Sunny Saturday - 41F - South-westerly at 6mph

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A pleasant restful day and we did lots of little jobs. National Trust Minutes, sorting and working on some pictures - that sort of thing. Yvonne down to the river with the inevitable basket of washing,

And for lunch I cooked some Rainbow Trout from Lidl which were delicious, together with those 'Jamie Oliver recipe' baked potato discs which always work well, The variety was King Edward and they looked nice and brown and a little puffy but crisp. Accompanied by petit-pois and followed by treacle sponge pudding and custard. Well, it is mid-winter, and we need to maintain our stodge-levels.

Picture 1 is the solitary Aconite of which I spoke. But its relatives are springing up all over the place. Or "all ower't shant" in Derbyshire vernacular.

Picture 2 is a solitary snowdrop, but these are in more plentiful supply.

John rang and we had a pleasant chat. The date of his retirement is a state secret but suffice it to say that it doesn't seem far away. Good luck to them - they will both enjoy being retired and they deserve it. They have both worked hard as well as rearing 3 super children, all now grown up.

This evening, in a few minutes actually we plan to watch Michael Portillo's TV programme about Christianity. Please click here if you are interested. It was very interesting and, again, our new telly came into its own with the pictures, and Michael Portillo is an excellent presenter.


I also spoke to David this morning and his improvement continues. We are going over to Long Eaton to see them in the morning after my blood-test. But we won't stay too long and risk over-tiring him.

My responses to your previous comments

Tilly (Hannah) ...... We are all looking forward very much to the Tilly Computer School. Grandma really does want to understand about Smilies in Vista. And, if there are any spare handouts we will pick up a copy for Roy !

And I shall enjoy learning about background music. (The 'GG' folks stands for Grandad Graham). And you are indeed a caring and loving person. And your scones are supposed to be pretty good too.

David ..... Thanks for your supportive words about 'blog comments'. But I think I will leave the word-count at 200 for the time being.

Looking forward to seeing you in the morning.

Pete (Mannanan) ....... It is always a pleasure to publish 'guest pictures' especially when as dramatic and newsworthy as that one.

I think that 'guest pictures' add zest and new interest to the blog.

Our thoughts are with you if you have to venture out in a Force 10 gale. (for the info of readers who don't know Pete is a lifeboat man at Ramsey, Isle of Man). You and your colleagues are very brave men.

Yvonne ..... No problem with the duplicated comment. It wasn't deliberate, and computers are fickle things. You didn't mention in your multi-tasking list that you were also on Google Chat to Tilly at the same time.

Brian S will be pleased that you are looking forward to the Nottingham books. One of the authors Michael Payne, who you will no doubt remember, used to come to our house when I used to host the writers-group meetings there.

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

"Four ducks on a pond.
A grass bank beyond.
A blue-sky of spring.
White clouds on the wing"

William Allingham

"Sleep tight - Catch you tomorrow"

.........A welcome home for Jill.........

Inactivity continues - 44F - 14mph Southerly wind - chilly

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The first picture has to be the snowdrops - they are popping up all over the place. Although I haven't ventured to look, Y has a little 'woodland area' round the base of the Silver Birch and her snowdrops there always do well.

It is only about 25 yards away but the lawn is long and wet and I haven't fancied going. And I noticed at the rear of the ring in the front garden, one solitary aconite. There will be more. Perhaps if Jill is back or Debra comes on, they will say the snowdrops have been out in London for a fortnight. They are usually that far in advance.

When people comment on how well Y does with snowdrops because theirs don't prosper, she always recommends setting 'in the green' as the best way.

I was also lucky this morning to capture a reasonably sharp shot of one of my goldfinches perched on a twig awaiting his turn at the niger seed feeder.

The photographic problem is autofocus in low light with a long lens. It is necessary to have a wide aperture to allow a fast enough shutter speed to avoid blur. But then, of course, the depth-of-field is very shallow and it is only too easy to focus on the twig behind his head for instance,

Another lovely day for Y and I. We really are mastering this inactivity business with frequent stops for a lie-down. This afternoon we both felt we had been so idle that we really ought to have gone out somewhere this morning ! But we had missed the opportunity - drat ! I hope that David has been doing broadly the same but it is more difficult with the girls, who positively fizz with energy.

Debra has always been pretty good at it anyway.

My responses to your previous 'comments'

AnonymousJBW ...... Thank you for your encouraging remarks about Thursday evening.

Re another similar next year. If I feel up to it I would be delighted because, after my talk, I thought "Oh I should have mentioned Camera Obscura and The Golden Section, with pictures to illustrate and forms like The Triptych and so on infinitum ........" We shall have to see.

KevinB ..... Rob defines the issue re megapixels much better than I could. Reg and Brian (commercial) are very sound too. Basically, in lay terms, there are disadvantages in going for an artificially high mp count. The manufacturers quite rightly feel that the higher figure they can offer, the more people will buy that model. But said 'people' don't have a grasp of the issues.

One thing that hasn't been mentioned about compacts, is viewfinders. Seldom are they fitted these days but you will miss it a lot if it isn't there. Particularly in strong sun. It is almost worth shopping around for an older model which has one.

I think the Ricoh GX100 is one such. I suspect that Mike H has one, so have a word with him.

Rob ..... Thanks for kind comment about my brain's grey-cell count. It's rather like your useful advice to Kevin about megapixels. Best not to overload the 'sensor'.

Re Thursday night. We must be flattered that "Son of an Evening with Rob and Graham" is being sought.

Yvonne ..... What a sweet girl ! It's a good job we've known Rob for so long.

Reg ..... Very sound advice to Kevin about compacts and 13mp. Abit like the quote about the jewish taylor selling suit material

"Never mind the quality - feel the length"

I shall probably have the "something-or-other board" down on me for that ! Who cares ?

Your kind remarks about Thursday night are much appreciated. Particularly coming from our Chairman. For those of you who don't know, Reg is the Chairman of our Eastwood Photographic Society . And Roy who pops in from time to time, is our Secretary.

I'm sorry that most of the blog has been about matters photographic but this bit isn't. On the radio this afternoon, in Weekend Womens Hour (I know, I know ! ..Steven says I should get out more) there was this great piece about Emily Cummins who although extremely young has brilliantly invented a refrigerator which doesn't use electricity. She had deprived areas of South Africa in mind. It can be built with readily available materials and she has actually been to Namibia to demonstrate. Anyway please click here if you would like to listen to the interview. A fantastic young person. We shouldn't really worry too much about the future should we?

Quotation time ...... Relevant or what ?

"Nor will I then thy modest grace forget,
Chaste Snow-drop, venturous harbinger of Spring,"

William Wordsworth

A harbinger indeed. Always looks like a cross between a hamburger and a wringer.

The link behind his name is to Peter Cook reading 'Daffodils' quite well, but inevitably a spoof.

"Sleep tight - catch you tomorrow"



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Weekend Off starts here - 46F - 6mph Southerly wind

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And a lovely day was had by all !

We nipped down Eastwood for Y's 'hair' appointment this morning but other that have remained sedentary and warm indoors. Fish, chips and mushy peas for lunch and then this afternoon I had a happy hour in the kitchen making Leek and Potato Soup from my own recipe book. The recipe is the one which always amuses Debra because of the sentence which says "If it forms a skin be glad - stir it in and the soup will taste super".

Being flexible I used fresh basil because I still have a glut. In the recipe I say Thyme, Tarragon, or Rosemary etc., but no matter, it just needs a little herbal lift as against loads of salt.

Picture 2 is of 'a picture in progress'. I have the idea of the hyacinth in its glass illuminated from beneath. But I haven't got it 100% yet. Perhaps Mk 2 will follow.

As you will see from Rob's comment, last night at EPS was a success. Several people made a point of walking over to say how much they had enjoyed it, and Elaine's sentiments are most rewarding.

In the old days, if I had an important lecture to deliver I never had pre-match nerves but afterwards my stomach muscles went like knotted rubber bands. And so it was last night. But it was reassuring to learn I could still do it even though my brain isn't what it was. I much valued Rob's support. He literally sat by my side and once gently pointed out, as I was happily attributing The Mona Lisa to Michaelangelo, that I meant Leonardo. In the second half he exhibited a selection of his cyanotypes, and pinhole work. Previously we had copied them onto a memory stick, so effectively he was showing prints as projected images. And it worked brilliantly. It is an unfortunate truism at Camera Clubs that most of the audience can't see prints well enough to enjoy the details. And projecting them got over the difficulty. They were great pictures and were very well received.

My responses to your previous comments

Tilly/Hannah ..... You were indeed the first person to write a 'comment'. Good for you. The scones using ham and cheese instead of bacon and cheese sounds like a good alternative. You have to be flexible.

If you want to send pictures of some of your cooking, I'm sure I could find room for one on the blog.

Yvonne ...... Pleased to hear the Arboretum Pond news ! All we need now is for the 'bronze lady' to be returned to Theatre Square.

n.b. Although you were too modest to comment on Stephen's success, it is newsworthy. Stephen has been elected to the Parish Council for Burton Joyce. Quite right too. He does a lot for the village.

bob the fogeyman ..... I admit my guilt about winding you up a bit about taking snaps while you are driving. It would probably get you 6 months anyway.

I am sorry you are uncomfortable with the current house-rules for the blog, but I would be uncomfortable about changing them again. Rob, Reg, Roy, Jill, Helen C, for instance are quite happy to be so named and people who click anonymous arer signing off as JBW or Kevin etc. I honestly can't see why you have a problem with it.

Pete got over the problem be styling himself Pete (Mannanan). I would be happy for you to be Bob (Bungus) but certainly not just straight Bungus. Although many readers know who Bungus is I don't think you have actually grasped how wide the readership is. Blogger.com measure it in 'hundred's rather than 'tens' and they all certainly have no idea of your identity. This is why I wont publish a comment by Anonymous without any ID following the text.

A new reader might feel, on reading the blog and some comments "Oh well, I can post as 'anonymous' or use some stupid pseudonym" and I want to avoid that.

Also, please don't repeat yesterdays misdemeanor of posting two 'comments' on the same blog-post. In future the longest one will simply be 'rejected'

I feel if I start making an exception to the rules in your particular case we shall soon be back to where we were before.

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

"If nobody spoke unless he had something to say, the human race would very soon lose the use of speech."

W. Somerset Maugham

EPS joint lecture with Rob - 43F - Southerly wind 6mph

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A short blog, to which I may return later, fatigue permitting.

This evening Rob and I are doing our joint lecture at EPS.   Rob will be showing some good pictures, including a selection of his cyanotypes.  My contribution will be to show some famous paintings and discuss their relationship to photography.

Picture 1 was sent in by Pete (Mannanan) and shows a recent high-tide near his lifeboat-house at Ramsey.    Thanks Pete, water that looks like water again !    I would have felt the need for the proximity of a lifeboat man simply to dare to stand there to take the picture.

David's XRay results show the aftermath of his pleurisy and some pneumonia but the Doctor is satisfied with his progress.   And he hasn't got to return to work, or tire himself, for a week or two yet.

I didn't succeed in persuading Picasa to keep my picture files for this evening in the right order so I have decided on an alternative strategy.  They are in the right order on the memory stick so I shall play it from there.

My responses to your comments

JBW ..... Thank you for your suggested shortcut to the comments.   I haven't tried it yet but I'm sure you are right.   One nice aspect of the conventional method of clicking on 'comments' at the end of the blog page is that you can see how many there are.

Rob ..... Y was worried about discussing Lachs on the blog, but apparently, according to his Mum and Grandma, now he is so much in the public eye all publicity is welcome.   We might get a 'scoop' one day.

Re Jill....She is still on her cruise we think but is expected to return this weekend.

Roy ....  Thank you for the  'Tufted Duck'  identification.    Brian S e-mailed me the same info but he told me its latin name aythya fuligula.. so there !   It was its bright yellow eye which caught my attention.

Y notes your request re  'smileys' and says the best solution will be our 11yr old granddaughter who is very computer literate and is also on Vista.

Bob .....  I'm impressed with your lunch at Caunton.    It is reassuring that some places still actually prepare and cook the food on the premises.   And custard from scratch - what can I say ?  

The mind boggles when you say that you were inhibited from the 'sun in the mist' shots because you were not driving.  Do you usually take such snaps whilst behind the wheel and careering down the A60 at 60mph then ?

Pete (Mannanan) .....  Thanks for your encouraging comments re the misty morning series.   I shall keep churning them out knowing I have at least one appreciative viewer.

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"Sleep tight - catch you tomorrow"

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WoW-ing at Kings Mill Res - 31F - Drifting mist !

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Almost in embarrassment, I publish yet another 'misty morning' picture. over the football field just after dawn. But I like them and it is my blog. Although I was staggering about on the road in dressing-gown, slippers and Nikon I was about 20 seconds too late for a better shot. Photographers and anglers have similarities and "you should have seen the one that got away" must be common to both tribes.

At the moment I'm sitting in the car-park at Kings Mill Reservoir. A nice website BTW. I've already had a little walk to the Strawberry Cafe which Brian H recommended and it seemed nice enough. But as I have brought my own flask, after a few bird pics I have returned to the car. Roger had travelled with me but Brian, Mike and Reg came a slightly different route and encountered road-closures and all sorts of hassle before arriving.

The fog between Eastwood and here was changeable and visibility varied from 100yds max there to clear blue sky here.

The chaps walked all the way round the Reservoir but I was perfectly happy, messing about. My Vodafone device is working perfectly and providing a strong signal and speedy broadband.

I thought that the best way with the bird pictures from the Reservoir was to do a 'collage' to give you a pictorial summary. There were lots of birds but my recognition isn't good and Roy wasn't with us. As you can see there were Swans and Coots, and the Mallard deserved a place on the grounds of beauty. They are common but that green/turqoise sheen on the neck is so attractive. Perhaps someone can help with the little black and white bird with the bright yellow eye (bottom left corner).?

Y and I had both slept well and are feeling, as David put it, quite 'chipper'.

For the statutory chip cob we went to the Bird-in-Hand at Blidworth. A long standing Inn and the chip-cobs were well up to standard, in my opinion. We sat at the window table which we like. If you open the link, the table is in the top right hand corner of the fourth picture down, in the right-hand column.

Today, even if one couldn't see far, the sun trying hard through the mist was pretty.

The picture on the right was on my Nokia mobile because I left my big camera in the car. It did a tidy job though.

I think there's a danger of my OD-ing on these misty pics though !

Yesterday evening Rob and I had a successful pre-battle strategy meeting for our joint Lecture on Thursday evening. Pictures copied to a memory-stick, some of Andy's on a CD (Andy is an old friend who now lives in Spain). As Rob was leaving he speculated as to how big an attendance we might pull. I said "Well Rob, there's a few who don't like you and there's a few who don't like me, so we shall just have to wait and see". It should be a laugh anyway.

My responses to your Comments

David .... It was a pleasure to dig out the stuff about your Pathfinder. As you know I can mess around on the net for hours. If you or Helen or the girls ever want something researching it I would love to do it. I've got more time than you.

Anonymous .... I'm afraid I have had to reject your interesting comment about the Panthers because it is in breach of the blog's house-rules for 'comments'. It is OK to use the 'Anonymous' button provided that you identify yourself at the bottom of the comment by your name or your initials or something. These words appear at the top of the 'comments' window.

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.

Yvonne ..... I now realise the above anonymous was you and you had just clicked the wrong button. So easy to do. It is quite good fun having insider info on such a rising star as 'Lachs'. As you have rejigged the 'comment' to show yourself as author I was delighted to click 'publish'. I intend to enforce these house-rules strictly and if anyway offends, wordcount-wise or whatever I shall simply click 'reject'.

Bob the fogeyman ..... I think your memory is failing you about the Arboretum Pond. It is just on the left when you go in through that bottom gate. Little fountain in the middle.

Jessica's 'Bramley Apple & Raspberry, Fromage Frais Brulee, with Caramel Shards’sounds great to me. Did she 'create it' or was it a recipe ? These young people are so talented..

I will leave you and Rob totally in charge of the Sports Desk, although it now seems that Yvonne will offer privileged snippets about the Panthers. BTW Nathan Arnold sounds as if he should be a poet rather than a footballer.

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Quotation time ............... This is spot-on relevant for tomorrow evening. I hope I remember it-

"I'm not trying to make paintings look like photos. I want to make paintings using photos as a reference, the way painters did when photography was first invented"

Peter Doig

The link isn't a video as such this evening but a link to one of his exhibtions at The Tate. And there is a video to open if you so chose. I know 'static' doesn't suit people who 'like to see their lips move'.

"Sleep tight - Catch you tomorrow"

As I said to David and Helen, it won't be long before you've got your caravan hooked up to your new Pathfinder. And Rob too. And Roy will be off and about. The one depicted in the smiley is a camper-van more relevant to John but the thought is there.





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David and Helen visit morning - Rob this evening - 40F

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Y decided on a trip to Nottingham this morning, so I drove her in and dropped her on Angel Row. I think she still had unfinished business with M&S. She came back on the bus and fortunately had remembered to take her MP4 player with her and so could drown out 2 obnoxious foul-mouthed youths sitting nearby.

Karen had done the big room first which was good because David and Helen called in en route to Ikea. They finally decided that the Galaxy should be replaced and they chose this Nissan Pathfinder which seems a splendid family vehicle and caravan and boat puller. If you think he hasn't a number plate, it is because I've 'gaussian blurred' it for security reasons.

If you open the link it looks just the job. Seven seater and 'go anywhere' specification - perfect for their requirements. I think I prefer their choice of black to that in the advert.

And, for me, the best thing about their visit was to see how much better David was. The greyness and the look of pain had gone but he must not start to over-do things because he is a little better.

The Tulips on the Chest need no explanation. A sign that Spring is just around the corner. For lunch we finished our Chilli and, as always, it was even nicer today.

This evening Rob is calling in so that we can finalise our joint lecture for Thursday and tomorrow I hope to go WoW-ing. It is much warmer 4oF and the Westerly wind has backed off to a mere 2 mph.

My responses to your Comments

I used just to put 'Comments' there, which led to the confusion that people's actual comments followed. The new sentence should clear up any ambiguity.

Helen C ...... Confusing sunrise with sunset is quite easy. With my irrregular sleep patterns especially in the Summer or the depths of winter. If I have an afternoon nap and the clock tells me it is 5 o'clock I need a double-take to decide morning or evening.

Thanks for the explanation of the 'marking system'. I hope it isn't too onerous for you. Look forward to seeing you when you are back in circulation.

Bob the fogeyman ....... The pond in the Arboretum to which Y refers is the one down in the bottom corner just on the opposite side of the road to the graveyard. They call it The Lake on this website and, if you care to open the link, please click here there's a picture of it towards the end of the pictures.

Thanks for sorting out the Huzzahs. Of course, I was thinking of Hussars. Easy mistake. For me anyway.

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n.b. if you want to access the coments themselves go down to the word 'comments' in orange at the bottom of the page and click there.

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Quotation time ......

"You can't wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club."

Jack London

Wet and windy but warmer - 48F

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Another foodie picture. My excuse is that today's Chilli was unusually good. I can only imagine that the 'eschallots' substituted for the onion added subtlety. They are in Lidl at the moment and are a joy to use.

The recipe I follow is from our old Toshiba recipe book which came with our first microwave oven in 1983. The microwave cost about the same then as a small used-car today (well, the sort we run anyway!). However, I now cook it in the normal oven.

I 'collaged' the 2 pictures together because I wanted to show the recipe and also my 2 favourite knives. Both are Victorian steel (certainly not stainless) and the use of the 'steel' at their side makes them very sharp indeed. Cooking with a blunt knife is not much fun.

Picture 2 is yesterday's sunset from Helen C. I know the sunrise was dramatic because Y told me about it and obviously the sunset was the same.

Nicely exposed Helen. Getting the colour right is not easy.

Our day has been quiet. I started off with a blood-test and later in the morning the E-ON man came to assess our insulation and things. Now we are both in our seventies, plus my higher-rate disability living allowance we are entitled to freebies. The loft insulation was up to standard anyway but we are to have the cavity walls insulated - for free. I shall have to find my shorts and I can just see Y 'swanning' around in a bikini.

Comments

Yvonne ....... Thank you for your comment. Miles is brilliant with his bird-recognition. His bird drawings also are amazing aren't they ?

I don't know why the pond in The Arboretum has been drained. Perhaps one of our field-officers could investigate.

JBW ..... Thank you for the 'huzzah' work. Wasn't there also a military meaning. For instance "He was a member of the Royal Huzzahs" or very similar.

I accept that it was way before Bulldog Drummond.

I'm not sure how to take your sentence :- "Mind you an association with Punch & Judy is perhaps appropriate for your blog".

Debra ..... Nice of you to put in a guest appearance ! We all hope it will be the first of many and it will be good to hear from the London branch. No doubt your Mum talked about the blog and IT matters while she was with you.

Things are going so well with her laptop and she tackles and succeeds with more and more each day.

KevinB ..... See above re Huzzah. Thank you for your contribution. Am I imagining about the word being used to describe a sort of soldier, in the same way as infantryman or trooper etc.?

David ..... You are quite right about the blog and I did miss writing it. If you just read the body of it without opening the 'comments' thats fine. It isn't homework you have to hand in in the morning !

And, as I usual respond to people's comments in the following day's blog, you keep abreast anyway.

Bob the fogeyman....... Nice to see you back at your desk. It hasn't seemed the same .......

Bolsover does look promising. We might run into Dennis Skinner on his bike or vice versa. I'll keep you informed.

Re mushrooms and water. I don't use much, but we prefer the flavour to straightforward fried.

JBW is a member of Eastwood Photographic Society.

Helen C ..... If you hadn't explained it to me I would have thought the 'marking season' something to do with 'swan-upping' or similar. And you said you were employed in the dizzy heights of 'team leader'.

Perhaps you could pen a sentence of explanation for the benefit of other readers ? I hesitate as editor because I might get it wrong.

You have me confused with the picture anyway. You say 'sunset' and then follow with 'I was still half asleep' which suggests 'sunrise' ?

Tilly (Hannah) ..... Thank you so much for your comment ! The 'blog' seems to have been the subject of lots of family conversations. You are quite right. In March Radiogandy will have its third birthday.

Your own blog can be safely left 'resting'. It is always there if you wanted to start writing it up again. But I think you are far too busy.

Rob ...... Pleased you were lucky with your steak. Like you, my expectations would have been low, at that price.

Thanks for the Sports Desk info. Our readers expect these updates and completely unbiased opinions.

Y and I were unfortunate enough to catch Kate Winslet receiving her golden globes. Oh dear oh dear ! It is rather tricky for an actress to try to act 'spontaneous' - I think it well nigh impossible.

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Quotation time .......

"I never know how much of what I say is true"

Bette Midler

The link is to a little bit of YouTube.

Sleep tight - catch you tomorrow

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Lovely Sunday rest-day - 46F - Phew !

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A lovely Sunday lie-in with the papers, plenty of tea, then plenty of coffee. Nice chat to David and he definitely sounded better, but it will be a relief when he has seen the doctor on Wednesday to get the results of his chest Xray.

He still gets tired out if he does anything and says that, after he has over-exerted himself, his chest feels as if someone is sitting on it. Doubtless this is his pleurisy. We counted up and it is over 4 weeks now. So he really must take it easy. I will try to set a good example.

The Picture above was scanned from The Sunday Telegraph, and looks a great venue and not too far away. Published mainly as a possible for family and friends but also I thought it has WoW potential. Reg or Roy will probably say we've been there, done that, got the postcard etc. Google maps says 18 miles, 29 minutes. Straight up the motorway would be quickest and more or less as the sparrow-hawk flies. This link gives an idea of the enormous range of bird sightings but is dated October 2008 and I would have appreciated something more recent.

Picture 2, on the right, is again scanned from the Sunday Telegraph. The bloke makes some good points and it is nice to have a boost for Camera Clubs from such an august national paper. Roy might have to get himself ready for a rush of applications and people turning up on a Thursday evening.

Sorry about the pictures being skew-wift. That was the Derbyshire expression for it, so I am assuming that Erewash Valley won't be far away. I could have gone back into Picasa and straightened them but it seemed like a faff and I thought you wouldn't mind.

The other picture I wanted to share with you was our slimmer's Sunday Lunch. Reasonable bit a steak which was still in the freezer from the Shirebrook adventure with Rob and Bob. Perhaps 7 out of 10 only though.

But the way we cook mushrooms now was successful again. I sort of semi-fry them in a saucepan with unsalted cooking butter but stop well before the butter starts to go brown. Then I just cover them with water and let them simmer. I suppose they are kind of stewed but the result is full of flavour and retains some texture.

The chips, from whole potato, the onion rings, and the free-range eggs go without saying.

Comments

People's response to the blog rising like The Phoenix from the ashes of the old one has been terrific and heart-warming. Mind you with the example of David Herbert Lawrence in the area, we know all about Phoenixes. Or should it be Phoenii or something ?

Yvonne ..... What a super comment. Mind you I hope readers won't imagine from your 'pleased to see you back' that I have physically been away. Just down the corridor is all. And I'm so please you have warmed to the blog - we will soon sort you out with smileys, and, as you say, if I can't Hannah will.

Rob ...... Again, what a smashing comment. I love the word Huzzah ! It sounds Bulldog Drummond, or even earlier.

If Bob (bungus) were still commenting he would no doubt dig out a source. Mind you perhaps JBW or Kevin will do the honours.

Your Jack Nicholson quote is also spot on. I seem to remember Y making the odd intelligent comment in the past.

Nice to have a piece from The Sports Desk too. Haven't a clue what you are talking about but the readership will.

You are right about the Beginners Competition. As a point of interest, I would have reached exactly the same decisions as you did. And you said all the right encouraging things about the images that just missed out. A great evening and nobody left with the sulks, due completely to your sensitive handling of it.

Pete (Mannanan) ........ Y predicted that you would steer a careful course through the pseudonym minefield. And you have. He 'is pretty bright' were her actual words ! And take it from me that is praise indeed.

KevinB........ You too managed the blog transition faultlessy. And I couldn't agree more about the beginner's quality on Thursday night. You will see my remarks above to Rob. He could probably hear me grunting approval 2 rows back.

JBW ..... Thank you for your kind comments. As above, and previous, it is heart-warming to learn that people enjoy the blog so much. I enjoy doing it, and digging out the links, and preparing the pictures etc., keeps me happily occupied for several hours. Too many hours sometimes Y says !

But I think that, now she realises how much it means to me, she is warmer to it.

Quotation slot ....... perhaps she doesn't mean this ! On the other hand .....

"Someday I want to be rich. Some people get so rich they lose all respect for humanity. That's how rich I want to be."

Rita Rudner

The live link behind her name is to a short video. More fun than her Wiki page. You can always google that if you need to.

Even though it is only 4,15pm it is getting dark so I can say -

"Sleep tight - catch you tomorrow"

By the way Y tells me I missed a gorgeous sunrise this morning. I was only a couple of minutes late but it had gone.

It must be a week or two since I ended with the train, so here it is - I don't think it is going to stop I'm afraid. Aw shucks !



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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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Radiogandy to cease publication

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Due to circumstances beyond my control this blog will cease publication forthwith. It has been fun.

n.b. any comments on this blog-post will be deleted.

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Cloudy Monday - 33F - Lots done

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Picture 1 is of my tyre-tracks, after reversing-in this morning at around 10.30am. I had been for my blood-test and done some shopping and the sun was well up.

The frost stayed like that all day. I suppose I should put some salt/grit down because it was treacherous. But I was extra careful. You will have noticed from the title that the temperature has zoomed up to a sweltering 33F.

I slept well, and have felt lively and in consequence did lots of little jobs - too boring to list.

300gm of mushrooms needed something doing with them so I decided on Cream of Mushroom Soup out of my National Trust Book. Another tried and tested recipe. A little like the man who announced that his yard-brush was 25 years old - "Four new heads and 3 new stales" though. I've altered the recipe so much over the years - fresh basil and certainly not dried basil (horrid bitter stuff if its got any taste at all) a potato to thicken instead of flour (consequently whatever you do the soup can't taste floury) Greek-style yoghurt instead of cream. etc.,.

It worked very well, as it usually does and although I had a mug and a half full, there is plenty to share when Yvonne returns tomorrow.

The Telegraph and coffee was enjoyable again, although I've only managed around 75% of the crossword - and I always claim that Monday's is easy.

Also some good serious radio - Melvyn Bragg's In Our Time, for 4 episodes, is devoted to Charles Darwin.

Such a lot to learn. I'd like a 30 year active extension please !

Also my ArtDaily newspaper is good today too. At the Royal Academy is an Exhibition of The Royal Collection and the picture featured at the front of the article is this one by W. P. Frith RA entitled A Private view at the Royal Academy 1881. Many have always thought it twee and mannered, but I love it !


It unashamedly played up to Victorian vanity because most of the people's faces were portraits and of course, you had to go to see if you were in it. In fact the prominent chap onthe right, with an open catalogue looks suspiciously like Oscar Wilde to me. The brushwork was carefully worked in the style of the day.

David also, went to the Doctor this morning, and was sent to Ilkeston Hospital for a chest XRAY. At least he was seen by a doctor, and has been signed off for a fortnight. I pray for some improvement.

Comments

bungus ..... Re the pews at Radford and your machines. I'm on David Jone's side I'm afraid. The machinery was no doubt modern and replaceable, while the Oak from the pews would be old and cherished.

I shall be interested in Reg's response to your suggested pebble layer for the orchids. We must also ask Joan when we are next in contact with her.

Re the Church's uses. A play sound an excellent idea. Although no lover of live theatre, in a Church I would be able to get my knees and legs in.

I take it that Sparky must be some Sports Desk reference ?

AnonymousYM ....... It will be nice to have you home tomorrow. Chilly or not. Hope your journey isn't too horrendous.

It shouldn't be, in first class, but I don't want to tempt providence.

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

"Tact is the knack of making a point without making an enemy"

Sir Isaac Newton

Im a little suspicious of the above because it sounds too flip and too modern. The quote is from my igoogle homepasge and really I suppose I ought to check it out. Perhaps at 3am if I don't sleep well.

The link (his name) is to his Wikipedia page. Wow, what a link - there's a month's reading there for bungus.

"Sleep tight - Catch you tomorrow - or not because it is National Trust night"

Sunday Off - 31F - fairly bright.

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A quiet, typical Sunday off. Not quite finished Saturday's papers before Sunday's arrived. Sometimes I feel more in tune with the Sunday Telegraph than the weekday.

I spoke to David this morning and I am glad he is going to see his doctor tomorrow morning. It has gone on far too long and he sounds so 'done for' and subdued. I would be pleased if the doctor signed him off for a month to give him plenty of recuperation time.

Picture 1 is a close up of the colourful and perfumeful freesias which TJ brought and they are just now starting to wilt.

I've had lots of calls and texts which has been nice and I managed a nice long chat with Tracy, who is always concerned for my welfare when her Mum is in London. However I managed to assure her that I actually quite enjoy it. Rob rang about our shared lecture at EPS on 15th Jan and he is going to call in to finalise the arrangements.

The other interesting thins is that Janice called for our monthly tote money, only £1.60, and brought us an envelope. We have won £12.50 ! Again. It is embarrassing how many times we win. I feel sure that overall we must be showing a profit. Good job we aren';t serious gamblers.

Picture 2 is the last of the artichokes. (I kept 3 Jill, not just 1). The rest have gone to live with their Uncle Roy who wants them for some obscure photographic purpose.

In addition to newspapers I have caught up on some Radio, and I have an episode of the 'More or Less' series on my computer I would like to share, and I'm trying to figure a way of publishing a link to it.

Re the use of Churches. I accept what both Helen C and Bungus say about the use of Churches for Concerts and Y and I have been to some good choirs etc., in Greasley Church. What I had in mind was something more 'wordy' and contoversial.

Comments

bungus ........ As above, I accept what you say and I think the work at Radford Church was when David Jones was the Vicar there.

For me Joan Hickson is the definitive Miss Marple and David Suchet is Hercule Poirot.

Reg ...... I willingly stand corrected re Photoshop and Text. But we who are a little hesitant with layers find Picsasa 3 so easy to deal with. Especially as the sample text on the picture varies in tune with the different fonts, sizes and colours you may try - while you are actually doing it.

Re the Ortchids. This year we will have a better go. I'm sure we can find somewhere in the house that they will like. Also, and I think I'm at fault, they may have been over-watered. Y was advised by her chum Joan only to water once a week, so she did them Saturday mornings. But then I would be going round with my little household watering can and I'd think ..........

AnonymousYM ....... Thank you, as our London correspondent. Glad your 'dinner engagement' was so successful. And later by phone, I'm glad everybody enjoyed the pantomime. I knew they would join in the 'shouting' and I'm not a bit surprised Elli was one of the four chosen to go on stage. It was inevitable !

It might be warmer there, but it is still bitterly cold here and more to follow.

Helen C ....... Please see above re Churches and Music. I suppose we don't look around carefully enough. Several years ago Y and I went to Southwell Minster for a version of Bach's St Mathews Passion but I can't remember the Orchestra or the Choir. Don't worry - the link is to the piece's Wiki-page, not to a full performance.

The Magazine is in a safe place, and we will see you when you resurface etc.....

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Quotation time .......... mainly for artists, but spot-on for photographers too .....

"Those who do not want to imitate anything, produce nothing"

Salvador Dali

The link is to a picture - you could 'google' him yourselves.

Sleep tight - Catch you tomorrow.


Perhaps the Fish ?




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Late blog - lots of 'kip' - 33F - No wind

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Helen, please skip the first paragraph.

Picture 1 shows a 'larding needle' which I might have rabbitted on about, either in these columns or at WoW. Although its use here is to thread strips of orange deep into the gigot, its main use was to thread strips of fat into any joint to be roasted. The effect was to amplify any 'marbling' there might be and make the joint particularly moist and succulent. My mother had one - I inherited it - but lost it.

Fortunately, in the article is a web-address please click whence I can obtain another. The website isn't the easiest to navigate but, I have checked it out and there they are - together with other useful kitchen gadgets. The piece was in the Telegraph supplement and was about this chap who specialises in historic cookery.

My day has been restful. Papers, radio and kip.

The Archive Hour was good this evening, all about The Bow Dialogues which took place in the 70s in the St Mary-le-Bow Church on the left. As the picture shows there were 2 pulpits - The Rev Joseph McCulloch occupied one and his visiting celebrity the other. The Church was invariably 'standing room only'.

Joan Bakewell did a tidy job with her material, as ever, and wow, what an archive - from Enoch Powell to Peter Cook. It raised the question in my mind "Why don't we use our Churches for something imaginative now ?" rather than only use them for a Service on Sundays etc...

Y has had a good day. Elli and Ruby both spoke to me on the phone and they are quite excited about the Pantomine tomorrow. Andy and Debra were invited to Gillian's for dinner this evening and very thoughtfully invited Y too. She texted me and was having a great time.

Comments


bungus ..... My description 'non-invasive' about the Picasa 3 'text tool' was a straight comment. The text is not permanently written on the picture file, as it would be in Photoshop for instance. All you need to do is bring up the Picasa 3 picture and, with a single click, you can remove the text.

Re 'comments' ..... I am not prolonging things. It was you who brought up the matter of TJ finding your comments boring - not me !

Reg ..... Pleased to hear that your Orchids are doing so well. Did you cut them back ? Y cut our last year's main stems back to about 3 inches above the leaves but nothing happened - no fresh shoots or anything , even though the the leaves looked healthy and glossy.



Jill .... Poor you and Ro - to have your Central Heating go on the blink during the coldest winter for decades. It sounds as though you have plenty of back-up heating but it is never quite the same.

As you start your cruise of warmer places tomorrow I think you are right to wait for the engineer you trust.

Have a lovely holiday ! If you have chance to leave a comment in the morning please identify the cruise and the boat and I can google for a webcam and keep readers informed of your progress.

No quote today. Too tired.

Much better day - 35F - plus the Sun !

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Picture 1 is the same view which I used yesterday but, obviously, a dramatic change in the weather.

Yesterday's was with my 70-300mm Nikkor and the foreshortening, as against the image on my Nokia mobile, is clear to see. Its what long lenses do.

Picture 2 is a Lidl Orchid (they have them in stock again albeit a different variety). Last year Reg and Maureen had an excellent performer which I seem to remember produced 24 flowers and flowered for months and months.


As requested by Bungus here is one of the Hieroglyphics sites (there are several) - please click here and you can do your own name, similar to Roy's yesterday.

After delivering Y to the tram, to begin her long journey to Palmers Green, I did a little shopping and then Roy came round for an hour. We were trying to sort out ClickSmilies with regard to his system. Success seemed to elude us. But we were luckier with Picasa 3. There are a couple of functions he hasn't fully explored yet.

One of which is the delightful, non-invasive text tool as demonstrated in Picture 2.

When Y booked her ticket, some time ago, at least a week or ten days is recommended, she was offered First Class return for £23 which seemed too good to miss.

During her journey though she had to venture into the parts occupied by 'the working class' and reported their carriages as 'heaving' while her carriage was an oasis of peace.

I have spoken to her this evening and she arrived on time and in good spirits. You can't beat a bit of pampering, what ?

David said he felt a little better but nowhere near good enough for School. An hour's activity tires him to such an extent he needs to go to bed. Spells of feverishness overcome him. He has booked himself in to see his Doctor at 9.30am on Monday morning, and I'm relieved that he has.

Comments

Jill ..... The consensus seemed to be that Jonathon Creek trickled on slightly too long. The link takes you to a homepage for the show, if anyone is interested.

We saw Alan Davies the other day on QI and he was very good. A bright lad.

I'm glad you have your Noel Coward lyric. I would love to hear you all singing it. Do you sell tickets ? Or could someone YouTube it ?

Reg ..... Please to hear of improvement, albeit it slow. Barracks has much to recommend it in this weather. Another shovelful of coke in the stove and umpteen pots of tea. Perhaps even another coat on the bed ? Or is that going too far ?

Bungus ....... I think we have arrived at a satisfactory compromise in the matter of comment-size. I'm happy with you present output and hope you stick to it.

Your estimate of 500 words a day is no doubt right. AND THEY WERE FAR TOO LONG. It wasn't just TJ you were boring, it was most readers. But people are too polite to tell you. So they tell me. As I keep repeating - it is a family blog, not a vehicle for your life-story. For that YOU NEED YOUR OWN BLOG - not mine.

Helen C ..... A good idea with the misty morning shots is to set your camera to underexpose by around a 'stop'. Otherwise the camera overcompensates and you lose the sought after effect.

We will discuss it on Wednesday, if you are WoW-ing. With my WebUser magazine, last but one issue, came a free copy of Amateur Photographer. In it is a five-page article about 'Icelandic Landscapes' which you might enjoy.

I have saved the magazine for you.

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Quotation time ......

"I shut my eyes in order to see"

Paul Gauguin

Sleep tight and I'll catch you tomorrow

Banksy's Flower Chucker must need an airing



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2009 dawns - What can I say ? - All the best !

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A misty morning but at least I could see over the football field and beyond. And all those lovely tonal recessions. My D80's clock is still reading summer-time so my EXIF data is always an hour out. But it's hardly worth changing it is it? Bungus's has been showing 2009 for all of 2008, so I guess he is now on 2010. Picasa 3 is still, shall we say 'tardy' that a good word, but if you leave it to its own devices the pictures arrive eventually. I don't worry because from my camera, they go into My Pictures instanter, so I know they are safe.

Probably Roy would say, with regard to most of my pictures, does it really matter anyway ? Ha Ha ! I'm only joking Roy - you are not a cruel man.

TJ came to take Y to BJ for the day. I think speaking in code is catching. It also occured to me that, now that 'case' matters so little that the american poet e. e. cummings has finally been justified.

I opted out of the Burton Joyce trip knowing they would all have a good time anyway - and they did. Hannah's IT pseudonym is Tilly Balloon Juice. What fun. Y told me on her return that Hannah had made a movie, probably using the Microsoft Office we asked Santa to send her. Next time I see her she must show us how.

Picture 2 has just arrived, from our Old Market Square correspondent, and it's a 'cracker' isn't it. It looks as if Rob might have caught a couple of incoming meteorites too. I think NASA should be told.

They obviously had a good time although, from Rob's comment, neither our Notts residents nor the hostelries did much by way of welcoming in the New Year. Never mind, when you are young and in love, who cares about the cold and being alone?

Before I cover the 'comments' individually, let me say to all contributors - "Great. Absolutely Right, Just how I've envisaged them".

Comments

zorro ..... Do you realise that 'zorro said' is a close anagram for 'dozi sore arse' ?

bungus ..... I think your basic 'soup recipe' from your pro cook book is as good as any. Homemade soups are always unique anyway, however closely one foillows a recipe. Part of the charm.

I accept your superior knowledge re Sports Desk matters.

Re fights. Nothing new here. The old Idelwells/Outram Street junction at Sutton, and Mansfield Market Place were the regular scenes of fights at the weekend. The young 'bloods' considered it part of proving their manhood. And, shock/horror, the media are determined to show that gangs and knife crime are something new - they aren't.

Roy ..... Many thanks for the seasonal greetings. And, very witty, re bungus's hieroglyphs. Apparently 'Roy' as a hieroglyph comes out as the picture on the right. Not being a fluent hieroglypholigiserspeaker I must take Google's word for it.

I must say that the mouéed lips at the top, and the bird plus feathers are rather fetching but I haven't a clue ........

It would make a good watermark copyright sign for your pictures though ....

I will be delighted to save you an artichoke. Tomorrow I am taking Y to the tram to start her journey to London. She is going for a few days. I shall be here from around 11am onwards, and have no commitments till Monday morning. If you call to suit yourself you can select your artichoke/artichokes. We could also pull in a few computer bits. Obviously Anne is welcome, but Yvonne wont be here for her to chat to.

Jill ... As you say - welcome to TJ. You go back a long way don't you. And I remember Noreen finding her a little 'apartment'in her house when she got her first theatre-job. Seems a lifetime ago.

I know what you mean about the blackbirds unnerving clink, clink noise. There is a lovely Wallace Stevens poem about "Amongst 24 snowy mountains the only thing that moved was the eye of the blackbird". The quote might be inaccurate but that was the sentiment.

My googling for the Noel Coward lyric found several pages in whuch the song was referred to .... but now anonymousJBW below has found it for you.

Many thanks JBW.....

anonymousKevin .... I yield to your careful research about 'the foot of our stairs.' Like Rob, until I came to the Nottingham/Mansfield area, I hadn't heard it.

anonymousRob ..... Please see e-mail re my 'comments' on 'comments'. I feel now, as I have said above, that I am delighted with the present position, and little more need be said.

Re Sports desk and Steven Gerrard's bit of trouble. My first reaction was of sympathy for the chap. With his fame, and celebrity, I would doubt if he can go out at all, especially to a club without some lout trying to provoke him. He would need to be a saint, with nerves of steel to remain calm under all cirumstances.

anonymousJBW ...... Thanks for the New Year greetings. And thank you for the Noel Coward research. although I am sure Jill will thank you herself.

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Quotation time ....... I can't decide whether this quote is true, or completely false .....

"There is nothing more demoralizing than a small but adequate income"

Edmund Wilson

Ted old lad, far from 'demoralizing' I consider the state sublime. I shan't be adding him to my list of people to spend an hour in the pub with.

I hope David is feeling a little better. But those three lovely ladies he's got to look after him ..... even though 2 of them are quite young...............

That train be due to put in an appearasnce. I haven't used it for at least a month.




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Blog at last - trouble with Picasa 3

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I have had big trouble with Picasa 3 ! I know I could use some other programme for messing-about with my pictures but Google, Picasa, Picasa WebAlbums and Blogger.com are intertwined and it is so convenient to use the whole toolbox.

My problem basically was that Picasa wasn't accepting today's snaps.

Anyway, the problem yielded eventually and here we are. Y and I have also spent a little time putting more music onto Y's laptop for onward transmission to her Zen MP4 player.

Other than that - a quiet day.

Picture 1 is my tried and trusted Carrot and Coriander Soup recipe as requested. I must admit though that I cut several corners and make it simpler than shown. And, as per handwritten note, I add a diced potato to thicken it slightly.

However, it is delicious and reliable.


Picture 2 is to show how 27F looked here this morning. The blackbird glared at me because his water was frozen. But blackbirds glare at you anyway don't they, whether or not their water is frozen.

David felt a little better today and has decided he is far from well enough to start back at School on Monday. He didn't go to the doctor this morning but is going to ring on Friday for a Monday appointment. In consequence the Long Eaton branch have decided to have an early night rather than 'see in' the new year. I think they are sensible and I think we will do the same.

Not wishing to be a kill-joy though, because Rob and Elaine have booked into a hotel in the Lace Market the better to nip down to Old Market Square to wave a sparkler and sing Auld Lang Syne. It will be the firework photos that they are after - I know !

Comments

bungus ....... Re Bruce. Such a shame he has been ignored again. It make one wonder if there is some 'skeleton in the cupboard'. Never seems to stand in other people's way though does it?

If you insist in going through these gymnastic hoops re your comments, rather than simply writing less in normal English, I suppose it is a matter for you. However, I would ask you again to consider the position of other readers. The blog wasn't designed to be a vehicle for your daily journal and yet you insist on using it thus.

I think it irresponsible of Rob to suggest means to you whereby you can get round the suggested restriction. I suppose that eventually I shall have to apply a system of 'comment' moderation where I approve the comment before it is published. Many bloggers do this as a matter of course but I had hoped it wouldn't be necessary.

anonymousrob ..... please see above re your first sentence. The blog is, as its header announces 'a family and friends journal..........' It is not some publicly funded newspaper with rules which clever people should seek to undermine.

Having said that - thanks for The Sports Desk piece. And also the Waterstones info.

Incidentally, your comment was 206 words - Not too onerous a restriction ?

Jill ....... See above re David. He didn't actually go to the doctors. And thanks for asking.

I think it would be lovely for you to have a dog again. As you will see from Bungus's comment, he misses Ralph.

mannanan ..... Your daughter will enjoy her Banksy book. Please click here to get some idea of his work.

That is very interesting about the Hairy Bikers' visits to your Island. They are good practical cooks, and a lot of fun to watch.

p.s. for all readers. Please click here for mannanan's own website.

reg ...... Thank you for that. Where indeed could such a house be ?

Hope your visit to the doctor was satisfactory. I think if we had WoW-ed in this biting cold we should have suffered for it. I'm certainly not anti-photography in wintry conditions but there are limits ......

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Quotation time ......

"I like long walks, especially when they are taken by people who annoy me"

Noel Coward

The link is to him singing Mad Dogs and Englishmen - still worth a laugh.