Wollaton Photo Exhibition

On Thursday we were quick in completing the mailing that we were asked to do for Stapleford Centre. The mail consisted of only a couple of hundred letters to various diocesan education offices.

It was that warm dry February day and so we decided to go to Wollaton Hall to view the show by Tracey Foster of http://www.whitefootphotography.com/ Her work was quite inspiring and we had a good conversation with her.

After this we set off to find a place to eat our picnic. There were sunny benches at the top of the hill with a good view across the park to the lake.

Irene climbing to the picnic spot

I had just completed a painting of Wollaton Hall, but was dissatisfied with a large green area. Irene suggested taking another photo with people on and add them.

Unfortunately not many people ventured on to the grass by the nearer trees. The overhanging branch that showed in last year's spring picture shows.

We had another idea and that was to paint some stags on to the picture. Just to the left of this picture were a group of stags.

The ideal group was facing the wrong way.

But not any more.

Here is the final painting.

I add some of my earlier paintings.

Derwent Water

Jan and Lawrence

A Break at Darley Station

Happy Day

To start the day we exchanged cards. Irene gave me a 'Brain Trainer' (No comments please). I gave her some (paid for and legitimate) downloads of three Beethoven piano sonatas.

For lunch we decided that a cheesecake meal would be nice so we drove to our nearest outlet in Wollaton. My coffee reflected the season.

With the coffee we had Double Deca Chocolate Mousse cheesecake.

To walk this off we went into Wollaton Hall park.

I decided to use only the 300mm telephoto lens and no tripod. This decision was made to restrict the subject matter and challenge what could be done.

The reflection of the sun on the lake, with the particular flare, gives the impression that the trees are growing in the water.

Irene always appreciates the catkins.

Some camellia varieties were already in bloom in the camellia house.

Our short walk ended after we had passed a group of stags clashing antlers. A sure sign that spring is in the air.

Return to Hodsock or Snowdrop Time Again

It has been seven years since we last went to Hodsock. The plan this year was to take my sister Anne, her husband Sid and son George. It turned out that Saturday was the only weather window and so with t/rusty SATNAV we set off for Nuncargate and the far north (of Nottinghamshire).

Hodsock is called a priory, but it has never been one; nor has it ever been a castle with a moat. It is claimed that Hodsock has been inhabited for 2000 years with the Buchanan's taking over management from January 2006. There is a more detailed account of the house on the Hodsock website http://www.hodsockpriory.com

The imposing entrance gateway

The priory as it faces the main lawn.

The lawn shows some of the beds of snowdrops radiating from steps down.

Off on the trail of snowdrops. We started our walk in a different direction to which we had done previously. This meant that we did a reverse cycle of the lake ending at the formal gardens and the house for a beverage and cake.

Reflections of white trees in the lake

A bank of snowdrops and miniature daffodils

When we got back to the house the gardens were covered in an array of photographer pointing their cameras at the very over-photographed snow drops.

These are members of the Doncaster Photographic Society

Following morning tea we set off back to find the snowdrop woods. In the woods we came across a hot dog stand. But, best of all, a warming bonfire.

These are the intrepid explorers pausing for a photo in the woods.

From left to right are George, Anne, Irene, Sid and me. (Spot the remote control)

We spotted what seemed to be some red rubbish on a stump. It is very likely to be orange-peel fungus.

Orange peel fungus

Lunch followed. My intention was to have a bacon butty sandwich, but I was floored and had to make do with sausage rolls.

We had a final photo shoot before exiting through the plant sales area.

A beautiful specimen

We stopped off at Anne and Sids'. They all seem to be building houses and impressive they are.

This is the exterior of Anne's house. The electric lights can be seen through the windows

This is the interior. Every room has lighting

A fire glows in the parlour where Dr Who sits reading a book.

In the kitchen mother sits.

The cooker sizzles and the washing machine goes through its washing cycle.

Sid's house is to be a pub. The thatch on top is being carefully laid and is pretty authentic looking.

We look forward to seeing future progress and thank them for being part of the great day we had together.