Bills Posts

I’m sure Mark won’t mind my using his picture in tonight’s blog.

Earlier on Saturday, we visited the Rollright Stones, and then we decided that we would go and find Jeremy Clarkson’s arm shop – Diddly Squat. It took us one missed turn to find it.

Now, bear in mind that we were still in the midst of Storm Bert. The rain had been pretty much incessant and it was still chucking it down. Nonetheless, the car park was heaving, well full really, and the queue just to pay a visit to the farm shop had to be seen to be believed.what is visible in the picture is only a fraction of it.

We decided that we had visited Diddly Squat, and would now drive on to Chipping Norton, where we had a drink and a bit of a browse before heading back to the hotel.

We had a weekend at Heythrop Park, A Warner Leisure. It was with our cruise buddies, and it was lovely to spend some time with them. Saturday was a highlight day, apart from the rain being delivered by Storm Bert.

As time got closer for us to go away I had a look to see if there were any megalithic sites nearby that we might visit. Turns an out the Rollright stones were only 9 miles or so. I was determined to visit them if I had a chance. It was unfortunate that Helen was poorly, it would have been nice for all of us to take a trip to the stones but at least we did get there.

I must admit, that I was a bit uncertain how I would feel getting so close to one of these ancient sites, given my recently increased interest in them. Elayne suggested that I touch all of the stones in the circle. What an excellent idea. Very strange. I said to Mark, that it felt like I was saying hello to old friends. I do hope that doesn’t sound too bonkers. For me, it really was quite a moving experience. I’m looking forward to visiting other sites when I can.

I’ll write about the next places we visited – kind of. Tomorrow.

I’ll write about these tomorrow. Too tired now, sorry.

I went out for a bit of a stroll and came across this grassed area. I paused for a couple of minutes to ponder. I willing to bet that this group of molehills _(one of several groups I could see, and knowing where it is) is driving somebody absolutely bonkers, disrupting what is overall a fairly smooth patch of grass.

But then the thought occurred to me; who was there first? The gardener or the moles? Surely, don’t the moles have as much right to tunnel, and make hills on this patch, as the landowner has to a smooth patch of grass (if not more)?

The patch of grass was large, and the molehills, other than disrupting the otherwise supposedly pristine grass were doing no harm (were they)? I’m assuming the tunnelling activity may even be helping the health of the soil? I await the brickbats of those that tell me I’m being an idiot.

Either way, I hope the moles are having a good time, and the landowner isn’t too apoplectic.

We went to see a tribute band tonight. Not something that I would normally do. They featured Brian Adam’s and Bon Jovi. We had about ninety minutes of music. Now, I have to say that in my highly unqualified view, they are an excellent band.

The problem is that apart from a few tracks that I had recognised from the media, I didn’t know any of their music, and to be honest it wasn’t my style, I absolutely do not criticise the band, they could certainly play – just not my kind of music. Elayne enjoyed herself though.

It started snowing here this morning. It was coming down quite heavily, with large flakes. But the ground was wet and not frozen, so it didn’t settle. Within an hour or so it had all gone.

I could have got up for a walk this morning, but ended up not doing so, for no other reason than just not feeling like it. I really must try and get some walking this weekend. Next week, I would like to get out for at least three morning walks..

I’m going to buy a new camera bag. The one I have at the moment is very good, but it’s too bulky, it’s a rucksack type, and is fiddly to get at kit for things like lens changes (although I’m tending to stay on the same lens most of the time when I’m out.

I managed to get up this morning and go for a walk. It was a good opportunity to give my new winter jacket a tryout. Which it passed with flying colours, I didn’t feel at all cold. Except my ears. Even though I had a flat cap on, my ears were exposed.

It’s been quite a while since I’ve seen any other reasonably sized ships other than the Brittany Ferry The Contentin come in. It was very nice to see a ferry come in, I thought it was the Commodore Clipper, but it turned out to be the Condor Islander. Fair enough I thought, but before I reached the far end of the promenade, another ship was coming in. This one was the Commodore Clipper. When things like that happen, it feels a bit like a reward, in this case for having got up for the walk.

If I had the time I could have loitered on the waterfront for a bit longer. The Amourique was comming in. I just couldn’t hang about, unfortunately. I carried on with the walk.

Because I was out a little bit later I was around the Cockle pond at the right time to see the striking orange and pink glow of the morning sky. It was quite lovely.

The topic at the club tonight was portraiture. I can’t show you any of the results of tonights efforts as i haven’t transferred them across from the main camera – probably tomorrow. But it dies give me something to write about.

There were two setups; a diffused light with a built in flash, against a black background, and a steady light setup at the other end of the room. We did the modelling; the members of the club that is.

Now, I can say that portraiture is not a branch of photography with which I have had much interest, and to be honest, I probably won’t (holdfast on the lighting set up, which is of interest in my vlogging efforts) but I can honestly say that I enjoyed tonights session, we got to use some nice kit, and we had a bit of a laugh and a good chat. What more can you say? Exactly what we need from a club.

Next week we have another night time walk to see the christmas lights of Gunwharf, and then on Tuesday, it’s the next Projected Digital Image competition. For us, the subject is pastels. Let’s see how that goes.

Last week when we went to Chichester, I bought a new coat. I think it was quite a good deal a 50% reduction in price followed by a further 20% reduction due to my having a voucher.

I haven’t worn the coat in anger yet. I made the decision not to wear the new coat as was still fairly mild. I thought the coat would be too warm.

The walk was a bit later than usual, I left the house just after 7AM. Things were stilll not open but the high street was a bit busier than usual. It was nice to see a pilot cutter coming to the harbour.

This is not a 100% accurate inglenook layout, but it will do for my needs. Amongst other things, that is learning how to lay track, and will include installing points motors, and wiring for a DCC network.

I have a choice of do I put cork under the track, or not? Should use track pins to hold it down, or glue? Luckily there is loads of help on you tube. In particular, one channel, The Model Railway guy has posted some really clear videos, that are easy to watch.

Wiring for DCC will be interesting. I haven’t bought the wire yet, but I am learning about the American Wire Gauge system, which everybody seems to use. Also, apparently, Halfords sells wire that is ideal for that purpose.