Merry Christmas

Well it's that time of year once again, where we all regret eating too much and drink too much, but don't regret that one until the morning after.

Another year nearly over, but I did have rather a pleasent surprise earlier in the week, I was notifed that I had been a winner in a prize draw and will receive a pair of walking boots. Chuffed to bits as I have never won a prize draw before. So I look forward to receiving them and trying them out.

Last picture of Scotland

Last Picture from my Edinburgh collection...though with the depths of winter approaching, the opportunity to take some stunning or just reasonable pictures is very limited. I find that driving to work at sunrise there has been some fabulous coloured skies, misty foregrounds. Ideal for that winter picture. At the weekend when I am not at work and have the time, its gloomy and wet. Hopefully over the Christmas period, when I do have some time off....there will be some clear dry days and near perfect conditions...we can but hope!

More Pictures...

Well I feel I have failed my late new years resolution of more frequent posting of Blogs. Doesn't time fly. It seems a couple of days ago we were in Edinburgh and now its already December, and the C word is literally on our doorstep.

The picture is another from our trip to Edinburgh and is part - a very small part - of the entrance gates to the Botanical Gardens. The gates were very intricate metal work and all the metal flower petals engraved.

Edinburgh

Well, one week ago today we were in Edinburgh. It was much more busier than I expected, verging on a par with London. The difference being that people in Edinburgh looked at you rather than avoiding eye contact at all costs. On occasions when through mis-direction I almost walked into someone, we both 'apologised'!

Edinburgh itself was simply stunning, apart from the tram system that seems to be distroying the road in the main part of the new city...I was advised not to mention the 'trams'.

The old part of the city was great, the castle upon the hill and the surrounding roads and shops were very picturesque.

The only downside, if there was one, was the drive back. Driving there, the last part of the journey was on the A68, very picturesque, very quiet road and brought back pleasure to driving. The last part of the return journey was A1 - A14...it felt like being on a race track.

On the road....

Well...I will hopefully have some pictures of good old bonny Scotland very soon. We have a trip planned to Edinburgh. One place that I have yet to visit.

Actually I have only been to Scotland once before, on the West Coast near Ben Nevis, so again this trip will be a first.

Everyone I have spoken to have said they love Edinburgh, so I am really looking forward to going now, and can't wait. I am expecting something verging on a cross between Cambridge and Bath...

Camera batteries will be charged and I hope the weather will be kind, dry if nothing else. So wathc this space.

Winter....

I was sitting in work today, in a short sleeve shirt, and obviosuly other clothing as well. But found after a short period of time that the heating was not on. It was at that point I realised that perhaps the short sleeve shirts have to go away. Summer is officially over and winter is on its way.

Two pictures, a final reminder of Summer this year.....

'Flash'....

Well after deciding to accept the challenge of photographing a formal event - something I have never done before - I decided that a new flash would be in order.

I think I need to clarify at this point why I have never taken pictures in an official capacity before. The reason, I think is fear. We are talking about a one time moment to capture an event...if you mess it up, the moment has gone. I think that is my worry.

So not only have I purchased a flash but also another spare battery - two now in total. I will have spare batteries for the flash as well.

Still I think it was about time I took the plunge and had a go. I will however go to the event site a day or two before and take some test shots...!

I am very pleased with the flash I have purchased. It fires completely in sink with the camera flash and can even be trained to fire in accordance with red eye reduction pre-flash firing.

So, plenty of practice in the coming weeks...just need some willing volunteers. Anyway here is one of me....tripod in use.!

More Flatford

I have been 'tinkering', and I think that is the technical term with some more pictures, taken at the weekend at Flatford.

The railway bridge is on route from Flatford to Manningtree. The view across the fields was taken approximately mid point on the 'Blue' walk.

More pictures from Flatford Mill

Boat on the Estuary at Manningtree

Flatford Mill and river

Flatford Mill

Well we managed to get at the weekend and surprisingly enough, in the middle of October I was walking about, outside, in a short sleeved shirt. We took a ride over to Flatford Mill, for those familier with 'Constable' will know that Flatford Mill was the backdrop to some of his paintings.

We explored in and around Flatford Mill and then talk a cross country walk to Manningtree and Mistley. A walk I would recommend. It is approximately 3 - 4 miles there, and probably one of the few places in East Anglia where you can escape everything, including traffic.

Manningtree has some quaint old buildings and is very picturesque, but for some reason attracts people who park up near the estuary and sit in their cars listening to the radio. Most strange.

Disappointed...

The whole of Wales must be disappointed for what must have been the harshest decission in the Rugby World Cup. Despite grit and hard work on there part and perhaps a missed opportunity in the last minutes of the game, they narrowly missed out.

The weather has certainly took a turn for the better this weekend. Having shouted at the TV this morning urging Wales on, I wrapped up the garden furniture - whilst it was dry - for the winter.

If this sunny warm weather continues tomorrow, which I believe it is set to, we are taking a trip out to Constable Country and hopefully take some good pictures.

Watch this space.

Late New Years Resolution...!

I have decided that as I have not made a New Years resolution, possibly ever, I will make one now. Yes I can hear you say, 'but its not New Years'. I know, but I want to make sure that I record something on my Blog at least once a week. I am also going to make an effort to take more photographs.

You think once your children have grown up and left home that you will suddenly have all the time in the world. But it seems you don't. Approaching the big five O next year, I am sure that time has sped up. Though I believe that is mainly attibuted to the pace of live, particular in the UK. I'm pretty certain that there was more time in a day when in Portugal.

If anyone knows the secret for slowing time down, I would apprciated receiving that secret!

Lagos sunset.

Long Time...!

Wow I can not believe that it is nearly two years since I lasted posted a blog...How time flys when you are enjoying yourself.

Well in September we had a holiday in Portugal - Lagos on the Algarve - which was very nice. It was a long awaited break and I think we - Michelle and I - were in depserate need of a break. We spent the first three days laying by the pool, swimming, eating an sleeping mainly. With a bit of reading thrown into the mix.

The weather, as you would expect was outstanding. Sunny every day with the exception of the day we had to fly home.