts. I am so sorry for people just about to set off on holiday. Let's hope it brightens and warms up abit.

For lunch I cooked fresh Sea Bass and decided to oven-bake it which worked well. As accompaniments I did Jersey Royals and Mange-toute peas. Followed by a Y jelly and Greek Yoghurt. Delicious.

Microsoft have introduced a new search-engine, to rival google. It is called Bing and has one or two nice features. As 'google' now does, it offers suggestions to possible sites when you enter a search term. But a new nicety is that, when it opens a list of results, it offers a summary of each site before you decide whether to open it or not. This is achieved by hovering your mouse over the right hand edge of the listed site. So easy and useful when you get used to it. I could become a convert !

Picture number 2 needs no explanation. It is a cartoon by Bob.

As usual, beautifully drawn.

My responses to your comments

Jill ..... You may be right that John & Yvonne are now heading for home but yesterday we received a real post-card (the sort with a stamp) from Port Fréjus. This apparently is located between Cannes and Saint-Tropez.

Lucky old you, going to Alaska while it was so unspoilt.

I wasn't as much in favour of the Sheila Hancock Poetry programme as you were. I realise that much of her chosen work was relevant to what she had found comforting after the death of John Thaw. But I think she has milked this dry. Maybe I just don't like the woman very much.


Bob .... I think we do the same as you. In the first place, years ago, we set ordinary cooking coriander seed. Then harvested some seed from the result, and have simply kept it going ever since.

The service buses I have used very occasionally are, as you say, and Y affirms, uncomfortable. Her main complaint though, is the thoughtless behaviour of the clientelle.

Coaches on the other hand always suit me fine. So long as we sit on the driver's side so I can stretch my really bad left leg down the aisle. I would go so far as to say that I actually like and enjoy coach travel. Maybe because it's mostly with our Mansfield National Trust chums whose company we love.

Alaska to Siberia via The Bering Strait is just a walk. When the sea is frozen, which it mostly is. My memory tells me there was a move afoot once to build a land-bridge. Don't know what happened to the project.

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Quotation time ......

"To the lover of wilderness, Alaska is one of the most wonderful countries in the world"

John Muir

Sleep tight - catch you tomorrow



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The gusty wind persists - 58F - a Rest Day

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Today's wet, windy, and cold weather makes us realise how lucky we were yesterday at Anglesey Abbey. Stormy during the journey but after arrival we had warm sun and everyone was able to see outside things as well as indoors.

Our route from Car Park to house was longer than the most direct but one of their volunteers recommended it and, thanks to my wheels, we managed it. And I'm so glad we did for the sight of these trees.

One of our ladies assured us they are 'Silver Birch ' but we doubt it. Most indigenous Silver Birch don't acquire this absolute whiteness when young, if at all, and we think this is one of those tree species that in the Autumn have a really attractive bark-peel. Does anyone know?

Inside the house the Art Collection was a high point for us. In one room was the last picture Richard Parkes Bonington painted and remains unfinished but delightfully bright perhaps in consequence. He has a special place for Nottingham people because of his birthplace in Arnold. There were other treasures - Holbein, Constable, Claude de Lorraine, Munnings, a Landseer or two, one of a Spaniel that looked as if it had been fed sugary sweets - awful!

The second picture is of Lode Mill which we didn't manage to pull in. This picture was from the closest point we reached. Y would liked to have gone down to it but I was flagging a bit by that stage.

The Mill is still functioning and people bought stone-ground flour and oatmeal etc.

The coach journey was good fun and we had lots of laughs. Peter G is still in his plaster cast (broken wrist from being knocked over on a crossing in London by a cyclist) but Joan has stepped into the breach by taking on the driving. On Friday we are going out with Peter and Joan, and Jean to celebrate Peter's and Jean's 80th Birthdays. They are an example to us all.

Tomorrow I have a blood-test, Y is having her hair done and then we are off over to Sherwood for a nails service. Charity Shops will beckon and I must keep an eye open for jigsaws for Joan G. While we are over there it would be nice to call in on Joan B but Yvonne hasn't managed to contact her yet.

Sports Desk - Y had a nice chat with Margaret M and her grandson 'Lachs' is doing extremely well. Although he is one of Nottingham Panthers stars his actual team is 'Lions' and recently he has had 4 other offers.

My comments on your comments

jbw...... Thank you for 'Rainbow Bridge' which I am sure will bring comfort to bereaved pet owners. For my taste it was rather sugary and cloying I'm afraid.

Bob .... As you know, I only have one actual 'field' but that can be located anywhere. On reflection, perhaps I have two. One is a 'field' and the other is a 'small enclosure'.

The fact that I could not find a bird feeder-stand anywhere was nature's way of telling me I prefer the feeders hanging in the Rowan Tree anyway. The fact that sometimes I can't see the birds clearly enough to photograph them is but a minor hitch.

Jill .... I hope you will enjoy your Morrisons. Like Debra you will be pleasantly surprised at the prices and also the quality and range of goods. It is our favourite Supermarket.

I can easily understand your reaction to Rainbow Bridge and my 'comment' above should not in anyway be interpreted as a put-down.

Helen C .... I think your comment will be much appreciated by both Rob and Bob. It is over a year since Ralph died but I know how much Bob misses him still.

Your remarks about the silliness of the 'dog rescue' 70yr limit are absolutely right. There are so many 40yr olds who are not fit to have a dog and many at 70+ who would be ideal. Often more so because they have the time and the commitment.

Tilly .... Great to have you commenting!

Thanks very much for the update on the Great Tit chicks. I guess that, by Thursday when I collect Grandma, the situation may have changed again. Lets hope there are no more casualties.

We would all love a picture of them outside the nest box.

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Quotation time ..... While I was looking up a quation for May I came across this old dictum, known to all Bee-keepers ........

"A swarm in May
Is worth a load of hay;
A swarm in June
Is worth a silver spoon;
A swarm in July
Ain't worth a fly."

The reasoning behind it is that a swarm (usually around 18,000) in July won't have time that year to grow into a honey producing colony. So you have to look after them, feed them if necessary, all for a nil return.

In the original Derbyshire version the 4th line read "Ain't come too soon"

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Sleep tight - catch you tomorrow


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Bank Holiday - 51F - 5mph W - BJ Gala

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I asked Helen C for permission to publish this picture because we had been discussing James Turrell and I was reminded. She agreed, so here it is.

In my opinion an oustanding picture which ticks all the buttons. The teardrop construction suits the subject. I like the 3 portholes, or whatever they are called in Churches. The 'Atrium' and the patch of sky are gorgeous. And she waited for those little wispy clouds. The whole picture has a certain lapidary quality. Lovely stuff !

Which brings me to my task of the day. i.e. Judging the photographs at Burton Joyce Gala or, more accurately, the 3 Villages Gala. There were maybe 50 entries, in different classes from under 11 to adult, in different categories.

A delightful task but demanding. There were some excellent pictures and contestants had gone to a lot of trouble. I was fed and provided with hot tea and, as I said to Y, I would be happy to judge a photographic competition anywhere for a slice of Aunty Pauline's Coconut Cake - it was exquisite - so moist!

When I got home and decided to put the car away I thought I must let everyone see the results of Y's labours in the Garage.

I suppose really, for you to be able to judge the transformation, I should have done a 'before' picture too. But I didn't so you will have to use your imaginations.

Before going over to the Gala Field, Y managed a snap of the hatched chicks in the Great Tit nesting box. But I haven't as yet got access to the picture.

My responses to your previously made comments

jbw..... Thanks for the tip. Lighthouse sounds like a good organisation. I think we pass one of their outlets on the way to Heanor.

We already store unground coffee beans in the freezer having read the tip some years ago.

Reg .... Tell Mo she is 'on the list' for Basil.

Helen C .... Thank you also for the further information on recycling large-ish objects. All we have left is a wooden TV and Video Player stand and that is small enough to fit in the car anyway.

We'll probably take it to JBW's 'Lighthouse' because we need to go to Heanor in the next few days anyway.

Bob ..... My forgetting to stop the camera from spot-metering wasn't a sophisticated error. Just simple carelessness.

I must admit to 'tetchiness' over the Yes to 4 chairs but No to 6. Seemed so unnecessary.

Your £15 DAB Radio from Tesco does indeed sound like a good bargain. So maybe Jill, have a peep in Tesco before spending too much money.

Roy ..... Your Basil will remain in good hands until you need him. Growth rate is healthy but not impossibly fast.

Reg also pointed out that the acronym WoW is more correctly for 'Walkies on Wednesday'. I shall not offend again, lest someone shouts 'Heel' at me.

Jill .... You are quite right about the seed merchants' decisions. I can only assume they go by weight. A packet of Wallflower seed provides sufficient plants to decorate a fair sized County. In a packet of Pelergonium seed you would be lucky to get 6.

I'm sure you will find exactly the DAB radio to suit your needs. Happy digital listening! This Digital Radio magazine regularly e-mail me their latest.

I love the juxtaposition between your sun-lounger purchase and needing the central heating on when you returned.

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Quotation time .....

"Golden slumbers kiss your eyes,

Smiles awake you when you rise:"

Thomas Dekker

I remember hearing these words used as the start of a Beatles track and thinking, wowee, how poetic, very good chaps. Then I discovered it was a Thomas Dekker love poem written circa 1,600. Still good though - and at least the tune was theirs.

"Sleep tight - catch you tomorrow - another busy day with Nat Trst in the evening"

Thought the fish were due for an airing


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Good Good Friday - Good sleep - 52F/ 3mph S

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After the useful interchange with Tim Dawson, about wind-speeds and things, I found the above book irresistible. It caught my eye in the National Trust shop at Clumber during our Wednesday visit. Inside is plenty of technical explanation but the main thrust of the book is 24 beautiful sky-portraits. What can be inferred from them appears on the facing page. I shall take it with me wherever .........

It is perhaps best if I don't comment on yesterday's blog. One comment was about twice the length of the blog itself but .....ah well !

Picture 2 is here solely because of my love of natural light 'still-lifes'. The method seems to imbue the picture with more life than using flash or any other form of artificial light. The colours are better and you don't get that harshness, and shadow outlines etc....

David and Helen and family are safely off on their big holiday and I know they will send me pictures. It was good to see their new Toshiba laptop yesterday. Glossy and shiny seems the 'in' thing and it certainly looked attractive. And I guess it will perform well. It is well specified and Toshiba are good. Even the keys are glossy. Running Vista rather than XP but folks seem to be getting used to it. Y is very happy with hers.

Tomorrow is Millicent's 'do' at the farm and TJ is picking her Mum up during the afternoon.

This morning we went to Hucknall Tesco for bits of shopping and I acquired (on David's recommendation) a three-headed Scart lead adaptor and en route we called in at the Watnall Farm shop for lamb-chops for TJ on Sunday. We did ask if she would like a change from lamb and got the reply "If it isn't going to be lamb, I'm not coming!"

My responses to your previous comments

David ..... See above re your Toshiba and please thank Helen and Sky and Brooke very much for the super Easter Cake. Beautifully finished and presented but we haven't actually tasted it yet.

Bob ..... Thank for your e-mailed info about The Reindeer at Edingley. We have been with Peter & Joan. But I shall pass on your comments.

We do remember Typhoon Tyson and how extremely fast he was. Probably accuracy was a little sacrificed for speed ?

Endoscopy probably is a 'catch-all' description. But I have never know it used for the other end i.e - throat or oesophagus.

Pete ..... Thanks for congratulations ! Never too late. And, bearing in mind previous efforts, we are quite proud of our 26yrs this time.

Brian S .... although via e-mail rather than the 'comments' system, we likewise thank you for your congratulations and best wishes.!

Jill ..... You are right about the tiny bird being a Wren. Our bird-consultant Miles (nearly 8) said immediately "It's a Wren". He also identified some Geese I wasn't sure about as Greylag.

There often is a Sutcliffe Exhibition at Whitby. They are justifiably proud of him and lose no opportunity to exhibit... Sensible people because they always pull a goodly number of photographers. And I'm sure the hand-knitted Guernseys were a bonus. Or vice versa .....

Where we went today i.e. Hucknall Tesco there is a superb modern sculpture of a Miner. When the weather is better I'll take a photo for you. But today there was so little light you would have been able to see the finer points.



Tilly ..... Please don't spend hours searching for the 'Headstocks' picture. If you have sent it me once it must be on my computer too. And I've got more time than you.

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Quotation time ......

"He draweth out the thread of his verbosity

finer than the staple of his argument ....."

Shakespeare - Loves Labour Lost

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Y back safely - 43F with 5mph E wind - coolish

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This great picture is by Trevor Naylor at EPS who organises the Competitions. The picture is entitled "Instructions from Above" which says it all really. It appeared last week in Trevor's '10 picture Essay' and as soon as I saw it I wanted it for the blog because I felt you would all enjoy it.

I collected Y from the tram on time and she has had a grand time but, as usual, is happy tired. She felt she had been really useful as well as having loved seeing everyone.

The following Panorama was from pictures yesterday just by the side of The Great Northern pub and people are beginning to arrive now to sort out their boats for the coming season.


My responses to your previous comments

Pete (Mannanan)..... Glad you enjoyed the canal pic, so I guess you will enjoy the above one too. Wish there had been a little more sparkle in the light but we can't control the weather. Not as nice as yours. BTW what lovely daffodil pictures in your Ramsey Ramblings. (please open this link to see them folks).


Bob ..... It is amazing what a little touch on the Picasa pedal will achieve. I thought your pictures were very interesting but I guess the 'wood shapes' need to be seen in the flesh to be appreciated to the full.

I spoke to Roy on the phone this afternoon and he also feels that Helen's Duck is a sort of hybrid Mallard and not of some exotic species.

The aircraft that fly east must I suppose return in a westerly direction. When you think about it I suppose it is only where the sun is low in the sky that they become interesting and noticeable.

Shame about our swimming girl Rebecca coming second. She did after all break the world record but the winner broke it by more. I heard her interviewed on the radio and she is a lovely modest and demure girl.

Yvonne ..... I remember our Birmingham Canal outing very well. Most enjoyable and I think we knew Pete's point about their miles of waterways outstripping Venice. And the Art Galleries are good too. And less tourists.

Jill...... Glad the 'process' continues. I would be very surprised if an address could be excluded for a 'writ serving'. Things might have changed I suppose but it used to be very straightforward. The Officer pursued the person and gave him the writ. If they refused to accept it in their hand, it was OK to sort of throw it at them which was accepted as valid service. Refusal to accept was not an option.

The bees will have staggered back to their homes today considering themselves foolish for venturing out in the first place.

Your Spring sproutings are well in front of ours up here in the Nottingham Tundra.

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Quotation time ......

"It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade."

Charles Dickens

I have decided against WoW-ing tomorrow. Y has been away for several days and I don't want effectively to walk out of the house just as she is walking in. An unwinding type Rest Day is called for. Lots of jobs to do anyway.

I seem to have accepted that I was wrong about Wells Fargo but I wasn't sure so I decided on abit of research. If you open this link please click you wont see much evidence in the early days of Railway Trains and cow-catchers. In fact the stage-coach depicted in the header looks remarkably akin to my smiley. So there !

"Sleep tight - Catch you tomorrow"



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Busy, rewarding, beautiful day - Definitely Spring

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My first picture has to be Helen's Duck. She sent it me on 6th March for publication in the hope of identification. It was on the Cromford end of the Canal.

To my untutored eye it looks like a Mongrel Mallard. But we hope Roy may be able to 'name that duck'. It may be another of his 'Eh up me' s.

My second job is by way of an experiment.

Please click here and if it works you should be able to hear the birdsong I recorded at 4.30am yesterday morning. Again, I would be delighted if someone could say Robin or Chaffinch or Blackbird etc.

Sorry, it doesn't seem to work at this end. But I'll leave it live - it might work on somebody else's computer. ..... Back to the drawing-board.

The snap on the left intrigued me, it looked as if the vapour-trails were converging on the rising sun.

This morning I took some pictures, remembering Y's border where she needs a record of empty spaces. Then I sorted out the bird feeders. After a light lunch I went and shopped so we don't have to rush about tomorrow when Yvonne returns from her grannying duties.

It was fortunate she was there because Elli had to kept off school due to a bad cough and Y was able to do the necessary.

My afternoon photographs were the Langley Mill Boat Basin. always photogenic

The picture on the right appealed due to its symmetry, and proper water. If Pete (Mannanan) reads this post he will enjoy the picture. No canals on the Isle of Man you see.




My responses to your previous comments

Yvonne ..... Ha Ha ! Thats what comes of waking up feeling good !

I thought "just show me that dragon what's troubling my darlin' girl" and I'll sort the blighter out. I think I must have had one of those weird lucid dreams. It'll be nice to have you back tomorrow.

You are right about the weather. This afternoon was super here too. If you are game I would like to plan a trip to Montecute House (with overnight stay) and see the National Portrait Gallery Exhibition of portraits of Tudor Women. Your favourite period !

Bob .... I'm confused with the days now. If you say 'tomorrow' yesterday, is it 'today' today. If you catch my drift. I hope you enjoy your Veg Curry whenever you have it. Those Aubergines sound a real bargain. Can you freeze them?

For anyone who is interested in Urban Farming this is a link to last week's The Food Programme which was about Cuba's approach. please click I had sent it to Bob and Rob and both thought it important. Bob suggested blogging the link - so there it is.

Ages ago I said to Y "If the house remains unsold long enough, the large garden will prove a plus point rather than a disincentive"

I fully accept the deserved wrist-slap for my reference to americans being of caucasian stock. I was only thinking of the Pilgrim Fathers not everybody else. Sorry !! How prejudiced of me.

Rob ..... My apology is abject ! And I completely retract my caucasian description of americans. See above in my comment on Bob's comment.

Re ploughing with oxen. Hasn't Dennis a photo of similar in Spain ? Or are they towing a cart ? I remember one picture clearly, the cart one, but have a vague recollection of another.

I don't know if the Sports Desk would be intending to cover the Rugby ? If not I think we must record the English victory over the French. So nice to see Martin Johnson with a smile on his face.

Jill ..... I didn't think you were being racist at all. It just reminded me of my friend and his unwillingness to contemplate reading a book on racism by an american (it is Stewart A. who we are talking about Bob). Absolutely no need for apology, and I'm absolutely sure no-one was offended. Hides like rhinocerouses etc...

You are also right about the Wells Fargo cow catchers ! It was a convenient shorthand.

Oh dear oh dear, - as you say they are making it difficult for you. Doubtless on purpose ! ..... But you are intelligent and tenacious. Pity the poor people who are neither. They would have given up ages ago and the Council would have clocked another victory. You go for it gal ! ..... The blog is behind you.

Reg .... That's great stuff Reg. Jill will be delighted.

I would quite like the job of serving a writ on Boris if the chance arises. I can offer good work experience on this one. Not that I dislike Boris - he seems the sort of chap you could enjoy an hour with in the pub.

And he seems to have some very good ideas about London too.

.......................................

Quotation time ............

"Patriotism is a kind of religion; it is the egg from which wars are hatched"

Guy de Maupassant

If anyone wanted to study the art of the Short Story writer they could do worse than buy a copy of his short stories. Each one a beautifully crafted jewel.

"Sleep tight - catch you tomorrow"

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Restful Day - 57F - Bumblebee appeared

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No apology needed for reproducing Rembrandt's "Night Watch" which hangs in the Rijksmuseum. The reason for reproducing it is that some art-historian has finally unravelled the identities of all the militiamen, 365 years after Rembrandt painted them. They were all prominent Amsterdam businessmen and politicians. Great painting and if ever you have the chance to see it, please do.

My day has been mostly in bed with leg/back ache but my own fault. Today was the day to change my Fentanyl patches. I took the old ones off, put the new ones ready, had my shower and forgot all about them. And I suffered for it. Drug-dependent I'm afraid.

My responses to your previous comments

Yvonne ..... Lovely to hear from you in London, via the blog. What fun !

Glad the girls enjoyed 'Wells Fargo', and Elli being very 'matter of fact' about her shawl being a memory of you when you've died. Kids can be very practically minded.

Bob ..... So people have a better idea of the 'hideaway' you discovered in the woods I am putting the picture you e-mailed me here, on the right.

I hope I'm not being obtuse but I was confused by your comment - 'teenage brothers (known for 30 years)" - how can this be ? I ask myself, and I haven't got Yvonne here to explain what is no doubt obvious to most people.

Jill..... I think many outlets favour the empty display box. DVDs and Computer Software nearly always. But there is usually a notice telling you to take the box to customer-services or similar to have the item put in your box.

I haven't watched the photography programme yet. It will be on BBC i player. I agree with you over most co-productions though. You reminded me of a colleague whose wife wanted him to read a book about racial-prejudice. "I'm not racially prejudiced at all" he announced and then, when she passed the book to him he said "I'm not reading that - its American".

However, I know you well enough to know you are not racially prejudiced at all. Being critical of an american approach to culture is NOT racial prejudice. Americans are, after all, of Caucasian stock. My blogger spell checker keeps telling me that american should have a capital A. An instruction I ignore by the way. "What insufferable cheek" I always think.

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Quotation time .......

" Prejudice is the child of ignorance."

William Hazlitt

When I was a boy I chanced upon a collection of Hazlitt's Essays and have been hooked ever since. What an odd boy I must have been !

"Sleep tight - catch you tomorrow"

For people who enjoyed the Wells Fargo smiley - here is the train



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Y at BJ - Me at Camera Club - 54F - 12mph W wind

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I had more or less decided to keep the above in reserve for any upcoming 'most boring panorama' competition but decided instead to blog-it. It might interest Pete in the Isle of Man. Our County Hall is in a splendid position on the banks of the River Trent but, oh dear, that extension on the right-hand side of the picture. In my humble etc., it wrecks the looks of an imposing building.

This house, also on the riverside, looks most impressive.

The building seems to me reminiscent of either Le Corbusier or even Frank Lloyd Wright- and we have Helen C to thank for the snap.

My knowledge of architecture is not as thorough as Bob's and I hope he will put us right.

Y has been over to Burton Joyce today and will have been busy busy because Lisa is ill and isn't going shopping. I delivered her to the tram and we hope Steven will run her into town on the return journey. She has a jacket potato in the oven, on the timer, to look forward to when she gets home. Our paths might cross at 7pm when I shall set off for EPS.

Yesterday evening we watched and enjoyed The Baroque on BBC 4 Waldemar Januszczak, the presenter. has however some annoying characteristics. He insists on walking away with his back to the cameraman while talking over his shoulder. He no doubt thinks this looks good but after the tenth example it begins to pall. The content of the programme and the art-history was excellent though. But Baroque, for me, is too flamboyant and fussy. Simplicity and strong lines suits me best. Having said that, many individual artists of the period i.e. Velasquez, Caravaggio, and particularly Rembrandt are marvellous.

My responses to your previous comments

Bob ..... My single reliable commenter ! Thanks Bungus.

Glad that you at least had good weather yesterday. Ours was good in the late afternoon but by then we were home with cameras put away. Not that I can only be happy in my environment with a camera in my hand, I am not an under-training Japanese tourist..

I loved your 'fishermen link'. Great pictures and a good read. Well found ! I'm pleased it is in the blog.

Re vicars. I am lucky because the Reverend David Jones has promised to do the necessary. Unless he pops off first of course. And he says it doesn't have to be a Christian occasion because he can take off his Anglican priest hat and don his 'chum' hat.

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Tomorrow Y goes to London and I shall have a messing-about type 'shangri-la'. I just hope she doesn't overtire herself. Sometimes Debra thinks her Mum is in her 5os rather her 70s. On Saturday morning I'm going over to Long Eaton. Looking forward to that.

And I must think 'obesity clinic' and not nibble whilst unsupervised !

Quotation time ...............

"The first priest was the first rogue who met the first fool"

Voltaire

That Voltaire - now he knew a thing or two ! ....... I have several things I need to research and that will keep me out of mischief anyway. See you tomorrow.

p.s. I may reopen after EPS - depending if there is anything I want to add. On the other hand, if 'done-for' I shan't. Don't be inhibited from comments however.

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Satisfactory Saturday - Meal sorted - 50F but 13mph SW

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I am coming to an end with my crocus pictures and anyway, they won't be around for much longer. Then come the daffs, tulips and hyacinths.

Herb-wise I've managed to keep some parsley going through the depths of the winter in a sheltered spot by covering it with a large plastic container. The chives have already started to grow and I have thyme and sage. Plus of course my prolific basil on the kitchen window-sill.

Today has been good. Y and I worked together in the kitchen to complete almost every stage of tomorrow's curry. There were 3 good reasons. (1) It was fun (2) curries improve overnight and (3) less faff in the morning allowing us to be relaxed with our guests.

The picture on the right is Bob's hand carved/sculpted 'woodman'. A delightful piece of Art and he definitely reminds me of someone - who, will eventually emerge.

I particularly like the slightly pained and bemused expression on his face. As if someone has tried, unsuccessfully, to kick him in the googles. That he has decided to wear a Jane Fonda type wonderbra also appeals.

In all seriousness Bob, it is great ! Congratulations !


My responses to your previous comments

Yvonne ..... The Jenny Joseph 'When I am old....' poem is wonderful isn't it ? It fully deserves the universal acclaim it has received. The link I have posted is to The Poetry Archive where there are recordings of some of her readings.

Bob ..... OTTP ? Think about it. Think P-hotography. I obviously need to telegraph my punches more clearly. Likewise the crocodile/alligator.

I think 'loose covers' is the better decision. No doubt new furniture could be obtained more cheaply but that is what it would be, cheap furniture - and you want at least 20/30 years wear out of it don't you ?

A certain type of crossbred Labrador can be called a 'dudley' apparently, but you wouldn't hang one from a mammoth's tusks I suppose.

Jill ...... Oh that it were possible - to e-mail you a couple of stones ! To be fair to Dr Barrett, she didn't introduce the obesity clinic. Y sort of 'steered the conversation' in that direction. Anyway, I freely accept that I would find moving about, rising from chairs, etc., easier and probably less painful if I shed a couple of 1lbs.

Likewise, if your doctor didn't tell you to put weight on I don't think you should be too concerned. You looked fine when we saw you at your wedding anniversary, and from your letters and blog comments, you seem to eat a varied diet, with protein and other essentials. And you don't smoke which I think is much more important.

This evening we watched a couple of the multiplicity of programmes about photography. Alan Bennett narrated one about Ravilious which was interesting. The narration and pictures were fine but the deeply unattractive people in it were abit off-putting. The one we enjoyed most however was about Lartigue The pictures had a magical quality and the presenters and interviewees were charming.

The crocuses were all planted by the local council plus volunteers, a few years ago. And all the work and expense have been worth it because the display has been ace ! And the daffs still to come.

...............................

Quotation time ......

"Photography is something you learn to love very quickly. I know that many, many things are going to ask me to have their pictures taken and I will take them all"

Jacques-Henri Lartigue

The link is to a YouTube interview with the great man. In French, but the bits you can't translate are covered in the sub-titles anyway. I included it because it was the best of several.

"Sleep tight - catch you tomorrow"

Bed bound - Virgin still useless - Pictures

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Today I am opening with Jill's bulbs because I haven't done anything photographic except produce this collage from Jill's e-mail. The main reason is a decision to stay in bed with my leg straight out down the bed - this has a tendency to ease things but I am left with the strange sensation that the limb is encased in plaster as if I'd broken it. editor - no more - because other peoples aches and pains can be as boring as holiday snaps.

The absolutely PROMISED tv remote, which was certain to arrive to day, didn't ! Surprise, surprise ! are all Virgins useless ?

Y has been in charge of the galley and we've had lovely food - vegetarian bakes, potato wedge and salad. Later, some attractive open cheese and lettuce sandwiches and I do hope that some pedant doesn't find it necessary to point out that if they were open they weren't sandwiches. Lots of tea and coffee goes without saying.

Also needless to say, I've listened to Radio 4 almost continuously but a little Radio 7 first thing. At 11am on R 4 was a snasher entitled Hair Spray and Harmony about a ladies' barbershop singing competition.

My ArtDaily newspaper was also full of interest. I reproduce this Picaso 'The Matador' for your enjoyment. If I am up to it I would very much like to visit the exhibition "Picasso: Challenging The Past" at The National Gallery till early June.

Also in ArtDaily is a video by Anthony Gormley who has had the bright idea for the empty plinth in Trafalgar Square. For 24 hours a day for 100 days volunteers will be invited to stand on the plinth. All will be filmed and he hopes thereby to create a snapshot of our times.

I don't know Anthony Gormley personally but he seems engaging and surprising normal for one so creative.


My responses to your previous comments

Yvonne ..... Reg's explanation also probably has something to do with digital radio always being a few words ahead of analogue radio. Or is it the other way round ? Bob mentions the point further down.

A Feedback listener asked which time-signal was the correct one ? They had an 'expert' to explain but I couldn't understand what I was being told.

Bob .... I can hardly bring myself to comment. I already know the meaning of decoupage, and I was trying to make a point about recouping energy.

Your cavalier attitude to computer security is not to be admired. Whilst enjoying your frisson of uncertainy, if you did download viruses, or spyware etc., you would expect Danny or someone else to sort it out for you. And all while something simple like SiteAdvisor is there, and FREE.

The fact that Danny hasn't recommended it is neither here nor there. WebUser forum people do, and I think that their accumulated wisdom and experience is probably sound.

Judgementals ...... I take your point about 'smileys'.. The word 'bungus' has a similar effect on some people. i.e Once they see it, they read no further. Pleased however to note that your comments no longer begin with you referring to yourself in the third person.

Reg .... Courteous young PCs have always existed. We were taught to be nice and polite to Mums and Dads and people who worked for a living, and as 'orrible as could be to criminals and louts.

Thanks for the report on the 'battle' and I'm glad Peter Cheetham did well. I think Helen thought him a little 'picky' - but he always has been. I well remember him going through a phase of doing exhibition prints which showed the film-edge ratchet holes. Never understood what that was all about.

Jill..... Glad you liked my Dick Barton link. I also remember the 'circus folk' serial. Y reminded me of a Dick Barton episode where they were trapped in a room when the floor and ceiling and walls were all coming together. And I could remember the episode but I'll be damned if I can remember how they got away - which they surely did !

Re Incredimail. I really do hope you haven't downloaded because the consequences can be far reaching. All seems well at first but after some months things start to go wrong, leading eventually to a crash. Here is the Wikipage about it, please click, scroll down to Controversy to read about the problems.

My solution, published in WebUser, was about Picasa 3 difficulties. If you still have problems why not telephone and I'll talk you through the 'fix it'.

Join the insomnia club ! No doubt at that time the bird would be a Robin - bless 'em - almost worth being awake for

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Quotation time .................

"Art thou the bird whom Man loves best,
The pious bird with the scarlet breast,
Our little English Robin...."

William Wordsworth

We must go shopping tomorrow. Tracy coming for a meal.



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Signs of Spring - but still only 47F - lots of naps

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The opening collage is Bob's 'woodcarving' and here you are actually watching the creative act taking place. A person, complete with personality, is emerging. Already 'he' reminds me of someone but I can't quite yet shout out who it is.

The weather here has been dark and gloomy all day but there are signs of Spring.

Crocuses all over the place (mostly yellow) and rose-buds emerging from the stalks. Very little light but I wanted to capture a little of our Princess Elizabeth which lives just outside the Office window.

Y has gone to Burton Joyce but, when I had dropped her at the Tram, I came straight back home and had a day of 'recoupage'. You can recoup financial losses so I guess you can recoup energy. It sounds rather French but my little pocket Collins English/French doesn't have it.

My day's diet has been just a couple of rounds of toast and plenty of tea and coffee. We may eat when Y returns but we may not. If Lisa sends me a cream cake I will definitely eat that.

Computer- wise I have bought a new copy of RegCure for the big PC and my Asus and all I have had to do is download it, pay, and enter 2 different licence numbers for the different machines. Since I first installed it years ago on the Packard Bell laptop I have been a fan. I do a scheduled scan on a weekly basis and the programme always finds some crud to clear out and my computers work better and quicker thereafter.

I know it sounds like a programme designed to sort Reg out, but, in fact, the Reg bit stands for Registry. And I haven't spent the entire day in bed either - I've had a good 'go' at the crossword and actually read the paper. Jill will certainly see the letter on the 'letters page' about rampaging urban foxes. Apparently the writer has suffered one such entering the house during the night via the cat-flap and causing damage.

Picture 3 is the lay-figure as left by Karen. Lay-figures are interesting - they induce people to leave them in poses. Tracy favours an 'entrechat' or some other ballet movement and hers can look quite artistic.

No doubt some post-grad psychology student could design a doctoral thesis on the subject.

My responses to your previous comments

Yvonne ..... If you want Sky Sports my darling, you can have it ! As you say, especially if they secure Wimbledon. As long as I've known Y she has been devoted to Wimbledon and, in the old days, has been known to take her annual holidays to coincide.

'Emanuele' on WebUser forums won't be best pleased by last night's match, as a Juventus fan.

Bob ...... For the benefit of other readers 'Pickup on South Street' is now a link to some extracts from the film. I take your point about the 'noir' aspect - even the music is certainly not 'blanc'. There is a definite attraction to black & white films, as there is to b & w still photography. And to Radio without pictures. BBC 7 is well worth a listen, if you have access. Their plays and classic readings are excellent. At the moment they are even repeating 'Dick Barton - Special Agent' - I can distinctly remember running home from wherever I was playing so as not to miss the cliff-hanging adventures of Barton, Jock and Snowey. I've even managed, please click here to get you all a recording of that unforgettable music. It will all be complete double-dutch to our younger readers.

Although I am a fan of most greens I agree with you about kale. Lets face it - it's cattle-fodder, not for people !

Jill ...... The reason the orchids look flourescent is because I had tried to photograph them like that, for drama. Either with the sun behind them and the sun shining through the petals, or, with the sun full frontal both of which seem to make them glow.

Re e-mails and viruses. Your anti-virus software should protect you against e-mail borne malware. I'm assuming you have such - AVG or Norton etc.. The e-mail I was talking about was a 'hoax' misinforming people that a big virus attack was imminent, with an e-mail entitled either 'Postcard' or 'Postcard from Hallmark'. If you ever receive anything which you are not happy about, copy the subject, or the opening words of the summary and then paste that into Google and click 'search'. It will soon tell you if it is a hoax.

I always recommend that people download McAfee SiteAdvisor which is completely free and it basically tells you if sites are safe or not by a green, amber, or red icon at the side the the result. The title above is a link to the download page. All you need to do is follow your nose.

Re your claim. In my opinion it will be £45 well ventured. You have a strong argument and I still think that, if you pursue it, the Council will at some stage fold, and make you an offer.

I've just noticed in my inbox that your pictures have arrived. Thanks. I'll probably use one tomorrow. By the way, I noticed in your e-mail, an intro to 'Incredimail' smileys. I can only advise that you give that programme a very wide berth indeed. It really is trouble. If you haven't downloaded it, for goodness sake don't. If you need to know more I will send you some information about it.

Reg ..... Obviously you are right about the time delay in the football commentary. Going up to satellites and back, instead of more 0r less direct radio waves is the reason. Brilliant. ..... Satellites never crossed my mind.

Yvonne will be pleased !

Sorry to hear about your upset tummies. Hope you are soon recovered.

......................................

Quotation time .......

"The world is a tragedy to those who feel, but a comedy to those who think"

Horace Walpole

Walpole, in my opinion, was abit of a Wally and a very dodgy Art Historian. But, credit where it's due, I agree with his quote.

"Sleep tight - catch you tomorrow"

I think the train must be about due for an airing



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Film cameras - 49F - University Challenge - Useless Virgin

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Two more collages today. I might form a Collage Society and call it The Old Montagarians or similar ! The first one is about my recently acquired Nikon F401X which I bought at the weekend on e-bay (£5 and £3 p.p.) paid for by PayPal and it arrived today. It works. And part of the 'packaging' was this sturdy old Nikon camera-bag which I hadn't ordered. I e-mailed the vendor with my surprised thanks and he said that having no use for it he thought I might like it. E-bay, in my experience, is a happy place to be. Most of the web is like that - there are only a few unpleasant rogues. Like spammers !

My reason for wanting a 35mm film DSLR is in the pursuit of my pinhole interests. This evening I had a pleasant 10 minute chat to Roy about it all because film photography is his first love and I need advice about films etc.


Collage 2 is about Bob's rotting-head (in his garden !) and his attendance at woodcarving classes. The classes tire him out and I have advised him to take it easy. The head in the garden has always reminded me of Charles de Gaulle but is apparently now suffering the ravages of time. I have linked you to a Wiki page so you can check out the similarity.

Unfortunately I shan't be WoW-ing tomorrow. Senior Management (i.e. Y) has been quite clear about the matter.

At the moment our television works but not the old NTL remote amd while we have a good quality picture on the screen the sound is too low to be audible. Virgin media have been most helpful and are to send us a new remote control as a matter of urgency. Delivery time ? Between 2 and 8 days. However, on the PC and also the laptops, we can use BBC iPlayer so we don't actually miss anything. The University Challenge final for instance which we loved.

However Y wanted to watch the Milan v Manchester football match live and had an incredibly bright idea. While watching the match on the telly she tuned her radio to Radio 5Live and received on the spot commentary. If the idea had been one of mine it would be allocated number 6 ???. ..... The linked page carries a live interview with Mourinho so she will be watching that !

My responses to your previous comments

Jill ..... Oh dear. What an accident and time ravaged lot we are. Y seems the fittest, except for her blood-pressure and even that isn't too bad at the moment. And this runny nose she can't shake-off.

I agree about Gail Trimble - to call her 'Grace' must have been a feudian slip because she is indeed 'graceful' for one so frighteningly bright.

Sorry your face is going to take 6 months to heal. Were you told that the concomitant pain would also last that long ? Take loads of pain-killers would be my response.

Bob ..... Your Tesco Tea bargains do indeed sound worth dropping-in for. Another item where sale-by dates are hardly relevant when you consider how slow the East Indiamen were doing the round trip.

The lateral-thinking arising from linseed-oil made me smile. But who am I going to get to apply it ? Y would refuse point-blank and I think Karen would expect an impossibly high wage increase to take the job on.

.................................

Quotation time .... Without I hope straying into the Sports Desk's emporium...

"(Wayne) Rooney has signed a deal to do five books. That’s an awful lot of crayons.”

Johnnie Walker

I've linked you to a page about his radio show. Unfortunately I don't listen to it, so I can't enlighten you.

"Sleep tight - catch you tomorrow"




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