Do It Doggy Style

Felines yesterday, canines today. Spratt's were a dog food manufacturer that existed until the early 1970's. This sign I think dates from 1950, as MML appears on the bottom. It's on the wall of a local cafe, which previously was a corner shop. I'm surprised that it still survives, as I thought it would either have been removed by now or stolen by a collector or dealer. But it's good to see such things still around.

Are there any old advertising signs still around where you live?

Moggy Minor

I'm not a great fan of cats for various reasons, but I just had to take a photo of this feline who was watching the world go by from its perch on the windowsill.

Thanks to all those of you who stopped by yesterday and left birthday & anniversary greetings, not to mention comments on my photo. They are always welcome.

Light And Dark

It's Skywatch Friday again, and I'm a bit later than intended. I do have good reason though this week, as it's my birthday and 3rd wedding anniversary.
I wasn't going to contribute this week, but I took this picture of some old lifting gear late this afternoon, and thought it looked a bit different, from the usual.

For other skies, black, white, blue or any other colour click on here and see what the world has to offer this week.

It's All Done With Mirrors

Yesterday I went to lunch with some work colleagues and while we were waiting for our food, I looked around the restaurant to see if there was anything worth taking a photo of. But there was no fancy ornaments or interesting looking people, but I was intrigued by a mirror, which looked like a window. I took several shots of it with people passing by, but I liked this one with the bus going past the best.

Can You Tell What It Is Yet?

This artist was giving a demonstration of creating a painting from scratch in oils. Unfortunately I couldn't hang around long enough to see him finish it and find out who the subject was.
It must be really pleasing to be able to draw and paint. It isn't a gift I have, so I'll just have to stick with photography.

Shadow On The Wall

Nottingham Castle at night. The building isn't normally open to the public in the evening, but a couple of weeks ago it was. As it was part of the Light Night show.

Shadows sometimes play tricks on people, as they can't quite work out what the shape is. By draining all colour from the photo and increasing the darkness, I think I've made the building look quite spooky.

For more Monochrome Madness from around the world, click here as usual.

Hairy Beret

I know the title sounds like the Oscar winning actress, but I couldn't resist it for this photo of a young lady in her natty hat.

I understand the English translation of the writing is "life is beautiful", which is a good philosophy, but unfortunately for some it isn't. Without going through all the corny sayings, I guess we have to make the most of our lives, even though it might feel rubbish at times.

May you all have a great week, in whatever you will be doing.

Well Done Steaks Only

There was a fire at this city centre restaurant the other night. Fortunately no one was hurt. Quite a few fire engines were involved and they blocked off the surrounding roads while they contained the fire.

Apparently it was quite a popular eatery, although I've not been in myself, as I don't eat red meat. I've past it many times and enjoyed looking at the record covers they would put in the window as a display.

Workmen are in there now clearing out the rubbish and making it ready for a re-fit. The owner hopes to re-open in a few weeks time.

The Coat Of Life

I was instantly drawn to the peeling paintwork on this empty and rundown shop. There's at least five different colours here, put on by painters down the years. I wonder if each layer can be carbon dated to see how long ago it was applied?

The Moon's A Balloon

Took this at last Friday's Light Night. Most people were taking full on shots, but I was trying to get something a little different. A shame it wasn't going anywhere, as it would have been great to see the city all lit up from the sky.

Sweets For My Sweet

A new trader has started walking the streets of Nottingham. This one sells candy floss at a pound a bag. The council are supposed to be clamping down on these sorts of unlicensed vendors, but they don't seem to be doing a very good job, as there are still loads about.

Les Nottingham

If it wasn't for a friend of mine who writes about local Nottingham cafes (link left) this sign would have passed me by. It looks like a genuine French street sign, and it is next to a small cafe with a French feel. I've not been in, but Phil has written a review of it.

Wheel Meet Again

As I showed you last week, the Nottingham Eye is back for a few months. Previously it was known as the Cardiff Eye, as it has come from Wales. Maybe it should be known as the Roving Eye, as it moves from place to place!

Anyway here's a night shot of it, sans snow.

The Aliens Have Landed

Amongst the many and varied shows, artists and attractions on Friday night, I came across this giant puppet, which was operated by the guy underneath. You can see the wires running up its spine.

I tried to get the streetlight in the right place, so it would look like the puppet was sending out a beam of light from its head, just like robots did in the American 'b' movies of the 1950's.

Hearts And Minds

Today is the day when confectioners, florists, card makers and restaurateurs rub their hands with glee and hear their tills ringing loudly.

Yes it's Valentines Day.

I think most followers of this site know I'm a bit of an old softie when it comes to my special Gail, and of course she got a card, a present and we've just come back from the cinema, where we saw Bolt. Which incidentally I can thoroughly recommend.

I took this photo last night, and thought it would be ideal for all you romantics out there.

Skipping The Light Fandango

I haven't done a musical title in a while, so here's a variation of the first line from "A Whiter Shade Of Pale", by Procol Harum. It's quite apt in a way as tonight was 'Light Night' in Nottingham; where buildings are illuminated and lots of entertainment takes place around the city.

Here's my artistic interpretation of some morris dancers down by the Trip, who were shaking their sticks and bells by moonlight. I'd never seen morris dancers during the day, so seeing them at night was certainly unusual.

Down And Around

It started snowing again this afternoon, slow gentle flakes, but enough to cause traffic problems. Tonight also brings the return of the Nottingham Eye for three months. So for Skywatch Friday, I thought I'll combine the two with this picture.

For more photos from the world's hot and cold spots click here.

Saint Or Sinner

I've have just come back from the Suffolk town of Bury St Edmunds. It's a very nice town, and as you'd expect full of old buildings and history. I didn't really have the time to do a full tour of the streets and surrounding area, but I still managed to take quite a number of photos. Like this one of the Abbey Gardens, with a statue of St Edmund himself, created in 1974 by Elizabeth Frink.

The Writings On The Floor

These words haven't been painted on the ground, but are in fact done by lights. They swivel round and are there to publicise a local bar. Bit of an original and novel way to advertise a drinking establishment, don't you think?

Sign of the Times

I think I am getting a little better at street photography, and am always on the lookout for that elusive good shot. I also like taking pictures of people standing next to signs and posters in shop windows and the like. I found this one amusing. It looks like the guy is on his mobile asking for directions.

Alas Poor William

This slightly vandalised bust of the Bard of Avon was in the window of a top end designer clothes shop on Bridalsmithgate. It looks like a student prank, especially with the quote about Hell being empty due to all the devils being here.

I had to darken the picture somewhat as there were too many reflections to make it look presentable to you all.

The Blizzard Of Oz

Couldn't resist the title. Although actually Australia is in the middle of a heatwave and sadly a few fires have started. But the UK still struggles on with the white stuff. It's been cold, but sunny today. More snow is predicted in the next day or so. The news is full of weather stories, which I suppose makes a change from bankruptcies and redundancies.
This was my street on Thursday. If the car registrations were obscured, it could be Switzerland, Canada or Sweden.

Snow Man

The snow was that bad yesterday that I couldn't get to work, so instead I had a wander round my neighbourhood, looking for something to take a picture of. And I found this. Someone had constructed this snowman in the grounds of our local parish church. I'm not sure whether it's meant to be Jesus with the crown of thorns, or in this case ivy, or just because that what was lying around. In any case it's quite a good one.

Arthur's Seat

Bit of a surreal scene greeted me yesterday as I was walking near the Lace Market. This old recliner, stretched out fully and covered in snow. What made it for me was the empty beer bottle at the side. Like someone had been sitting there, drinking and watching the world go by.

Frozen Assets

No more snow yesterday, but very cold. That didn't deter a big demonstration in the Market Square against the council's plan to get rid of 400 employees. The council recently lost £42million in the Icelandic bank farce, and so they are having to try to make drastic savings. And of course the workers are the first to feel the pinch.

A Very Cold Pint

I featured a night shot of the Trip pub a few days ago, but as we had some snow yesterday, I thought I'd show you the same building, but a bit whiter.
Nottingham usually misses out when it does snow for some reason, but we got a fair bit throughout the day & may get some more today.

Let's Face It

For my final picture from the celebrations, I couldn't resist taking a snap of this guy, who was watching the performances. What can one say without being too rude? He does appear to have been beaten around the face with the "Ugly Stick" though. A real character, and what photography's for.

Dancing Queen

Another attraction yesterday was this dancer. She performed an authentic Mongolian dance. A lot of twirling and hand gestures. It seemed to go down well with the audience, who clapped appreciatively at the end of her performance.