Blue Loo to You

Today I had a strange commision. Photograph a mini loo. First, clean the loo, but leave the _ _ _ . (Not real.) Next, set up blue screen, place loo on stand, set up camera and take picture (a number of times to be sure.)
Then process. First remove background, then change labels to read "Lawrence ","Plumber of the Year Award", "Woolley".
He really is the plumber of the year and my image will appear on the side of his van.

Not really a bue loo!

Remarkable Young Ladies

I have four remarkable young grand daughters. The youngest can climb on a coffee table and bounce on a trampoline. The next can also bounce, but can do ballet. The next has great smile and is a master of the cello. The oldest plays the violin like Yehudi Menhuhin, but can also close her eyes in perfect synch to electronic flash.

Iona - I almost caught her eyes

Izzy - Always bright eyed

Izzy the Cellist - Iona Still Avoiding Flash

Got her

Now with Violin

Railway Progress

It has been busy since the last blog entry, but not interesting enough to record.
However, I now need to say that there has been significant advances in the building of the railway.

The whole of the board is covered, more fencing exists, the viaduct and valley are looking good, the goods yard has had a make-over with new track and an infil of concrete between and around the tracks.

The goods yard

Detail of coal order office and staithes

Lorry on weighbridge

Coal order offices and staithes

Viaduct

Canal and farm

Town

Craft Fair

Well - I thought that I would try it.

After a week of preparation my kit was loaded into the car and at 8 o'clock on Saturday morning I set off. As I entered Ilkeston a rainbow appeared for me to pass under (A good sign?). But, the rain started. I was among the first to off load my goods into the 'Ebenezer Methodist Church'. I had a good corner pitch - set up my back board, covered the table and laid out my wares, and waited. The morning was 'busy'. I sold five cards. I could have sold more. Lunch time came. My bill for the pitch came, but not the crowds. All the stall holders sat and tried cheer one another up. The down turn is real.

Everyone thought that my pictures were lovely. I had great conversations. Nothing was sold.

About half an hour before the end one stall holder after another cleared up.

Twenty four people took my wedding literature. A number took my business cards. It might turn out to have been a valuable advertsing exercise. Who knows?

This flower was the most popular image

Irene had much better luck with the bonfire. Which despite the rain blazed furiously.

I found a card order from Francis. The front had to be the Holy Spirit as wind and fire. And it had to be done by morning.

I ended up with this:

I left the work to have our Saturday night drink, music, game and chocolate. It was finished and delivered by 8:30 on Sunday morning.

Birthday and Ruby Wedding

On Saturday we celebrated Irene's birthday. We had a lazy start to the day. First we had to pop and order a vacuum cleaner part and purchase a pizza and crispy duck rolls. Next we had to buy cheese cake at the cheese cake shop. Then off we went to start our adventure. First there was the thrill of going north to the Shipley garden centre to buy lime and two other exciting things then we set off to have lunch and walk in Shipley Park. At which point the inevitable rain began. It was a good lunch. The scones with Cornish clotted cream and jam where particularly good. There was an attempt at 'coffee art' on my capuccino. We watched the anti-open cast mine protesters getting wet and two policemen 'chasing' after them, a little too late. (The Keystone Cops came to mind)

The walk was abandoned. We drove off to our prime destination-Dale Abbey, on route to look at the abondoned windmill. The windmill proved inaccesible. It was too wet at Dale. Home went. We consumed our pizza, duck and cheese cake; washed down with sangria. Played a game, watched a strange film where evil neither triumphed or was overcome. (I can't remember the title.)

Joni rang on Saturday, Tim rang in the morning, Joe rang, Sally rang.

A good day enjoyed by all.

Sunday followed with church. As we returned from the allotment Jenny and Francis greeted us. We invited them in and with, cups of tea and carrot cake, celebrated their ruby wedding anniversary.

We gave them a set of six ruby coloured, Italian glass tumblers.

Jenny, sporting a ruby ring, inspecting our gift.

Wollaton Walk + Carpet Laying

Wollaton Hall

On Thursday morning we drove out to Wollaton Hall on a cold, but bright morning. The object was to photograph Autumn colours. The light was good with long, sharp shadows. We are privileged to live near such a special place.

Stag at 'rutting' time

Birds on the lake

Some Autumn colours

Friday was a good day. I had orders for a number of prints. I then had a 'large' deposit for a wedding shoot next year.

Today (Saturday) I laid a carpet in the small breakfast room. I am pleased with the work.

The Red and White Lady Mayor

Last night Irene and I went dancing.

Instead of our usual Friday night we went to a special 'Red and White' sequence dance.

The Lady Mayoress (Coun. Susan Wildey) had been invited along to present the annual grant aid cheque to pay the hall rent.

Here is the Lady Mayoress presenting the cheque to committee treasurer (Irene Bexton) and chairman/person (Doug Hardy)

We had a real nice evening. I one a thousand piece puzzle on the raffle and Irene won chocolate bars during the spot waltz.

A good time was had by all.

Curbar Edge

I will return to the Lakes. But first, the visit to Curbar Edge.

It was a spectacular warm and sunny day when we set off and it remained so throughout. Curbar Edge is just north of Baslow in the Peak District of Derbyshire. When we arrived the car park was already filling up.

Sadly, we had missed seeing the heather at its best, but the views from the top and rock shapes and textures are always impressive.

Curbar Edge

Mum managed a scramble to a higher vantage point of the valley below.

Mum At A Vantage Point

After picnicing at the Curbar Edge side we crossed over to Baslow Edge side. The views are no less spectacular.

Baslow Edge

We must remember to investigate the stone cross that only showed up in the telephoto picture of a distant rock.

The Mystery of the Cross

On the way back we stopped off for refreshments at the local hostellery. (Pub) A pot of tea and a glass of cider.

Next we stopped off at B and Q in Chesterfield. Opposite B and Q mum spotted a model shop. She went over to purchase my Ruby Wedding present. See below.

Ruby Wedding Present - A BR Morris Van and a Jensen Jen-Tug "Mechanical Horse"

Wet Lakes - Part 2

Tuesday turned out to be a very full day. From photographing rocks and water on Helvelyn we drove on into Keswick. Here we had a pub lunch in the Twa Dogs Inn. This was a mistake as we were to eat a large meal later.

Lunch in the Twa Dogs Inn, Keswick

Next we drove down the east shore of Derwent Water. One of our aims was to find Lord's Island. We knew that we had passed the island, but looked to turn into a car park on left hand side of the road. This did not seem very interesting so we proceeded along the single track lane to the next car park. Here was an amazing waterfall running under a stone bridge to Watendlath Beck.

Water Under the Bridge

The road went past other car parks. One spot gave a good view of Derwent Water and our first view of Lord's Island.

Derwent Water

We continued up the narrow road. I was guessing that the last car park would have a pay meter it did. I took some not very succesful photographs. (I do need some neutral density filter for such bright light and slow shutter speeds.)

Watendlath Tarn

The Wet Lakes - Part 1

Following our Ruby wedding celebrations we took a trip up to the Lakes. Having dropped Joe off at Derby station we proceeded across country to the M6 and the North West. We left J35 early on Monday afternoon and went off towards Windermere in the hope of catching a visit to the 'World of Beatrix Potter'. This eluded us as we drove several times passed it without seeing a sign to it. We settled for a walk to Windermere and a stroll along the shore.

Moorings at Windemere

Yatching on Windemere

We then made our way back to a view point over the lake. Here, we were told by locals, are great sunset views across the lake, at the right time of year.

The following day was our great trek through Kendal for shopping and petrol, and on to Helvelyn. This was a beautiful spot and we arrived as the rain stopped.

Water fall on Helvelyn

Mum and I on Helvelyn

My demo. on how to capture the milkiness of rushing water

Ruby Wedding

The celebration of our Ruby Wedding took place on Sunday 31st August 2008. We were able to use the New Stapleford Community Centre for the 'do'. The hall was divided in two. Half for eating and half for dancing. The hall is magnificently set up and we are particularly grateful to Alan and Irene Bexton for giving so much of their time to the hall's quality and for helping at the party. Thank you Alan for MCing it. It was appreciated. We are also very grateful to Joe, Joni and Fiona and Tim and Isla for all they did by way of preparation, speeches, the cake by Isla and the amazing clear up.

Irene started the evening by a speech which sums up what 40 years of married life means. "Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God." and sooner or later we will have to face "Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried."

Francis used a can to describe us. I asked him for speeches not peaches.


Lawrence used facial expression. I lost the plot, but appreciated the humour.


Martin added spiritual dignity

I lost everybody. But expressed thanks for friends who have helped us along our journey.

Tim spoke about following us on our Journey . . .


and then gave us this magnifient cake.

Food, dancing and games followed.

We thank all our friends and relatives for all their thoughts, gifts and prayers. We thank those who were able to be with us on Sunday and hope that the event was sufficiently enjoyable. [Comments are not required.]

Hamper

Thank you Margaret and Arthur for your wonderful gift.

As you can see it is a lovely present which we can enjoy. We are really sorry that you will not be able to come to the party, but we appreciate the thoughts in the card.

Anniversary - BBQ - Dine in Style

Sunday 24th August see the 40th wedding anniversary of Irene and myself. We started the day calmly with tea (ginger drink) in bed. Cards were exchanged. Irene now has a ruby (a small one). Would you believe that a morning on the allotment followed. Then the rush to preserve the pickings accompanied by a phone call from Jan to find out were we where.We did get to the Dales for our church BBQ. Would you credit the rain? The sun came out and we crept out of the shelter.Bob did a great job on the barbie.

It was a pity that we had to leave, but we had two hours to get home, do jobs and return to nearby Jan and Lawrence's.

While at home Jenny and Francis called in with a card and present. It was a great present for allotment holders with a greenhouse; an automatic window open and closer. It will be better than the old bent wire we currently use.

Back to Jan and Lawrence. They were taking us to Morley Hayes (posh golf club) for a meal (no expense spared). Lawrence was keen that I dressed smartly. I did and so did Irene. It was a great meal in a great atmosphere.

Mudstock

Name one music festival that does not have mud. Yesterday I had the pleasure of taxing Joni and friends from 'Bloodstock'. I believe that it is a heavy metal festival. It is held at Catton Hall near Burton-on-Trent.

To be fair, most of their weekend was dry, but the leaving had to seriously change that.

The mudpark

Exit in the Rain

Sliding out of the car park

This was the least well organised part of the weekend (maybe the toilets scored worse?). All vehicles exited through one muddy gate. Naturally many people converged at many points out on the 'main' route causing the inevitable log jam. Everyone kept their cool though. Headbangers can be courteous.

I will try to post some shots from the concerts asap.

Model Railway

Yesterday was the first day in a long time that I have done any 'serious' work on my railway. Somehow I found myself moving loftwards. My recent birthday presents had inspired me to start again. I had been having serious concerns about power failure in one of the tracks. Experiments showed me that one of the engines had a fault. I took it to pieces, oiled it up and s...l...o...w...l...y off she goes. I now have to de-grease the motor and the track.

The village is now rapidly becoming a town due to the addition of a second pub.

This picture shows the train rapidly approaching the village from the right.

This is a fuller view of the village. The engine is pulling two clerestory roof carriages given to me by Francis.

This is the other end of the village. There is a school and the church has a lych gate modelled after St Lawrence Church, Slough.

Here is my newly added lamp hut, which like the new pub, also came from Iona and Izzie. (Thank you). The picture shows a road bridge, a carriage at the buffers and an engine just coming off the turn table.