Feeling Sheepish

I was rather surprised to see this sheep tied up outside a furniture shop in Hockley. Fortunately it wasn't a real one that was a pet and out for a stroll with its master. Instead it was a life size model of one that could be yours for the bargain price of £190. Hopefully it's been housetrained and isn't too noisy whilst you are trying to watch the television. I'm not sure what Marmalade would think of it. She would either sleep on it, or use it as a scratching post.

The Music Man

A couple of weeks ago Gail and I went to the Contemporary to see MuHa, a band that has been featured on here a few times and is a favourite amongst the Flickr members of Nottingham. I took my D90 along, as I have not tried it in concert conditions before, with so much light and shade. Unfortunately it didn't do that well. Probably down to the lens I had on and the settings. Although I did keep fiddling with the ISO. Not many of the photos are usable, either through blown colours of too much blurring. But I've had a go at tweaking this one in iPhoto. Not brilliant, but someone may like it.

Poladroid

I've posted a couple of photos that have been created with Poladroid, that nifty bit of free software that digitally turns your photos into the good old fashioned Polaroids. I'm glad to see that they have make a version for Macs, as it's great fun to use, and you're not entirely sure how the final image will turn out.
Here's a shot I took in Casino Square, Monte Carlo. It's come out quite well, but has chopped a little bit off the end of this classic red sports car.

Where's The Fire?

There was a mock air raid siren and fire in the Old Market Square this morning. It was to commemorate the 70th anniversary of when Nottingham was heavily bombed during World War Two. Vintage fire engines were on display and as you can see from my photo, a fireman in period dress was putting out the 'fire' in the Council House.

I don't usually go into the city centre at the weekend, as I work there during the week, but I have started rehearsing for a play that I will performing in at the castle next month. It is a shorter, rewritten version of the play that I appeared in last summer about the monks who lived at Beauvale Priory, called The Cries of Silent Men. It is part of a major arts project called NEAT 11 that will be taking place in May and June. Quite a lot of the original cast members will be returning to their roles, so it should be good fun. Hopefully it won't take me long to re-remember my lines, as they are practically identical. Which is good, as my memory is getting worse day by day.

A Mini Fiat

As a very happy owner of a Fiat 500 (new version), I am always on the lookout for models of the great little Italian car. So I was quite surprised to find this one at a charity shop a little while ago. It is based on a character from Cars, the Pixar movie from a few years ago. I've seen the film once, but can't remember seeing a 500 in it. I do have it on DVD, so will have to dig it out and see if I can find it and what the character's name is.

Motorbikin'

Whilst visiting Wollaton Park on Saturday, I came across this highly decorated motorbike. Not sure why a company making cigarette papers should be promoted though.

Water Way To Travel

Tom has supplied this week's headbanger theme of 'water'. We've had similar themes recently like fountains the other week, so I decided not to go down the traditional route. Instead I'm presenting a seagull from Monte Carlo. I took its portrait while Gail and I were eating some pizza down by Port Hercule.

What seaside wouldn't be complete without the squarks of gulls overhead, or queueing up on the promenade waiting for a few crumbs of food from people passing by eating fish and chips? Whenever I am at the coast, I always look forward to hearing their call. Its the romantic in me. Of course these days seagulls can be found many miles inland, as the continual hunt for food is never ending. In fact I heard a couple the other day in Highfields, some 70 miles away from any saltwater.

My main photo today is also water related, with a traction engine, which of course uses steam to move. There was a show of them and classic vehicles on Sunday in Wollaton Park. But it was quite expensive to go in. So instead I walked around the fencing and took some photos through the wire.

Don't forget to visit the other team members (except Imac) and see how they have interpreted the theme, and enjoy this little film.

I Think A Sunhat Is In Order

These special purple tulips were waving in the strong breeze that was blowing around Calke Abbey yesterday, even if the sun had been shining all day long. They are certainly a lot different to the usual red and yellow varieties that you often see in people's front gardens and roundabout displays. It's a super colour. A very delicate mauve, brought out even more by being kissed by the warming sunshine.

Now Where Did I Put That Hammer?

As it was such a lovely sunny day, Gail and I took a trip out to see Calke Abbey, a Natural Trust property in southern Derbyshire. The place was very busy. So much so that they weren't letting anymore people into the house. So we went for a walk round the grounds. Besides the usual stroll through wooded pathways, there was a flower garden, a traditional vegetable garden and an ice house. Here's a shot of an old potting shed that doesn't look like its been touched in years.

Going Postal

For various reasons I've not been involved in the monthly theme day for quite a while now. So I thought I would give it a go again, especially as this months theme of 'mailboxes' isn't too difficult to get. I actually took this late last year when we had a lot of snow. Not particularly relevant at the moment with all the sunny weather we are having, but it does give it a different perspective to the job of a postman.

Click here to view thumbnails for all participants

A Touch Of Green

I popped along to Wollaton Park this afternoon to see a traction engine and vehicle show. But I didn't go in, as I thought the entrance fee was too expensive for what it was. I don't mind paying a fair amount, but what they were asking was a tad too much. So instead I went for a walk around the park and hall, as they were free. On the way back to my car, I took some photos of the many trees in the park, as they were all bursting with green in the sunshine.

The Big Day

Well it's finally taken place, after weeks of preparation and the unfortunate hype, the wedding of the century took place earlier today. Although I class myself as a romantic, I didn't watch all of it, but Gail was transfixed and was snapping away with her camera. She moaned now and then when either the SD card was full or the battery died, as she didn't want to miss the special bits; especially when Kate and William kissed for the first time on the balcony of Buckingham Palace.

Afterwards we went into Nottingham to collect her order from Marks and Spencer's and to see if there was anything still going on. Alas it was all quiet except for a few skateboarders and a group of Emo's messing about in the Old Market Square. Unfortunately we had missed some classic cars that were there earlier in the day. So missed possibly a good photo opportunity. Looking in the windows of some of the closed shops on Wheelergate, I spotted this slightly tacky advertising for a special offer that they were running, which they were shamelessly cashing in on the royal romance. I don't however think that Kate would be too happy with the arrangement, if it had happened in real life!

He's Back

When I passed the entrance to Highfields this morning, I noticed that there were some workmen moving about the pedestal belonging to the bust of Jesse Boot, which was vandalised some time ago during a demonstration about student grants.
And yes, cycling home tonight, I saw that old Jesse was back, keeping guard over the university, which he paid for back in the 1920s.

Speed Demon

It's been my turn this week to pick the Headbanger theme. After much though I've gone for 'speed'. Now as quite a few of you who read my blog know, I enjoy looking at classic cars. When Gail and I recently went to Monte Carlo, I had a field day. Besides seeing some great examples on the roads, we paid a visit to Prince Albert's Motor Museum. I've mentioned it recently in some previous posts so I won't repeat it here. So my header this week is the iconic Ferrari badge. A simple logo that everyone understands and knows means speed, even if very few can actually afford to own one.

I was going to post a different car photo as well as my daily picture, but Gail and I received some very sad news today. Our next-door neighbour passed away early this morning after an illness. Brian was brilliant neighbour and a great friend. He recently found love again after losing his wife a few years ago. A shame that they have now been parted so soon. He was also a great artist and loved making his charcoal drawings of animals and flowers. Here's a shot that I took of him at our local library when he held an exhibition of some of his work.

So this post is for Brian. Joker, artist and friend. My street will be a little quieter without him.

Wedding Fever

The country, if not the world appears to be gripped by the forthcoming event on Friday. Not everyone is so enamoured with the trip to Westminster Abbey. In fact a recent UK survey has suggested that at least half the population isn't that bothered, but it's great to have an extra days holiday.

Bunting and flags have been selling like hot cakes. Not forgetting the various items you can buy, from tasteful china cups to cheap, kitsch things that will probably end up in the bin after a week.

I met local poet, artist and activist Lord Biro at lunchtime, as he was putting the finishing touches to his latest, slightly surreal, but amusing display in an empty shop in the West End Arcade. His cartoons may not be to everyone's taste, but the idea of the Queen as Marge Simpson is worth a chuckle or two!

Hunt The Rabbit

Gail bought a couple of chocolate rabbits for Easter, rather than the traditional eggs. We shared one the other night, but the remaining one didn't like the idea of being gobbled up, so hopped off into the garden. I had the devil of a job trying to find him. I looked amongst all the plants that are now in flower, but couldn't see him anywhere. Under flowerpots, behind the garage. Nothing. So then I had a brainwave. He wears a little bell around his neck. So I stopped and listened. Ting-a-ling. There he was crouched down amongst the cornflowers.

Where's St George When You Need Him?

Although yesterday was St George's Day, I am posting a themed photo today. This dragon gargoyle is on the side of our local parish church. He doesn't look very happy clinging onto the stonework. Perhaps he has a fear of heights like I do.

Step This Way

I posted a similar shot of these steps to the Park Estate a couple of years ago, but I have just downloaded a 30 day trial copy of Lightroom 3, and so I thought I would see what effects it has to offer. I've tried to make this look like one of those photos that had been hand coloured, or taken with a very early colour film.

Lightroom seems quite easy to use, but I'm not sure whether I'll be buying a copy, as it is very expensive compared to say Photoshop Elements. And certainly very costly next to Picnik; which is of course free.

Trolley Good Show

There was a environmental and horticultural show in the Old Market Square yesterday. You could see the tented stalls in the distance on the previous post. Various organisations were there to talk to passers by about plants, recycling and gardening. I picked up a free packet of wildflower seeds, some leaflets about the gardens and buildings that are in the university grounds and voted on a children's art exhibition. I took a few photos, including this one of an old fashioned cart that had been done up for the occasion.

Two Little Ducks. Quack, Quack

The ducks have returned to the Old Market Square. I don't know if they are the same couple that arrived last year, but it's nice to see them in the water again. A few others were taking photos of them with various cameras and phones. Bizarrely enough I said yesterday that the water feature isn't always working, but today it was! Possibly because it was a hot day and there were lots of small children in the square wanting to keep cool. The gigantic English flag has once again been put up on the front of the Council House, ready for the St George's Day celebrations on Saturday.