Normal sort of Saturday - Chilly - 63F - 8mph Westerly

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Picture 1 is another of The Pantiles at Royal Tunbridge Wells - now there's posh for you.

Isn't it where 'disgusted' who used to write letters to The Telegraph lived? It is a nice place though, but again, we were lucky with the weather. I didn't mention it yesterday but I tried a glass of the famous iron-rich spa water served by the lady shown in the link, or a lookalike. I thought the iron would be good for my back - Y couldn't be tempted though. Although some similar snaps have featured in the collages, I wanted you to see these a little bigger.

Since we returned Y has been so busy washing and ironing, I think her back will undoubtedly suffer. I managed a little gardening - tomatoes, weeding herb-bed, feeding and watering our courgette from which we enjoyed the first 'crop' today. Although small, picking them will allow the others room to expand. Very tasty they were too.

Some computer jobs and dealing with pictures have occupied my afternoon. I have deleted maybe seven in every ten - such is the joy of digital. It isn't good policy to delete any while in the camera - you can't see them well enough. But on a big screen - well !!

Picture 2 is the carp pond at Chartwell. I liked the swirls of fish and water, and those enormous guneras on the left. Very photogenic but best not handled too much - a rash ensues.

At one stage today the weather seemed promising, a little sun - but now the strong gusty wind is back and I have donned my smoking jacket for warmth.

My responses to your previous comments

Yvonne ..... I think we are in agreement about the holiday. Great ! And I'm glad your 'Battle of Britain' simulation was so good. I guessed it would be your sort of thing.

I can't see the attraction of Shopping Malls like Bluewater. You might just as well go down Nottingham, all the shops are there. And those 'milling-about' crowds of people.

Jill ..... The big shopping place near here is Meadow Hall, nr Sheffield and, although much smaller, but nearer is McArthy Glen. I suppose they have their place. In fact I must confess to a soft-spot for McCarthy Glen which, as such places go, is pleasant enough.

The swimming pool at the Hilton was well up to R's requirements and was deep enough at the deep-end for me at 5'10½" to be out of my depth. And, as you saw from the snap, quite comfortably large. And at the side of it a full equipped gym, with those apparent instruments of torture. He would probably have enjoyed the gym too? Certainly the Jacuzi.

Re collages - in the first one, top right corner, the pretty bridge was at Bluewater ! Sorry !

In the second one, your guess is correct = The Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells.

Bob ..... I think Kitchen Shops always have a certain attraction, for we culinary dabblers.

My digestion is iffy at the moment, and I do suffer from bile. Y suggests I discuss 'gallstones' with the GP.

I didn't intend a double admonition re the Order of Mercy. I spoke to Peter earlier today. He has a photograph of his medal, and as soon as I have it to hand, publication will follow.

Glad you sorted your 'cargo trousers'. I never did find the receipt anyway.

Sandra is so lucky to have a wren as tame as that. Our wren is extremely timid and camera-shy.

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

While away I bought a selection of Thomas Hardy. I prefer him as a poet rather than as a novellist. This little extract sums up my feelings when I start to feel tired.

"Only a man harrowing clods
In a slow silent walk

With an old horse that stumbles and nods

Half asleep as they stalk."

Thomas Hardy

Sleep tight - hope to catch you tomorrow.




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Getting ready for hols - 70F - 2mph SE wind

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The weather has been mostly cloudy but with occasional sunny bits. Fortunately no rain.

On the footie-field has been a kids day with everything from a Bouncy Castle to small football matches, roundabouts and performers doing turns. You could tell they were having a good time by the unmistakable noise of kids at play.

Alex has finished Derek & Betty's picket fence and very beautiful it looks too. He is so careful with alignment and design. I asked Derek if it was to be painted because, following on from my flat-pack mastery, I could see myself in a Tom Sawyer role! ..... Go on - open the link - it's a beautiful piece of prose !

But the fence is not to be painted; the wood has been treated and is guaranteed for 25yrs - although it may darken a little with age. The light wasn't good enough to do it justice so a better effort may follow. Such a pity about that awful green Virgin media box spoiling the look of the whole thing.

While I was at the front gate I photographed some more Clematis Vulgaris but again the light didn't allow me to capture the blue 100% accurately. The colour that you see, lacks the necessary richness of hue.

I'm so pleased that my INR level is 2.9 (i.e. almost perfect) and I don't need to be tested again till the 21st July, so we can relax while on holiday. This morning we nipped out for essentials and it is good to know there is a UHT version of Lactofree. I tried the Lactofree cheese, toasted on toast (Debra's recommendation) but it didn't appeal to me.

Joan was supposed to going on her hot-air Balloon flight this evening but it was cancelled. Apparently they only fly in clear, cloudless skies. When it is re-arranged I am looking forward to taking some photographs.

My responses to your comments

Bob .... I don't understand your rather delphic 'Second post?'

Re the Casio photo. No ! There was no false modesty. I thought the snap unsharp, messy and ill-defined. Only thing going for it was that it did the job of showing what the 'viewer' looks like. You are right in a way about its Roleiflex nature and it is also equipped with a x2 diopter. It enables me to get the camera level with a flower without bending down too far or adopting a position of prayer (christian or muslim) and my efforts so far are satisfactory.

I am surprised at your ignorance of Tim Berners-Lee and www - did you think it all just happened then, spontaneously ?

Jill .... We all learn something of value every day. Or should do. Until we atrophy and begin our final decline. Anyway I bet there's hundreds of things you know that I don't. Its the way of the world.

I remember when I erected our Billy that you commented that you had one. Most impressive that Ro will still tackle a flat-pack if necessary. You are quite right that it is things with drawers, especially when they have wheels and runners - I had to enlist the help of my glamourous assistant to pronounce about wheel positions at the opposite end to me. We got there though.

You have without doubt reached the correct decision with your tree stumps. If you wanted to, you can paint them with stuff that rots the wood away, even though I think it takes some time to work. But does it really matter ? As you say you can always stick a tub or a trough on top - or even make them a wildlife feature - don't put on the poison but encourage moss and lichens and even put a few logs thereon and create a haven for creepy crawlies. If you open the link you can read about the RSPB's approach to log-piles.

I am to be allowed my Asus Eee notebook. But mainly for dealing with my photographs. Mind you, with my Vodafone dongle, I could be on the internet in a jiffy ! I don't intend to though - wouldn't be fair to Y.

Anonymous Peter G ..... Thanks for the holiday good wishes.

When we return we shall look forward to hearing about your new Order of Mercy Award. I googled from what you have told me and I just hope against hope that the link I have provided is about the correct thing. If it isn't I shall correct my error as soon as I can.

Sincerest congratulations seem in order. You do such a lot of good work, which so few know anything about.

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Quotation time .......

"Come hither from the furrow and be merry:
Make holiday; your rye-straw hats put on
And these fresh nymphs encounter every one
In country footing."

Shakespeare - The Tempest 1V.i

"Sleep tight - enjoy your holiday from reading Radiogandy - I will be back towards the end of next week"




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WoW-ing at Colwick - very hot - 88F - little SSE breeze

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We met at Reg's at the usual time and eventually decided to visit Colwick Country Park where Denis captured the mandarin duck.

The chaps parked me near the Colwick Park Hotel which has just re-opened after extensive refurbishment. Helen had heard that some medieval wattle-and-daub work had been found and retained.

I was selected for the role of being cheeky enough to go in and ask probing questions. Needless to say, no-one knew anything about wattle and daub but they were really pleasant and helpful, and I was invited to have a mooch around and take as many photos as I liked. I collected a glossy and nicely produced brochure.

All in all, a good place to go and Y tells me that Tracy uses it for work-related entertaining.


The sun was blisteringly hot but the chaps enjoyed their walk and I enjoyed messing about in the immediate area. There was a completely wild, and wide, strip between the main roadway and the Race-Track and I managed quite a few wild-flower snaps for subsequent identification.

Also I saw some unusual butterflies but I wasn't fast enough.

At lunch time we stopped for chip-butties but, the weather wasn't right for them, and only 2 people ventured. The others has something lighter or, in Bill's case, nothing to eat at all. I think the pub was The Nag's Head but, in the absence of a website with a photograph it is difficult to be sure. Reg can't remember for sure either, so it isn't just me. It's this heat frazzling our brains.

You perhaps remember me telling you about the nurse-practitioner's authoritative advice about avoiding 'bruising' whilst taking blood samples ?

The picture on the left tells the story and needs no comment from me .........

Anyway - I have received the results back and my level is 2.6 (this is good) and they didn't want me to have another test till 14th July. We are on holiday then but, after consulting the anti-coagulant clinic, I'm going in on the 7th July, where I just so happened to have already booked an appointment !

Y has had a good Wimbledon day. Unfortunately her stroky-hair chap Djokovic was knocked out. And Andy Roddick beat Hewitt in a very good match which she thoroughly enjoyed.

Earlier today Derek brought round a bag of 3lbs of gooseberries. And talk about good neighbours - they had been topped and tailed !

John is back. Great trip in the camper, and as soon as he has sorted himself out he will pop over and give us a full account. Really looking forward ......

My responses to your previous comments

Bob ..... Re 'blood tests'. I think my nurse's explanation can perhaps be taken with a pinch of salt etc....

The 'duck' watering cans seem to be popular. I suppose there is a natural affinity.

I seem to remember the Playhouse 'performance'. We seemed to do such a lot in those days. Judging competitions, doing readings etc....

Pete ..... Likewise me with Manamans Cloak Pete. I often visit but don't sign your guestbook unless I've got something really interesting to say. I managed to give you a plug on WebUser forums the other day in a thread about 'passions'.

Eventually I think the 'powers that be' will realise that people are turning away from the grunters-and-screechers matches. If it hits ticket sales it will be surprising how quickly silence is restored.

Jill .... And you shall have a duck watering can. I'm going to call in at B&Q tomorrow, after I've dropped Y at the tram and buy you one. Then I'll parcel it up and send it.

Re all those gooseberries. Friends and neighbours will be the recipients plus of course the freezer. See above re topping/tailing.

When we had an excess of raspberries I used to make raspberry fool which is very popular. Gooseberry fool is too !

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Quotation time .....

"That beautiful season the Summer!
Filled was the air with a dreamy and magical light;
and the landscape
Lay as if new created in all the freshness of childhood."

Longfellow

I remember as a boy being thrilled to bits with The Song of Hiawatha. The romance of it and those flowing repetitive cadences. I used to read it aloud to myself.

"Sleep tight - Catch you tomorrow"




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Back home, back to normal - 60F - heavy rain

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We seem to have been away ages but in fact just under a week. The Mansfield Centre of The National Trust's long weekend in Norfolk was a great success. The organiser, Jean, had done a super job and, as usual arranged for us to have excellent weather.

Our itinerary included so much of interest I think it best not to list them all. But we included stately homes and gardens plus the seaside.

Picture 1 is of Sandringham the Queen's country retreat and everything was in lovely condition. I spent more time in the gardens than the house.

Our seaside day was at Wells-Next-The-Sea where again the weather favoured us. We enjoyed fresh crab and Y discovered a delicatessen which deserves mention. A fascinating find and although I just went to look, inevitably I bought things. One notable purchase was Maldon Sea Salt (smoked). I use the ordinary all the time but I'm interested to encounter the smoked version. I shall report back.

Our room was exceptionally good with a magnificent view from our bay window. Looking right you could see the sea and looking front and left were lovely meadows, village houses, and a Shire Horse Rescue Station. In the mornings you could see the heavy horses in their fields.

We never had time in our busy schedule to fit in a visit to them. Perhaps next time.

On the return journey Jean's control over the weather only held out as far as our last visited place, Norwich where we had several hours. Some people visited the Castle, some the Cathedral, some, including us, just had a good mooch about. Just 20 minutes after we left Norwich the skies opened.

We stopped in a Farm Shop/Restaurant at Holbeach where I inadvisedly ate a pork pie. I think it had recently been defrosted - it was suspiciously cold to the touch. But, fortunately after dropping off Jean and Wendy, I just managed to get home before I was violently ill. Sickness, diarrhea and violent and uncontrollable twitching - at my request Y sent for the Doctor who was out making visits and called in. She prescribed anti-biotics and things for the sickness. By today I was well enough to go for my blood-test and I know my INR level will have gone haywire again. I was so ill I didn't take my Warfarin on Monday and the tablets prescribed will affect it anyway. I await the results with interest.

My replies to your previous comments

Jill .... Your keyboard is fine. Apparently the 'wireless' ones which transmit a signal to the PC leave enough space for cybercriminals to intercept and download account numbers etc.

Glad Ro's results were OK.

The bridge at Ashford in the Water is, without doubt, of the pack-horse persuasion.

Yvonne .... It seems well-dressings no longer are limited to religious themes and are simply works-of-art in their own right..


Bob .... I'm pleased your trouble is diagnosed as Achilles rather than DVT which is more serious. Colin Fletcher has DVT trouble and it has made him quite poorly.

There may be some mistake. Your Ashford-under-Water sounds post deluge. Our WoW trip was to Ashford-in-the-Water.

jbw ... I know Tissington very well, being an Ashbourne lad. My father's firm owned the village pub there.

Rob .... Thanks for your good wishes for Norfolk - all of which were fulfilled. We met a local in Norwich who directed us to The Walnut Tree Shades pub down an alley. Every word was intelligible - our objective was a quiet pub without juke-box and this was spot on.

Y may well say more in her comment.

Thanks for The Haiku from the Sports Desk. It is undoubtedly a gift you have there. Just wish for your sake there was some money in it.

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

The fun-fare is arriving bit by bit on the Football Field opposite, prior to The Carnival on Saturday. But we are going over to Long Eaton to enjoy their's. Previously we have sat out on David and Helen's forecourt and watched it go by. Here's hoping the weather allows us to do so again.

Quotation time .....

"No man needs a vacation so much as the person who has just had one"

Elbert Hubbard

Some TV to watch tonight Y tells me, a programme about the Pre-Raphs on BBC 4 and a whole hour about The Royal Academy Summer Exhibition on BBC 2 at 7pm. Yvonne and I have always loved the Summer Exhibition and it must be about time for us to pay another visit.

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

I don't believe I've shown you The Ducks yet




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Activity filled Day - 48F - Cloudy and Cool

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The pictures are from later in the day, and show where Y goes swimming. Today 6 lengths. Jacuzi, and walk home. The Hayley Centre is beautifully situated in pleasant parkland and everything looks in 'good order' - no litter, edges trimmed, grass neatly mown - that sort of thing .

Today we crammed a lot in. Took Library Books back, collected tablets, went over to Joan's for coffee and then to The TreeTops for lunch. Whilst at Joan's we booted-up Yvonne's laptop with the vodafone dongle so Joan could see some correspondence Y wanted her to see.

We had a good chat about wildflowers because Joan really does know the subject well. We identified several pictures from my Cromford shots and she put me right about my umbellifers, my ranuculaecea and my avens etc.. I have so much to learn but she lent me a good book.

After lunch I dropped Y off for her swim and she walked home via The Headstocks, all while I had a much needed lie-down. The chair in the Treetops hadn't suited me at all and eventually I had to give up and go and sit in the car. However, after getting home and taking pain-killers, I rallied enough to go out and de-weed part of the ring border in the front lawn (Y had already more-or-less cracked it) and then we planted some Geraniums, which have done well there before. Excellent, well-rooted plants, some from Aldi and some from Morrisons - they were all good. The we watched Springwatch and enjoyed it. I wish Kate Humble would do less gesticulating though - it must be contagious. Chris Packham the new presenter is good and knowledgeable and quite honestly, although I am sorry he is ill, we were ready for a change from Bill Oddie.

The third picture is from my Cromford collection and shows Viper's Bugloss. Now there is a name to conjure with. I shall have to research how it came to be thus named.

Sorry if the snap is a little dull but the flower was growing in a heavily shaded area and what you see is a fair representation of how it was.

I've decided to try and WoW tomorrow, unless I wake up feeling awful. Helen is turning out and when Reg rang me he said there was talk of going to Darley Abbey near Derby. It sounds like an interesting place and, if their website is any indication, it should be fun.

My responses to your previous comments

jbw ..... I have seen your 'mobile-phone cum sat/nav' up at EPS. I think the point was however that the satellites themselves, up there in the sky, might be reaching the end of their useful .......

Pete B ..... We are all loving this TT info. straight from where it is all happening. Please keep it coming.

Yvonne ..... Now you've mentioned it, bells rang, and I'm not sure if David and gang's invasion of Debra's was not post Le Mans rather than the IofM TT. No doubt when he returns from Holiday he will sort it out.

He sent me a holiday-picture on my mobile this afternoon but I'm unsure how to move it onto my computer because it looks like a video rather than a still.

Jill...... Glad you have sorted out your picture problem. I thought it was impossible to push a USB in the wrong way round. Hope you haven't caused any damage.

What an interesting piece about the Hebe and the bees and butterflies. I've never seen one that popular ! Must have been a memorable sight.

I already knew about sewage-works and tomato plants, and they always look so healthy. Am afraid I personally wouldn't be able to use it as a source though. Bob might !

Please give Jenny our best wishes !

Bob .... Re-introducing past species to this country always worries me. Why bother ? If they turn up of their own accord so be it and they should be cherished but there seems to be more important 'green' issues that need to be worked at.

The Poetry Archive is a very valuable resource and Andrew Motion is to be congratulated for his work on it. Little compares with a poet reading his/her own work. There are exceptions but they are rare.

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

Sleep tight - Catch you tomorrow

This is one of Y's favourites - Good enough reason to use it


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A busy Tuesday - 53F - Gusty wind - heavy rain.

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This is the entrance to Anglesey Abbey, located what seems miles from the Visitor's Centre and Restaurant.

The meal in the Restaurant, Roast Pork with cauliflower, carrots, roast potatoes and gravy was so awful Y complained. At £9.30 it was seriously over-priced. Y was offered a refund which she pointedly refused, saying she wasn't trying to get a free meal but registering a considered complaint about the quality.

The carrots seemed to have been cooked for around 10 minutes and were virtually raw. Ditto the cauliflower. The cook obviously thought cauliflower needs around the same time as broccoli i.e. 12 minutes. The resultant florets were too resilient to sink a fork into. Not that there was broccoli - there was no greenstuff at al, not even peas. The Pork had been carved 'with the grain of the meat' rather than against it. But the 'piece de resistance' was the gravy which had settled-out, leaving the top 3 inches of liquid fat. You only discovered this AFTER pouring because it was in a thermos ! Not a place to be recommended.

Anyway, today has been fun. The first thing was calling in at the Hayley Centre so that Yvonne could register as a member of the Leisure Club and enjoy the Swimming Pool You will immediately see the pool area if you open the link. There's a pleasant lounge/bar where I can settle down with my laptop while Y does her 40 lengths ! I'm sure she will tell you more about it via a 'comment'.

Then it was my blood test, followed by Y's Hair, some shopping then over to Sherwood for the monthly 'nails' service.

Before Sherwood I nipped home to put frozen things in the freezer and Karen told me that Willis (garage-owner) had called in about some paper-work to do with the new car. When we called in, thinking the cheque must have bounced ha ha!, he handed us two gents umbrellas, a spray can of flysquat remover, a small purse with old coins in. So much for my clearing out the old car !

In Sherwood there was a whole new set of Charity Shops for me. The Oxfam is a gem to which I shall return. On the left is my 'haul' but I bought the Big Issue from a chap on the street. Looks like a good issue too !

I think it was my most expensive purchase because I gave the vendor £2.

All the Charity Shops, - Oxfam, The Children's Society, Mind, Nottingham Hospice, were thoroughly checked for a pottery/china butter dish for Bob, but I'm afraid I was unsuccessful. It is in my mind now though so watch this space.

This afternoon Y has been keen to get out and deliver her allotted number of Lib.Dem election circulars which arrived this morning but the weather has ruled it out. The sun shines and 10 minutes later the clouds open. And I didn't want to have to collect a bedraggled, saturated, Liberal Democrat from the bottom of Mansfield Road.

My responses to your comments

Bob ..... I have identified the trees as 'Betula utilis var. jacquemontii' - 'Silver Shadow' and if you open this link I hope you well agree. Thanks for the Alder suggestion but, of course, you hadn't had the advantage of having seen the trees.

Re Rainbow Bridge. You will have read my thoughts previously expressed and I agree with yours. Steady on though about People's Friend ! I once had two pieces published therein which earned me the princely sum of £15.23p.

However, a decent bit of poetry on the subject, is Byron's Poem to 'Boatswain' his Newfoundland. Even the Gravestone at Newstead is moving.

My 'bird-feeder' comment was my preference for the feeders hanging in the Rowan Tree anyway. The point I had added was that, now the tree is in full leaf, I can't see the birds clearly enough for a snap. Not really important though. Aesthetics is all !

Jill ..... Thanks for your comment about 'The Trees'. Y says it is one of my best pictures.

I also read about the Hockney Trees. I cherish the hope that one day this Summer I shall be able to see his big picture, made up I think of 40 panels. I think it is in Tate Modern.

We often treat ourselves to a burst of Central Heating. Trouble is the 'bursts' often need to be of several hours duration.

Yvonne ...... You have caught up with me 'blogwise' so well today that you are in fact in the lead.

I've known you long enough and I've never considered you 'vain'. And, if you remember, in this respect I do know what I'm talking about.

You are wise to read carefully the pamphlets you are delivering. It would be so embarrassing, and counter-productive, if some potential voter said "Whats this all about then?" jabbing a finger at an article, and you not to know the answer.

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Quotation time ..... And while we are talking about Byron, this quote of his is relevant this year isn't it?

"The English winter—ending in July,
To recommence in August."

Lord Byron

Sleep tight - catch you tomorrow

A quick blog only - Y in Palmers Green - Fierce Wind

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A quick blog only because I've bought a new laptop. Therefore I need to be off the internet while I install it.

The Asus Eee was a fun idea but over time, I found the screen too small for regular use. I was sitting there with a magnifying glass to read small script and then thought "I need a stronger magnifying glass". ......... With interest rates being so low the money was doing nothing in the Building Society except lose value due to inflation, so I replaced the laptop rather than the magnifying glass.

The pictures today are both from our WoW outing to Strelley and in a wall near the Church were these attractively weathered stones. Altogether I took around 12 shots of the more interestingly textured examples. The link is to a very illuminating website called The Monks Way which I seemed to have completely missed on Wednesday.

The Church also has some heavily eroded brickwork and, from the evidence of the shutters, has current problems with vandalism. It would have been nice to see inside but unfortunately, if understandably, it was locked.

This morning I dropped Y off at the Station for what may prove her last trip to Palmers Green.

When she arrived she rang me with the excellent news that Debra has exchanged contracts with her purchaser and is still hoping to move as early as 15th May. Debra is sufficiently wordly wise to know that until the money is actually in the bank, things can still go wrong. But she is 90% of the way there.

Roy called in for half an hour and we had a pleasant computer chat. I have tried to show about attaching pictures and I'm sure he now understands the principle even though his system is different from mine. When he returns from holiday I think he is willing to give Googlemail a whirl - I'm sure it would be more intuitive and user-friendly.

The wind here is quite scary. I've just checked the Watnall Weather Centre page and it says we have a Westerly between 12mph and 33mph. As I drove home from Nottingham I saw a Horse Chestnut branch down - it looked sad as it was complete with candles.

My responses to your previous comments

Bob...... I thought 'anthropomorphise' meant to accord human characteristics to animals. Did I do that? I merely meant to say that I have known instances where foxes kill without the intention of eating. i.e. breaking the necks of a hen-hut full of chickens and leaving none living. Maybe taking just one carcase away to eat.

We had a cat "Mr. Johnson" who would catch and kill pigeons and make no effort at all to eat them. He would bring them to the back door and deposit them there. Perhaps he wanted us to cook them for him.

Jill .... Thanks for nice words about the poppy photo. More will surely follow as we are moving into poppy season.

And thanks for the support over the bloodlust of foxes.

If David's lot 'fish & chipped' in The Magpie, I guess he will add a blog comment to that effect. Helen did say on the postcard they were given some additional crunchy bits for free. That used to be traditional in this area too.

Hope you find the flower identification book but if you don't there's no need to worry. I don't want the responsibility of you, or Ro, or both of you together lugging tumble-driers out of the way just to check.

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Quotation time .....

"An election is coming. Universal peace is declared and the foxes have a sincere interest in prolonging the lives of the poultry"

T. S. Eliot

Sleep tight - hope to catch you tomorrow
,

Took stuff to 'tip' - 59F - 3mph Southerly

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Last night's moon was an almost perfect 'half moon' and was easy enough to photograph because it was a clear night. I didn't sleep too well though but I found plenty to do.

I was 'up and running' around 5.30am and messing about in the garden, sorting out bird-feeders and herb beds, potting-up Basil plants etc... The morning was so beautiful and the temperature warm enough to enjoy it.

When I went into the garage I could see what a lot of work Yvonne did yesterday. It really looks dramatically better and the amount of removed clutter makes a real difference.

So, this morning after breakfast our first job was to transport most of 'said clutter' to the Council Tip at Kimberley. It was suprisingly busy with people being good citizens. We know that most of it won't ever reach 'landfill' because someone will give a perfectly adequate dining table a good home for instance. But all to the good. We had previously rung the Council and had been quoted a price of £20 to remove three items ! If there were to be more, an Inspector would call and give an estimate (i.e. more than £20). We took many more than three items and nowwe have that warm feeling you get when you save yourself money.

From Lidl we buy this creamy Greek Yoghurt.

First class stuff, but what amuses us is the tub it comes in. Please see below.

It looks as if one has bought a container of Emulsion from B & Q to decorate the walls with doesn't it?

Not having a 50p piece to hand, to put by the side of it for scale, I thought you wouldn't mind if I used 2 x 20p and a 10p !

The afternoon play was The Admirable Crichton by JM Barrie. Nice adaptation and well acted. And the full hour which I prefer to the 45 minute plays we often get.



My responses to previous comments

Bob ..... Sorry the Civic gave you back-ache on the way back from Norfolk. For general use, which on occasion included some distance, Yvonne and I did indeed find it a comfortable car. In my case especially so - except for getting in and out of it.

I really am pleased and relieved to learn that your endoscopy revealed a satisfactory result.

The Yaris is several years old I'm afraid. I suppose I meant 'new' to us. Even with the Govt's £2,000 off the price would have been too much. I can always spend the residue on important things like camera lenses and taking my lady on holiday.

Carol Ann Duffy's work will inevitably come more under public scrutiny and I feel sure, knowing a little about your literary tastes, that you will approve.

Jill .... Please see above re the Yaris's age ! Not new I'm afraid, £2,000 or not.

I'm glad you too approve of Carol Ann Duffy - the press this morning, like Kirsty Walk, seem determined to dwell on what they see as negative aspects. She is undoubtedly a poet of the first-division. I suppose for a correct analogy I should say 'Premier Division'.

The collage on the left shows you what typical fixed position DAB radios look like. You can of course unplug them and plug them in somewhere else. Some will run on batteries, but they are quite heavy on batteries.

Tomorrow I'll show you some portables

Most makers produce good sets but I would avoid the bargain-basement end of the market. Curry's, Staples, John Lewis etc. would be reliable sources.

All are manually tune-able and the pre-sets are easy to do. Mine only has 5 pre-sets whil I think Y's has 10. I don't listen to 10 radio stations anyway !

'Roxy Jezabel' does have a certain ring to it. Like our Sky and Brooke - whatever their names you just love them don't you ?

Yvonne ...... As mentioned above - Well done with that Garage. No wonder you had a lie-down this afternoon. You deserved it.

Fancy my worrying you with Basil Rooting's sherry glass. If I was going to slide, it would be a brandy & soda. But best not 'eh?

jbw ..... You are right about Whittards, in Nottingham at least. We use the one opposite Waterstones. There is a particular brand of coffee, high roast, shiny black beans which we can only obtain there. Initially it seems expensive but, in the brew I favour, I only need 4 rounded tea-spoons as against 6 of a cheaper brand.

The points card sounds interesting. Next time we go in we will investigate.

Interesting too that you get a special bargain at McArthur Glen.

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Quotation time .......

"All paid jobs absorb and degrade the mind"

Aristotle

Another Walk ! - Codnor Park Res - 57F 2mph S

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First things first and Picture 1 is one of Reg's very successful panoramas. The subject is the Headstocks at Clipstone Colliery. They are impressive aren't they? And famous for being the second highest in the world. The linked page shows an aerial view and tells you about it.

Picture 2 is Bob's 'Collage'.

Some, if not all the constituent pictures, were taken from the top deck of a bus travelling through the village.

As Jill hints in her comment, she will soon be Chiswick's leading authority on the Mining Industry.

This morning Y and I went for a walk at Codnor Park Reservoir and we both enjoyed it. The weather wasn't brilliant and the light wasn't exactly Californian but the fresh air was welcome. We heard and saw many birds, but nothing to top yesterday's tree-creeper.

Much of the wooded area was carpeted with 'celandines' which I personally consider more subtle than buttercups. The yellow is softer and the flowers more sophisticated. I note on the linked page however that the Royal Horticultural Society describes it as 'this invasive weed'. Well ... I suppose it is, in ones garden, but out in nature I rate it as 'delightful'.

Picture 3 (mine not theirs) illustrates.

I've still got PC problems but I've decided to shelve any remedial action till tomorrow. It is working well enough to function.

The blood-clinic rang to amend my warfarin dosage because the level is up to 4.7 again. It's doubtless due to the increased dosage on Fentanyl patches, previously mentioned.

My responses to your previous comments

David .... Glad you all had a good 'boating' time and the Topper Buzz does sound like fun. On the linked webpage it certainly looks fast and stylish. Just what you want.

Re Swarkestone Bridge Ancient Monument I can add nothing to the linked site. I was amazed to learn that the structure dates to the 14th Century ! Now that is going back a bit.

Bob .... Are Moorhens feet not webbed ? I've always considered them primarily water-birds.

BBC4 is an excellent channel I think. They are prepared to experiment. The editor's blog can be interesting.

I think the Humph/Barry Cryer 'horse' joke is superb. Y liked it too.

Yvonne ..... Excellent comment ! I knew about your long-standing athletics interest. And haven't you also mentioned 'speedway' ? The Sports Desk' will have problems keeping up with you.

I would love to have seen the Ashes Test with Miller and Lindwall. The only one I might have preferred was the one with the injured Dennis Compton soldiering on to a century.

Jill .... I certainly have never seen a 'wryneck'. I've managed a wrysmile now and again though.

We are all so glad you are soaking up all the mining stuff. They will be telling you about chucking packs on, and top-end supply gates next. Not being a miner I can only assume that 'headstocks' derives from the 'head' of the shaft which goes from the surface all the way down to the deepest bit of the mine.

It is truly amazing that do-gooders extend their stupidity as far as the relationship between sheepdogs and sheep. I agree with you that the new method of herding (or should it be flocking?) seems much more stress inducing.

Rob .... You know by now that I am with you 100% about spelling. What people have to say is far, far more important. In Shakespeare's time there was a much more casual approach. And is some modern teacher about to criticise his use of English.

With regard to Y and the 'offside' rule. Don't tempt providence. She'll 'google' it or 'wikipedia' it.

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Quotation time ..... I'm assured this was actually said by a commentater.....

"Ronaldo is always very close to being either onside or offside."


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"Sleep tight - Catch you tomorrow"


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Abnormal Wednesday - Not WoW-ing - 54F and Mild

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Although I didn't WoW myself I wanted to open with this picture of Brian S's. As I said yesterday they visited Nottingham's canal and I guess this is some modern development of expensive waterfront apartments. They look good though.

I love the light. As a sucker for good architectural photos - if you throw in some water and reflections, not to mention a bit of foliage breaking up the sky in the corner, well .........

I took Y to the tram this morning as she was meeting Joan for lunch at The Bell, they secured their favourite table (previously booked) in the window overlooking the square and they had a great time.

On the bit of dual carriageway, just before turning into Phoenix Park tram station, I spotted this bed of wild primroses. So I went back after dropping Y.

Not since boyhood have I seen such an extensive bed. The Ashbourne ones always used to flourish on a particular slightly sloping bank. The genuine wild ones seem to enjoy a slight tilt to their environment. Guess it is to do with drainage.

Had a good day doing all sorts of things. Finished the Telegraph crossword, listened to the afternoon play which starred Ricky Tomlinson and Johnny Vegas -

A Question of Royalty - By Andrew Lynch

Two bungling losers, self-employed plasterers, blithely ignorant of the constitutional crisis their action could precipitate, steal The Queen's wedding certificate while working on the refurbishment of the Public Records Office

A funny play which I recommend if you listen to radio at all. Please click here

You might like the love-birds on the left.

It seems to have got to that time of year doesn't it ?

They will soon be at it up in Boughton I've no doubt. My x2 converter works, but focussing is a helluva problem. Without autofocus it seems very easy to get the twigs in front sharp and the birds fuzzy.

I've also fixed a couple of computer problems which I won't bore you with. It also came to my attention that Twitter is to restrict people to one tweet a day, and their word-count is 149 characters. Characters folks, not Words. (I suppose this also could be an April Fool's joke, but we don't 'twitter' so we don't know).

At my request Y has swapped my winter duvet for my summer-weight one. I hope I haven't been hasty.

Tomorrow Y is at Burton Joyce so I shall, as usual, do plenty of 'messing about'. I also think I may give EPS a miss and save myself for the following week when our young ladies Millie and Frankie are having the evening to themselves. It'll be standing room only.

My responses to your previous comments

Bob ..... I assume your Jessica story about 'gullible' was an April Fools day joke !

Re Collages - I think this is the answer. When you open 'collages', set 'picture pile'. With Picasa 3 you can left button and drag each picture to exactly where you want it to be. At the side of each picture is a red button, via this you can tilt and enlarge each constituent picture separately, and finish up with just what you want. Try experimenting with it. Let me know how you get on.

Yvonne ..... I think we were both fooled to begin with. Before we looked at the calendar.

Tracy ..... How nice of you to put in a guest appearance.

Jill .... I was fooled by almost all the news-stories. When I read about the fish generating electricity by twanging the wires I actually thought "They will hardly generate anything at all". I never thought April Fool. So I certainly was gullible !

The 'high up the ankle' boots are OK for walking in or sitting in. But dangerous to drive in. They are rather insensitive under-foot. As I've found, managing to depress accelerator instead of brake. I was in the drive fortunately. and immediately moved my foot.

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Quotation time ...... I've heard this one before but I don't think I've used it here...

"There is no reciprocity. Men love women, women love children, children love hamsters."

Alice Thomas Ellis

"Sleep tight - Catch you tomorrow"

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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Wet Weather for WoW at Ashover - Great Pub

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Ashover is an attractive Derbyshire village, quite high in the hills and a most friendly place. I parked outside the Crispin Inn and was walking 'with wheels' towards the Church. A gentleman coming towards his car nodded and I asked him "Will the Church be open?" he answered "Yes. But if it isn't I'll open it for you". Inside the Church were ladies and a 'bride' discussing flowers. One lady showed me where to look for the interesting bits.

In particular a leaded font dating from the 12th century and one of only 30 in the Country. A picture of the font appears in the bottom left corner of the above collage. There were an unusually high number of people WoW-ing this morning, 11 in all and in spite of the more or less incessant drizzle I think they enjoyed their walk. As always I messed-about closer to the car. When they arrived back we all went down to the Old Poets Corner further down the village where the chip-cobs proved of a high standard. And we had a warm welcome, as can be seen from the snap in the top left corner of my picture. Well worth another WoW when the weather is better.

This picture is courtesy of Helen C. It shows WoW-ers busily at work photographing Roy's blue hat going through the wringer !

Mike, on the extreme left, seems to be struggling with an old-fashioned plate camera.

It reminds me of something by Pieter Bruegel the Elder circa 16th century. Maybe it's the colour or the mix of activity/inactivity, or just the viewpoint of the artist.

Bill took away with him a spare Nikon body-cap I had bought on e-bay. He has the equipment and the know-how to drill a counter-sunk pinhole in it and had offered to do it for me. Then lo-and-behold, when I returned home, the one I had sent away to be drilled had arrived in the post. Not wasted though because my aim is to have several and experiment with 'em. Watch this space.

Y and Hannah had had a good day, 'geoggo' homework about desert plants done and dusted. And then, after I'd had a kip, Hannah helped me cook a spagbol which proved a tasty success. A good handful of fresh basil from the windowsill was the magic ingredient.

My responses to your previous comments

Tilly ..... Thanks for your kind words about the chaffinch picture. You have got far too much on at the moment, but we'll move onto pictures soon !

Yvonne ..... It is good to watch different TV shows. I never do, but I approve of it being done.

Bob ...... I agree. Sorry about the linkless Wendy Cope. I couldn't find the poetic texts on the web. I should have taken them from the Telegraph on the day of publication.

The thoroughbred poll was as you see a close-run race. The poll closes this evening but, at the last time of looking the 'no' voters are ahead by a single vote.

Jill ..... I'm afraid I haven't been following the goldfinch corres in the Telegraph. Should have but keep getting sidetracked.

Sorry to hear about your bulbs being damaged. Y's all look in rude and splendid health. She is good with bulbs ! And 'poached egg' and loads of other things too.

We have crocii (?) out too, but all ours are yellow. No purple or blue yet. Mostly I seem to remember, they come at the same time. We have noticed in the past though that one year the birds bite through all the stems of the purple ones and leave the yellow ones alone. Then next year its vice versa.

You are certainly early with Viburnum - ours is nowhere near ....

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I found the temptation to share this morning's Matt cartoon with you, from the Telegraph, irresistable. With all the current debate about the security services and the police subtly widening their powers and the rights of the citizen being steadily narrowed, it seemed relevant.

Last week's Law in Action gave a reassuring description re the legal position of photographers. I have it on my computer but I think the best position is for me to take my laptop along. To download a half-hour programme to create a link would take ages and ages.

In anycase the legal position has probably changed again since the programme was made.


Quotation time......

"Her crocus dress she wore, lowcut, belongings on show"

James Joyce

The link is to the man himself reading from 'Finnegan's Wake' a novel which I have found almost half-readable, as against Ulysses.

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Camera Club - Magic Lantern Slides

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Our 'present' of tickets to Strictly come Dancing, The Live Tour was a resounding success. Talk about 'glitzy' woweeee ! The atmosphere was great. Everything contributed, the ligthing, the quality of the seats and even, towards the end when they let off a few fireworks, the smell. The link is to the review in The Stage and I chose it because the illustration is of Vincent and Rachel who were the winners on the night.

The Judges were as on the telly - Craig, Arlene, Len, and Bruno and everyone took it seriously. The host was Kate Thornton who Y and I didn't know but apparently used to be on the X Factor, a rival show. She had recently been in trouble when hosting 'Strictly' in Newcastle and thinking she was in Liverpool. Here in Nottingham however she did an exemplary job. The write-ups on Radio Nottingham have apparently been very good.

The collage at the top is from my Nokia mobile because Y thought taking my Nikon with a long lens might have been a problem.

A final point we learnt is that Trent Arena is apart from the Ice Rink. They are part of the same complex but separate. Often in the old days it was the practice to cover over the ice and use the same area for concerts etc.

The picture on the right shows the ice-rink and the Arena is just to the right of it. Interesting with probably 10,000 people there we bumped into Joan and Chris, and also Lisa and her Mum and family.

The new arrangement is much much better and we were so pleased we are keen to go again. I had no trouble with the seating which was a surprise.

Our Lecturer at EPS this evening is Brian Davis with his Magic Lantern Slides. I feel sure I have seen him before but I coudn't find a suitable website to link you to. He has been to other clubs in the area but no site with actual details. I shall report back.

My responses to your previous comments

Rob...... I think your duplicated comment (nearly the same but not quite) was probably a result of your feeling that the first one hadn't registered. Possibly, under the new 'moderated' system it could be that I hadn't got round to clicking 'publish' which means the comment won't appear until I do.

If I had not felt the need 'not to overdo it' prior to our Strictly date I too would have been harumphing with those reprobates and could have even contributed the occasional additional harumph. They probably covered a full enough harrumphing spectrum without my twopennorth though.

Thanks for the Sports Desk coverage.

Jill ..... Baited or Bated Breath. Click here for a link which takes us absolutely nowhere, Except that Shakespeare used it. I'd have a small bet Chaucer had something to do with it. One day when ............

Best of luck with your difficult student, That is I hope you don't get landed with her.

Y is over at Burton Joyce today. I might see her at 7pm, as she walks in and I walk out on my way to the Camera Club.

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"Sleep tight - catch you tomorrow"



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Radiogandy resumes publication

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Due to circumstances completely under my control I have decided to resume publication.

The ground swell of support was heart-warming. In conversation, e-mails, and telephone calls, you let me how widely the blog is read.

The main changes are to be found on the in the 'comments' box and read as follows :-

Please restrict your comment to 200 words. Real names will be preferred. Using the 'anonymous' button is OK provided you later identify yourself. Comments from people using pseudonyms will not be published.

Apart from that things will be mostly the same.

The picture on the left is of the British Sugar factory at Newark sent to me by Bob.

These 'misty morning' pictures are so attractive.

I suppose you really need Elvis singing 'I just can't help believing' in the background. That is a live link folks but on my PC the quality was abit jumpy.

Comments

I am keen to receive comments, under the new system. It will reassure me that the changes are acceptable. Jill of course has been on her cruise throughout the fracas and knows nothing of it. There can be little doubt that, wherever she was, she had better weather.

Quotation time ..... How true this is -

"The wisdom of the wise, and the experience of ages, may be preserved by quotation"

Benjamin Disraeli

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Can't really say 'sleep tight' because it is only just after 1pm. Catch you tomorrow.

Wells Fargo is rushing this post to you as I speak !

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