Of Blogger, that is. It's driving me mad when posting photos, as it reformats all the text and I have to constantly fiddle with the HTML code to make it all right again, taking far longer than necessary, so I'm moving on. I've been trying to post about our trip to Northumberland, which was the weekend before last, and I'm tearing my hair out with the messing about. I'm outta here!!
Don't worry, though, I'm not moving far. You can find me in all my glory HERE. Still a few things to tidy up, such as links, etc, but it was a fairly painless move. All future posts will be at the new place, but this blog will remain here until you have all updated your bookmarks/links.
Hope to see you in the new place soon. Ta ta.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
And yet more water!
The rains came yet again, and soon we were back to the situation we had a little over week ago with the floods and closed roads. At about 3.30 pm a colleague looked at the BBC website and said that we had all better start making our way home soon. By 4 pm we were out of the door and trying to get to the car, which was parked up the hill behind Sheffield station, luckily. However, getting to it was a different story, as they had evacuated and closed the station building. The river is culverted under the station, so I supposed they didn't want to take any chances of structural failure. Needless to say all trains were cancelled, so it's a good thing we hadn't decided to take the train in that morning.
A slight detour over the other bridge over the station, and we arrived at the car and set off to try and get home. First hurdle was the Parkway. This wasn't as bad as we thought, but it was still quite busy, but nearing the end at J33 of the M1, we could see that the motorway was also a bit snarled up. The alternative was to go through Rotherham, but we thought it better to stay on main roads. As we passed Meadowhall, we could see the fire crew trying to put out the fire at the factory explosion that had occurred a little while earlier (as if they didn't have enough to do with the floods). At J36, which has become much better since the traffic lights were installed, there was a queue back quite a way on the motorway, the roundabout at the top of the sliproad being blocked by traffic trying to get towards Stocksbridge - a vain hope, as that road was closed. Why don't these people turn on the radio and listen to the travel news?! So, we carried on to J37 which also looked a bit busy, so we ended up at J38 and came into Barnsley from the north. We had another detour as the police we diverting cars from the main road, which was flooded and had a car transported stuck in the middle of it! By 6.10, we finally arrived home.
We awoke quite early this morning, so we thought it would be a good opportunity to try and get into work before the rush started, and to take account of any still-flooded roads. So, after checking the travel news, and putting the wellies in the boot, off we go. We knew the motorway was closed, both where we join and exit, so we knew it was pointless trying that way, as we wouldn't have even been able to cross over it on the A roads, as they were also blocked. We didn't get very far when we encountered a closed road. I rang into work (it was 6.55) and said we wouldn't be making it in, but then we tried an alternative way round. We managed to get into Rotherham, but wondered about getting to the Parkway, as the area around there had been evacuated overnight, due to a dangerously cracked dam wall. I think we would have been able to get through, but the traffic was already building up, and there were abandoned cars all over the place. We didn't fancy another two hours stuck in the car in a jam, so we turned around and came home.
That wasn't as simple as it appeared, due to the traffic now building up. Darfield was flooded again, so there was a long queue alongside Old Moor. And looking over the reserve, the new hide that was partially submerged the other week is now under even more water - almost reaching the roof - just as the water had subsided enough to reveal the surrounding paths.
At least the sun is shining today! Unfortunately, I didn't have my camera with me but the BBC South Yorkshire website has some impressive photos. Click HERE. Brightside Lane is the route we normally take from the motorway. It was more like a river last night. Some video footage HERE (several links). Meadowhall Shopping Centre is completely closed to shoppers, but apparently there has been some looting.
A slight detour over the other bridge over the station, and we arrived at the car and set off to try and get home. First hurdle was the Parkway. This wasn't as bad as we thought, but it was still quite busy, but nearing the end at J33 of the M1, we could see that the motorway was also a bit snarled up. The alternative was to go through Rotherham, but we thought it better to stay on main roads. As we passed Meadowhall, we could see the fire crew trying to put out the fire at the factory explosion that had occurred a little while earlier (as if they didn't have enough to do with the floods). At J36, which has become much better since the traffic lights were installed, there was a queue back quite a way on the motorway, the roundabout at the top of the sliproad being blocked by traffic trying to get towards Stocksbridge - a vain hope, as that road was closed. Why don't these people turn on the radio and listen to the travel news?! So, we carried on to J37 which also looked a bit busy, so we ended up at J38 and came into Barnsley from the north. We had another detour as the police we diverting cars from the main road, which was flooded and had a car transported stuck in the middle of it! By 6.10, we finally arrived home.
We awoke quite early this morning, so we thought it would be a good opportunity to try and get into work before the rush started, and to take account of any still-flooded roads. So, after checking the travel news, and putting the wellies in the boot, off we go. We knew the motorway was closed, both where we join and exit, so we knew it was pointless trying that way, as we wouldn't have even been able to cross over it on the A roads, as they were also blocked. We didn't get very far when we encountered a closed road. I rang into work (it was 6.55) and said we wouldn't be making it in, but then we tried an alternative way round. We managed to get into Rotherham, but wondered about getting to the Parkway, as the area around there had been evacuated overnight, due to a dangerously cracked dam wall. I think we would have been able to get through, but the traffic was already building up, and there were abandoned cars all over the place. We didn't fancy another two hours stuck in the car in a jam, so we turned around and came home.
That wasn't as simple as it appeared, due to the traffic now building up. Darfield was flooded again, so there was a long queue alongside Old Moor. And looking over the reserve, the new hide that was partially submerged the other week is now under even more water - almost reaching the roof - just as the water had subsided enough to reveal the surrounding paths.
At least the sun is shining today! Unfortunately, I didn't have my camera with me but the BBC South Yorkshire website has some impressive photos. Click HERE. Brightside Lane is the route we normally take from the motorway. It was more like a river last night. Some video footage HERE (several links). Meadowhall Shopping Centre is completely closed to shoppers, but apparently there has been some looting.
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Water, water, everywhere
It's been a bit wet here recently, as you may have seen on the news. It rained solid for a little over two days and caused major problems. The first being, when we tried to get to work on Friday morning. Roadside drains were so full they were like mini fountains as the water had nowhere to go. Most of the problems were from overflowing drains unable to cope, not rivers, although some had burst their banks. On the travel news in the car, we heard that all the trains (that we sometimes catch to work) were delayed or cancelled, then it mentioned that the motorway we were about to join was backed up from Meadowhall right back to Barnsley! Just the route we wanted. Detour required. Took a turning that we knew would get us onto an alternative route - gridlocked. Out came the A-Z, found another back road - flooded and blocked by a police car. Back the way we came, another detour - gridlocked. Call into work and tell them we're having the day off!! Then try and get back home.
We had been at it about an hour and a half by this time and we weren't even out of the Dearne Valley. We tried for a different road back home, to see if we could avoid all the queues. I had a feeling that this particular road might have a problem, but we tried it anyway. Some cars were coming towards us so we assumed that it would be OK. WRONG!! There was an abandoned car facing us and a huge flood in the road. A van in front of us started to make his way through the water and we steadily followed, Keith thinking that it would be OK. We almost reached the middle part of the flood, and then noticed the torrent of water running across the road, coming from the raised fields to the side of the road. The van had made it past this point, but as Keith stopped and started to reverse, I noticed that the van had come to a halt, just yards from where he would have been OK. I was in a bit of a state by this time, thinking that we would be trapped, but we managed to reverse back to safety. The cars behind us also decided not to take any chances. Eventually, we arrived home and confirmed with work that we were staying put.
On Saturday, we decided to go for some retail therapy at Meadowhall, assuming that we could get there. It had stopped raining, but there were still closed roads. I had taken my camera along, just in case, and as we were passing Old Moor I noticed the new hide (which has just been erected in the past couple of weeks). They have been making new paths and opening up parts of the reserve that have so far been closed to the public, so I was looking forward to it all being open. This is the new hide.
I think it may be some time before we get to watch birds from this hide! The existing hides are also under water, so they closed the reserve completely.
We had been at it about an hour and a half by this time and we weren't even out of the Dearne Valley. We tried for a different road back home, to see if we could avoid all the queues. I had a feeling that this particular road might have a problem, but we tried it anyway. Some cars were coming towards us so we assumed that it would be OK. WRONG!! There was an abandoned car facing us and a huge flood in the road. A van in front of us started to make his way through the water and we steadily followed, Keith thinking that it would be OK. We almost reached the middle part of the flood, and then noticed the torrent of water running across the road, coming from the raised fields to the side of the road. The van had made it past this point, but as Keith stopped and started to reverse, I noticed that the van had come to a halt, just yards from where he would have been OK. I was in a bit of a state by this time, thinking that we would be trapped, but we managed to reverse back to safety. The cars behind us also decided not to take any chances. Eventually, we arrived home and confirmed with work that we were staying put.
On Saturday, we decided to go for some retail therapy at Meadowhall, assuming that we could get there. It had stopped raining, but there were still closed roads. I had taken my camera along, just in case, and as we were passing Old Moor I noticed the new hide (which has just been erected in the past couple of weeks). They have been making new paths and opening up parts of the reserve that have so far been closed to the public, so I was looking forward to it all being open. This is the new hide.
I think it may be some time before we get to watch birds from this hide! The existing hides are also under water, so they closed the reserve completely.
Monday, June 04, 2007
Another little break
As it was promising to be a nice weekend, we decided to give the new trailer tent a road test, and besides, we don't have an area of grass large enough nearby (other than to appear to be setting up camp in the local park!). Apart from practising, we also needed to distribute the other camping items from the store cupboard into the trailer, where they can now permanently reside, all ready for just hitching up and driving off, and leave more storage space in the house.
We set off a bit later than planned, just to make sure that the weather on Sunday was still good, as we didn't want to be packing up in the rain. We had planned to go to a site near Robin Hood's Bay, but Keith saw another one in the nearby village of Fylingthorpe, so that's where we headed, and booked in for one night, despite it being more expensive. We are members of the Camping Club, but this was one of only a few non-club sites we've stayed on, and it turned out to be a lovely site. There are some nice walks from the site, and it's only 15 minutes walk into Robin Hood's Bay.
So here is the trailer tent as we had just finished erecting it, which only took about 15 minutes, even having to read the instructions as we did it. We then added a canopy, which was thrown in as a freebie, and side screen, which we paid a bit extra for (not shown).
These are the two sleeping compartments, one set up as a seating area with the built in framework. This was taken as we were packing up, so the panel that fits under the body to block the wind has been removed. Normally you can't see the grass - it's all sealed off from draughts.
All in all, this was much quicker than putting up the tent, which used to take about three hours from arriving on site to being able to make a cup of tea. We'd already had our sandwiches and cup of tea inside two hours, and that will get quicker as we get used to the procedure.
After we'd set up, we had a walk into the village and came across a game of quoits. They were having a tournament and were at quarter final stage, so we stayed and watched for some time, as we'd never seen a live game. It was quite an entertaining match.
In the evening we walked into Robin Hood's Bay and visited the Bay Hotel where we had a lovely meal of goat's cheese and salad starter, local fish and chips and I had a strawberry and champagne meringue roulade and Keith had a chocolate puddle pudding and custard. We took it very slowly back to the site, especially climbing back up the steep streets of Robin Hood's Bay.
When we arrived back at the tent, we realised we'd forgotten to bring the pillows, but we rigged one up with the seat cushions from the other compartment. Not too comfortable, but we managed.
Next morning it dawned fine, but there was still some sea fret hanging on, as there had been the previous day, but the campsite was in glorious sunshine. The field we were in was closing at noon, so all the campers were busy packing up to leave. It didn't take us long to put things in their place and fold the canvas back into the trailer, ready for off. This is going to be so much more fun than three hours setting up and taking down, especially when we've travelled a long way. And I think it will open up an opportunity for us to tour Europe, something we've always wanted to do.
We set off a bit later than planned, just to make sure that the weather on Sunday was still good, as we didn't want to be packing up in the rain. We had planned to go to a site near Robin Hood's Bay, but Keith saw another one in the nearby village of Fylingthorpe, so that's where we headed, and booked in for one night, despite it being more expensive. We are members of the Camping Club, but this was one of only a few non-club sites we've stayed on, and it turned out to be a lovely site. There are some nice walks from the site, and it's only 15 minutes walk into Robin Hood's Bay.
So here is the trailer tent as we had just finished erecting it, which only took about 15 minutes, even having to read the instructions as we did it. We then added a canopy, which was thrown in as a freebie, and side screen, which we paid a bit extra for (not shown).
These are the two sleeping compartments, one set up as a seating area with the built in framework. This was taken as we were packing up, so the panel that fits under the body to block the wind has been removed. Normally you can't see the grass - it's all sealed off from draughts.
All in all, this was much quicker than putting up the tent, which used to take about three hours from arriving on site to being able to make a cup of tea. We'd already had our sandwiches and cup of tea inside two hours, and that will get quicker as we get used to the procedure.
After we'd set up, we had a walk into the village and came across a game of quoits. They were having a tournament and were at quarter final stage, so we stayed and watched for some time, as we'd never seen a live game. It was quite an entertaining match.
In the evening we walked into Robin Hood's Bay and visited the Bay Hotel where we had a lovely meal of goat's cheese and salad starter, local fish and chips and I had a strawberry and champagne meringue roulade and Keith had a chocolate puddle pudding and custard. We took it very slowly back to the site, especially climbing back up the steep streets of Robin Hood's Bay.
When we arrived back at the tent, we realised we'd forgotten to bring the pillows, but we rigged one up with the seat cushions from the other compartment. Not too comfortable, but we managed.
Next morning it dawned fine, but there was still some sea fret hanging on, as there had been the previous day, but the campsite was in glorious sunshine. The field we were in was closing at noon, so all the campers were busy packing up to leave. It didn't take us long to put things in their place and fold the canvas back into the trailer, ready for off. This is going to be so much more fun than three hours setting up and taking down, especially when we've travelled a long way. And I think it will open up an opportunity for us to tour Europe, something we've always wanted to do.
Monday, May 28, 2007
Lesvos holiday
Update: Edited to add some more photos, that I just found in another folder, and also to correct a mis-identified bird - the Yellow Wagtail after the Pratincole was actually a Citrine Wagtail.
Well, we've been back from holiday for over a week, but it seems an age ago that we went to Lesvos. This was our second visit to the island, the first being a couple of years ago when we went on an organised birding trip with a friend of mine who started running birding holidays when he left his job at the place we both worked. On that first trip the total number of birds seen was 145, but we only counted 131, as we didn't really get to see all that others saw.
We thought we might try and beat that total, but the island was very dry, having had only 10 days of rain in the last year, so we struggled at times. And it was VERY hot! Every day. However it was a very enjoyable trip, with myself and Keith joining a friend, John, and an acquaintance of his, Martin, who we met for the first time a few weeks before the trip. Anyway, we managed about the same number of birds, as it turns out. I won't go into too much detail here, as you can read the full trip report on John's website, and see all his wonderful photos, but I will post a 'few' of the photos I took. I went a bit mad with the camera, taking over 600 shots, but sifted through them and kept about 500. I was a bit disappointed with some of them, so John let me borrow his lens for a few shots (Canon 100-400 IS - I really 'need' this lens!). I think John took over 2000, but he took his laptop with him and edited them each night, and compiled the trip report as he went along!
All photos taken using Canon 10D and Sigma lenses (135-400mm, 105mm macro, 18-50mm) except where John's lens used, as stated. Shown in order they were taken.
Squacco Heron - East River, Skala Kalloni
Little Bittern - East River, Skala Kalloni
Same bird, having flown into a nearby tree
Black-headed Yellow Wagtail (ssp. feldegg)
Black-winged Stilt - Skala Kalloni salt pans
Last time we went, I noticed the rather dark red poppies, but never managed a photo. This time I made sure we stopped to get some shots. A few days later the farmer was ploughing this field. Field near Achladeri.
The side view from our balcony (we were on a corner)
Scops Owl - in eucalyptus tree north of Kalloni
Limonos Monastery - between Kalloni and Filia
View from top of Ypsilou Monastery
Fancy door of a house in Molyvos
Another door in Molyvos
Bee - taken on one of the narrow alleyways leading up to Molyvos Castle
Archaeological site at Molyvos - totally unprotected and open
Molyvos Castle from the town. Reached by a network of narrow, zig-zag cobbled alleyways, leading ever upwards between the houses
Emperor Dragonfly (not quite sure how I managed this one!)
White Stork - East River
Flock of sheep on a farm track near Petra
Western Rock Nuthatch - Napi Valley
Skala Sykaminias harbour - from the taverna where we had a delicious lunch (see group photo on John's site)
Looking back to the taverna from the other side of the harbour
Keith and Martin inspecting the octopus (no, we didn't eat them!)
Little Stint - Skala Kalloni salt pans
Black Stork - East River
Keith and I went back to Molyvos on our own one day (we were birded out!). This was the view down to the harbour from the overhanging terrace of a cafe. Keith was a bit nervous of the drop!
Molyvos harbour
House Martins nesting on our balcony
Black-eared Wheatear - Ypsilou Monastery
Persian Squirrel - Ypsilou Monastery
Little Owl - Ypsilou Monastery (with John's lens). He was sitting there so quietly, with numerous warblers and other birds flitting around the tree in a panic. One of them being the first Icterine Warbler of the trip, which was one of the reasons for our second trip here, as we were told they were around, but we missed them on the first visit
Ypsilou Monastery - we walked up one path and down the other, before the heat really set in for the day!
Collared Pratincole - East River
Citrine Wagtail - East River
Balkan White butterfly and unknown beetles - East River
Rose-coloured Starling - there were about 18 in the same mulberry tree - between East River and salt pans (with John's lens). These birds sometimes turn up as vagrants in the UK, but mostly they're not in this bright breeding plumage
Red-rumped Swallow - salt pans (with John's lens)
European Bee-eater - salt pans (with John's lens). These are gorgeous birds, with a lovely song. These are far better photos than the ones I took on the last trip here
European Bee-eater - salt pans (with John's lens)
Ruff - salt pans (with John's lens)
Little Stint - salt pans (with John's lens)
Black-headed Wagtail - salt pans (with John's lens)
Crested Lark - salt pans (with John's lens)
Crested Lark - salt pans (with John's lens)
Long-legged Buzzard - side of road near Kalloni
Hummingbird Hawkmoth - in the grounds of our hotel. One of many we saw there during the two weeks
A lizard peeping from one of the bushes in the hotel grounds, while on the search for the Hawkmoth
Female Stonechat - I also took a few photos using John's camera (Canon 30D) and the 100-400 lens, this and the next photo being two of the best ones, to see if the more up-to-date camera made a difference as well as the lens - I think maybe the lens is the key
Too hot for even the die-hard sunbathers!
Well, we've been back from holiday for over a week, but it seems an age ago that we went to Lesvos. This was our second visit to the island, the first being a couple of years ago when we went on an organised birding trip with a friend of mine who started running birding holidays when he left his job at the place we both worked. On that first trip the total number of birds seen was 145, but we only counted 131, as we didn't really get to see all that others saw.
We thought we might try and beat that total, but the island was very dry, having had only 10 days of rain in the last year, so we struggled at times. And it was VERY hot! Every day. However it was a very enjoyable trip, with myself and Keith joining a friend, John, and an acquaintance of his, Martin, who we met for the first time a few weeks before the trip. Anyway, we managed about the same number of birds, as it turns out. I won't go into too much detail here, as you can read the full trip report on John's website, and see all his wonderful photos, but I will post a 'few' of the photos I took. I went a bit mad with the camera, taking over 600 shots, but sifted through them and kept about 500. I was a bit disappointed with some of them, so John let me borrow his lens for a few shots (Canon 100-400 IS - I really 'need' this lens!). I think John took over 2000, but he took his laptop with him and edited them each night, and compiled the trip report as he went along!
All photos taken using Canon 10D and Sigma lenses (135-400mm, 105mm macro, 18-50mm) except where John's lens used, as stated. Shown in order they were taken.
Squacco Heron - East River, Skala Kalloni
Little Bittern - East River, Skala Kalloni
Same bird, having flown into a nearby tree
Black-headed Yellow Wagtail (ssp. feldegg)
Black-winged Stilt - Skala Kalloni salt pans
Last time we went, I noticed the rather dark red poppies, but never managed a photo. This time I made sure we stopped to get some shots. A few days later the farmer was ploughing this field. Field near Achladeri.
The side view from our balcony (we were on a corner)
Scops Owl - in eucalyptus tree north of Kalloni
Limonos Monastery - between Kalloni and Filia
View from top of Ypsilou Monastery 
Fancy door of a house in Molyvos
Another door in Molyvos
Bee - taken on one of the narrow alleyways leading up to Molyvos Castle
Archaeological site at Molyvos - totally unprotected and open
Molyvos Castle from the town. Reached by a network of narrow, zig-zag cobbled alleyways, leading ever upwards between the houses
Emperor Dragonfly (not quite sure how I managed this one!)
White Stork - East River
Flock of sheep on a farm track near Petra
Western Rock Nuthatch - Napi Valley
Skala Sykaminias harbour - from the taverna where we had a delicious lunch (see group photo on John's site)
Looking back to the taverna from the other side of the harbour
Keith and Martin inspecting the octopus (no, we didn't eat them!)
Little Stint - Skala Kalloni salt pans
Black Stork - East River
Keith and I went back to Molyvos on our own one day (we were birded out!). This was the view down to the harbour from the overhanging terrace of a cafe. Keith was a bit nervous of the drop!
Molyvos harbour
House Martins nesting on our balcony
Black-eared Wheatear - Ypsilou Monastery
Persian Squirrel - Ypsilou Monastery
Little Owl - Ypsilou Monastery (with John's lens). He was sitting there so quietly, with numerous warblers and other birds flitting around the tree in a panic. One of them being the first Icterine Warbler of the trip, which was one of the reasons for our second trip here, as we were told they were around, but we missed them on the first visit
Ypsilou Monastery - we walked up one path and down the other, before the heat really set in for the day!
Collared Pratincole - East River
Citrine Wagtail - East River
Balkan White butterfly and unknown beetles - East River
Rose-coloured Starling - there were about 18 in the same mulberry tree - between East River and salt pans (with John's lens). These birds sometimes turn up as vagrants in the UK, but mostly they're not in this bright breeding plumage
Red-rumped Swallow - salt pans (with John's lens)
European Bee-eater - salt pans (with John's lens). These are gorgeous birds, with a lovely song. These are far better photos than the ones I took on the last trip here
European Bee-eater - salt pans (with John's lens)
Ruff - salt pans (with John's lens)
Little Stint - salt pans (with John's lens)
Black-headed Wagtail - salt pans (with John's lens)
Crested Lark - salt pans (with John's lens)
Crested Lark - salt pans (with John's lens)
Long-legged Buzzard - side of road near Kalloni
Hummingbird Hawkmoth - in the grounds of our hotel. One of many we saw there during the two weeks
A lizard peeping from one of the bushes in the hotel grounds, while on the search for the Hawkmoth
Female Stonechat - I also took a few photos using John's camera (Canon 30D) and the 100-400 lens, this and the next photo being two of the best ones, to see if the more up-to-date camera made a difference as well as the lens - I think maybe the lens is the key
Too hot for even the die-hard sunbathers!Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Been visitin'
As you can also read on Quacky-birder's blog, CherryPie and I had a little venture south of Watford to visit with old three-cameras-two-scopes-quacky-birder for a bit of a cultural expedition round the Essex/London area.
I met up with CP after work on Friday and we had a very smooth journey down the motorway, arriving at Pete's about 9pm, whereupon we consumed a (rather large) glass or two of the old vino blanco, before staggering to bed at about 1am.
Saturday dawned, along with the expected headache (for me anyway), and we decided that today's trip would be to Audley End, an English Heritage property. After breakfast and Ibuprofen we set off, stopping on the way in Saffron Walden, where we sampled the delights of a local deli/coffee shop and each had a rather huge scone which none of us could finish, so we slipped the leftovers into a napkin to have later. We also bought some goodies from an up-market food shop, and browsed a small bookshop, where I saw a rather interesting coffee-table type book, and later regretted not getting it. So Keith ordered it from Amazon and it arrived today. It's called Vanishing Act by Art Wolfe, and is full of photos from nature of animals who blend seamlessly into their surroundings. Some of them take some finding!
We arrived at Audley End House and took the guided tour of the house, which was very interesting. There was a corridor full of cases containing stuffed animals and birds, one of which I have been trying to identify - a very small falcon, probably no bigger than a Blackbird (Turdus merula). Very strange. The gardens were also very pleasant, and we were quite amazed by the old Yew hedge.
I met up with CP after work on Friday and we had a very smooth journey down the motorway, arriving at Pete's about 9pm, whereupon we consumed a (rather large) glass or two of the old vino blanco, before staggering to bed at about 1am.
Saturday dawned, along with the expected headache (for me anyway), and we decided that today's trip would be to Audley End, an English Heritage property. After breakfast and Ibuprofen we set off, stopping on the way in Saffron Walden, where we sampled the delights of a local deli/coffee shop and each had a rather huge scone which none of us could finish, so we slipped the leftovers into a napkin to have later. We also bought some goodies from an up-market food shop, and browsed a small bookshop, where I saw a rather interesting coffee-table type book, and later regretted not getting it. So Keith ordered it from Amazon and it arrived today. It's called Vanishing Act by Art Wolfe, and is full of photos from nature of animals who blend seamlessly into their surroundings. Some of them take some finding!
We arrived at Audley End House and took the guided tour of the house, which was very interesting. There was a corridor full of cases containing stuffed animals and birds, one of which I have been trying to identify - a very small falcon, probably no bigger than a Blackbird (Turdus merula). Very strange. The gardens were also very pleasant, and we were quite amazed by the old Yew hedge.
I tried something different with this photo, as there was an aerial and some other distractions sticking up above the roof, so they were cloned out and the photo was desaturated to black and white - I thought this subject would suit b&w better than colour.
It was a glorious day - quite warm and sunny - so we had a good wander around the gardens, finding some newts in one of the ponds in the walled garden and we also spotted a Swallow flying over - my first of the year. We found a nice shady gazebo, where we sat for quite some time, watching the world go by, before making our way back to the car. On the way back we stopped off in Thaxted and visited the church, where there was a wedding taking place, with Morris Dancers performing in the churchyard. The wedding service was over, so we had access to the inside of the church. It is in need of some restoration in places, but it was very nice, the peace gently broken by a lone violinist playing. Having had a wander through the town we then went back to prepare for dinner, which Pete had booked for us at The Starr in Great Dunmow (and which was quite delicious). Bedtime was a little earlier, as we were all quite knackered.
Sunday morning dawned bright and sunny again, and after breakfast we set off for Eltham Palace where we enjoyed another very interesting visit. We wandered through the house, marvelling at the contrast between the Art Deco newer part, built by the Courtaulds (of textile fame) in the 1930s, and the medieval origins of the great hall, with its incredible hammer beam ceiling. The house had some rather innovative features for its time, such as electric clocks that received a pulse and kept time with the new Greenwich Time Signal, and a centralised vacuuming system where a hose was inserted into a hole in the wall and the dust sucked down into the basement, so the servants didn't have to lug heavy vacuum cleaners around.
Here are a couple of photos from the lovely gardens. After a stroll round the gardens, we sat in a nice shady spot watching the birds and soaking up the atmosphere, before heading back to Pete's for a cup of tea before CP and I headed back up north.
Although it was a packed weekend, it was very relaxing in a way, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
(All photos taken with Canon A95 compact digicam)
Sunday, April 01, 2007
A Little Update
Well, I thought I'd better come and give an update about what's been happening over the past few months. Really not that exciting, but as I'm now getting back to some normality, there have been some developments, if I can remember them all!
A few weeks ago, I took the camera out of mothballs and we went to Formby to see the Red Squirrels, armed with the obligatory bag of nuts. It was a lovely day, and the squirrels were out in force. I'd heard from some sources that they can be a bit elusive, but they were everywhere and coming quite close. So here are some shots I managed to get.
Last weekend we spent a couple of days in Whitby with the good people from Photography Cafe. Apart from the B&B being a bit on the basic side, despite supposedly being 'recently upgraded to a high standard', we had a great time. As this was a photography meeting, I felt obliged to take plenty of photos. We met at the whalebones on the West Cliff and froze to death waiting for everyone to arrive. I decided, in my wisdom, to shoot in RAW format (don't even ask, Pete!!), and so have had to spend a bit longer in post-processing. Here are some of the results from that trip.
A few weeks ago, I took the camera out of mothballs and we went to Formby to see the Red Squirrels, armed with the obligatory bag of nuts. It was a lovely day, and the squirrels were out in force. I'd heard from some sources that they can be a bit elusive, but they were everywhere and coming quite close. So here are some shots I managed to get.
Last weekend we spent a couple of days in Whitby with the good people from Photography Cafe. Apart from the B&B being a bit on the basic side, despite supposedly being 'recently upgraded to a high standard', we had a great time. As this was a photography meeting, I felt obliged to take plenty of photos. We met at the whalebones on the West Cliff and froze to death waiting for everyone to arrive. I decided, in my wisdom, to shoot in RAW format (don't even ask, Pete!!), and so have had to spend a bit longer in post-processing. Here are some of the results from that trip.
A cobbled street in Robin Hood's Bay
Misty view over Robin Hood's Bay
Whitby Pier in the mist.
It was my birthday the other day, as mentioned by the Quacky-birder. Didn't really want to sing it from the rooftops myself, but thanks to Pete for letting the world know. At least he kept my age to himself. Well, he knows what's good for him, especially when we're meeting up in a couple of weeks. We went to a lovely restaurant - one that we re-discovered the day we went to pick up the car. We had lunch there that day, and decided to test their dinner menu. It did not disappoint. Whitley Hall Hotel is the place.
Well, I think that's all for now. I'll be back.
(All photos taken with Canon 10D)
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Still here
Not really had much to blog about lately. Well, that's not strictly true; I simply haven't been feeling quite up to it. I've been around and about and slowly getting back into the swing of things, but some days just seem harder than others.
Anyway, I will post a more detailed update soon, but I just found THIS while logging into my email. Discuss.
Anyway, I will post a more detailed update soon, but I just found THIS while logging into my email. Discuss.
Friday, March 16, 2007
I'm still alive
Well, just about!
Changed this thing to the new Blogger and lost some of the features in the right-hand panel. Bugger!
So, what's new? Feeling a bit more alive than I was a little while ago. The menopause rollercoaster seems to be slowing down a bit, but I decided to go back onto the HRT to keep my hot flushes and mood swings more controlled. Still not sleeping too well, so feel like death most mornings. Still, worse things happen at sea, so the old saying goes.
Off to pick up a new (to us) car tomorrow. Same as the one old quacky-birder drives, but the model above his. When I sent a text telling him this he called me a 'posh git'!! The huge Rover is just too heavy for us, with our bad backs. And we have also ordered a trailer tent, which we pick up in April. This is to save us the three hours it normally takes to pitch the tent and install all the accoutrements. These things go up in no time, and some of the necessities, like the kitchen, is already in place, so we can get rid of some clutter as well.
Still haven't sold the house, although we have had a few more viewings. I reckon we're in this for some time yet.
Hope everyone is OK. I do visit your blogs regularly, so I'm not totally off the planet. I will catch up and start posting and commenting more often, hopefully.
Changed this thing to the new Blogger and lost some of the features in the right-hand panel. Bugger!
So, what's new? Feeling a bit more alive than I was a little while ago. The menopause rollercoaster seems to be slowing down a bit, but I decided to go back onto the HRT to keep my hot flushes and mood swings more controlled. Still not sleeping too well, so feel like death most mornings. Still, worse things happen at sea, so the old saying goes.
Off to pick up a new (to us) car tomorrow. Same as the one old quacky-birder drives, but the model above his. When I sent a text telling him this he called me a 'posh git'!! The huge Rover is just too heavy for us, with our bad backs. And we have also ordered a trailer tent, which we pick up in April. This is to save us the three hours it normally takes to pitch the tent and install all the accoutrements. These things go up in no time, and some of the necessities, like the kitchen, is already in place, so we can get rid of some clutter as well.
Still haven't sold the house, although we have had a few more viewings. I reckon we're in this for some time yet.
Hope everyone is OK. I do visit your blogs regularly, so I'm not totally off the planet. I will catch up and start posting and commenting more often, hopefully.
Monday, February 05, 2007
It's me again!
I keep trying to keep up to date, and failing miserably every time. So I suppose this will just be a hit-and-miss blog for some time yet, and I'll update as and when I can or when I get the urge, whichever comes sooner.
So, what has occurred in the digi-birder household since my last post? Well, we've actually had some more house viewings (yes, we're still for sale), but nothing positive yet. We did have one rather poor offer (mentioned in my last post), but refused this and they haven't been back to us. Someone was passing the other week as we were unpacking the shopping from the car and asked if they could view, so we let them in. Probably a mistake, as the house was a complete tip! Then someone else came last weekend and they sounded suitably impressed, but so far have not put in an offer. And we have another viewing tomorrow night. So, it appears things may be picking up at last.
I've been perking up a bit health-wise. My back was repaired well by the chiropractor, although I still have slight twinges now and again, but it's getting better. It's worse after ironing, so maybe I should give that up. I was feeling rather depressed with all these problems one after the other, so the doctor suggested some anti-depressants, which did help, but gave me a few other side effects, most of which were menopausal symptoms that I'd just managed to clear up, so I soon stopped them. I'm on a more natural product now and these are as good with the added benefit of helping me sleep better as well - something the prescription ADs certainly did not do. The doc also referred me for some counselling, but I'm not sure whether to go ahead with this now (I'm still waiting for the appointment to be sent). I always felt that I could get over a lot of these problems if I could only have a decent night's sleep. So, I have also been trying other natural remedies for menopause and have managed to control things to the extent that I've stopped the HRT as well. Only thing to get rid of now is this nasty rash on my side. Tried everything for that but the bugger keeps reappearing. It's not itching all the time, so it's not driving me crazy, but I just wish it would clear up. I've only had it since last June!!
We've had quite a bit of comeback on the crash we witnessed on New Year's Day. First the police came and interviewed us for a couple of hours, then last weekend we had someone from the victim's insurance come to take more details (another couple of hours). We also had some forms to fill in, but the chap from the insurers said he would take those back and refer them to his notes. We may have to go to court if it goes that far, as the driver of the vehicle who caused the crash is denying responsibility. Turned out that the victim had broken her collar bone. Her car didn't look too healthy either.
My main news is that Keith and I celebrated our 25th Anniversary last week. We decided to sneak away for a quiet weekend instead of having a big do, so we ended up in a nice hotel in Dorset. Well, the food was excellent, and the room was very nice with a sea view and four-poster bed, but the rooms were a little on the cold side and the shower was more like a light drizzle, but it was very enjoyable. The weather stayed fine, if a little overcast, and we had a couple of nice walks and took a few photos. It's the first time in ages I've felt in the mood for taking my 'big' camera out, so I really enjoyed myself. See some pics below. Our last day was the better of the three days we had down there, so we did a bit more sight-seeing further along the coast, stopping off in the Lulworth Cove area and then on to Corfe Castle, neither of which we'd been to before. Unfortunately, on the way home, we hit some roadworks, tried to do a detour to avoid the queue (along with millions more people), turned round and went back the way we came, and ended up getting home rather late. So we rang in the next day and booked another day off work to recover!
At the weekend we had a wander round Meadowhall at the weekend and Keith bought me a lovely silver chain and pendant with a small diamond in it. I was at a loss as to what to get Keith as he doesn't wear jewellery and didn't want a pen, or anything else. Anyway, today I went out at lunchtime and looked in a jeweller's window and decided to get him a silver tie-pin, which he is very happy with.
So, what has occurred in the digi-birder household since my last post? Well, we've actually had some more house viewings (yes, we're still for sale), but nothing positive yet. We did have one rather poor offer (mentioned in my last post), but refused this and they haven't been back to us. Someone was passing the other week as we were unpacking the shopping from the car and asked if they could view, so we let them in. Probably a mistake, as the house was a complete tip! Then someone else came last weekend and they sounded suitably impressed, but so far have not put in an offer. And we have another viewing tomorrow night. So, it appears things may be picking up at last.
I've been perking up a bit health-wise. My back was repaired well by the chiropractor, although I still have slight twinges now and again, but it's getting better. It's worse after ironing, so maybe I should give that up. I was feeling rather depressed with all these problems one after the other, so the doctor suggested some anti-depressants, which did help, but gave me a few other side effects, most of which were menopausal symptoms that I'd just managed to clear up, so I soon stopped them. I'm on a more natural product now and these are as good with the added benefit of helping me sleep better as well - something the prescription ADs certainly did not do. The doc also referred me for some counselling, but I'm not sure whether to go ahead with this now (I'm still waiting for the appointment to be sent). I always felt that I could get over a lot of these problems if I could only have a decent night's sleep. So, I have also been trying other natural remedies for menopause and have managed to control things to the extent that I've stopped the HRT as well. Only thing to get rid of now is this nasty rash on my side. Tried everything for that but the bugger keeps reappearing. It's not itching all the time, so it's not driving me crazy, but I just wish it would clear up. I've only had it since last June!!
We've had quite a bit of comeback on the crash we witnessed on New Year's Day. First the police came and interviewed us for a couple of hours, then last weekend we had someone from the victim's insurance come to take more details (another couple of hours). We also had some forms to fill in, but the chap from the insurers said he would take those back and refer them to his notes. We may have to go to court if it goes that far, as the driver of the vehicle who caused the crash is denying responsibility. Turned out that the victim had broken her collar bone. Her car didn't look too healthy either.
My main news is that Keith and I celebrated our 25th Anniversary last week. We decided to sneak away for a quiet weekend instead of having a big do, so we ended up in a nice hotel in Dorset. Well, the food was excellent, and the room was very nice with a sea view and four-poster bed, but the rooms were a little on the cold side and the shower was more like a light drizzle, but it was very enjoyable. The weather stayed fine, if a little overcast, and we had a couple of nice walks and took a few photos. It's the first time in ages I've felt in the mood for taking my 'big' camera out, so I really enjoyed myself. See some pics below. Our last day was the better of the three days we had down there, so we did a bit more sight-seeing further along the coast, stopping off in the Lulworth Cove area and then on to Corfe Castle, neither of which we'd been to before. Unfortunately, on the way home, we hit some roadworks, tried to do a detour to avoid the queue (along with millions more people), turned round and went back the way we came, and ended up getting home rather late. So we rang in the next day and booked another day off work to recover!
At the weekend we had a wander round Meadowhall at the weekend and Keith bought me a lovely silver chain and pendant with a small diamond in it. I was at a loss as to what to get Keith as he doesn't wear jewellery and didn't want a pen, or anything else. Anyway, today I went out at lunchtime and looked in a jeweller's window and decided to get him a silver tie-pin, which he is very happy with.
This was taken on a walk along the cliffs from the village. You can see our hotel just to the right of centre.
At the top of the hill looking back to the village.
Some dramatic erosion. This is known as the Jurassic Coast - well known for fossil-hunting. We were watching Fulmars flying round, and a couple of Peregrine Falcons were keeping an eye on things.
After a wander around Lulworth Cove, we drove round to Durdle Door.
We also called in at Corfe Castle.
Saturday, January 06, 2007
New Year - New Beginning
As this new year begins I thought I would make an effort to keep this blog more up to date. Not too sure how long this resolution will last - I've been here before a couple of times and then lagged behind again.
I am trying to get myself and my various health issues sorted out, with the latest installment being that the doc has decided I need anti-depressants. I am not very keen on the idea, but I'm giving it a go. I am not sure if it's depression or just a low mood, but I want it to go, whatever it is.
Anyway, we went on a little jaunt on New Year's Day to the Yorkshire Dales, visiting Aysgarth Falls in Wensleydale. The weather started out OK, and the forecast wasn't bad, but it did turn a bit wet on the way up and we started to think we had wasted the day. We decided to find somewhere for lunch first, in the hope that it would improve later, and sure enough it became fine enough for us to have a nice walk, although it was still very wet underfoot.
As you can see from the photos, the river was in full flow. I only took the compact camera, so I didn't try any fancy shots, but I did try to get the water fall to be a blur - almost succeeded but couldn't get the shutter speed low enough without the whites getting bleached out.
We had a good day. It was dark and raining and as we were nearing home we were overtaken by a pick-up truck type vehicle, overtaking two cars and approaching a bend in the road, when another car came towards us and had to move out of the way. Shortly afterwards K heard a bang and looked in the rear-view mirror only to see the small car facing the wrong way in the middle of the road with steam rising from it. I quickly reached for some paper and wrote down the registration number of the pick-up, but he must have noticed what happened and, to his credit, he stopped and reversed to the scene. We turned round and went to give our details to the victims of this man's stupidity. The cars behind us would not have seen the cause of the accident, just the woman's car careering across the road into the side of a van.
There was wreckage all over the road and no other cars could get through for a while. The woman had been moved into someone's car and people were trying to clear the road. Her car was still steaming and the whole of the bonnet and most of the engine compartment was gone. I saw the driver of the pick-up and couldn't resist telling him what a plonker he was to overtake as he had. His response? "It would have been OK if she hadn't panicked". I could have hit him!! Anyway, having left our details we continued home to get warm and dry. A few seconds earlier and it could have been us, we were that close.
Another bit of news: we had someone come to view the house just before Christmas (two viewings in a year isn't bad!) and earlier this week they put in an offer. It is quite a bit below the asking price so we've turned it down and hope that they'll come back with something better. We are not that desperate, so we've decided not to fall for any stupid offer. His low offer could have been something to do with the leak we discovered on the day they viewed. Big wet patch in the corner of the living room ceiling. It's not as bad as we originally thought - just the cistern of the en-suite loo leaking and running down the pipe into the floor space. We are just over the two-year builder 'snagging' period, but as my sister works for them she has managed to get them to rectify it. We have had so many snagging problems here it's the least they can do.
I am trying to get myself and my various health issues sorted out, with the latest installment being that the doc has decided I need anti-depressants. I am not very keen on the idea, but I'm giving it a go. I am not sure if it's depression or just a low mood, but I want it to go, whatever it is.
Anyway, we went on a little jaunt on New Year's Day to the Yorkshire Dales, visiting Aysgarth Falls in Wensleydale. The weather started out OK, and the forecast wasn't bad, but it did turn a bit wet on the way up and we started to think we had wasted the day. We decided to find somewhere for lunch first, in the hope that it would improve later, and sure enough it became fine enough for us to have a nice walk, although it was still very wet underfoot.
As you can see from the photos, the river was in full flow. I only took the compact camera, so I didn't try any fancy shots, but I did try to get the water fall to be a blur - almost succeeded but couldn't get the shutter speed low enough without the whites getting bleached out.
We had a good day. It was dark and raining and as we were nearing home we were overtaken by a pick-up truck type vehicle, overtaking two cars and approaching a bend in the road, when another car came towards us and had to move out of the way. Shortly afterwards K heard a bang and looked in the rear-view mirror only to see the small car facing the wrong way in the middle of the road with steam rising from it. I quickly reached for some paper and wrote down the registration number of the pick-up, but he must have noticed what happened and, to his credit, he stopped and reversed to the scene. We turned round and went to give our details to the victims of this man's stupidity. The cars behind us would not have seen the cause of the accident, just the woman's car careering across the road into the side of a van.
There was wreckage all over the road and no other cars could get through for a while. The woman had been moved into someone's car and people were trying to clear the road. Her car was still steaming and the whole of the bonnet and most of the engine compartment was gone. I saw the driver of the pick-up and couldn't resist telling him what a plonker he was to overtake as he had. His response? "It would have been OK if she hadn't panicked". I could have hit him!! Anyway, having left our details we continued home to get warm and dry. A few seconds earlier and it could have been us, we were that close.
Another bit of news: we had someone come to view the house just before Christmas (two viewings in a year isn't bad!) and earlier this week they put in an offer. It is quite a bit below the asking price so we've turned it down and hope that they'll come back with something better. We are not that desperate, so we've decided not to fall for any stupid offer. His low offer could have been something to do with the leak we discovered on the day they viewed. Big wet patch in the corner of the living room ceiling. It's not as bad as we originally thought - just the cistern of the en-suite loo leaking and running down the pipe into the floor space. We are just over the two-year builder 'snagging' period, but as my sister works for them she has managed to get them to rectify it. We have had so many snagging problems here it's the least they can do.
Thursday, December 28, 2006
Humbug!
So that was Christmas, and what have we done. I'll tell you what I've done - bloody well knackered my back again and can hardly move. Boxing Day, decided to clean the oven then tackle the bathroom/en suites. Got the oven gleaming and had just started on the main en suite. We have one of those Dyson super-suction-better-keep-all-pets-out-of-the-room cleaners, and I was vacuuming the bath mat when it attached itself to the nozzle like a limpet. Instead of turning off the power, I tried to wrestle it free, felt a pop in my back and almost passed out. I struggled through the pain and spinning head to get to the bed and just crashed out.
I had a similar injury during the summer, on top of all the other stuff I've mentioned in previous posts. It came on, I believe, from an incident when we were in Anglesey with a birding friend, John (looks like I didn't blog this event). I was doing the driving as K had a bad shoulder. We had visited a secluded bay to see Black Guillemot, which involved driving down a very narrow lane with passing places. There were five of us altogether, in three cars, and on the way back out we came upon three cars coming down the lane to go fishing in the bay. John's car and the car in between us managed to get through, but there didn't seem enough room for our car so I started to back down the lane before realising that there hadn't been any passing places for ages, and it was rather a twisty lane. Unfortunately, the people in the cars coming down the lane were refusing to back up, so I somehow managed to twist round and navigate down the lane rather a long way to a place where they could get past, with K walking in between the cars, as the front car was almost pushing me down the hill, he was that close. The annoying thing was, as we subsequently discovered, that there was a passing place only a few yards back from where we were first stuck.
About a week or so after this I had a 'popping' in my back and was in pain for quite some time. Thinking it was just a strain, I had a few massages at the chiropractic clinic (we attend now and again, as both of us already have weak backs). On about the 3rd or 4th massage, when I had a different therapist, she inspected my spine and thought it could be structural rather than muscular, and recommended I see the chiropractor. It turned out to be a displaced sacro-iliac joint. A couple of chiro visits and some gentle exercise sorted it out, but it's obviously a weakness that remains.
At least this time I know what it is and can hopefully get it sorted out more quickly. I can get about OK, but very gingerly. Still get twinges when I move too quickly. Ice packs and rest are not helping, so it's obvious it's not muscular. So I've been hanging on until today when the clinic reopens after the Christmas break and I have an appointment with the chiro for 4pm today. I hope that sorts it - we're off to visit friends tomorrow and I would like to get out in the fresh air sometime this holiday. We have hardly been out of the door since last weekend.
I am hoping that next year will be better than this one - a LOT better.
I had a similar injury during the summer, on top of all the other stuff I've mentioned in previous posts. It came on, I believe, from an incident when we were in Anglesey with a birding friend, John (looks like I didn't blog this event). I was doing the driving as K had a bad shoulder. We had visited a secluded bay to see Black Guillemot, which involved driving down a very narrow lane with passing places. There were five of us altogether, in three cars, and on the way back out we came upon three cars coming down the lane to go fishing in the bay. John's car and the car in between us managed to get through, but there didn't seem enough room for our car so I started to back down the lane before realising that there hadn't been any passing places for ages, and it was rather a twisty lane. Unfortunately, the people in the cars coming down the lane were refusing to back up, so I somehow managed to twist round and navigate down the lane rather a long way to a place where they could get past, with K walking in between the cars, as the front car was almost pushing me down the hill, he was that close. The annoying thing was, as we subsequently discovered, that there was a passing place only a few yards back from where we were first stuck.
About a week or so after this I had a 'popping' in my back and was in pain for quite some time. Thinking it was just a strain, I had a few massages at the chiropractic clinic (we attend now and again, as both of us already have weak backs). On about the 3rd or 4th massage, when I had a different therapist, she inspected my spine and thought it could be structural rather than muscular, and recommended I see the chiropractor. It turned out to be a displaced sacro-iliac joint. A couple of chiro visits and some gentle exercise sorted it out, but it's obviously a weakness that remains.
At least this time I know what it is and can hopefully get it sorted out more quickly. I can get about OK, but very gingerly. Still get twinges when I move too quickly. Ice packs and rest are not helping, so it's obvious it's not muscular. So I've been hanging on until today when the clinic reopens after the Christmas break and I have an appointment with the chiro for 4pm today. I hope that sorts it - we're off to visit friends tomorrow and I would like to get out in the fresh air sometime this holiday. We have hardly been out of the door since last weekend.
I am hoping that next year will be better than this one - a LOT better.
Monday, December 25, 2006
Merry Christmas
As I haven't been posting for some time, I thought I should take the time today to wish all my blogging friends (and real-life friends in some cases) a very Happy Christmas and a joyful and prosperous New Year.
As you are aware from my earlier posts, I have not been feeling 100% these past few months. Things are taking a turn for the better now, after some false recoveries. I think I have to admit that it is probably depression I am experiencing now. I have always had some sympathy for people suffering from this problem, but not enough I now feel. I have discovered that the menopause can cause these mood swings and other psychological symptoms, so I am putting the majority of these episodes down to that, although I have had other stressful incidents to contend with over the past months, which have probably contributed to the overall feeling of doom. Obviously the HRT is not working too well on that score - review in February. I am taking some herbal remedies as well, but the hot flushes are still there - worse during the night, but on Saturday they were coming thick and fast during the day as well.
Hopefully the new year will bring a new mood and a new beginning.
As you are aware from my earlier posts, I have not been feeling 100% these past few months. Things are taking a turn for the better now, after some false recoveries. I think I have to admit that it is probably depression I am experiencing now. I have always had some sympathy for people suffering from this problem, but not enough I now feel. I have discovered that the menopause can cause these mood swings and other psychological symptoms, so I am putting the majority of these episodes down to that, although I have had other stressful incidents to contend with over the past months, which have probably contributed to the overall feeling of doom. Obviously the HRT is not working too well on that score - review in February. I am taking some herbal remedies as well, but the hot flushes are still there - worse during the night, but on Saturday they were coming thick and fast during the day as well.
Hopefully the new year will bring a new mood and a new beginning.
Thursday, October 05, 2006
Hi folks
Back again after my lengthy absence. I’m not sure how long this will last, but I think I am well and truly back in the land of the living. I hope that I can make more time to post, but it may still take some time to fully get back into the swing.
Had a bit of a stressful episode back in May (as I mentioned in one of my previous posts), which knocked me back a bit, causing a few health problems. First up was the possibility that I may have IBS, then I developed an irritating rash, then all sorts of mysterious symptoms, some of which scared me half to death. The trouble with researching symptoms on the Internet is that it comes up with some rather worrying results – not good if you’re already stressed to the limit!!
So I’ve been awaiting a colonoscopy to see what was causing the diarrhoea, which I had yesterday and can say categorically that I never want another one!! Especially the stuff you have to take as prep the day before – yuck. Anyway, nothing conclusive to report on that – everything seemed OK. Feeling a bit washed out today so had the day off work to recuperate.
Having said that, the diarrhoea had been easing off over the past few weeks, and the rash is all but gone. I have tried prescription medications, homeopathy, meditation, herbal remedies, etc. but as the stress levels have come down the ailments appear to be getting better. The homeopathy seemed to work for the rash initially, but then it came back. I went to see a homeopath, rather than self-medicate, and she decided to treat the stress, which seems to be working, although I was beginning to feel a bit better anyway by then.
The multitude of other vague symptoms were a mystery, until a couple of weeks ago when I had a strange hot flush – not going red or perspiring, just feeling very hot under the skin. Doing some more searching on the Internet, I was actually relieved to find that it was a pre-menopausal symptom. I thought menopausal hot flushes entailed redness and perspiration, but apparently this is not always the case. Along with this discovery was the fact that nearly all my other symptoms, including the mood swings and irritability, were pre-menopausal as well, along with some odd things that I experienced a couple of years ago and never discovered the cause. The initial stressor was still a problem, of course, and they say that stress can trigger the menopause if you are at that age (it can also trigger IBS symptoms). It never occurred to me, though, in my stressed state that it could be something so simple – I was going for the worst case scenario all the time! For any other woman going through this phase, I can recommend the Power Surge forums as an excellent source of information and advice.
The good side of this is that I have lost over a stone in weight (18lbs/8kg) and can now get into clothes that I haven’t worn for four or five years.
Anyway, the problem causing the stress has been addressed and I am now working to full elimination of the issues involved and moving on. Amazingly, I have been going to work through all this, which has helped in a way. I don’t think I could have stayed home, and I certainly didn’t want anti-depressants. I have also been out and about a few times, meeting up with a few friends for birding, etc, but haven’t had the impetus to post about anything. I took a few photos here and there, but my heart wasn’t really in it. So some of the things that have happened over the past few weeks/months may get a mention, but it may just be from now onwards. I really want to put this recent episode to rest once and for all.
Apologies to those of a delicate constitution – probably more information than you needed, but it’s helped to get some things off my chest.
Had a bit of a stressful episode back in May (as I mentioned in one of my previous posts), which knocked me back a bit, causing a few health problems. First up was the possibility that I may have IBS, then I developed an irritating rash, then all sorts of mysterious symptoms, some of which scared me half to death. The trouble with researching symptoms on the Internet is that it comes up with some rather worrying results – not good if you’re already stressed to the limit!!
So I’ve been awaiting a colonoscopy to see what was causing the diarrhoea, which I had yesterday and can say categorically that I never want another one!! Especially the stuff you have to take as prep the day before – yuck. Anyway, nothing conclusive to report on that – everything seemed OK. Feeling a bit washed out today so had the day off work to recuperate.
Having said that, the diarrhoea had been easing off over the past few weeks, and the rash is all but gone. I have tried prescription medications, homeopathy, meditation, herbal remedies, etc. but as the stress levels have come down the ailments appear to be getting better. The homeopathy seemed to work for the rash initially, but then it came back. I went to see a homeopath, rather than self-medicate, and she decided to treat the stress, which seems to be working, although I was beginning to feel a bit better anyway by then.
The multitude of other vague symptoms were a mystery, until a couple of weeks ago when I had a strange hot flush – not going red or perspiring, just feeling very hot under the skin. Doing some more searching on the Internet, I was actually relieved to find that it was a pre-menopausal symptom. I thought menopausal hot flushes entailed redness and perspiration, but apparently this is not always the case. Along with this discovery was the fact that nearly all my other symptoms, including the mood swings and irritability, were pre-menopausal as well, along with some odd things that I experienced a couple of years ago and never discovered the cause. The initial stressor was still a problem, of course, and they say that stress can trigger the menopause if you are at that age (it can also trigger IBS symptoms). It never occurred to me, though, in my stressed state that it could be something so simple – I was going for the worst case scenario all the time! For any other woman going through this phase, I can recommend the Power Surge forums as an excellent source of information and advice.
The good side of this is that I have lost over a stone in weight (18lbs/8kg) and can now get into clothes that I haven’t worn for four or five years.
Anyway, the problem causing the stress has been addressed and I am now working to full elimination of the issues involved and moving on. Amazingly, I have been going to work through all this, which has helped in a way. I don’t think I could have stayed home, and I certainly didn’t want anti-depressants. I have also been out and about a few times, meeting up with a few friends for birding, etc, but haven’t had the impetus to post about anything. I took a few photos here and there, but my heart wasn’t really in it. So some of the things that have happened over the past few weeks/months may get a mention, but it may just be from now onwards. I really want to put this recent episode to rest once and for all.
Apologies to those of a delicate constitution – probably more information than you needed, but it’s helped to get some things off my chest.
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Back again
Well, folks, here I am again. After a very stressful period where I haven't felt like doing much at all, and then coming down with intermittent 'Montezuma's Revenge' for the past four weeks, I think I'm back on track. Still have the trots, so off to doc's tomorrow morning. I know what his diagnosis will be, as it is probably the same as I have suspected, but we'll see.
Anyway, despite all this doom and gloom, I did manage to get myself out last weekend for the much talked about Bempton Bash. I think all has been said on other blogs, so I'll just settle with posting some of my pics for now.
My so-called 'arty farty' shot of the crab nets in the harbour.
Some crabs just brought in.
Herring Gull giving us the evil eye.
View from the harbour to the town.
Sunday morning at Bempton Cliffs.
Gannets on their nests. Beats me how they nest in such precarious places.
Fulmars.
Razorbill.
We came across this unknown, strange species at Flamborough South Landing on the Sunday. He seemed a friendly sort of chap, although prone to flights of fancy and flying off the handle. We took him under our wings and he appeared to calm down a bit, even buying us ice cream.
I think a good time was had by all. Nice to meet some other new faces, too.
Anyway, despite all this doom and gloom, I did manage to get myself out last weekend for the much talked about Bempton Bash. I think all has been said on other blogs, so I'll just settle with posting some of my pics for now.
My so-called 'arty farty' shot of the crab nets in the harbour.
Some crabs just brought in.
Herring Gull giving us the evil eye.
View from the harbour to the town.
Sunday morning at Bempton Cliffs.
Gannets on their nests. Beats me how they nest in such precarious places.
Fulmars.
Razorbill.
We came across this unknown, strange species at Flamborough South Landing on the Sunday. He seemed a friendly sort of chap, although prone to flights of fancy and flying off the handle. We took him under our wings and he appeared to calm down a bit, even buying us ice cream.
I think a good time was had by all. Nice to meet some other new faces, too.
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Bempton Birdy Blog Bash
Sorry folks, I've been a bit out of the loop recently, but I'm back now and raring to go.
As you can see by the title of this post, there is another bird bash coming up, hot on the heels of the Padley weekend. This one is being organised by John and myself. John has posted it on the Wild About Britain forum (see link on the right), as he doesn't have a blog, and I am announcing it to the world here.
We will be meeting at Bempton Cliffs RSPB reserve on Sunday 11th June at 9am in the car park by the visitor centre.
Some of us are making a weekend of it, and have booked suitable accommodation for the Saturday night or longer. It has been suggested that on the Saturday we might take one of the Puffin cruises from Bridlington. I have checked the site - http://www.sfns.org.uk/seabirdcruises.htm - and the cruise on the 10th June sets sail at 4.30pm. I've only been on the morning trips before, so I don't know if this is any better or worse. We would have to book in advance, and they do get booked up very quickly. I will make a call later today and see how many places they have left.
Just leave a comment if you want to join us.
As you can see by the title of this post, there is another bird bash coming up, hot on the heels of the Padley weekend. This one is being organised by John and myself. John has posted it on the Wild About Britain forum (see link on the right), as he doesn't have a blog, and I am announcing it to the world here.
We will be meeting at Bempton Cliffs RSPB reserve on Sunday 11th June at 9am in the car park by the visitor centre.
Some of us are making a weekend of it, and have booked suitable accommodation for the Saturday night or longer. It has been suggested that on the Saturday we might take one of the Puffin cruises from Bridlington. I have checked the site - http://www.sfns.org.uk/seabirdcruises.htm - and the cruise on the 10th June sets sail at 4.30pm. I've only been on the morning trips before, so I don't know if this is any better or worse. We would have to book in advance, and they do get booked up very quickly. I will make a call later today and see how many places they have left.
Just leave a comment if you want to join us.
Monday, May 15, 2006
Padley Birdy Blogger Bash
Had a great blogger bird bash weekend, despite the awful weather on both days.
I was going to set off and spend the Saturday in the Peak, if the weather had been OK, but with it being cold and damp I dropped hubby at the station for his working week entertaining the Polish contingent again and went back home. I set off after lunch and texted Pete to see what he was up to. He was at Padley but walking back to the car. We met and had a nice pot of tea in the NT tearoom at Longshaw, then went to our respective hotels.
After a quick wash and brush up, I drove to the Fox House to meet and pick up Cherrypie and we then drove to the Yorkshire Bridge Inn to dine with Pete. Had a lovely meal and chatted about this and that. Felt as if we'd known CP for ages.
The next morning I awoke to find it drizzling, but the forecast said it was going to clear. What utter rubbish! It was cold and grey all day. Undeterred, Pete, The Birdman, Cherrypie, Anna, John and myself met at the lay-by at Padley and went in search of some birds.
Down in the wood we managed to find the Pied Flycatchers, but also spotted a Treecreeper or several, and heard Redstarts. Other woodland birds were also present - Blue Tits, Coal Tits, Goldcrest. I think The Birdman has the official list.
We then wandered over to see the Ravens. Unfortunately, even if they had been daft enough to be flying around in the fog, we wouldn't have seen them. A bonus on the walk up was a Cuckoo, which we had been hearing as we walked, flying across in the mist. Year tick number 115.
Abandoned the ridge and headed for the Rising Sun in Bamford for lunch. Well, as there was lamb shank on the menu, I had to have it. There was some discussion as to the score. I was hesitant in giving it a 10 because, as Pete said, you never know if you're going to get better elsewhere. So it had a very deserving 9.
After lunch John decided to leave, as he had quite a way to go, and the rest of us stupidly decided to go up to Burbage to see if we could spot any Ring Ouzels. Part way up the hill, and needing fog lights on due to terrible visibility, we realised that it would be foolish to head over the moors in that weather. Should really have gone back to Padley on lower ground for the Dipper.
So, we decided we would say our farewells and all headed homeward. My photos did not come out very well due to low light in the wood, so this was my best effort, but from left to right is: Pete (with Anna's dog Summer), Anna, John (with Max), and The Birdman hiding behind Cherrypie.
I was going to set off and spend the Saturday in the Peak, if the weather had been OK, but with it being cold and damp I dropped hubby at the station for his working week entertaining the Polish contingent again and went back home. I set off after lunch and texted Pete to see what he was up to. He was at Padley but walking back to the car. We met and had a nice pot of tea in the NT tearoom at Longshaw, then went to our respective hotels.
After a quick wash and brush up, I drove to the Fox House to meet and pick up Cherrypie and we then drove to the Yorkshire Bridge Inn to dine with Pete. Had a lovely meal and chatted about this and that. Felt as if we'd known CP for ages.
The next morning I awoke to find it drizzling, but the forecast said it was going to clear. What utter rubbish! It was cold and grey all day. Undeterred, Pete, The Birdman, Cherrypie, Anna, John and myself met at the lay-by at Padley and went in search of some birds.
Down in the wood we managed to find the Pied Flycatchers, but also spotted a Treecreeper or several, and heard Redstarts. Other woodland birds were also present - Blue Tits, Coal Tits, Goldcrest. I think The Birdman has the official list.
We then wandered over to see the Ravens. Unfortunately, even if they had been daft enough to be flying around in the fog, we wouldn't have seen them. A bonus on the walk up was a Cuckoo, which we had been hearing as we walked, flying across in the mist. Year tick number 115.
Abandoned the ridge and headed for the Rising Sun in Bamford for lunch. Well, as there was lamb shank on the menu, I had to have it. There was some discussion as to the score. I was hesitant in giving it a 10 because, as Pete said, you never know if you're going to get better elsewhere. So it had a very deserving 9.
After lunch John decided to leave, as he had quite a way to go, and the rest of us stupidly decided to go up to Burbage to see if we could spot any Ring Ouzels. Part way up the hill, and needing fog lights on due to terrible visibility, we realised that it would be foolish to head over the moors in that weather. Should really have gone back to Padley on lower ground for the Dipper.
So, we decided we would say our farewells and all headed homeward. My photos did not come out very well due to low light in the wood, so this was my best effort, but from left to right is: Pete (with Anna's dog Summer), Anna, John (with Max), and The Birdman hiding behind Cherrypie.
Thursday, May 11, 2006
At a bit of a loss
As to what to say this week. Bits and bobs happening, but nothing I want to blog about.
Decided last night that I would spend Saturday night in the Peak District, ahead of a meeting with a few friends on Sunday for a birding jolly. Quacky-birder is oop north for the weekend, and cherrypie is now staying in the area as well, so we are joining Pete for dinner at his accommodation. He actually confessed last night that the north was quite nice. Not quite sure what he was expecting. These southerners!!
It will be good to meet cherrypie. Not sure what she'll think after meeting us!
So, anyway, I now have something to look forward to - well, apart that is from the weather, which doesn't look too promising so far. Well, they have been known to be wrong occasionally.
Roll on Saturday!!
Decided last night that I would spend Saturday night in the Peak District, ahead of a meeting with a few friends on Sunday for a birding jolly. Quacky-birder is oop north for the weekend, and cherrypie is now staying in the area as well, so we are joining Pete for dinner at his accommodation. He actually confessed last night that the north was quite nice. Not quite sure what he was expecting. These southerners!!
It will be good to meet cherrypie. Not sure what she'll think after meeting us!
So, anyway, I now have something to look forward to - well, apart that is from the weather, which doesn't look too promising so far. Well, they have been known to be wrong occasionally.
Roll on Saturday!!
Sunday, May 07, 2006
Grrrrrr
So, we've had the house up for sale for some weeks now, and not a single soul has been through the door. Estate Agent thinks up an incentive - offer to pay the stamp duty. OK, so that we do. Still no viewings. Few weeks pass - you could have an 'Open House' for a couple of hours one weekend where people can just show up at the door.
So, from 2-4pm today we had our open house, having been all morning sprucing up the place. Did we get floods of people clamouring at the door? Did we 'eck as like. At least the house is all clean and shiny! And at least it was raining, so we haven't been stuck in wasting a nice day.
Tomorrow we sack the estate agent and go it alone with the DIY selling malarky. Plenty of websites where you can advertise for free or a small charge. Might even try ebay!
Anyone want a three-bed, three-storey semi on a smallish new estate on the eastern fringes of the Barnsley area? Nice garden (see post further down page), nice views over open countryside, modern decor, quality fixtures and fittings. Price on application. Serious enquiries only, please.
So, from 2-4pm today we had our open house, having been all morning sprucing up the place. Did we get floods of people clamouring at the door? Did we 'eck as like. At least the house is all clean and shiny! And at least it was raining, so we haven't been stuck in wasting a nice day.
Tomorrow we sack the estate agent and go it alone with the DIY selling malarky. Plenty of websites where you can advertise for free or a small charge. Might even try ebay!
Anyone want a three-bed, three-storey semi on a smallish new estate on the eastern fringes of the Barnsley area? Nice garden (see post further down page), nice views over open countryside, modern decor, quality fixtures and fittings. Price on application. Serious enquiries only, please.
Saturday, May 06, 2006
Another day at Padley
Arrived fairly early at the parking place by the ice-cream van above Padley Gorge. It was a promising day - warm and sunny, rather unlike the indifferent weather of previous weekends, which is rather annoying when you work during the week.
Having promised Pied Flycatchers to a number of friends meeting there next week, I thought I'd better check that they were there. Sure enough, down the track, a female sitting by a nest box. Further on we managed a glimpse of a male.
Also nice to see was a close up view of a pair of Nuthatches, who went about their business blissfully unaware of our presence. Strangely, they were mainly going up the tree, Treecreeper style, instead of down. Didn't have the long lens with me otherwise would have got some cracking photos. We also saw Treecreeper.
A bird flashed past and landed above me, facing almost into the sun. As I found it with the bins, I noticed it was quivering its tail. Redstart? I then managed to make out a reddish colour on its breast. Once it had flown off onto another tree away from the sun, we confirmed it as Redstart.
Lots of Goldcrests about. And Blue Tits and Great Tits.
Then we went upstream, spotting a couple of Tree Pipits on the way, and while we were talking to another couple, a Dipper was sighted down on the river. Good views. We heard a few Cuckoos, but never saw one. Another birder told us there had been a Hoopoe reported, but it was some distance away and, although it would have been handy for my year list, we decided not to bother.
We then decided to try for some Ring Ouzels, but we walked almost to Carl Wark hill fort and decided to do that another day, as it was rather warm, and the NT tearoom at Longshaw beckoned for lunch. View below taken on the walk back. Texted I-will-not-be-digiscoping-birder with the star birds of the day.
Had a nice ham sandwich, a slice of cake and a welcome pot of tea, before heading through the grounds and back to the car. By this time it was packed and crowds were paddling in the stream and shouting to each other - chaos. So we made a hasty exit and came home.
Birds added to my year list were:
Pied Flycatcher
Tree Pipit
Dipper
Redstart
bringing the total to 114.
Also, today I have been accepted into the Yorkshire Blogring - the place for all bloggers from Yorkshire to be seen.
Please click on the Google GuestMap link (bottom of side panel) and add your pin so that I can see where you are.
Having promised Pied Flycatchers to a number of friends meeting there next week, I thought I'd better check that they were there. Sure enough, down the track, a female sitting by a nest box. Further on we managed a glimpse of a male.
Also nice to see was a close up view of a pair of Nuthatches, who went about their business blissfully unaware of our presence. Strangely, they were mainly going up the tree, Treecreeper style, instead of down. Didn't have the long lens with me otherwise would have got some cracking photos. We also saw Treecreeper.
A bird flashed past and landed above me, facing almost into the sun. As I found it with the bins, I noticed it was quivering its tail. Redstart? I then managed to make out a reddish colour on its breast. Once it had flown off onto another tree away from the sun, we confirmed it as Redstart.
Lots of Goldcrests about. And Blue Tits and Great Tits.
Then we went upstream, spotting a couple of Tree Pipits on the way, and while we were talking to another couple, a Dipper was sighted down on the river. Good views. We heard a few Cuckoos, but never saw one. Another birder told us there had been a Hoopoe reported, but it was some distance away and, although it would have been handy for my year list, we decided not to bother.
We then decided to try for some Ring Ouzels, but we walked almost to Carl Wark hill fort and decided to do that another day, as it was rather warm, and the NT tearoom at Longshaw beckoned for lunch. View below taken on the walk back. Texted I-will-not-be-digiscoping-birder with the star birds of the day.
Had a nice ham sandwich, a slice of cake and a welcome pot of tea, before heading through the grounds and back to the car. By this time it was packed and crowds were paddling in the stream and shouting to each other - chaos. So we made a hasty exit and came home.
Birds added to my year list were:
Pied Flycatcher
Tree Pipit
Dipper
Redstart
bringing the total to 114.
Also, today I have been accepted into the Yorkshire Blogring - the place for all bloggers from Yorkshire to be seen.
Please click on the Google GuestMap link (bottom of side panel) and add your pin so that I can see where you are.
Monday, May 01, 2006
The Birds 1
No, not the Hitchcock film - my bird list.
I'll start with the garden list first, as it's the smallest and I have the list in front of me. The list is in the order the birds appeared.
Wren
Blackbird
Goldfinch
Greenfinch
Great Tit
Blue Tit
Robin
Dunnock
Collared Dove
Mistle Thrush
Starling
Chaffinch
Willow Tit (once only)
Magpie
Linnet
House Sparrow
Coal Tit (once only)
Wood Pigeon (not very often)
Sparrowhawk (nobbled one of the Goldfinches)
Grey Heron (yes, really - probably attracted by the pond that no longer exists)
Willow Warbler
I was going to add photos of the garden, but the upload system appears to be on the blink.
Edit: photo now added.
I'll start with the garden list first, as it's the smallest and I have the list in front of me. The list is in the order the birds appeared.
Wren
Blackbird
Goldfinch
Greenfinch
Great Tit
Blue Tit
Robin
Dunnock
Collared Dove
Mistle Thrush
Starling
Chaffinch
Willow Tit (once only)
Magpie
Linnet
House Sparrow
Coal Tit (once only)
Wood Pigeon (not very often)
Sparrowhawk (nobbled one of the Goldfinches)
Grey Heron (yes, really - probably attracted by the pond that no longer exists)
Willow Warbler
I was going to add photos of the garden, but the upload system appears to be on the blink.
Edit: photo now added.
Saturday, April 29, 2006
Loverly day
Today we decided to go and look for the reported nesting Ravens and Peregrines deep in the heart of the Peak District. Not saying exactly where, as there may be unscrupulous people reading.
The weather (here we go again) started off a bit cloudy and cool, but did brighten and warm up later. We soon arrived at the spot, where there were signs telling the climbers not to use that particular area. No sign of the birds from the top, so we walked around and came below the cliffs. Still no sign, but as we stopped to have a scan we noticed a large black bird soar down into a field. We walked a little further on and from a clearing we could see in the distance a Raven perched in the tree tops. Another one joined it soon afterwards. Fantastic. Year tick 109. No luck with the Peregrines though.
Myself and a few friends are having a jaunt to Derbyshire in a couple of weeks, so I think a detour might be in order, if anyone wants to see the Ravens. I bet I-will-not-be-digiscoping-birder will have a go!
After later seeing a Nuthatch in the Longshaw Estate grounds, and a Swift on the way to work the other day (which was tick 108), that brings my year list to 110.
View from a hill.
The weather (here we go again) started off a bit cloudy and cool, but did brighten and warm up later. We soon arrived at the spot, where there were signs telling the climbers not to use that particular area. No sign of the birds from the top, so we walked around and came below the cliffs. Still no sign, but as we stopped to have a scan we noticed a large black bird soar down into a field. We walked a little further on and from a clearing we could see in the distance a Raven perched in the tree tops. Another one joined it soon afterwards. Fantastic. Year tick 109. No luck with the Peregrines though.
Myself and a few friends are having a jaunt to Derbyshire in a couple of weeks, so I think a detour might be in order, if anyone wants to see the Ravens. I bet I-will-not-be-digiscoping-birder will have a go!
After later seeing a Nuthatch in the Longshaw Estate grounds, and a Swift on the way to work the other day (which was tick 108), that brings my year list to 110.
View from a hill.
Thursday, April 27, 2006
Another long weekend
So, we have another Bank Holiday coming up. What's the weather going to be like? You might think that this is all I talk about, but when you only have the weekends off, it matters! The weather is supposed to be good on Saturday and cloudy on Sunday and Monday, but that could all change, as it has on the last few weekends.
Saw a few Swift overhead on the way to the station this morning. Year list 108.
Got a text from I-will-definitely-not-be-digiscoping-birder the other day. He'd seen my next camera at an exhibition - a box brownie (his little joke, referring to my retrograde step of buying a film camera not so long ago). Little did he know that there is already one in the family, I think at my sister's.
Been trying to help Eagle with her blog. Not sure what's happening there, but if you look in ignore the strange posts till we sort it out.
Still no luck on the house-selling front. We've decided to have an open day the Sunday after next. Agent reckons that usually works to get people through the door. If that fails we're pulling out and doing it ourselves.
Saw a few Swift overhead on the way to the station this morning. Year list 108.
Got a text from I-will-definitely-not-be-digiscoping-birder the other day. He'd seen my next camera at an exhibition - a box brownie (his little joke, referring to my retrograde step of buying a film camera not so long ago). Little did he know that there is already one in the family, I think at my sister's.
Been trying to help Eagle with her blog. Not sure what's happening there, but if you look in ignore the strange posts till we sort it out.
Still no luck on the house-selling front. We've decided to have an open day the Sunday after next. Agent reckons that usually works to get people through the door. If that fails we're pulling out and doing it ourselves.
Sunday, April 23, 2006
More new birds
I had forgotten to mention the other week about a new garden tick we had. Looking out of the top floor back bedroom window one morning, I was quite shocked to see a Grey Heron standing on the garden fence. We do have a very small pond (or at least we did till this morning when we decided to fill it in), but whether this is what caused it to stop by I don't know.
It flew off just after this and I then noticed a cat lurking in the bushes, which proceeded to jump on the fence and have an inspection of where the heron had been. Whether this cat thought it was in with a chance of catching the heron is another matter!
The day before yesterday, as I was eating my breakfast, I noticed a bird land on one of the trees. Thinking it was the Blue Tit coming to inspect the nest box again, I pondered for a minute before reaching for my binoculars, which were on the table. Not a Blue Tit at all, but a Willow Warbler! It flitted from bush to bush and then over to the other side of the garden. I was almost late for the train, as I was trying to work out whether it was WW or Chiffchaff. We are pretty sure it was WW.
So the garden list is on 21 now, and the WW adds to my year list as well as the garden list.
Had a pleasant walk in the Peak District yesterday, which took in the bottom end of Padley Gorge. Again the weather was not as predicted, but at least it wasn't raining. It was very soggy underfoot, though.
Managed a few more year ticks - House Martin, Treecreeper and Spotted Flycatcher, bringing year list to 107.
It flew off just after this and I then noticed a cat lurking in the bushes, which proceeded to jump on the fence and have an inspection of where the heron had been. Whether this cat thought it was in with a chance of catching the heron is another matter!
The day before yesterday, as I was eating my breakfast, I noticed a bird land on one of the trees. Thinking it was the Blue Tit coming to inspect the nest box again, I pondered for a minute before reaching for my binoculars, which were on the table. Not a Blue Tit at all, but a Willow Warbler! It flitted from bush to bush and then over to the other side of the garden. I was almost late for the train, as I was trying to work out whether it was WW or Chiffchaff. We are pretty sure it was WW.
So the garden list is on 21 now, and the WW adds to my year list as well as the garden list.
Had a pleasant walk in the Peak District yesterday, which took in the bottom end of Padley Gorge. Again the weather was not as predicted, but at least it wasn't raining. It was very soggy underfoot, though.
Managed a few more year ticks - House Martin, Treecreeper and Spotted Flycatcher, bringing year list to 107.
Thursday, April 20, 2006
So, that was Easter
I'm not a fan of Bank Holidays generally (too many cars on the road, etc, etc), other than for the fact that you get more time off work, but now that I'm an employed person, as opposed to the self-employed person I've been for the past two and a half years, I even get paid for them.
So, what to do on this fine Bank Holiday weekend? Let's go birding! No, let's go a nice brisk walk in the country! OK, we'll do both.
Friday, clean up (just in case we get that call that someone wants to come and view the house) - weather not too bad.
Saturday, head for the Yorkshire Dales to do brisk walk. Rain on the way up, raining when we arrive, raining for most of the walk, in fact. Back in Grassington the sun comes out as we head into cafe for lunch. Still out when we reappear, but by that time it's too late for anything else. Walk round craft fair; spend, spend, spend; drive home.
Sunday, go to garden of remembrance (previous post) then spend day entertaining family. Weather cold and damp.
Monday, off to Far Ings to do some birding. Bit of rain on the way, rain when we arrive, rain on and off while walking round, some quite heavy, but interspersed with sunshine for short periods. We spot Sand Martins and a Blackcap to add to my year list, making 103. Back to car, soaked, nothing unusual spotted, no Bittern. Decide to give Waterside a miss and head into Cleethorpes for some lunch. Oh no, Bank Holiday queues still trying to get in at 1pm. Try a detour round the back streets, which works surprisingly well and we find a parking space quite quickly. Into the cafe, sun is now shining brightly. Wait for food, which is a little slow in coming as they get busier. By the time we come out, the tide is also quite a way out, and we've lost the will to live and so head for home.
So, how was your weekend?
So, what to do on this fine Bank Holiday weekend? Let's go birding! No, let's go a nice brisk walk in the country! OK, we'll do both.
Friday, clean up (just in case we get that call that someone wants to come and view the house) - weather not too bad.
Saturday, head for the Yorkshire Dales to do brisk walk. Rain on the way up, raining when we arrive, raining for most of the walk, in fact. Back in Grassington the sun comes out as we head into cafe for lunch. Still out when we reappear, but by that time it's too late for anything else. Walk round craft fair; spend, spend, spend; drive home.
Sunday, go to garden of remembrance (previous post) then spend day entertaining family. Weather cold and damp.
Monday, off to Far Ings to do some birding. Bit of rain on the way, rain when we arrive, rain on and off while walking round, some quite heavy, but interspersed with sunshine for short periods. We spot Sand Martins and a Blackcap to add to my year list, making 103. Back to car, soaked, nothing unusual spotted, no Bittern. Decide to give Waterside a miss and head into Cleethorpes for some lunch. Oh no, Bank Holiday queues still trying to get in at 1pm. Try a detour round the back streets, which works surprisingly well and we find a parking space quite quickly. Into the cafe, sun is now shining brightly. Wait for food, which is a little slow in coming as they get busier. By the time we come out, the tide is also quite a way out, and we've lost the will to live and so head for home.
So, how was your weekend?
Sunday, April 16, 2006
Sad and happy day
Started off today meeting Keith's sister, her husband and their son, who travelled over from Lancashire, at Hutcliffe Wood Garden of Remembrance, as it is five years since Keith's mum died and nine since his dad died, but the book of remembrance is open today for both of them. We had their names entered for today, rather than the dates they died, as it was their wedding anniversary. Also, at this time of year, the gardens are quite colourful. We placed some flowers in the remembrance room and then walked to the spot where their ashes were scattered. The scillas that we planted are coming through and there were other floral tributes scattered around the gardens, so it was quite emotional.
We were going to go and find a pub to have some lunch, but being Easter we thought it might be a bit difficult to find anywhere, so we rustled up a risotto before we left this morning and we all came back here for food, which didn't take long as it just needed warming through. Oh, and we sampled a shot or two of vodka and opened a bottle of wine!!
After lunch we were trying to decipher the Polish on the box of chocolates Keith brought back. The only way to find out what they were was to eat them! I found a word 'ponco' and thought it sounded similar to the word 'ponceau' which I remembered was an additive (it transpires that it's E124 and connected with hyperactivity in children). Anyway, a search for my old guide to additives resulted in me finding a couple of books I don't remember buying. I must have bought them from a book fair or similar. One, entitled 'Tranquilisation with Harmless Herbs', kept us amused for some time, but the second book, called 'The Herb Garden' published in 1951, was a classic. I hadn't read either book, but this second one was even more hilarious than the first. It contains recipes for Treacle Posset and Swede Syrup, and a whole chapter dealing with 'Constipation and its Prevention'. All manner of ailments are dealt with. I happened to turn to one chapter on 'Other Rustic Remedies' and wondered what this 'Puppy Dog Pie' was. So, for your delectation, this pie was a popular remedy in Yorkshire, says the book, for 'standing bronchitis' and hacking coughs. Apparently it was horrible, made by "...stewing an old owl with two small puppies. Sometimes the puppies were omitted and the recipe was stewed owl only. It is difficult to imagine how any sufferer could be brought to swallow such a broth."
So, by this time we were in stiches and Jane kept finding other snippets to read out. I haven't laughed so much in ages. Some of it is disgusting, with spiders and their webs being ingested for broken sleep, and cockroach tea for kidney disease. Yuck!! Good job this was after we'd eaten.
We were going to go and find a pub to have some lunch, but being Easter we thought it might be a bit difficult to find anywhere, so we rustled up a risotto before we left this morning and we all came back here for food, which didn't take long as it just needed warming through. Oh, and we sampled a shot or two of vodka and opened a bottle of wine!!
After lunch we were trying to decipher the Polish on the box of chocolates Keith brought back. The only way to find out what they were was to eat them! I found a word 'ponco' and thought it sounded similar to the word 'ponceau' which I remembered was an additive (it transpires that it's E124 and connected with hyperactivity in children). Anyway, a search for my old guide to additives resulted in me finding a couple of books I don't remember buying. I must have bought them from a book fair or similar. One, entitled 'Tranquilisation with Harmless Herbs', kept us amused for some time, but the second book, called 'The Herb Garden' published in 1951, was a classic. I hadn't read either book, but this second one was even more hilarious than the first. It contains recipes for Treacle Posset and Swede Syrup, and a whole chapter dealing with 'Constipation and its Prevention'. All manner of ailments are dealt with. I happened to turn to one chapter on 'Other Rustic Remedies' and wondered what this 'Puppy Dog Pie' was. So, for your delectation, this pie was a popular remedy in Yorkshire, says the book, for 'standing bronchitis' and hacking coughs. Apparently it was horrible, made by "...stewing an old owl with two small puppies. Sometimes the puppies were omitted and the recipe was stewed owl only. It is difficult to imagine how any sufferer could be brought to swallow such a broth."
So, by this time we were in stiches and Jane kept finding other snippets to read out. I haven't laughed so much in ages. Some of it is disgusting, with spiders and their webs being ingested for broken sleep, and cockroach tea for kidney disease. Yuck!! Good job this was after we'd eaten.
Saturday, April 15, 2006
I'm knackered!
At last I've broken the 100 barrier! My year list, that is.
We decided to go to the Yorkshire Dales today. Parking in Grassington, we walked alongside the river and then up through Grass Wood and back into the village. The forecast was for fine weather, but it was raining on and off for the first part of the walk. It soon eased off and was actually quite warm - I felt decidedly overdressed. Through the woods we came to a bit of a hill, which almost gave me a heart attack. Numerous stops on the way up helped a little. Definitely unfit.
We didn't see that many birds, but this was meant to be a good ramble rather than a saunter. A Sparrowhawk flew away in the distance through the trees, and we heard several Great Spotted Woodpeckers drumming and managed to see one. A party of Long-tailed Tits added to my year list, and a couple of Grey Wagtails on the river bank added to the total. I did see a wader flash along the river, but I couldn't really make out what it was.
I keep meaning to put my year list on here, but I am having a bit of trouble making the numbers add up in my log book. I will have to update the database and do a fresh total, but I think I'm up to 101. Pathetic! Didn't realise how little birding I actually do. Monday we're off to Far Ings and Waterside.
We decided to go to the Yorkshire Dales today. Parking in Grassington, we walked alongside the river and then up through Grass Wood and back into the village. The forecast was for fine weather, but it was raining on and off for the first part of the walk. It soon eased off and was actually quite warm - I felt decidedly overdressed. Through the woods we came to a bit of a hill, which almost gave me a heart attack. Numerous stops on the way up helped a little. Definitely unfit.
We didn't see that many birds, but this was meant to be a good ramble rather than a saunter. A Sparrowhawk flew away in the distance through the trees, and we heard several Great Spotted Woodpeckers drumming and managed to see one. A party of Long-tailed Tits added to my year list, and a couple of Grey Wagtails on the river bank added to the total. I did see a wader flash along the river, but I couldn't really make out what it was.
I keep meaning to put my year list on here, but I am having a bit of trouble making the numbers add up in my log book. I will have to update the database and do a fresh total, but I think I'm up to 101. Pathetic! Didn't realise how little birding I actually do. Monday we're off to Far Ings and Waterside.
Thursday, April 13, 2006
The weekend starts early!
Yippeeee, four-day weekend coming up. Can't wait, although I think a lie-in is needed tomorrow - I'm absolutely shattered. One late night and it throws me out for the whole week. This stems from Monday night when Keith arrived home from Poland fairly late on Monday night and I had to drive back into Sheffield to meet him at the train station. Then, when we arrived home, I had to wait for him to unpack all the vodka and gifts he'd brought back. Six litres of vodka he's managed to carry back. One was very strange - it had little bits floating around in it. Turns out it's gold leaf! Medicinal, apparently. Hope it doesn't get stuck in the teeth.
Tuesday night was AGM at the camera club and it ran on a bit late and we then all stood around chatting, so that was another late one. Also, it appears that I have been elected - no, make that volunteered - to be on the committee. Not sure what that involves yet, but if it becomes too tedious I shall resign.
Almost strangled two teenagers on the train this morning. Bloody mobile phones playing music out loud - testing all their ringtones. People in front and behind me were commenting, but did any of us say anything to them ---- no! Why is that? As we arrived into Sheffield the conductor came out to open the doors and heard the racket. He asked them if they had any Motown on there. They looked at him as if he'd just arrived from outer space.
So, the weekend forecast is looking good, for a change, and we're deciding where to go. I think a walk is on the cards, possibly in the Dales, and obviously some birding, and hopefully take some photos.
Talking of photos, here's one of the very old ones I've been sifting through. It was rather orange, so I've had to do some jiggery-pokery in Photoshop. Mind you it's from the late 70s. I'm not sure what camera I had at that time. Keith is at far right, holding my ice cream. We went on an office outing and this is New Brighton.
Tuesday night was AGM at the camera club and it ran on a bit late and we then all stood around chatting, so that was another late one. Also, it appears that I have been elected - no, make that volunteered - to be on the committee. Not sure what that involves yet, but if it becomes too tedious I shall resign.
Almost strangled two teenagers on the train this morning. Bloody mobile phones playing music out loud - testing all their ringtones. People in front and behind me were commenting, but did any of us say anything to them ---- no! Why is that? As we arrived into Sheffield the conductor came out to open the doors and heard the racket. He asked them if they had any Motown on there. They looked at him as if he'd just arrived from outer space.
So, the weekend forecast is looking good, for a change, and we're deciding where to go. I think a walk is on the cards, possibly in the Dales, and obviously some birding, and hopefully take some photos.
Talking of photos, here's one of the very old ones I've been sifting through. It was rather orange, so I've had to do some jiggery-pokery in Photoshop. Mind you it's from the late 70s. I'm not sure what camera I had at that time. Keith is at far right, holding my ice cream. We went on an office outing and this is New Brighton.
Saturday, April 08, 2006
A grand day out
I had been trying to decide where to go this weekend, being all on my own. I finally decided (a little late in the morning) to take myself off to Spurn to do a spot of migrant watching. I think the wind must have been in the wrong direction, as it was a little devoid of birds.
I had a walk around the point (well wrapped up, as it was blowing like the clappers) and then came back to the car and ate my lunch. At about this time it started to rain! So no more birding. As I drove back along the road, I noticed lots of waders pushed up by the high tide. I did stop, but as the rain was lashing horizontally at the window on the same side as the birds, I didn't dare wind it down. After a while it stopped and I managed to make out Grey Plover, Redshank, Dunlin, with some Shelduck and Brent Geese.
I thought I would call it a day and headed for home, where I decided not to cook, but ordered in a takeaway, preceded by a nice vodka and orange. Now I'm stuffed - they give you so much in these meals.
Here is a photo taken before the deluge. I tried something new and turned it into black and white, prompted by finding some old 35mm b&w photos that I took years ago. This was taken with my Canon A95.
I had a walk around the point (well wrapped up, as it was blowing like the clappers) and then came back to the car and ate my lunch. At about this time it started to rain! So no more birding. As I drove back along the road, I noticed lots of waders pushed up by the high tide. I did stop, but as the rain was lashing horizontally at the window on the same side as the birds, I didn't dare wind it down. After a while it stopped and I managed to make out Grey Plover, Redshank, Dunlin, with some Shelduck and Brent Geese.
I thought I would call it a day and headed for home, where I decided not to cook, but ordered in a takeaway, preceded by a nice vodka and orange. Now I'm stuffed - they give you so much in these meals.
Here is a photo taken before the deluge. I tried something new and turned it into black and white, prompted by finding some old 35mm b&w photos that I took years ago. This was taken with my Canon A95.
Tuesday, April 04, 2006
Home alone
So, Keith's gone off to Poland again and here I am on my own. He's taken a big enough case for bringing back plenty of vodka.
Had a day off work today, as there was a chap coming to sort out some ongoing problems with the house. Except that I had to go in for a couple of hours this morning just to get something sorted out that I hadn't had time to do due to problems getting the new website online. New website at: http://www.ukeconet.co.uk. What a palaver it's been, as it's not a 'normal' website - it's all database driven. Joomla is the tool used to build it. Very good FREE open source programme, but a devil to work out sometimes. And the help forum isn't too hot on help either.
So, after sorting out the office, I wandered round town for a while, picked up a few things, and then made my way back home. Lovely day, and I thought if the workman comes early I may toddle off out and do some birding for an hour or so. Well, he did come early, but the estate is finally getting the roads surfaced, and it took me five minutes to get to our drive, so I thought I wouldn't bother trying to get out again. Then we had a flurry of snow for a few minutes, while the sun was still shining!
Camera club night tonight, so must get some dinner prepared soon. Think it will be a salad, with the cooked half-chicken I picked up today.
Took a photo with my new camera earlier, but obviously I can't show you that just yet. I took the same photo with my 10D, so we'll see how they compare once the film has been developed.
Can't decide where to go at the weekend. I feel a trip to the east coast coming on. Should be some migration occurring. Decisions, decisions.
Had a day off work today, as there was a chap coming to sort out some ongoing problems with the house. Except that I had to go in for a couple of hours this morning just to get something sorted out that I hadn't had time to do due to problems getting the new website online. New website at: http://www.ukeconet.co.uk. What a palaver it's been, as it's not a 'normal' website - it's all database driven. Joomla is the tool used to build it. Very good FREE open source programme, but a devil to work out sometimes. And the help forum isn't too hot on help either.
So, after sorting out the office, I wandered round town for a while, picked up a few things, and then made my way back home. Lovely day, and I thought if the workman comes early I may toddle off out and do some birding for an hour or so. Well, he did come early, but the estate is finally getting the roads surfaced, and it took me five minutes to get to our drive, so I thought I wouldn't bother trying to get out again. Then we had a flurry of snow for a few minutes, while the sun was still shining!
Camera club night tonight, so must get some dinner prepared soon. Think it will be a salad, with the cooked half-chicken I picked up today.
Took a photo with my new camera earlier, but obviously I can't show you that just yet. I took the same photo with my 10D, so we'll see how they compare once the film has been developed.
Can't decide where to go at the weekend. I feel a trip to the east coast coming on. Should be some migration occurring. Decisions, decisions.
Sunday, April 02, 2006
Spring is in the air
Watched two Blue Tits inspecting the nest box while eating my breakfast. Looks like they're thinking of moving in. Not sure if it's last year's pair. Hope they do better this year - only one sickly-looking chick appeared last year and we're not sure what happened to it. Didn't see it after the first couple of days.
Been another strange day - mix of sunshine and showers. Keith's been preparing for his trip to Poland, so no outing today. Did a bit more sorting of the old photos. Bringing back all sorts of memories.
Also decided to try digiscoping again - in the garden with an obliging pair of Collared Doves. I was quite pleased with this photo, to say it's only hand-held. It's a different camera to the one I used to use, and a much better scope, it has to be said. I think I will be using the technique more often, when the subject is too far for the dSLR.
Been another strange day - mix of sunshine and showers. Keith's been preparing for his trip to Poland, so no outing today. Did a bit more sorting of the old photos. Bringing back all sorts of memories.
Also decided to try digiscoping again - in the garden with an obliging pair of Collared Doves. I was quite pleased with this photo, to say it's only hand-held. It's a different camera to the one I used to use, and a much better scope, it has to be said. I think I will be using the technique more often, when the subject is too far for the dSLR.
Thursday, March 30, 2006
Getting some stick
From a certain quacky-birder as usual. All because I went out and bought old technology. I won't become a film v digital bore over this - as I said, this was mainly to see if there was a big difference between the same photo taken in both film and digital. I am itching to find out.
I think, once the initial test has been done, I may use it for slide film. I will then have a choice of entries for competitions in my camera club.
Talking of competitions, yesterday I won a mini-challenge on a photo forum where I recently became a member. This is the place. I entered two photos and came 1st and 2nd! Total shock. I had to decide the subject of the next challenge. I decided on 'People'.
I must be better than I thought at this game. I won the Nature comp at my camera club when I had only just joined. Wonder if I should turn pro........
I think, once the initial test has been done, I may use it for slide film. I will then have a choice of entries for competitions in my camera club.
Talking of competitions, yesterday I won a mini-challenge on a photo forum where I recently became a member. This is the place. I entered two photos and came 1st and 2nd! Total shock. I had to decide the subject of the next challenge. I decided on 'People'.
I must be better than I thought at this game. I won the Nature comp at my camera club when I had only just joined. Wonder if I should turn pro........
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
Back to the good old days
Well, with a name like digi-birder, it sort of assumes that I am into digital photography and I'm a birder, which was how the name came about back in the days when I was digiscoping (attaching a compact digital camera to my birding telescope, for those of you who don't know). I now have a digital SLR (Canon 10D) and a digi-compact Canon A95 (which I haven't yet tried for digiscoping, although I may give it a go).
But, I have a box full of old photos and negatives from back in the days when I shot 35mm, which I have been meaning to sort out for some time. There are a lot of photos that need to be thrown away, and the rest I will put in albums, scanning the better ones into the computer. I ordered myself a lightbox and slide viewer so that this task would be made much easier, and have been offered the loan of a slide/neg scanner, so I'm set. I spent some time last night looking at the slides, some of which have not seen the light of day for near on 20 years. Can't wait to get them scanned.
However, a side effect to getting all these old photos out is that it made me want to get a 35mm camera again, and I thought I would get a second-hand Canon that would take my existing lenses. I would also be interested in taking the same photo with both film and digital, for the purposes of really finding out whether one is better than the other, and maybe silencing the 'digi-phobes' out there who insist that film is the better medium.
So, I thought I would tootle along to a camera shop in my lunch break, looking at the second-hand models and trying them out. Harrison's in Sheffield was my shop of choice, as they are not all spotty youths who don't know one end of a camera from the other, and they give good advice, I've found.
So there I am with a few used cameras to choose from, having had all the settings explained to me. I'm toying between a couple of them and the chap goes and fetches the latest new model from the other side of the shop. "So how much is that one?" I ask. "£100" says the man. "Not much more than this used one" says I. "Correct". Mmmmm. Let me think. OK, I'll have the new one.
So, I am now the proud owner of a Canon EOS 3000v film camera, all shiny and new. Roll on the weekend. I have film and I'm raring to go!!
But, I have a box full of old photos and negatives from back in the days when I shot 35mm, which I have been meaning to sort out for some time. There are a lot of photos that need to be thrown away, and the rest I will put in albums, scanning the better ones into the computer. I ordered myself a lightbox and slide viewer so that this task would be made much easier, and have been offered the loan of a slide/neg scanner, so I'm set. I spent some time last night looking at the slides, some of which have not seen the light of day for near on 20 years. Can't wait to get them scanned.
However, a side effect to getting all these old photos out is that it made me want to get a 35mm camera again, and I thought I would get a second-hand Canon that would take my existing lenses. I would also be interested in taking the same photo with both film and digital, for the purposes of really finding out whether one is better than the other, and maybe silencing the 'digi-phobes' out there who insist that film is the better medium.
So, I thought I would tootle along to a camera shop in my lunch break, looking at the second-hand models and trying them out. Harrison's in Sheffield was my shop of choice, as they are not all spotty youths who don't know one end of a camera from the other, and they give good advice, I've found.
So there I am with a few used cameras to choose from, having had all the settings explained to me. I'm toying between a couple of them and the chap goes and fetches the latest new model from the other side of the shop. "So how much is that one?" I ask. "£100" says the man. "Not much more than this used one" says I. "Correct". Mmmmm. Let me think. OK, I'll have the new one.
So, I am now the proud owner of a Canon EOS 3000v film camera, all shiny and new. Roll on the weekend. I have film and I'm raring to go!!
Sunday, March 26, 2006
Long time, no blog!
Not really keeping this updated very well. Never mind.
My camera eventually came back from the service dept. after having its sensor cleaned. Well, it came back once and had to go back again, as they had managed to put more dust back into the chamber than they took out. They had cleaned the sensor OK. So it was away three weeks initially, I had it back a week and then it had to go again for, thankfully, only another week. They removed their dust free of charge.
Decided to have a little twitch yesterday. Some Hawfinches had been reported for a few days at Firbeck, near Rotherham. Not having seen them before, we decided to go and have a look. We found them, thanks to some other birders there, and managed to get some good views.
We then had a trip into Doncaster to a tea room that we used to frequent quite a lot. They do a lovely big square scone and butter - you get about four slices from it - and their tea is loose-leaf. And to top it all, it's a no smoking establishment.
In the evening we went out for a meal to a pub/restaurant not too far away from us. We hadn't been there before, and it wasn't what we were expecting for an out-of-the-way place. Nevertheless the meal was nice. As there was lamb shank on the menu I had to have that. I'd say it was 6 out of 10 on the lamb shank scale. Keith's rib-eye steak was nice as well, with huge thick chips. Two large glasses of wine meant that I had a bit of a head this morning!
My camera eventually came back from the service dept. after having its sensor cleaned. Well, it came back once and had to go back again, as they had managed to put more dust back into the chamber than they took out. They had cleaned the sensor OK. So it was away three weeks initially, I had it back a week and then it had to go again for, thankfully, only another week. They removed their dust free of charge.
Decided to have a little twitch yesterday. Some Hawfinches had been reported for a few days at Firbeck, near Rotherham. Not having seen them before, we decided to go and have a look. We found them, thanks to some other birders there, and managed to get some good views.
We then had a trip into Doncaster to a tea room that we used to frequent quite a lot. They do a lovely big square scone and butter - you get about four slices from it - and their tea is loose-leaf. And to top it all, it's a no smoking establishment.
In the evening we went out for a meal to a pub/restaurant not too far away from us. We hadn't been there before, and it wasn't what we were expecting for an out-of-the-way place. Nevertheless the meal was nice. As there was lamb shank on the menu I had to have that. I'd say it was 6 out of 10 on the lamb shank scale. Keith's rib-eye steak was nice as well, with huge thick chips. Two large glasses of wine meant that I had a bit of a head this morning!
Monday, March 06, 2006
Hmmmm..............
..........not really getting much subject matter into this blog. Having trouble finding enough to add every day. Maybe it will have to be weekly, or just whenever I get time or inclination to add something. Of course there's the proviso that I have to have something to add, which hasn't been the case lately.
Haven't been birding, haven't been out taking photos as my camera is still at the service dept being cleaned (should be back this week I hope), haven't had any house viewings. All quite boring really.
Managed to set up my new computer, though. After waiting all week till I had time to install Windows, etc, I switch it on only to find it has Windows already installed. So I just installed all my programmes and spent a happy Sunday playing with it. It's certainly quicker than the old PC, which is still here as a second machine, networked with this one. Editing photos is a breeze now - it flies along at a breakneck speed, as opposed to the other one which chugged along and opened photos in its own sweet time.
Haven't been birding, haven't been out taking photos as my camera is still at the service dept being cleaned (should be back this week I hope), haven't had any house viewings. All quite boring really.
Managed to set up my new computer, though. After waiting all week till I had time to install Windows, etc, I switch it on only to find it has Windows already installed. So I just installed all my programmes and spent a happy Sunday playing with it. It's certainly quicker than the old PC, which is still here as a second machine, networked with this one. Editing photos is a breeze now - it flies along at a breakneck speed, as opposed to the other one which chugged along and opened photos in its own sweet time.
Monday, February 27, 2006
Change of plan
Never got to the NEC. We decided not to go in the end - maybe next year. Keith didn't really enjoy it when we went two years ago, and he has a cold, so I thought we'd give it a miss and do something else. Had quite a mixed day, really. Drove into Sheffield, did some shopping, drove round some possible house-purchasing areas, had lunch at Old Moor RSPB reserve, came home and relaxed. Then had a bit of a struggle trying to get the washed covers back on the sofas - not easy. Had a nice fillet steak for tea.
I've been putting together a talk for my camera club evening tomorrow. It's a digital night open to the public and a few of us are showing and telling about our photos. I'm not sure what I've let myself in for, but I hope it all goes to plan!
Added two new birds to my year list today while on our travels. Spotted a Skylark from the car on the way out this morning. I opened the car window and heard him singing - wonderful. And on the way home a small group of Red-legged Partridge in a field by the road. That makes 97. I'll post the whole list on here one of these days.
I've been putting together a talk for my camera club evening tomorrow. It's a digital night open to the public and a few of us are showing and telling about our photos. I'm not sure what I've let myself in for, but I hope it all goes to plan!
Added two new birds to my year list today while on our travels. Spotted a Skylark from the car on the way out this morning. I opened the car window and heard him singing - wonderful. And on the way home a small group of Red-legged Partridge in a field by the road. That makes 97. I'll post the whole list on here one of these days.
Sunday, February 26, 2006
More musings
Not much happened this weekend.
No potential house buyers, no birding, a bit of house-hunting ourselves, went to a computer fair this morning, came back with new system (in place but no operating system installed yet - had to rearrange the room completely - absolutely knackered) - there goes the bonus. Off work tomorrow - going to Focus on Imaging at NEC.
We did have a nice lunch yesterday while we were out in the Peak District - The Plough just outside Hathersage. Had a nice lamb shank. Somehow I always have lamb shank if it's on the menu. I may do a guide to where the best ones can be had. Unfortunately, I can't remember where I had a really nice one. I must start keeping a lamb shank list. Anyway, the one yesterday was fair to middling.
No potential house buyers, no birding, a bit of house-hunting ourselves, went to a computer fair this morning, came back with new system (in place but no operating system installed yet - had to rearrange the room completely - absolutely knackered) - there goes the bonus. Off work tomorrow - going to Focus on Imaging at NEC.
We did have a nice lunch yesterday while we were out in the Peak District - The Plough just outside Hathersage. Had a nice lamb shank. Somehow I always have lamb shank if it's on the menu. I may do a guide to where the best ones can be had. Unfortunately, I can't remember where I had a really nice one. I must start keeping a lamb shank list. Anyway, the one yesterday was fair to middling.
Friday, February 24, 2006
Suppose I'd better make a start
Well, I started this thing and never got much further than adding one of my better photos. I've decided, as a couple of friends have started blogs and actually put some words in, that I'd better get mine going.
It may appear to the untrained eye that I'm a reasonable photographer. Well, I suppose I am reasonable, but I certainly have a bit of a struggle with those pesky birds I keep trying to photograph. I have tried to diversify and take other subjects as well to keep my interest up: landscape and macro. I get a lot of stick when out with one of the aforementioned friends, as my camera is usually stowed firmly away in my backpack, negating any chance of getting any photo, let alone a good one. I take it all in good humour. I'll get there one day. I just need to get out more.
I started out this year intending to keep a yearlist. Only reached 95 so far, so not doing too well. I need to get out more. I could also be classed as a reasonable birder. Certainly not an expert, but not a Robin-stroker either. I just like being out in the fresh air. We're thinking of heading up to Dumfries and Galloway again in a few weeks. We went there a couple of weeks ago and had a fab time, but it was only two days. Just had a bonus at work, so we decided we'd treat ourselves to three or four nights.
By the way, 'WE' is me and my other half, Keith.
Just put the house on the market again, so we won't be going too far this weekend in case we get some viewings. Last year's attempt to move was a disaster - not one viewing. Hopefully things are picking up a bit now in the housing market.
It may appear to the untrained eye that I'm a reasonable photographer. Well, I suppose I am reasonable, but I certainly have a bit of a struggle with those pesky birds I keep trying to photograph. I have tried to diversify and take other subjects as well to keep my interest up: landscape and macro. I get a lot of stick when out with one of the aforementioned friends, as my camera is usually stowed firmly away in my backpack, negating any chance of getting any photo, let alone a good one. I take it all in good humour. I'll get there one day. I just need to get out more.
I started out this year intending to keep a yearlist. Only reached 95 so far, so not doing too well. I need to get out more. I could also be classed as a reasonable birder. Certainly not an expert, but not a Robin-stroker either. I just like being out in the fresh air. We're thinking of heading up to Dumfries and Galloway again in a few weeks. We went there a couple of weeks ago and had a fab time, but it was only two days. Just had a bonus at work, so we decided we'd treat ourselves to three or four nights.
By the way, 'WE' is me and my other half, Keith.
Just put the house on the market again, so we won't be going too far this weekend in case we get some viewings. Last year's attempt to move was a disaster - not one viewing. Hopefully things are picking up a bit now in the housing market.
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
The Bittern
Decided to have a blog. I'm not sure how often I'll post or what I'll say, but hopefully it will keep me out of mischief.
Here is a photo taken not long after getting my Canon 10D.
Taken at Potteric Carr, South Yorkshire.
Here is a photo taken not long after getting my Canon 10D.
Taken at Potteric Carr, South Yorkshire.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
