Life Is Full Of Ups And Downs

Here's a shot of the helter skelter that is part of the Winter Wonderland in the Old Market Square.

The interesting thing is that it appeared in the summer too, when it was part of the Rivera and beach event, and situated more or less in the same place.

In fact I think most of the stalls and rides are making another appearance. It's amazing what a few different coloured lights and some fake snow can do to change their appearance.

Sundowner

Well I'm back after a few weeks' absence. Has anyone missed me at all?

Due to various things, I've taken a break from blogging. I haven't really missed doing it either, as sometimes it has got to be a bit of a chore.

But anyway, I'm back, and today's photo is of the sun setting behind a dandelion, taken in Highfields.

I had to take quite a few photos to try and get the dandelion in the right place, so that it covers the sun.

It certainly has been lovely and sunny recently. Almost like a proper summer. Although I must admit that I have found it a little too hot sometimes, especially at night, when I've tried to sleep.

If there are any photography geeks reading this, the shutter speed was 1/5000, f2.8 and ISO 100.

Tide's In

The beach in the Old Market Square makes a welcome return this week.

Workmen are busy putting together the last bits and pieces before the big opening later in the week.

Of course the first thing that was completed is the bar area, so that the operators can start earning some money from the public.

Apparently this year's attraction is sponsored by the take away delivery company Deliveroo, so I guess we'll be seeing lots of their logos around.

It's always a good attraction for the kids, as it gives them something to do whilst they are on their summer break from school.  The beach itself is always a big draw, as the youngsters can make sandcastles to their hears content, whilst its free for their parents. This is especially good, as Skegness is the nearest real beach, and that's some 70 miles away.

The Colours Of Summer

As I am off work at the moment with tummy trouble, I thought that I would try and make the best of things, especially as it is lovely and sunny at the moment.

So I was sitting outside in the garden under a sunshade, when I saw the opportunity of taking a photo presented itself. I noticed how clear the sky was with no clouds, and how the pink of the sunshade made for a colourful contrast.

If this was on an exotic beach somewhere, rather than in the back garden of a Beeston house, then the sunshade probably wouldn't have any creases in it. Well I certainly wasn't going to get the iron out in these temperatures!

Melissa

Melissa is a model that we've shot before. A couple of years ago now, but we've not seen her for a good while, as she emigrated to New York to be with her husband and new baby.

She's come back home for a few weeks to catch up with her family and friends. So Gail contacted Melissa and asked her if she fancied doing a bit of modelling and have some photos done of her little boy Jose.

So they both came round in the afternoon and we spent a few hours taking photos of them both, in between nappy changes crying and feeds. And that was just Gail!

Summer's Here At Last

Spotted this girl queuing up to buy an ice cream. I never saw her face, but I was taken by her outfit and punky style. She reminds me of one of the Bratz dolls, that are so popular these days.