Nottingham Daily Photo

Snapping The Snapper

2012-01-27T20:34:00.003Z

Something a bit unusual happened to us today. We had our photograph taken by a professional photographer at his home in West Bridgford. David is a Facebook contact and he put a message on the other day about wanting people to come along to his new studio for a bit of testing. Fortunately I had booked today off, as we are planning to go to Rye for the weekend, but Gail wants to go tomorrow instead, as she's concerned about leaving Marmalade and Oscar alone for to long. So we popped along at lunchtime for a sitting. Or rather a standing as the case may be. David took some of me alone, and some of Gail on her own, then did a few of us together. His studio is an empty room with some lights. Simple, but effective. Something Gail and I are thinking of doing in the near future. At the end of the shoot, I asked David if I could take a shot of him for the blog. And here's the result.

Food Served Here

2012-01-26T23:30:00.003Z

I am always saddened to see lovely old buildings empty and going to waste, when they have so much character to them. So I was very pleased to see work had begun a few weeks ago into converting a fine example of Victorian architecture near the Playhouse that had been seen boarded up for a couple of years. I went past today and it is almost finished. It is going to be a restaurant and is opening in early February. Unfortunately I won't be around to see them cut the ribbon, as Gail and I are off to Scotland then for a wedding. I hope they open during the daytime, so I can go on another ladies lunch with the girls from work. Just a shame the photo is spoiled by the builder's van. But I think you get a good idea of what a fine building it is.

Surprise, Surprise

2012-01-25T21:20:00.003Z

Another Wednesday, another Headbanger Challenge. Due to some difficulties that Dave is experiencing, Kathy has come in at the last minute with 'surprise'. She was surprised too, at being asked to think of a topic on the spur of the moment. My header photo shows Jamie Oliver's restaurant in the city centre. Now there is a very good reason for showing this. Not for the obvious reason of having a top TV chef's eating house on your doorstep, but for the reason that I won a meal for two there at Christmas in a raffle.

Now I'm not generally a very lucky person. Never really have been. My bread always tends to fall butterside down. So I don't know what possessed me to buy some charity raffle tickets that were being sold at the Paul Smith shop next door. I don't know if it was the the wide selection of prizes on offer. The top being a weekend away for two in London, or the fact that it was for a good cause. The Maggie's Cancer Centre at the City Hospital. There were also some obscure prizes available, such as an encyclopaedia of Russian gangster tattoos. I'm glad that I didn't win that! The tickets were £2 each. So I bought two. There's not that many Paul Smith shops in England. I think most of them are in Japan. So I wondered if I might have a slightly better chance of winning. Not that I really expected to. But yippee, I had an email from a marketing person at the company after the draw date saying that I had won a dinner for two at Jamie's Italian. We have not gone yet, but might see if I can book it for Valentine's Day. Give Gail a treat.

Don't forget to visit my four friends' pages, to see how they have interpreted Kathy's theme. And also enjoy this piece of music

I heard on the news yesterday that there was going to be a solar radiation storm over the planet taking place sometime soon. It must have happened last night over Nottingham, as when I went out to work this morning, I was surprised to find this strange silver star in the garden. It wasn't glowing or anything. But it glistened a bit. I managed to find some old netting in the shed and wrapped it up. I then put it in the shed for safe keeping. It really is quite a lovely thing. and fell to the ground without breaking up. Maybe because it is quite heavy and solid. And oh how it sparkles. I don't think any photo can do it justice.

Mine's A Pint

2012-01-24T22:10:00.003Z

Here's another night shot of the Castle pub; one of our locals for the 'girlie' lunches with the folks from work which I indulge in, once in a while. Comment expected from Stewart!

The building itself was designed by Watson Fothergill, and stretches someway down the road, to the right. The building includes a printers and a new restaurant, quaintly called 'Fothergills'. I've not eaten there yet. But give me time!

A Touch Of Blue

2012-01-23T23:06:00.003Z

Here's a dusk shot of the boating lake in Highfields and the well photographed Portland Building in the university, with its working clock tower. I love the little patches of blue still trying to seep through the dark clouds and the setting sun in the distance. My camera was set on a slow shutter speed to get the slightly blurred look of the blue.

Fruit Bomb

2012-01-22T22:31:00.003Z

We popped over to Mansfield today, as we were having lunch with Gail's oldest friend Hilary and her husband. Oldest as in how long Gail has known her and nothing to do with the ladies' age. We went to a small restaurant, a 200 year old building that used to be a maltings. The restaurant is Michelin rated and the food was gorgeous and very well presented, as my photo of Gail's fruit Pavlova pudding shows. I had a banana and toffee with some ice cream. Very tasty, but alas not very photogenic.

The Black Arts

2012-01-21T23:42:00.003Z

I popped along to the Lakeside Arts Centre today to see an exhibition of some of L.S Lowry's early work, before he got into paining matchstalk men and matchstalk cats and dogs. There quite a few paintings of scenes around his home town of Salford and Manchester with no people in them at all, including some depicting derelict houses. It was dusk when I left the gallery, so I took various photos of the building and some of Highfields lake which is situated across the road.

Night Dancing

2012-01-20T23:02:00.004Z

Here's the outside of the Castle pub and environs, including the statue of Robin Hood. I do like taking photos at night and converting them to monochrome. Besides looking nice, it also hides any noise. The wet pavement also adds to the atmosphere I think.

Ladies That Lunch

2012-01-19T21:37:00.003Z

I was an adopted lady that lunches today, as I went for lunch at a local pub with five co-workers who just happen to be women. The pub isn't too far from the office, so we had plenty of time for a chat. I certainly wouldn't call it gossip, as I'm not that sort of guy!

Most of the interest appeared to be in some electronic cigarettes that two of them were using to help them stop smoking. Somehow water vapour comes out of the end which makes it look like real smoke. Apparently you can get various sorts of 'tobacco', including apple and menthol. The packet they come in serves as a battery charger too. An interesting device, which seemed to be cheaper than the real thing, which must be good for your wallet as well as your health.

Alas three of the gang had to go back to work earlier than the rest of us as they were on staggered breaks, so the sofa opposite me had become vacant. So I took this still life of the table we had used.

The Lion In Winter

2012-01-18T21:37:00.005Z

Today is of course Headbanger Wednesday, and it has been Tom's turn to chose the subject. He's gone for 'look at this (add your own word) animal. My word is 'famous'.

So what's famous about this stone lion you might think. Well in Nottingham, everyone knows the 'left lion'. There's even a magazine named after him. The left lion is famous for being the spot where everyone meets up before going to the pub or cinema etc. It's been like that since the 1920s when the square was first opened. Even I've met up with people there, including Gail down the years. You should see it at weekends and in the summer, there are so many people standing there, if feels like it's a bus stop! There is of course another identical one at the other side of the entrance to the Council House. But for some unknown reason it sadly doesn't get as much attention as the left one.

Please pop over and see how the rest of the gang are showing Tom's theme, and do enjoy this suitable piece of music.

Today has been a bit warmer, but dull. I was hoping to find another animal orientated photo for you today, but alas nothing came along. So as an antidote to this grim time of the year, here's a little spring lamb that I took last year. Something to remind you that the warmer weather is hopefully on it's way.

Frozen Greens

2012-01-17T23:42:00.003Z

Another icy morning. So I took a shot of this frost sprinkled hedging in our garden.

Shadow Dancing

2012-01-16T22:25:00.003Z

Although it has been very cold today, it was also very sunny. So I spent my lunchtime walking around looking for light and shadow shots. I noticed this one, as the sun was just shining between some tall buildings, so it just gave just a fairly narrow shaft of light. I waited to see if a suitable person would walk through the light in just the right spot. I'm quite happy with the shot, although there's always the idea that it could have been better. But I only have an hour for lunch, unlike famous photographers like Cartier-Bresson, who could spend their day walking around and waiting for as long as they like.

From Russia With Love

2012-01-15T21:12:00.003Z

Here's another shot of Gemma. This time doing a variation of the classic Christine Keeler pose. For those that don't know, or have forgotten, Christine Keeler was a showgirl and model in the early 1960s. She had an affair with both a Russian spy and a Government minister at the same time. One which caused a lot of problems for the Government as she was possibly passing secrets and cost the job of the war minister, a John Profumo. The story was made into a film called Scandal in 1989, of which there is a Nottingham connection, in that the court scenes were in fact filmed at the magistrates' courts in the Lace Market. What is now the Galleries of Justice.

Modelling The Future

2012-01-14T22:53:00.003Z

I don't know how many of you have heard of, or actually use Groupon, but they are a company that email daily deals throughout the country. Each major city has it's own deal, but of course you are not limited to your own town's deal. So a few weeks ago I was scanning the deals and found an interesting one for Birmingham. A day's shooting in a photographic studio. Learning about lighting and taking photos of models. I asked Gail if she was interested. She said yes, and so today we drove over to the West Midlands and our adventure in a studio.

The drive over to Birmingham was uneventful until we got to Spaghetti Junction. We got lost a couple of times, as the roads changed quicker than the Sat Nav could direct us. But we got there around thirty minutes later than we would have liked. The studio was located in a building that used to possibly be a factory. We went up some very narrow metal stairs. I opened a door and almost sent a girl flying, as there was a make-up demonstration going on, and someone was sat right near the main door! I apologised and opened another door and went into the studio. The studio itself was one room, and above us a rock band was rehearsing, and the noise and vibration was deafening on occasions.

There was about fourteen of us in all. The photographer was a young trendy looking guy with gelled back hair. He took us trough the basis, and used himself as the model to start with, while we got used to using manual mode and the effects of the lights. After lunch the model called Gemma arrived with her mother. A pretty, seventeen year old who was just starting out on her modelling career. James the photographer selected a couple of outfits from the suitcase of clothes that Gemma had bought along. We then took it in turns to shoot her in different ways and with different lighting effects. Here's one that I took during the shoot.

Shell Sleep

2012-01-13T23:03:00.003Z

Passing the window of a fancy bed shop on Castle Boulevard, I was amazed to see this very unusual style of bed. Definitely one for deep sea divers or Neptune and his wife. Imagine sleeping inside this oyster shaped bed and waking up and seeing the shell shaped headboard. Not sure how I would feel. I do know one woman who would love such a bed though. Her name is Pearl!

Belated Birthday Greetings

2012-01-12T23:09:00.004Z

Gail's birthday was at the end of December. Unfortunately she didn't have a brilliant day as she wasn't very well, and we had to pay a visit to the hospital. So her birthday wasn't as good as I would have liked for her. And I do owe her a present or two, as she didn't really know what she wanted.

She's better now and back to normal. Thanks for asking. My local Marks and Spencer's was having a final clearance sale today. Prices had been really slashed to get rid of the stock. There wasn't that much left either. Roaming through the shelves of items that had been marked down, I came across two items that I thought would make great presents for my darling wife.

The little pink figure is actually a USB connector. I thought it would make a super little present as she loves pink and always needs some extra USB connections. The white box is a radio as you may have guessed. But not just any radio. It is a DAB one, that includes Iphone/iPod port and the ability to stream music wirelessly from a computer. The original price was expensive, but the store had knocked about 80% off, so it was too good an offer to refuse. I just hope it produces lifelike sound.

Sands Of Time

2012-01-11T21:48:00.004Z

Stewart has picked this weeks' Headbanger Challenge, and he's gone for 'photographing the photographers'. Now I have a number of such shots in my library, including one of myself. Something I am sure you don't want to see. So I have gone for this shot of an Asian lady posing for the camera. Whether the photographer is her husband or a very good friend, remains to be seen. It's an interesting pose, but I think I would have put the carrier bags down before striking a pose.

I've been struggling again to find subjects to photograph. At least the market and fair has now been taken away from the Old Market Square, so hopefully something new will appear before too long. I did come across this sandstone wall that has been eroded away through the weather, chemicals in the air and of course time itself. Somehow I think it looks like a piece of cake with a vanilla cream filling.

Please pop over to the gangs' pages and see how they have seen the theme and enjoy this bit of photographic related music.

Tuesday Tidy-up

2012-01-10T23:00:00.003Z

Here's last week's photo that I entered in the Headbanger Challenge. It was my choice too; new beginnings. A spider building his new home. Alas I didn't win. Oh well, there's always tomorrow. Come back Wednesday evening to see the entries.

Rock With Gok

2012-01-09T22:55:00.003Z

Gail's been reading a book at the moment too. It's the autobiography of Gok Wan, the well know TV fashion guru. She is a big fan of his, and loves his shows on the television. I bumped into him once when I was in Birmingham for the day. He was filming one of his programmes, and I managed to say hello and get his autograph for Gail. My used rail ticket.
He had quite a hard teenage life as he was overweight and was bullied a lot at school. He then went to learn to be an actor, but found an interest in fashion, which was more suited to him.
The book was a Christmas present from me, and she's found it unputdownable. In fact while I am typing this entry, Gail's just handed the tome to me and said "completed". Three hundred and sixty pages in a little under three days.

The Last Book What I Read

2012-01-08T22:42:00.004Z

I've just finished reading the latest book by film director and well known food critic Michael Winner. It's more stories about his clashes with move stars and reviews (not always kind) for the Sunday Times of some of the best hotels and restaurants in the world. His most famous film is Death Wish, although he has made many since then, but none after about 1999. Although he did make some TV adverts for an insurance company a few years ago with the catch phrase "Calm down dear, it's only a commercial. He is often outspoken about things, which doesn't always go down well in certain quarters, but his books are a good read, and full of famous names that he has worked with. I follow his Twitter page, which is always amusing to read, just like his books.

Dreaming

2012-01-07T17:40:00.004Z

A photo from the archive, but only taken last month. I just happened to notice the little boy staring into space whilst I was waiting for the tram to go past, and so I quickly took a shot. Not sure if the reflections of the surrounding buildings help or hinder it.
You are most welcome to say yes or no. Also would it be better in monochrome, or is it OK in colour?

Stony Faces And Hard Fruit

2012-01-06T23:07:00.003Z

Thanks to my new Tamron zoom lens I was able to get a decent close up of this frieze on the side of a old former factory situated on the quaintly named Hollowstone in the Lace Market. There's quite a lot going on in the picture. The man's face I believe to be that of the Green Man; a religious figure from Pagan times.This ties in with the display of fruit and nuts running down the sides. Although some of the nuts look more like hand grenades. I'm not sure what the three lions represent. Protection for the building perhaps, or part of the coat of arms of the architect or building owner.

Puddle Pattern

2012-01-05T23:17:00.003Z

Hooray, a day without any rain. So I was able to give my camera an airing. I had a walk around the Lace Market. Alas nothing really new to see. Although I did bump into a former co-worker who had recently retired just before Christmas. She and her hubby had just been to a 'pensioner special' film screening at the Broadway cinema and were on their way home.
As there were plenty of puddles around today, I took this shot of some of the Victorian lace buildings reflected in the water. Although the wind has been strongly blowing all day long, fortunately there isn't too many ripples in the pool to disturb the view.

Wet And Windy

2012-01-04T21:29:00.003Z

I have the honour this week of picking the Headbanger Challenge theme and I've gone for 'new beginnings'. Unashamedly influenced by the start of 2012. But I didn't want to go with new year itself, as it would have been a bit limiting and the gang may have just posted photos of the January page of their calendar or diary.

My version of new beginnings is of this spider undertaking the construction of its new web. It always amazes me how they manage to build their webs. All those fine lines of silk weaved into a uniform wheel shape that is relatively strong and only gets broken when idiots like me walk by and accidentally knock it apart. I wonder how it knows the correct shape to build? Why it doesn't decide to make a square or triangle for a change. Why a load of spiders don't get together and have a web building competition. See who can build the highest or longest. Or if they did one on top of another, like an apartment block. Would there be a fight as to who got the penthouse suite?

Don't forget to scuttle across to the other team members' pages and see what they have come up with for the theme, and enjoy this unusual, but catchy piece of music.

Today it only rained when I was leaving work, which makes a change. And just a gentle shower too, not like the monsoon we had yesterday. The wind is still around though. The amount of fallen twigs and branches along the cycle-track made it more like an obstacle race than a road. Cycling down near the castle, I decided to stop and take some photos of the coal black road reflecting the lights, with the North Star ride glowing in the distance. My first proper photo of 2012.

Tuesday Tidy-up

2012-01-03T23:20:00.003Z

Another terrible day weatherwise for photography. Almost continual rain all day and high winds. The perfect conditions for not taking your camera out unless it is waterproof. So I am posting my header photo from last week, which managed to get me the silver.

Talking of the Headbanger Challenge. Tomorrow is Wednesday and the date for the next challenge. So come back in 24 hours and see what the theme is going to be.

Another Day Over

2012-01-02T18:45:00.004Z

It has been a fairly cold but sunny day today. And hooray, no rain. Which is surprising for a Bank Holiday. So I managed to have a potter about in the garden, pruning dead plants, planting some daffodil bulbs and replanting two bay trees that Gail bought a few weeks ago. So this meant that I took no photos again. This means that I am having to use another shot from Saturday night.
This one is of one of the many cafes that have sprung up along the high road in recent years. What surprises me is that they all seem to be thriving and that there are always lots of people milling around with cups of coffee and pieces of cake. You wouldn't think that there is a recession on, or that people are cutting back on unnecessary spending.

Man Of Stone

2012-01-01T17:16:00.003Z

When we left the wine bar last night, I suggested that we have a little walk along the high road, so Gail could cool down a bit. It wasn't that cold and it had stopped raining, so we did. There weren't that many people about. So we just about had the area to ourselves. We looked in a few shop windows. I took a few photos, including this one of the Beeman; Beeston's icon.

After doing my last blog entry of 2011 I noticed that for some reason I didn't do an entry for the last day of May. I have no idea why, as I always try to create an entry for the day, even if I don't write it until the following day. I can't remember being ill or on holiday. So alas it is one short of the full 365. This year of course there will be 366 days to do. Let's hope I can find enough topics to blog about.

Cheers!

2011-12-31T19:13:00.003Z

For a special treat this evening, Gail and I visited a local wine bar/restaurant called Belle and Jerome. They were doing this special five course New Year's Eve meal. We had been before and so knew the food would be delicious and enjoyable. It wasn't too busy. I think most people had 'gone down the pub' or due to the economic climate, had bought a few cans from the supermarket and had stayed at home. For the starter Gail had mushrooms on toast, while I had smoked mackerel. Then there was this little cup of orange and melon 'soup'. It wasn't really soup, more of a thick fruit punch. It was very tasty and helped to settle us into our mains. We both went for the sea bass. Then there was the pudding which consisted of a chocolate fudge brownie and ice cream. Finally there was expresso affogato. A cold coffee drink with a blob of ice cream sticking out like a little frozen island. Neither of us finished it as the coffee taste was too strong. We shared a bottle of rose wine. We wanted to stay until midnight, but Gail was feeling a bit tired, as she has had an eye problem over the last couple of days. In fact we have had to make two trips to the hospital today. So we upped and left, but not before I took this photo of our two wine glasses with the bar's Christmas tree in the background.

So that is the last entry for 2011. I hope that you have enjoyed reading my photographic blog over the last 365 days, and will continue to visit during 2012. So it just leaves me to wish everyone a Happy New Year. One that is filled with joy, happiness and good health.

Review Of The Year

2011-12-30T22:56:00.004Z

Well I can honestly say that 2011 has been quite eventful year in one way or another. There have been a number of demonstrations in the city centre over the course of the year. None of them violent, but they have been quite large and vocal. Gail and I have done many things together, visited different places and took lots of photos. Monaco was wonderful and it was a pleasure to meet Jilly, who produces the Monte Carlo daily blog. It would be nice to go again and see some other places in the region. I bought myself a new camera. A Nikon D90, which I use a lot as well as my Panasonic GF1. I like to have a swap sometimes, as my GF1 is only fitted with a 20mm lens.

One of the many disappointments that I have had this year is that due to the shortsightedness of a young newspaper reporter, I failed to get this photo into our local evening paper. I offered it to them on a memory card at lunchtime, but for some reason he decided not to take me up on the offer. They had sent one of their own photographers down to see the action, but all they came back with was a rather boring shot of a blackened boat hull and no flames. At least mine is of the action as it is taking place. Maybe I will have more luck in 2012.

Whoops!

2011-12-29T22:52:00.003Z

The extended bank holiday this week has really thrown my internal calendar out completely, as I thought yesterday was Tuesday and today Wednesday. I posted this weeks Headbanger Challenge, but didn't write anything about it, as I was planning to do that tonight; which I believed was Wednesday.

It's Kathy's theme this week and she's gone for 'between', to tie in with the week after Christmas and the week before New Year. It could also be the space each side of my ears! No imac this week to poke me with a hard stick, as he and his DW are on holiday yet again.

My photographic interpretation of between shows a couple sitting and staring out to sea. They are obviously so much in love that they are sitting so close together that there is no gap of light showing between them. Looking out to sea, or looking out to their future together, with nothing between them and their dreams.

Please pop over and see how the rest of the team has fared. Links at top right hand corner. And enjoy the music from Vangelis. Heaven and Hell, and the space in between; the solar system.

Today has been another one of those dead days for photography, wet and very windy. It is Gail's birthday tomorrow, so I was looking for a little something for her, rather than snapping away with my camera. I took this one yesterday. One of these street sellers working for a company who claim that you 'could', the important word here, claim back thousands of pounds. What they don't tell you is that they will want half as their commission.

Tuesday Tidy-up

2011-12-28T23:35:00.005Z

Here is last week's festive edition header for the theme of Christmas. Now saved for posterity.

Twins

2011-12-27T22:37:00.004Z

I'm not sure why these two men are dressed alike at the Christmas fair in the Old Market Square. Maybe they are twins, or they both happen to have gone to the same gents department and accidentally chose the same outfits.

Oscar, But No Oscar

2011-12-26T15:30:00.004Z

Here's a short shot of Oscar resting on the cats' chair outside our kitchen door and having a little scratch. It's just a test video I took this afternoon with the Flip. As it's an MP4, I had to upload it to YouTube, as it's one of the formats that Blogger doesn't recognise. I know it's not that exciting to watch, but I just wanted to work out the mechanics of the whole process, as I may do some more video blogging in the future.

Flippin Eck!

2011-12-25T22:30:00.004Z

Gail and I have just spent some quality time together swapping and unwrapping our Christmas presents. We decided not to go too mad this year as we are saving up to get some building work done in the house, hopefully early next year. Of all the presents Gail got me, this is the most exciting; a Flip video recorder. One that shoots in HD and records an hour of film on its internal memory. I probably won't be the next David Lean, but hopefully will manage to take some interesting footage of the events that we will be going to next year.

Another highlight was a pair of fingerless gloves. A very simple present, but one which will come in very handy when I'm using my D90 of GF1 cameras, as my fingers have got that cold before, that I have been scared of dropping them. I of course wrap the straps around my wrist, but there's always the danger of them slipping off.

Almost There

2011-12-24T23:02:00.003Z

Well the weather today has been a lot different than this time last year. Dull and a bit rainy, rather than cold and snowy. We polished off the shopping today and took Marmalade for his booster jab and to be microchipped. It is the first time that we have taken him to see the vet. Oscar has been a couple of times now and didn't mind at all. Marmalade was a little reluctant to get in the carrier, but conceded. He moaned a little bit, but I think he enjoyed his first car ride and the ensuing adventure. The vet was kind, but firm as Marmalade tried to leg it.

Well it only remains for me to wish you all a great festive time over the next few days and to announce my favourite Christmas song. It is of course The Pogues and the great and sadly missed Kirsty McColl. Is it really 11 years ago that she had that tragic accident in Mexico whilst swimming in safe waters and was hit by a speedboat? A sad loss to the music industry and her legion of fans. But her legacy for a well tuned pop song will live on.

Santa's Little Helper

2011-12-23T22:44:00.003Z

Oscar decided to get into the Christmas spirit this evening by donning a festive Santa hat. Marmalade wasn't that amused, as he just looked up, shook his little head and went back to sleep.

I took this photo with my iPhone, rather than one of my proper cameras, so the quality may be not what you are used to.

Day four of my Christmas Countdown brings a perennial favourite of many people every December. Besides being a jolly little ditty, it's a very good anti-war song, sung from the point of view of a soldier through many different conflicts. The song of course is Stop the Cavalry by Jona Lewie. A little bit of trivia here is that it wasn't originally recorded as a Christmas song, but a bod at Stiff Records noticed the word Christmas in the song and thought it would make a great festive song. It made number 3 in 1980. It may have made number one, but the re-release of two John Lennon songs at the same time, who had been shot earlier in the year put paid to that. Which is forgivable in the circumstances, but would be a tragedy if it was released today and kept off the top spot by some X Factor rubbish.

And The Cat Crept In

2011-12-22T22:28:00.003Z

A new cat has recently been making an appearance around our property. I became aware of it first, as I thought it was actually Oscar. It was getting dark and I saw this cat run across our drive. From what I could see of it, it looked very much like Oscar. So I shouted 'Oscar', but the cat ignored me and ran off. I was then naturally surprised to see the real Oscar in the kitchen when I opened the door. I told Gail about it, but I wasn't sure if she believed me or not. But she saw it herself a couple of weeks ago. She also managed to take a photo of it the other day, albeit a bit of a blurry one. So I was surprised and pleased to see it sitting on the drive this morning. I think it was looking for food. Anyway it didn't run away, and as I had my camera handy, I managed to take a number of shots of it. And yes it does look a lot like Oscar in both build and colouring. Gail reckons it's Oscar's older brother. I filled a small bowl up with some food and called it over. I went inside and it ran to the bowl. The poor thing must be hungry. I have no idea where all these cats keep coming from, or why they keep landing on our doorstep.

Day three of the Christmas Countdown brings the talented multi-instrumentalist Mike Oldfield to the fore and his rendition of 'In Dulci Jubilo'. The 500 year old carol translated as 'In Sweet Rejoicing'. A uplifting tune that helps you get into the mood for Christmas.

Santa's Come Early

2011-12-21T22:59:00.003Z

Lincolnshire Dave has thought up this week's Headbanger Challenge, and not surprising he's gone for Christmas. Where do you start, cards, decorations, Santa himself or as I posted yesterday, a snowman? Toys perhaps, or a plethora of wrapping papers. I've gone for lights, but with literally a twist. These lights are on one of the Christmas trees in Beeston. The twist? Well it was the lens itself. Don't forget to pop over and see the rest of the group's efforts with the theme.

Todays post is of the very lens which took the above Headbanger photo. I treated myself to this little telephoto number for my Nikon D90. It's got one of the longest zooms available at a reasonable cost, unless you go for one of the bigger, professional models which are very, very expensive. Something that is way beyond my price range. I plan to learn how to use it well and therefore hopefully my photography will improve.

Here's song number two of my countdown to Christmas. This is from Greg Lake, one of the members of Emerson, Lake & Palmer. The famous or infamous prog band from the early 1970s. Personally one of my favourite groups. A good lyrical song which includes an excerpt of Prokofiev's Troika.

A Touch Of White

2011-12-20T23:03:00.004Z

I've decided to start a 5 day countdown until the big day, although for some reason I don't feel particularly festive at the moment. It must be my age, or the fact that Christmas started in July this year. We haven't put the tree up, as Marmalade and Oscar would only think it is a new scratch post. We wrote the last of the cards last night and I've put them in the pillar box this morning. I also popped round to all the neighbours tonight and popped a card through their letterboxes. So that's all the admin done.

For the last couple of days I have been trying to find a suitable photo for this week's Headbanger Challenge. I took this giant snowman, but I wonder if I can find something better? Also as part of the Christmas Countdown, I am going to share my top five favourite Christmas pop songs. As there are so many to choose from, it's been difficult sorting them out. But I think I've got there. Number 5 then is the theme from the Snowman, the classic cartoon from the late 1980's that has been shown on TV every year since.

Seeing Stars

2011-12-19T22:07:00.003Z

I took this photo of part of Kate Rusby's stage show on my iPhone, using one of the many apps you can get, like a mini Photoshop. Even though Kate and her band weren't on stage at the time; it was the interval, one of the theatre staff still came over and said 'you can't take photos here'. It annoys me in a way when they say this, as I've been told off before at concerts, but then there are several hundred people doing exactly the same thing. So where's the justice?

By Eke, It Were Good

2011-12-18T23:10:00.004Z

It was a visit to the Playhouse tonight, to see that wonderful Barnsley born folk singer that is Kate Rusby. She has visited Nottingham for a few years now, just before Christmas with her concert of carols and songs. I actually bought the tickets back in July. But they are always a sell out, so I had to get them when they first came out, as it's traditional for Gail & I to go, as we both love her music so much.

A very entertaining night as we expected, with some great music, intertwined with her funny stories and anecdotes about life in South Yorkshire. She also announced that she is expecting her second child, which received a round of applause. I hope she is able to pay a visit next year, as Christmas wouldn't be the same without her. The poor girl was suffering with the lurgie which Gail & I have had for the last few weeks. She even had to cancel a couple of gigs earlier this week. So we were very lucky to see her tonight.

After the show we stopped of at the stall and bought her new CD, a mug, a tea towel and a songbook, which the band knit whilst they are on the road. As a special Christmas gift they were giving away a free calendar. I then suggested that we stay behind and see if we could say hello to Kate. I thought there would be a few people waiting to see her, but there was only one other; an acquaintance of mine who is a press photographer. Kate was very accommodating, and even apologised for keeping us waiting. Fortunately the doorman at the Playhouse let us stand inside, as it was about -1 outside.
Here's Kate and her partner and fellow musician Damien O'Kane posing especially for me.

Ill Lit By Moonlight

2011-12-17T18:07:00.003Z

After we left the party, Gail and I went for a little stroll round the area. It had stopped raining and wasn't too cold. This is Kayes Walk, which runs alongside the grounds of St Mary's Church. There are some great Victorian buildings in a row that were built for the lace industry, but have now been converted into offices.
Although the area is quite well lit, I wanted to make it more of a moody, noirish image. What is at the end of that flagstoned path?

As an update from yesterday's post, Gail has discovered that the video I was telling you about has now been uploaded to YouTube. So sit back, watch and enjoy.

Laughter Is The Best Medicine

2011-12-16T18:54:00.004Z

Gail and I have just got back from a Christmas party at a very unusual venue. St Mary's Church in the Lace Market no less. It had been organised for the hospital department that Gail works for. Also unusually they didn't serve the usual turkey and trimmings, but a curry, supplied from a city centre curry house; ironically not a stones throw away from where I work. It was nice enough, but alas not very hot by the time I was served, as they didn't keep the pans hot, and a 600 year old church can be a very cold building, even with about 120 people in it.
After the meal had been eaten, there was a few sketches and some live music. These three consultants had got dressed up and were singing a spoof version of 'Away in a Manger'. There was also a filmed insert of some doctors and staff miming to 'Do They Know it's Christmas' in a comic way. For example one doctor was singing with a skeleton. It was amusing to watch, and of course was hilarious to the hospital staff who knew them more than I did.

Not Handled With Care

2011-12-15T21:49:00.004Z

As Gail and I went to a Christmas meal last night, I didn't get the chance of posting my Headbanger Challenge photo. So I'm doing it tonight. This week's theme is 'Look What I Saw', and comes from the old fisherman himself - Tom.
A very wide theme, and another one that could have gone anywhere. I wanted to show something that I was very pleased in seeing. So I am showing this desert scene from Dubai. I have been to Dubai many times and had never seen a camel in real life. Then one day Gail and I went to the beach, and while Gail was doing a spot of sunbathing, I was hunting the area for photos, as I find laying in the sun a waste of time. Looking around I was amazed to see not just one camel, but two, and with a Laurence of Arabia lookalike riding one. I was quite some way away, but took quite a few shots before they walked off into the distance.

Today's blog post is a prime example of when things go wrong, even though you've tried your hardest to stop something happening. Yesterday one of my work colleagues Gina, had made all her team mates a gingerbread man as a token Christmas gift, together with a handmade card. Such a talented girl. Her cupcakes are to die for. Anyway I knew that I wanted to make a blogpost out of it, and so to stop it getting broken, I put it into my empty sandwich box for safekeeping. I only took it out tonight, while I was making dinner. Gail picked it up out of curiosity. She then put it down. Unfortunately it slid off the table and ended up in one of the cats' bowls. Disaster, his leg was broken. Gail said sorry. I then moved it to a safer place. Only disaster again. It slid onto the floor and was decapitated. Only one thing for it now. We'll just have to eat it!

Trip The Light Fantastic

2011-12-14T23:16:00.005Z

I took this shot of the merry-go-round in the Old Market Square using a slow shutter speed. It was handheld too. It's a great effect and works really well when you have got lots of lights together. And being a slow shutter, any people walking past just tend to become a blur or disappear completely.

Tuesday Tidying

2011-12-13T23:46:00.004Z

Here's last week's Headbanger Challenge as a permanent reminder of the Toys R Us theme.

Star Bags

2011-12-12T22:24:00.005Z

Audrey Hepburn has always been a style icon, and a local charity shop was selling this bag with her image on it when she played Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany's. A seminal film with one major flaw; Micky Rooney as the Japanese guy that lives in the same apartment block as Holly. An annoying character, almost as irritating as Jar Jar Binks in the Phantom Menace.

What The Dickens..

2011-12-11T23:19:00.003Z

Gail and I went to the Lace Market Theatre tonight to see a friend of mine undertake a dramatic reading of A Christmas Carol. A one off performance, so not to be missed. He was very good too. Doing different voices for all the characters. He was also suffering with the lurgie that is going round, so his own voice was huskier than normal.

Around 40 people had come to see Phil interpret the famous story by Charles Dickens, which he had just performed in Germany earlier in the week. For an amateur he did very well, with lots of movement to keep you watching and your interest. His daytime job is working on the butchery counter in a local supermarket. And I am very glad to say that there was no ham tonight!

Besides treading the boards, Phil is also a photographer and blogger like me. If you're interested in learning more about the man himself and his love of all things French and food related, then here's a link to his blog.

Mucking Around

2011-12-10T22:06:00.003Z

Didn't take any photos today, but have just downloaded GIMP, a free software package, similar to Photoshop. So just thought I would take a photo that I took at the big demonstration last month and see what the GIMP could do. There are quite a number of different ways that you can tweak a photo. After some trial and error, I have come up with this film slide, sepia combo, that is looking a bit worse for wear.

Walkin Italian

2011-12-09T22:40:00.003Z

From the style of the architecture and the dark haired man coming into the shot, you may think this is Milan, or one of the other fashionable Italian cities. Well it's not. It's actually Low Pavement, slap bang in the middle of Nottingham city centre. Nottingham has some really great buildings; full of character and style, and then there are others, grey, featureless and should be knocked down tomorrow. Of course, some wonderful buildings have been lost since the 1960s, that should have been saved. Still we have to enjoy the ones we have left.

It's A Wet One

2011-12-08T22:45:00.003Z

It has been another wet and horrible day here in Nottingham, but fortunately not as bad as they have had it in Scotland, with gale force winds and lashing rain. So there wasn't that much around to photograph. But I did spot this bus with quite an apt drawing of some squid looking wet, considering the weather!

Toys R Us

2011-12-07T22:42:00.003Z

It's my turn to chose the Headbanger theme this week, and with so much advertising for toys around at the moment with the run up to Christmas, it seemed the obvious choice. I feel sorry for parents these days, being bombarded by their offspring saying "Can I have a...", "I want a... for Christmas". When I was a child (many years ago now) there wasn't so much of it about. Money was a lot tighter, and there just wasn't the choice that there is now. Designer labels were just words in the dictionary and computers were just the work of science fiction. I remember my mum asking me what I would like for Christmas one year. I must have been about four or five at the time. I can vividly recall coming down the hallway stairs and saying that I would like a teddy bear. I may have already had one, or some other soft toys, but a new teddy bear was what I wanted. Money being what it was, my mum decided to make me one. So my header is of the cuddly toy that my mum created with her own fair hands. I still have it after 40 odd years. I know it looks nothing like a teddy bear. The bluey green wool gives that away. So too does the button eyes and the stuffing made from old cut up stockings. But it made me very happy on that Christmas morning in the late 1960s. The poor thing is still hanging on, even though the stitching is coming apart, he is blind in one eye and the stockings have gone hard. But it is still the best Christmas present that I ever had and had years of love and cuddles.

Don't forget to pop over and see what the rest of the gang have come up with this week. And enjoy this sad, but happy song about toys from the great Rolf Harris.

I was hoping to show you a photo of the local legendary fashion designer Paul Smith tonight, as I went along to his main shop in town to buy a special raffle ticket. According to his page on Twitter, he was going to make a guest appearance. Alas it didn't happen, as he had been unexpectedly called away on business. I left my business card with the shop, so maybe one day he will drop me an email inviting me to take his photo. So instead I am showing you another of my boyhood toys. It is Mercedes truck, made by Matchbox and dates from 1969. I was a big collector of Matchbox toys and Ladybird books. And then when I got a little older I moved on to Lego, and built my own cars and trucks from all the plastic bricks and wheels.

Easy Rider

2011-12-06T22:10:00.004Z

I have been transferring my photos from my Mac to my hard-drive, as an added safety net. Whilst looking through them, I came across this photo that is more suitable for this time of year.

You would certainly need a big space to park this inflatable motorbike with cute polar bear rider and penguin passenger. I just hope their Christmas hats are crash proof!

Leggy Ladies

2011-12-05T22:40:00.004Z

Thought I would move last weeks Headbanger Challenge photo, to make room for this weeks offering. Seems a bit of a shame for it to disappear forever. So I think from now on I'll put it as a blogpost as well.

Heaven's Above

2011-12-04T22:19:00.005Z

If you've every wondered what God looks like, well here's your opportunity. This is fellow actor Peter who plays God in the Nativity drama that we are both appearing in this weekend. Today is the last of the performances, of which all have virtually sold out. I'm bearing up, but am glad in a way that they are over now, and I can relax and try and shake off this virus that has been bugging me for the last two weeks.

Two Down, Two To Go

2011-12-03T22:32:00.003Z

Well today we completed two performances of The Star Safari in Bramcote. It was a bit of a struggle for me personally, as I am presently still suffering with a very bad cough. Thankfully I don't have too many lines to say. But I did manage to get one of them wrong each time today. I blame the effects of the paracetamols I have been taking and disturbed sleep every night this week. The two final performances are tomorrow. And they are both sold out, so it's going to take all the willpower that I have to get through it.

Masking The Truth

2011-12-02T22:08:00.003Z

Both Gail and I have been struggling with the flu this week. I haven't managed to take any new photos today, so here's another shot from the march on Wednesday.

Hip Hip UAE

2011-12-01T21:08:00.003Z

I've read today that December marks the 40th anniversary of the creation of the United Arab Emirates. As many of you know Gail and I enjoy visiting Dubai for a holiday. Although we haven't been this year for various reasons. So looking through the hundreds and hundreds of photos that I have taken of the place down the years, I have found this one which lists them all, and how far they are from each other. I would say that Dubai is probably the most cosmopolitan, and certainly the most Westernised of the Emirates. It certainly looks a million times different since 1971. Some say that besides the Sheikh's house, the oldest building in Dubai is the clock tower and that dates from 1963!

Flying The Flag

2011-11-30T21:07:00.003Z

Lanny has given us this week's rather intriguing Headbanger Challenge title of "Hello December". December obviously means Christmas. That one time of the year when everyone is supposed to get on well with each other, and all hostilities and differences are put to one side for a day or so, and cards and gifts are exchanged, food eaten and drink slurped.
I don't know about in your part of the world, but December seemed to start around the middle of July; when I first noticed cards, chocolates and decorations slowly creeping onto the shops' shelves. Now that is far too early in my opinion. Then I saw a fully decorated tree in a shop sometime in October. Personally I don't think the run up to Christmas should start until the First of December, although if you were to follow the old rhyme, it shouldn't start until around December 12.

Bridalsmithgate began a promotional exercise today, to encourage shoppers into it's higher end designer stores like Jack Wills, Kurt Geiger, Office and American Apparel. My header shows three stiltwalkers welcoming the customers along the road.

Do pay a visit to the other team members (except Imac who is on holiday again) and see how they have interpreted the theme. And to get you into the Christmassy mood, here's a little Kate Bush.

As many of may have heard on the news today, there was a nationwide strike of public workers over the Government's plans to cut pension payments to everyone that has paid into it. Of course there was a very large march through the city centre which brought traffic to a halt for nearly 30 minutes. I have showed you photos of people holding banners etc before, so I thought I would try more of an arty shot this time.

Window Show

2011-11-29T22:28:00.004Z

I was quite taken with this window display of the Jack Wills shop on Bridalsmithgate,that I came across on the recent Flickr walk. It looks a lot more colourful and exciting in the dark, than it does in the daytime, as I have walked past it a few times now on my lunchtime picture hunt, and have never really paid the shop that much attention. Maybe because it always looks so dark inside.

The Ghost Of Christmas Past

2011-11-28T21:38:00.003Z

The thing about Christmas lights and decorations is that they tend to be the same every year; whether it is at home or on the street. The ones in the city centre are no exception. The only thing that changes is the actual tree. There are a number of these garlands with presents dangling from them, and tied to some of the Lampposts around the Old Market Square. They are very colourful though.

You Spin Me Right Round

2011-11-27T18:31:00.003Z

Despite presently suffering with a cough and runny nose, I ventured out into the cold night to meet up with some fellow Flickr folk, for another spot of night photography. For various reasons there was only me and Steve the organiser who turned up. Still not to miss an opportunity, we had a stroll round taking various shots of the Christmas lights etc.
This shot is one of the North Star ride, taken with a slow shutter speed. For the technical folks out there who may be interested, it was 5 seconds at f29, with an ISO of 400. When we had had enough, we retired to a local hostelry for a welcome drink and a warm. Although I enjoyed the walk, I just hope my cough doesn't turn into flu.

Grin And Bear It

2011-11-26T21:39:00.003Z

Another busy day today. For most of the day I was up at Bramcote rehearsing in the morning and then we had our first performance in the afternoon. It was grandly titled a preview, and quite a few people attended. The proper shows are next Saturday and Sunday. I've wisely booked off the following Monday, as I know that I will be worn out. I am now also suffering with flulike symptoms. Which is a bit concerning. After we had all helped to pack away the props and stages. I raced off to Beeston to do a bit of shopping and to watch the switching on of the town's Christmas lights. I bumped into some friends I know, including Kevin 'the hat' seen here with his latest creation. He attracts so much attention wherever he goes now that he has become something of a cult hero. Here he is posing with some of the security guys, including one who was rather camera shy and had to be made to show her face.

Up In The Clouds

2011-11-25T23:03:00.006Z

Here's a daytime shot of the North Star ride. I think it gives you a better idea of how tall and how scary it is. So high up and in the open air. Eek! Only 32 people can ride in it at a time, and it costs £5 to be terrified. I think the view would good, but I wouldn't be able to use my camera, as I would be clinging on for dear life and even the vibration reduction on my Nikon would be no good as I would be shaking too much!

Read All About It

2011-11-24T22:32:00.004Z

A new web based magazine launched a couple of months ago via Facebook called 'All About Nottinghamshire". Although the Facebook page is called All About Tourism - Nottingham. I of course subscribed to it, and get daily messages of things that are happening in the city. This is very useful for finding out about events and possible photo opportunities. A few weeks ago, a message appeared asking for possible stories to go in the December edition. I sent them a message asking if they would be interested in featuring this little blog in their magazine. I had a reply saying they would, if I could write about 150 words and provide a photo or two. I had a message a couple of days ago saying that the Christmas edition is out and my article is in. They also asked if I would publicise the magazine for them. So that is what I am doing now. Here is a shot of the front page and the page with my article on it. If you would like to read the whole magazine, here is the link: All About Nottinghamshire.

Shoppers Paradise

2011-11-23T22:29:00.003Z

Kathy's first ever theme for the Headbanger Challenge is 'Thank You'. Now there are so many things to say thank you for: the unconditional love of another person, good friendship, sunshine, and the rain (sometimes). And so many things that makes life worthwhile. Politeness of course doesn't cost anything, but so many people are so rude these days. Never saying thanks for things done for them, no matter how important. Personally I always try to remember to show my gratitude to others for things they have done for me. I have course find it difficult accepting thanks for things that I have done for others. "Oh it's nothing" I'll say. or "Anytime". So looking for ideas to show this weeks' theme, I came across this giant sign thanking shoppers for their understanding while the Broad Marsh shopping centre is updated. And boy does something need doing with it, as it's hardly changed since it was opened in the early 1970s.

Don't forget to see how the rest of the team have interpreted Kathy's theme and enjoy this great song of love for another by Dido.

Today's blog photo is of the North Star ride, which is the new attraction in the Old Market Square for the festive period. The big switch on of the lights happened tonight at around 6.15. Alas no one famous to flick the switch, just the lord mayor. Although Santa made an interesting entrance, as you can see if you look closely. The budget cuts appear to be effecting every corner of society now. I wonder what sort of Christmas everyone will be having this year?

It's Snow Time

2011-11-22T23:14:00.004Z

Here are some of the last minute touches taking place in the Old Market Square ready for the big switch on of the lights and the start of the Christmas festivities. There is also a new ride on offer. It is called the North Star and stretches about 60 metres into the air. Not sure if I'll go on it though, as you're sitting in chairs in the open air, rather than in a cabin. So it sounds a bit too scary for me.

The White Lion

2011-11-21T22:25:00.003Z

The White Lion is the pub in Bramcote when I will be playing the landlord the the Star Safari show in the next couple of weeks. Alas I will not be behind the bar, but I do make my entrance in an interesting way. Of course I'm not going to tell you how, just in case you are coming to watch. But be quick, as the tickets are selling fast.

Tree-mendous

2011-11-20T17:31:00.003Z

It's been a really foggy and cold day today. But the show still has to go on as they say, as we had a proper dress rehearsal this afternoon. I wasn't therefore able to take any photos. So here's one that I took yesterday at King George's Park, which is being used for the shepherd scene.

There's been a statement for a long time now about photographers taking shots of single trees and how cliched it is. Personally I don't really subscribe to that point of view view, as photography is all about taking photos of what you want, and I liked the look of this one in it's golden glory, lit by a warmish sun.

Gold, Frankenstein and Mirth

2011-11-19T22:35:00.003Z

Had a full day's rehearsal today in Bramcote at the actual locations that we will be using for the production that I am in. It is the basic nativity story with a few extra bits and pieces to make it unique. It is called The Star Safari, as people are wandering from place to place, rather than being stuck in a theatre. I am playing the innkeeper that says to Mary and Joseph that the pub is full, but he has a rather grotty, empty stable available if they want it. I only joined the company last week, as the original actor had to drop out for personal reasons. Lines almost there, but lyrics to the two songs which we have to sing are still at the learning stage.

When I wasn't needed for my scenes, I took lots of photos of the cast performing. I quite like this shot of the three pretend camels that the Magi, or the Three Wise Men ride when they bring their gifts to the new born Prince of Peace in the manger. I do like it when the writer and director come up with such imaginative ideas due to having a non existent budget.

Wiped Out

2011-11-18T23:05:00.003Z

Having a quick look at this photo, you might be thinking it is the windscreen of a truck driving in the rain. Well you'd be wrong. It's actually one of the installation pieces on show at the moment at the Contemporary. They are celebrating the work of Klaus Weber, a German artist who has created a number of exhibits that are now on show. Most of it I wouldn't give houseroom to. A giant wind chime moved by fans is ok, but a bathroom sink stuck to a giant boulder is just plain pointless. I'm not sure what this piece is supposed to represent, but apparently it is called "Wiping Out The Competition".

Life In The Fast Lane

2011-11-17T23:00:00.004Z

While I was walking through the Old Market Square at lunchtime, I noticed a photographer taking lots of shots of this man with the black sunglasses. He had a Canon, with a very expensive looking zoom lens attached, so I knew he was a proper photographer and not just a happy snapper like me. So I asked him who the guy was. He said that he was a famous rock musician who used to be in Iron Maiden called Brian Cox. I'm not really an Iron Maiden fan, so didn't really know who he was. The photographer told me that a lot of people had stopped for autographs. I should have been brave and asked him for a proper posed photo. But didn't like to disturb him while he was chatting to the other guy. So took this snapshot instead. If you are interested, the scaffolding behind is for the Christmas tree that has just arrived and is presently being decorated.

Midnight Cowboy

2011-11-16T21:31:00.003Z

Another Wednesday, another Headbanger Challenge. This week iMac has dreamt up the apparently simple but cunningly difficult theme of Postcard From Your Home. Now you may think that producing a postcard of Nottingham would be an easy task. Just take a snap or two of the castle, the Old Market Square or the Theatre Royal. Yes, I could have done that, but me being me, I wanted to create something a little bit different, but still adhering to the theme. So looking through my treasure trove of photos, I thought I would go with a theme, and the obvious one is Robin Hood. But instead of showing you the famous statue outside the castle walls in sunny weather, I would go for the more noir influenced night shot, and a Triptych one too.

To see how my fellow headbangers have interpreted the theme, just pop along to their blogs using the links above, and enjoy this little homage to film noir.

Now today's photo is of the cat that appears to live in Beeston Library. I don't know whether one of the librarians looks after it, or it just comes to visit. I normally see it sitting around outside, or on this occasion, in the entrance. Being surrounded by books all day, I wonder if he or she has learnt to read?

Blink And You'll Miss It

2011-11-15T22:16:00.003Z

I spotted this poster in my local library the other day for a new play that someone who I used to work has recently written. I knew that Simon had written it because I presently work with his wife, and she had told me about it. I was actually thinking about auditioning for one of the parts a couple of months ago; but I don't consider myself a good enough actor to be worthy of a part.

Blink is set in a hospital and concerns a patient who has had a accident of some kind and his only form of communication is blinking. It's on for this week only, but I don't think I'm going to be able to get to see it (pun not intended) as I am, ironically enough in rehearsals for a community play in Bramcote that is based on the Christmas Story. It goes on in early December. I am playing the innkeeper who didn't have a spare room for Mary and Joseph, but just happened to have a stable that was empty. Several locations across Bramcote are being used, including a Medieval church tower.

Pretty Baby

2011-11-14T22:58:00.003Z

Besides eating, Oscar loves sleeping. Here he is snoozing on a makeshift bed made up of two blankets. Gail took him to the vet last Friday for a check up. The good news is that he is very healthy, around two years old and now officially ours. She's taking him back later this week to be chipped, injected and given the snip.
Marmalade is slowly getting used to the idea that he is around, and doesn't grumble as much as recently, but still has his moments. Maybe when Oscar has "been done", Marmalade may not see him as such a threat, and we can all live happily ever after as the story goes.

Top Of The Pecking Order

2011-11-13T18:38:00.003Z

Here's one of the birds of prey that I was telling you about yesterday. I think it may be a kestrel or a harris hawk, but whatever it is, it has rather vicious feet and not a pair that I would fancy meeting on any occasion. They certainly look just as lethal as those hands belonging to Freddie Kruger or Edward Scissorhands.

Doin' The Funky Chicken

2011-11-12T20:38:00.003Z

It's a shame that I didn't have this photo available for this week's Headbanger Challenge, as I am sure it would have been voted gold in the competition. So what it the reason for this funky chicken? It isn't to promote Colonel Saunders, but a local bird of prey and pet rescue centre. They were in Beeston today to show off some of the owls and eagles that they care for and to raise funds for the charity. I took various shots of the birds that they had bought along and put some coins in their collection bucket. The guy in charge joked to the people watching, that the "chicken" was going to be the birds' dinner!

A Lunchtime Drama

2011-11-11T22:28:00.003Z

I did something unusual at lunchtime today. Something I have never done before. I went to the theatre. The Playhouse actually, where they were presenting a reading of Harold Pinter's "Umbrellas". A short sketch that apparently hasn't been seen since 1960. It has recently been rediscovered. Quite bizarrely, it was first performed at the Playhouse as part of a bigger revue show all those years ago.
Two actors who are presently appearing at the Playhouse; Ian Bartholomew and William Hoyland performed the sketch under the direction of Giles Croft a couple of times. We then discussed the meaning of the work. Who the two men were and what the metaphor of the umbrella meant. Then the audience were asked a few questions about what lighting might work best, the possible location of the scene, sound effects etc before the two actors came back on stage in costume and performed it again using our input and decisions.

It was very interesting to watch from a performers point of view; being a sort of actor myself, of how an actor thinks about their character, the words that they are saying and how they relate to the other characters and the world they are inhabiting. At the end, I asked Giles if they all wouldn't mind posing for a photo; which was duly granted, as you can see. Ian (left), William (right) and Giles (standing).

If you are at all interested in reading about the history of the sketch and seeing the script for yourself, I have found it on this website.

Are You Young And Creative

2011-11-10T22:45:00.003Z

There was a stall in the Old Market Square today advertising the young creatives awards. Alas I'm far too old to join in, and bizarrely enough so it seemed were the people doing the actual promoting, as you have to be between the ages of 13 and 24. There are various categories including art, photography, fashion and film making. Apparently it is a global project and around 1000 people will descend on Nottingham sometime next September to show off their abilities. So there should be plenty of photo opportunities for me of the things going on then.
If you would like to know any further information, there is of course the obligatory Facebook page.

The Eyes Have It

2011-11-09T21:33:00.003Z

Weird and Wonderful is this weeks Headbanger Challenge and comes from Lincolnshire Lad, Dave. It is certainly an interesting theme and one that I have been pondering since last week. Unfortunately I haven't really come across anything in the last few days that fits the bill. So looking through my photographic archive, I came across this photo of Gail that I took with my iPhone whilst we were at a local pub. She knew that I was going to take a photo or two of her and so she pulled this mad face. I just hope she doesn't thump me too hard when she sees it posted to the world!

For today's post, (pun intended) I also came across this photo that I took in the summer of a gatepost that looks like it has a face in it. All is missing is a smiling face, which I suppose I could add with some photo software. Don't forget to see how the rest of the gang have interpreted the theme.

Also enjoy this weird and wonderful and strangely surreal puppet show from the early 1970s. The Clangers was a favourite show from my childhood, and many others I think, if they were honest.

Lighting Up Time

2011-11-08T22:12:00.002Z

Another very grey and wet day today. Nothing worth pointing my Nikon at again. I do hope this depressing weather shifts soon, as it is no good for either photography or peoples' spirits and happiness.
So I am once again having to raid the archive. But this shot of Maid Marian Way was only taken two weeks ago, so the digital film is still theoretically wet.

Monte Carlo Or Bust

2011-11-07T22:41:00.005Z

Gail and I were back to work today after our break. What a shock in having to get up early and do a full days work, instead of taking it easy at home. It has also been a very grey and wet day, so there wasn't really anything worth photographing at lunchtime. So here is a shot of a model Formula One racing car that I got on Saturday from a charity shop for the grand price of £1. It is a Williams Renault design from 1992 and was driven by Nigel Mansell. If you click here, you can see the real thing. It's interesting to note that the advertising for Camel and Labatts are missing from the model. I'm not sure if that is because the advertising of beer and cigarettes is a no no these days, or that these companies would want paying for the use of their logos. Still it's a nice model and it also come in a little plastic case to keep it dust free.

What Made A Nest Like This?

2011-11-06T22:04:00.004Z

Gail and I attempted to sort out the garage today. A simple job you may think. But no, because there is no room for a car at the moment, as it is full of my collectables, empty boxes, bikes and furniture. Whilst I was looking in one of the many boxes that hold my collectors items, I came across this strange bundle in one corner of the carton. Getting it out, I realised that a mouse had made its home from the pages of a Victoria Wood paperback and pieces of material. Part of an old blanket that is kept in the garage. Quite clever really, and I am sure the mouse felt very safe and warm in there. Before it ended up in the bin, I took a photo for posterity and to show you lot.
I plan to go through all the boxes and eventually put all the film, TV and music collectables that I have hoarded for years up for sale on Ebay, as I don't really do anything with them now and so they would be better off with someone who would appreciate and do something more worthwhile with them.

Fading Fast

2011-11-05T18:36:00.004Z

Well today has been the dullest of the dull. The sun didn't even think about popping his head out at all and was totally obscured by clouds all day long. So I didn't manage to take any photos again. Today is of course Bonfire Night. I can hear plenty of bangs going off whilst I am typing this. Neither Gail or I will be going out tonight, as we have two pets cats that need to be looked after and kept safe whilst the sky is being lit up. Oscar doesn't seem that bothered at the moment, but Marmalade can get a bit frightened and will hide under the stairs or in the hallway. So we like to be around to keep an eye on them.

So I am putting on another shot from Belton House. This time it is of some lime trees that are are starting to shed their leaves. It also gives me an opportunity of shamelessly promoting my wife's own blog "Boopsters View". She has now posted some new photos for the first time in about six months and redesigned the page, so do pop over and leave a message. You'll make her very happy.

Who Lives In A House Like This?

2011-11-04T22:15:00.003Z

This rather quaint birdhouse stands in the garden of the gatehouse at Belton House. As it's so low off the ground I don't think any birds would feel safe in calling it their home though, but some mice or insects might. It would make a great treehouse; the sort of thing that may appear in Grand Designs.

Like A Rolling Stone

2011-11-03T21:35:00.004Z

Many know Ronnie Wood as the guitarist for the Rolling Stones, but he is also a gifted artist too. There is a small exhibition of some of his work at an Castle Galleries in town at the moment. Here's one of his paintings, showing Keith Richard and Mick Jagger in full swing at a concert. I'm not the world's biggest Stones fan, but their music is good and so is this painting.

Happy Go Lucky

2011-11-02T18:28:00.003Z

Sanguine is this weeks theme for the Headbanger Challenge, and has come from the fertile mind of Lanny our farm girl. This week is also the debut of Kathy, our newest headbanger, who hails from Washington. So we should get to see some interesting shots from her in the future.

Sanguine is not really a word I have come across that much, although I knew it meant having an upbeat mood. It is also a colour. Red, but not just any red. No sir, it's a blood red, or a rusty red. That end of the colour spectrum, rather than say a cerise. Gail and I are having a little break from work this week, so I haven't really taken many photos, but I noticed that the fruit on our cotoneaster bush have turned a good dark red colour and are now ready to be eaten by birds and insects, to keep them going over the winter. So that is my entry for this week's competition. Don't forget to have a look at the other members' interpretations.

As I mentioned earlier, Sanguine also means happy, and one person I know that always seems to be happy is Kevin, who is also known as 'The Hat', as whenever there's an event in Nottingham he'll make a hat for it. Here he is posing in his gambling hat, which he made for the Las Vegas fashion show last week.

The Nikon Brothers

2011-11-01T23:30:00.004Z

Stewart (iMac) has run a series of photos that he took of our meeting yesterday near Grantham on his blog. He took a sneaky one of Gail and I, so I thought I would return the favour with a sneaky one that Gail took of us two, on the look out for our next shot.

Skywatch Monday

2011-10-31T20:57:00.003Z

Gail and I met up for lunch today with Stewart (iMac) and his DW Julie, a few miles from Grantham where they live. After our meal, Stewart suggested we went to the part of Belton House where you could see some deer. So we drove over and went for a stroll. There were a number of deer standing around and Stewart took several photos of them. One of which might make an appearance tonight on his blog. I took some as well, but as my Nikon was fitted with a 18-105mm lens, they weren't as close as I would have liked. We had a further walk and we took some photos of the trees. Julie collected some pieces of bark. Her hobby is quilting and she wondered whether she could dye some material with the bark.

As it was starting to get dusk, the trees began to take on an eerie presence. I noticed that the church steeple in the distance looked a bit like a space rocket. So I took this shot with the fading light and the silhouettes of the trees framing the church.

One Eyed Jack

2011-10-30T23:23:00.004Z

Here's a slightly odd shot of the very friendly and loveable Oscar. He really enjoys cuddles and likes following me around the house and in the garden, as this fun shot shows. Admiral Nelson anyone? We are still wary about making Marmalade jealous and try to keep them apart as much as we can; especially at mealtimes. It's quite amusing sometimes with Marmalade in the living room and Oscar in the kitchen. I go in a see both of them separately. Sometimes it feels like I am in a Brian Rix farce!

Hopefully we can get them to be friends and do things in the future together. Although the other evening I think Oscar went to defend Marmalade as we both heard him possibly having a scrap with another cat down the road. Fortunately Marmalade managed to see off the other cat himself. But I think it is a start.

The Invaders

2011-10-29T22:48:00.004+01:00

I heard the sensational news today that some aliens have been spotted in Nottingham. Reports are sketchy about how they arrived, or where they landed. Some say it's just the one craft, but others say there's a fleet of them and have secluded themselves across the county, ready for a sudden surprise attack.

Always on the lookout for any exciting blogging story to relate to you all, I went out to see if I could find out whether any had landed in Beeston. I pondered that they would hide themselves away in quiet corners and places away from any people. So I went on an alien hunt, looking through the windows of empty shops, parks, those little tucked away places that people ignore. I wasn't having much luck, when suddenly I heard a rustling, and a strange breathing noise. No, it wasn't a dog with a blocked nose, but one of the alleged aliens. I froze, silently got my camera ready and managed to capture a couple of shots before it disappeared with a roar. One of them was a bit blurred, but the other as you can see has come out quite well. Certainly a strange looking creature. Featureless, but humanoid in shape. Unusual skin. Maybe it's a sort that sheds their skin like snakes do. Small too, but fast. Anyway, if you see any in your neck of the woods. Watch out!

Steaming!

2011-10-28T23:45:00.003+01:00

There was quite a bit of rain during the night, which then turned into a very sunny day today. Whilst I was opening the garden gates, I noticed a lot of steam coming off Gail's MINI. The warm sun was evaporating the raindrops off her car. So I ran off a few shots. You can see the vapour rising close to the wing mirror. There also seems to be some coming off the hedge opposite.

Model Behaviour

2011-10-27T23:25:00.003+01:00

I went to another of the bi-annual fashion shows under the Council House tonight. I was somewhat late as the traffic around town was horrendous. I don't know if there had been an accident or something, but vehicles were moving very slowly all the way into the city centre. A bit annoying, as I probably missed half of it. Still I managed to get this group shot, and realised that they had used the same models again.

The theme of the evening was Las Vegas, and they had a pretend gaming table, a male singer who sang in the style of Frank Sinatra and a close up magician. I bumped into Kevin 'the Hat' and we both did some tricks with the magician. He was quite amazing. One trick with a pack of cards completely stumped me. I know it's all sleight of hand, but it was still baffling to watch.

Should Have Gone To Specsavers!

2011-10-26T22:49:00.003+01:00

Autumn, or Fall, as the Fishing Guy has called this week's Headbanger Challenge subject. The weather so far this week has been closer to summery rather than autumnal, with blue skies and warm sun. It is noticeably colder in the mornings though, and the sun takes just that little longer to show its face, but quicker to disappear. Of course Sunday brings the dreaded changing of the clocks and darkness at 4pm.

The leaves are rapidly turning that golden colour and starting to cover the ground. So that's an obvious choice for the theme. And so I didn't want to disappoint. I decided to show them still attached to the tree though and just on the turn, and just a few, rather than the whole tree. This oak is outside the castle. It is unfortunately not the one that Robin Hood hid in, as that is twenty odd miles away in Sherwood Forest. But it could be a seedling from that very tree though.

I did some more market research tonight. Another one where I was paid to taste and drink beer. Eight different types in all. Some were very nice and others were not so good. Still it's a few more quid for something or other. Probably something for my camera, rather than a DVD or CD.

As I was drinking, naturally and legally I couldn't drive, so Gail picked me up. While I was on my way to meet her I passed the Nottingham Evening Post building, and I was rather amused with the above billboard. You may be pleased to know that there is nothing wrong with our favourite outlaws' eyesight, he can still shoot a straight arrow, the headline actually refers to the lack of action by the local council on creating a new castle based tourist attraction for Robin Hood.

Do pop over and see how the others have interpreted the theme and enjoy the small musical interlude courtesy of the Stranglers and with one of their best songs

Ouch, I Bet That Hurts

2011-10-25T23:15:00.005+01:00

Here's an example of an old gag. The pair of shoes trapped under something impossible to get out of routine. Another one is a pair of wellingtons sticking out from a pile of sand, or the fingers of a woollen glove just poking out from under a giant snowball.

I'm sure you've all seen examples, and may have even snapped one or two.

Of course it could be a solution for flat feet!

On The Peg

2011-10-24T20:23:00.003+01:00

I saw this little information card on Friday at the fashion show in the Cornerhouse. I must admit, I have never come across the word 'upcycle' before. it must be one of the new trendy words that have appeared in the last couple of years. It seems a very good idea of using offcuts and reusing old clothes. Although I don't think it's such a new idea though, as I'm sure most women used to do a similar thing years ago, especially during the war years.

If you are interested at all in seeing what Rachel Tiplady's finished designs look like, here's a link to her blog page; The Peg Clothing.

Pick Me Up Before You Go Go

2011-10-23T20:34:00.003+01:00

Here's one of the shots I was taking yesterday afternoon, before I got some welcoming attention from Oscar. It's of Mater the old pick up truck from the Pixar movie; Cars. I found him in a box of old toys at a local charity shop for 69p. Which I thought was quite a bargain, considering the price when new. It was in good condition too, with no bent wheels or scratched paintwork. Although as Mater is quite a beaten up truck anyway, it might not have made much difference.

Say Hello, Wave Goodbye

2011-10-22T22:41:00.003+01:00

I was taking some photos in the garden this afternoon as it was so sunny, when Oscar came to see what I was doing. So of course I just had to take some snaps of him just being Oscar. As he such a cutie. We are both being careful not to make Marmalade jealous, even though Oscar just loves being petted.

Marmalade had gone walkabout, as it would have been good to get another shot of them sitting together. Still there's always tomorrow. Anyway Oscar had been giving one of his back legs a good lick, so just caught him at the right time, so it looks like he's giving me a joyous wave.

Cheeky Stitches

2011-10-21T23:39:00.004+01:00

Gail and I went to what we hoped would be a fashion show inside the Cornerhouse, as a new independent fashion gallery for textiles and creative clothing had just opened. I had gone straight there, as I didn't know exactly what time the show would start. Gail was coming along later as she had been out of town shopping.

Whilst waiting at the Cornerhouse for the show to begin, I felt the need to go to the loo. One of the drawbacks of the Cornerhouse is that there are no loos, except those in the restaurants etc. No seats either, so I had to go hunting for one in the Victoria Centre. Another calamity, they were just closing the centre down for the night, but one of the security guys said that there was one I could use at the nearby Hilton Hotel. And as you can probably guess, the show took place whilst I was otherwise occupied. Still we enjoyed looking at the products on offer, and I took a number of photos. Some of which may be contenders for the Headbanger Challenge. Including this one maybe, which is the logo for the shop.

We Just Want To Have Fun

2011-10-20T23:03:00.003+01:00

A pair of shop window mannequins are the subject for today's post. Purely because I have not taken anything over the past couple of days, and the cupboard is bare.

I was hoping to be able to show you a picture of Tony Iommi, the guitarist from Black Sabbath, as he was signing copies of his autobiography tonight at Waterstones bookshop. But there was quite a queue of rock fans who were waiting to say hello when I got there, and after a hard day's work, I didn't want to stand around for what might have been a couple of hours.