Monte Carlo Or Bust

Not a comment on the expense of visiting Monaco, although Jilly would probably agree with me, but a subtle hint to today's photograph.

Yes it's old cars. The title refers to an film from the 1960's where several old cars try to get to Monte Carlo in one piece and starred Tony Curtis, Peter Cook and Dudley Moore, amongst others. Wollaton Park was full of them today, and I had a very enjoyable afternoon snapping the more interesting vehicles. Gail walked about with me for a while, but later I left her sitting in the sun reading a magazine, while I carried on looking for more suitable subjects.

Tomorrow I have a ghost story for you!

The Tin Man

There was a small exhibition in Beeston Square today of some sculptures made from metal. A Giraffe, heron, tortoise and a slightly surreal one of half a man carrying a toolbox. Quite a number of people were stopping to touch them. The artist was standing around with a book, ready to take orders. But I don't think he took any as with the amount of work taken, they would be very expensive.

Gail and I walked by at around 5:30 tonight, and he was loading them his Mercedes estate car. He would have had to drive with the boot up as the giraffe's legs were sticking out!

Facing The Music

I went to an open public meeting last night featuring our local MP Nick Palmer. He was brave enough to stand and face his constituents and answer questions about his expenses and what people thought about the ongoing scandal that's rocking our political world.

It appears that Nick is one of the more honest MPs that sit in Westminster. He provided information about some of his claims and admitted to some small mistakes, such as accidentally claiming twice for some computer anti-virus software.

He took questions and spoke openly for over two hours, and made some suggestions about how the Government could work in the future. One being that that Parliament owned or rented property directly, rather than being rented or bought by the individuals themselves.

As another MP resigns today, it'll be interesting to see what happens before the next election, especially as these resignations attract gold plated payments as they receive their P45s.

A Shepherd's Delight

It's been a lovely warm and sunny day again today Yes, I found that amazing too! Tonight the sky went a great shade of red, which according to folklore means another fab day tomorrow. I took several photos to try and do the sky justice. Ideally I would have liked to have been at a better vantage point then our upstairs, but I think you can see it was quite dramatic.

For other sky based photos on Skywatch Friday, click here

Run For The Hills

Where do you think this photo was taken? China, Hong Kong, Kula Lumpur. No, it's Nottingham. Highfields park actually. This group of joggers are students at the university. There are always lots of jogging students about. Keeping their body fit as well as their minds.

I Bet Old H.G Never Envisaged This..

Jeff Wayne's musical version of the Wells sci-fi classic War of the Worlds has always been a favourite record of mine, ever since I heard it way back in 1978. I must have listened to it hundreds of times by now and often sing along to it in my own special style. Meaning I can't sing!

Gail & I saw this spectacle a couple of years ago and it was great. I'm in two minds whether to book tickets to see it again, as they are rather expensive. It's on at the Ice Arena, whose acoustics for music are quite bad. It is only a skating rink after all, even though many top acts have performed there. But it is too echoy for my liking.

I had to take a photo of this giant advertising poster though as a memento of a great album.

"Any Chance Of A Cuddle?

There was an art fair in Beeston over the weekend, where stall holders were selling their wares. They included cards, knitting, wood carvings and photographs. But what caught my eye was this collie dog belonging to one of the sellers. I'm sure the dog is thinking that he or she is bored and would love a walk or a bit of petting.

Staring Out The Window With A Smile On Our Face

Gail and I were amazed today, as the sun shone all day long, very little wind and no clouds in the sky. Can this still be England? So after looking at some cars, eating at Pizza Hut we went for a stroll along the canal. There were quite a few narrow boats that had been tied up. Passing one, I couldn't resist taking a photo of these two dolls looking out of the cabin window. Some of you may recognise them, as Rosie and Jim. They were from a popular TV puppet show of the late 1980's and lived on a narrow boat called the Ragdoll. They got into a few scrapes, but always ended the show with a song.

He's Nicer Than His Predecessor

Believe it or not this is the Sheriff of Nottingham. Not the evil man who was always trying to hunt down Robin Hood in the films and on TV, but a local Labour councilor by the name of Leon Unczur.

I met him yesterday while I was on a conducted tour of the Council House. He was in his chambers and ironically had just had his photo taken. It was the buildings' 80th birthday and as a one off they were doing free tours throughout the day. I went on the lunchtime one and it lasted well over an hour. The commentary by the guide was very good and she certainly seemed to know her stuff.

Stack Em Up

This is one fantastic looking chimney. The design work was by Watson Fothergill and is amazing. So much style. But we mustn't forget the builders who must have spent hours working out which sort of brick goes where.

If you've noticed, many newly built houses these days don't even have chimneys, as most houses are heated by gas or electricity, rather than coal. It does provide a problem of where to stick the TV aerial though. But a lot of owners have either satellite dishes or the programmes are pumped in through cables.

Galloping High

I've not participated in Skywatch Friday for a while, but as we've been having quite changeable weather recently, there's been some very dramatic cloud formations.

Here's one such formation, that to me looks like several horses flying through the sky. Maybe it's my imagination, or the way I view things. Those blobs of ink pictures that look like butterflies are similar.

For further photos of skies from around the world click here. But you'll have to take them from the comments box, as the link isn't working properly at the moment.

Cupboard's Bare

This is the sight that greeted me today, when I went to my local Somerfield supermarket. The store is actually closing next week and is meant to be turning into a Morrisons. It was originally a Kwiksaves. For the past couple of weeks they have been selling off some food items for half price or so. So large gaps on the shelves started to appear. Earlier in the week they began to move the remaining full priced tins, packets and jars to the sides of the store.

Hopefully Morrisons will decide to open it as one of their branches, as the people who work there are great and very friendly. But it's sadly not guaranteed. Even with our MP's intervention.

Hope it's not going to be like Woolworths all over again.

Food Glorious Food

Pearson's was a high end department store that closed in the late 1980's. The shape and the style hasn't changed much since then. You can still see remnants of the former store here and there, like this frieze of fresh food. I can't remember whether they even had a food department.

Today the building belongs to Habitat the furniture store and Boots the Chemists. For anyone who wishes to pay a visit, the building is situated on Long Row; just off the market square.

You Should See The Size Of The Van That Brings The Sugar!

I can't remember whether I read it on here, or on Flickr, but someone mentioned Ringtons home delivered teas. It might have been Imac or Gerald. I promised whoever it was that I would try and get a photo of said delivery van.

It must have been about 3 or 4 months ago since I last saw it. So was quite pleased that I came across it again late last week. I'm actually surprised that they are still going, after all most people get their tea bags from the supermarket. And what a vast choice is on offer these days. I tend to go for green tea or Earl Grey.For those of you that are so inclined, use your mouse and go visit their website and see what's on offer. And if you're feeling really flush, why not place an order!

Strawberry Cheesecake Forever

Gail and I were late coming back home after visiting her mum, who lives in the north of the county. So instead of utilising my cooking skills, we decided to stop off at a local pub we often visit called the Priory, who do a very nice carvery. A choice of 3 meats and all the veg you can eat.

The pub was recently redecorated. Before all the walls were covered in photos and pictures of every size and description, together with loads of Toby jugs, china figures and other miscellaneous bric-a-brac. They have ruthlessly trimmed these down, so you can now actually see the wallpaper. Some new pictures have gone up. including this homage to the Beatles.

I Heart You

I spotted this character outside the British Heart Foundation charity shop on Bridalsmithgate the other day. They were publicising the importance of looking after your vital organ.

Like most people, I try to look after mine, by cycling to work, eating fairly well, not smoking, but falling down with chocolate. I don't eat that much, but quite partial to the 70% dark variety.

What's your weakness?

Red, Blue, Yellow, Green And All Shades In Between

Many British politicians have been in the news lately and for all the wrong reasons. It seems that quite a few of them have allegedly been fiddling their expenses, and not just a few pounds here and there, but hundreds if not thousands and over several years.

A former MP was in Nottingham yesterday signing copies of his latest book; his autobiography entitled "A Fortunate Life". His name is Paddy Ashdown & some people may remember that 10 years ago he used to be the leader of the Liberal Democrats. He was knighted in 2000 and has had many roles in his life from being a military man, a diplomat to working for MI6.

A Touch Of Blue And Green

Gates are always an interesting subject to study. Well maintained and freshly painted ones probably mean that the house owners look after their property. Whereas flaked paint ones with a touch of rot means they are neglected, but are of interest to a photographer, as they have character. Here is a prime example. Rusted nails and screws, a chipped lock and ivy growing all over it. Classic.

A Picture Paints A Thousand Words

Today marks Nottingham Daily Photo's 1000th entry. When I started it over three years ago, I never knew that I would reach this milestone. I would have got here a bit sooner if I hadn't had Internet problems which stopped me posting. But here we are and so it's cake all round. I like to think my photographic skills have improved, and I'm certainly doing more street shots now. Hopefully I'll still continue to entertain you all with my pictures, insightful writing and terrible puns.

And thanks to everyone who visits and leaves a message or comment. They are always welcome and makes what I am doing worthwhile. Big hugs to Babooshka, Jilly and Sally, and a warm handshake to Gerard, Imac and Uncle Abe for putting up with me for so long.

Tower Of Strength

This week's Travel Tuesday photo comes from Switzerland. Geneva actually, where Gail and I spent a long weekend there nearly two years ago now. Geneva was very cold and windy, but Montreux was lovely and sunny. This was surprising, as they were only a train ride apart.

Here's a photo of Lake Geneva. I was a little disappointed not to see the fountain going, but they apparently switch it off during the summer months.

The Light At The End Of The Tunnel

Like Babooshka on the Isle of Man, my photographic cupboard is also empty and so I am having to show one from the archive. This was taken a while ago in Bury St Edmunds. It is of a corridor in the main church. All I've done is added a bit of shadow to bring out the wall lights.

Hopefully I'll find something new to show you on Wednesday, as tomorrow is Travel Tuesday, when we get to show a snap of somewhere that we've been to.

The Stuff Of Life

Gail and I bought a breadmaker a couple of weeks ago. I have made four loaves so far. The first two were great, but the 3rd one was a little disappointing, possibly because I used a little too much olive oil. Today's loaf looked excellent. So much so, that I have to share it with you all. A picture of it, not the actual bread!

I use the most natural ingredients I can get, organic stoneground flour, goat's butter, organic yeast, brown sugar and sea salt. Set the maker to work overnight, and ping, when we wake up there's the smell of piping hot bread wafting through the house.

I thoroughly recommend you all get one. Shop bought bread just doesn't compare on taste and texture.

Culture Vulture

Here's an example of a graffiti artist with a sense of humour. He or she is rightly comparing a bird of prey with that of a traffic warden. I don't know about where you live, but here in Nottingham you can see them swarming down the street usually in threes, swooping on any car they don't like the look of, with the hope of sticking a ticket on the widscreen. Thousands of pounds are generated each week now that the council are in charge of traffic wardens, rather than the Government.

People Try To Put Us Down

The opening of the Who's 'My Generation' nicely introduces today's picture of a Mod display in the city library's window. It is to publicise a forthcoming musical called "Mod Crop", which is going to be at the Theatre Royal in early June.

The window display is quite large, so it was difficult to get everything in, but the Lambretta and a drawing of Keith Moon just about sums up the era.

No Sense Of Humour Required

For all of you that are afraid of clowns, here's the safest place in Nottingham for you. I have no idea why this poster is stuck on this office door, as the city isn't exactly knee deep in red nosed men. Drunks, yobbos and beggars yes, circus employees no.

Drums Of Steel

Passing through the Lace Market today, I heard the sounds of steel drums. The sort made from old oil drums. Always the one to hunt out a photo opportunity, I went to see what was happening. A demonstration was taking part in a building that is used by the university. Considering that there were only two people playing, they were quite loud and in tune. Although I had no idea what the music was.

Tuesday Travelling

Another Tuesday, another city. This week Sydney in Australia. Definitely my favourite place that I have visited, and probably one of the best cities in the world, especially as we got married there. Gail & I would really love to live there and would emigrate tomorrow if we could. But I don't think we'd get enough points, so we'll just have to make do with holidays.

Duck Soup

I came across this old piece of wood carving the other day in a local junk shop. Quite artistic really, just a shame it was damaged. As it was outside, I managed to take a photo of it, without getting a splinter in my fingers, or upsetting the owner. I don't know what it came off, a box or table top, something like that. Probably dates from the 1950s. Don't quite know what you could do with it. Put it in a picture frame probably.

Angel Of Mercy

Another fill in photo I'm afraid, as my photographic cupboards bare. I've gone for an artistic strand this time with this silhouette of a cemetery statue against a multiblue sky.

It's a bank holiday tomorrow, so hopefully there will be an opportunity to take some new pictures.

The Writings On The Wall

Spotted this quote on the edging of a building that used to be a church. I don't know what it says, as it's in Latin. I've tried translating it in Babelfish, the nearest is Italian and the only word it recognised was dio, which apparently means God. Perhaps it belongs in The Da Vinci Code.

S.I.R. Selectadisc Is Returning!

Yes, Nottingham's favourite record shop is going to reopen soon. Two businessmen have decided to buy the shop and start it up again. Hopefully they will stock the same kind of CDs and vinyl that the old shop did. All those obscure albums from unknown labels, imports and cheap promos, that were still the property of the record companies.
Let's hope its a success and stays around for another 40 years.