Face In The Crowd

This rather worn out face has seen a lot since he was attached to Beeston's parish church all those years ago.

I wonder how many weddings, funerals, garden parties and Remembrance Sundays he's seen over time?

I also wonder how he lost his nose. Age, an accident, or maybe sadly vandalism.

He's getting a good head of green hair. A Victorian punk perhaps.

Who's A Pretty Boy Then?

Such a horrible wet and cold day to have off work, but Gail and I made the most of it by visiting some botanic gardens.

Although we didn't spend much time outside, we did enjoy walking around the big greenhouses with all the various plants, bushes and trees. I do love that special smell that you only get in greenhouses. The mixture of heat and damp soil.

Instead of showing you one of the many coloured plants. I've used one for my new header, I thought I'd  post this carving of a parrot or macaw that was on display amongst the flora.

Cor Bilimey

Popped over to Arnold Park this evening , and while I was there I came across this sculpture that has been made from a single piece of tree trunk.

The artist certainly has a sense of humour in carving out this apple that has been eaten away by a maggot.

Paddling Your Own Canoe

Now that Christmas is well and truly over. Twelfth night tonight. Our thoughts naturally turn to spring, with the lighter nights and hopefully warmer and drier weather.

This carved stonework is part of the kiosk in Highfields where you pay and enter to use the rowing boats on the lake.

You can tell the art deco influence on the carving. Although for some reason the man looks like a Roman Gladiator to me and the kayak looks like the sort Eskimos used to use.

Does My Bum Look Big In This?

It's a Happy Birthday to my darling Gail who is ?? today, but looks a lot younger.

Here is one of the presents that I got her. If you can't tell, it's a hand crafted wooden zebra that has come all the way from Africa, from where of course they originate.

She saw a trio of them in a local gift shop that specialises in original art from different parts of the world, and fell in love with them. So I just had to get one for her. I would have liked to have bought her a herd, but we haven't really got the space and they are quite expensive. I think it is quite humorous in the way that it's rear end is sticking out!

Besides the zebra and a few other little presents like chocolates, some mittens, I got her this rather bright and colourful  Doc Marten boots. Pink is Gail's favourite colour. Earlier this year she met a model who was wearing a pair, although in a cherry red colour, and thought she might like a pair herself. And now she has.