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Crisis - Homeless Charity

2012-01-03 09:08:36

Crisis is a national charity for single homeless people. On the 23rd and 26th December I volunteered to help out in London. Fantastic people providing a wonderful service. Drop in centres with extra facilities over Christmas and so the need for extra volunteers. Everything from food, advice, medical assistance, entertainment, etc and just someone to talk to. The work of Crisis makes a real difference to homeless people who would otherwise be on the streets whilst we celebrate with our family and friends. Yes donations are very important and if you would like to, please do. Volunteering is a fulfilling experience and I would highly recommend it. www.crisis.org.uk

Michael.

Beautiful Budleigh

2011-12-11 21:27:15

We can recommend Budleigh Salterton as a wonderful place for a weekend stroll. Whilst the pebble beach, and River Otter usually catch the eye, yesterday it was sun refracted through an old phone box.

 

Siblings

2011-10-07 09:34:40

My brother Peter and I are very different, but we do share a joy of motorbikes. Particularly vintage. Not because we are vintage, although we are getting that way, but because of the fun. Along with his Harley Shovel, Harley Monkeybike he has a wonderful 1917 Raleigh belt driven motorbike. I having gone through a Rudge, Sunbeam and Royal Enfield, now have a new Triumph Bonneville T100. I am one of those rare breads who only have one at a time. So what could be more natural than to suggest to Peter that we should buy a bike between us. Well, guess what, this is what he came up with, a Nimbus and its absolutely brilliant.

Michael.

Well Connected

2011-09-15 19:46:42

This time last week i had a 6 hour wait for my connecting flight in Frankfurt.

So I made the most of my time by hopping onto a train and going into the city centre.  I always fancy a bit of adventure, and without a guide book I found this wonderful scene on the Eiserner Bridge across the River Main.

Locals show their commitment by fixing brightly coloured and engraved padlocks onto the bridge, and then throwing the key into the river!

If you're ever in frankfurt have a look, and don't miss the 200 metre high Main Tower. For just 5 euros you can see for miles.

Rare Beauty outside the Chudleigh Showroom

2011-06-06 23:06:52

 

Couldn't believe this when it appeared on our driveway yesterday.

It's a Panaxia dominula tiger moth.

Champions League

2011-05-13 22:32:45

The UEFA Champions League Cup made a guest appearance at Heathrow's Terminal 5 on Thursday.

Sadly our local team Plymouth Argyle have only managed to secure a wooden spoon this season, silverware is sadly lacking.

 

 

Bright Idea

2011-05-13 22:03:18

A new car that plays an iPod without wires, hides it's roof in 12 seconds, and does 40 mpg all for less than the cost of a boring hatchback.

Could this be taking motoring to a new dimension?

 

 

I'm amazed!

2011-01-02 22:56:00

Perfect vision for 47 years, but these days I find I need glasses and regular eye tests.

I was totally amazed to find that Vision Express can offer clients photos of the inside of their eyes for just £10.00!

The black mark is dust on the lense, apart from that it's just awesome.

Whatever next!

I'll tell you.  A £480 bill for new glasses.

Mind you, being able to see properly - that's priceless!

STEPHEN

 

In the bleak mid-winter

2010-12-09 19:26:21

I I was up long before dawn yesterday and made a trip up the A303 to Andover.  The scenery was simply stunning.

The Red-Legged Partridges were visible against the frost covered ground, Fieldfares flew over as I approached Stonehenge and Lapwings stood in fields wondering when their next meal might appear.

Perhaps best of all were the solitary trees on the skyline, shrouded with frost.  This one reminded me of the classic Genesis "Wind and Wuthering" album cover.

I think I'm showing my age....

 

 

Drinking in the Entertainment

2010-11-17 08:37:53

We just had an excellent weekend away in London.

After a 30 year wait I finally got to see The Mousetrap, which was very good indeed. I even guessed "Whodunnit".

Just off Carnaby Street we discovered a Coffee/Smoothie Shop with a difference.  Loud music, crazy staff and an absolute joy.  Everyone should visit at least once to see how this company is changing the face of drinking in the capital.

Face paint, drama, and dance all combine to create a truly wacky experience. Ten out of Ten.

Stephen

 

Autumn in Devon

2010-10-30 19:08:15

What a wonderful time of year.  I went on two walks today, and was gobsmacked by the sheer breadth of colour in and around our country lanes.  Roz pointed out a little quince tree, I loved the way the fruit appears to blush.

 

Gateway

 

 

Autumn Leaves

 

To cap it all I took a trip to Stover where a late fisherman was going about his passion.  Four times the Kingfisher flashed in front of our hide, and on the last stop he was perched just outside.

Here's a free tip, don't use an iphone 4 for Wildlife Photography.  Pity I left the Canon at home.

Stephen

 

Ukraine Orphanage Visit

2010-10-13 23:54:52

We've just had the chance to catch up with old friends in Hungary and help out with an orphanage visit in the Ukraine.

The first few days were in the west at Heviz (well worth a visit) the third day was a marathon 18 hour trip to Beregszasz in the east (just over the Hungarian border) and the last few we wandered around Budapest.

Here's the pick of my photos during the last 7 days....

Heviz - Europe's largest thermal Lake

 

A Gaz Volga M24 in Ukraine

 

Inside the Ukrainian Orphanage

 

Happy Faces - Beregszasz

 

Inside "The House of Terror" Budapest

Easy Jet check in - Ferihegy, Budapest

We had a good time, and can't wait for the next adventure.....

Stephen

 

 

Look what I found

2010-09-24 22:38:20

 

Look what I found on my way out to the Exe estuary.

Three glorious Austin A35s.  Somewhere in the loft I have the original sales brochure.  The central theme of which is that the A35 will cruise at 55mph all day long.

Our BM is limited to 155mph, how times change.

Other great sights this week include a Red Kite near Wantage, and a Sparrowhawk at dusk in Chudleigh.

Have a good weekend....

 

STEPHEN

 

Shedding Tears

2010-08-01 00:37:47

We're back from a week in Normandy.  England was wet and cold, France hot & sunny!  I can't believe how pricey France has become, but they sure know how to keep their towns pretty and roads empty.

We "did" museums, cathedrals, Bayeux Tapestry, Le Memorial at Caen (€44 for 2!), but the best bit for me was our trip to "Brettville-sur-Laize cemetery.  Having a Canadian daughter-in-law seemed like a good excuse to pop by.

I think I could have spent a day there.  These War Graves are well kept, and worthy memorials to those that fought for the freedom of Europe, and especially the ensared folk of Vichy France.

Each tombstone tells a story, and I was especially sad for those that bore no family tribute.  Surely each lost soul deserves better?  Then were the lost airmen who were buried side by side, and the Jews who must have fought with righteous anger against those that sought their destruction.

Many of the lost were in their early twenties, some leaving 2 or more kids and a wife grieving back at home. What a tragedy.  After a few hours the tears were running down my cheeks, and I said goodbye the fallen (but not forgotten) heroes from the D-Day landings.

Stephen

 

 

French Field

2010-06-16 17:00:51

About an hour south of Cherbourg I pulled of the northbound autoroute, had lunch & filled up with fuel.

I'm no gardener, but these certainly aren't poppies.  What are these beautiful flowers?  Please let me know, if you know.

STEPHEN

01626 853987

 

Stift Melk

2010-06-13 13:08:27

Driving back from Hungary I stumbled across the wonderful Austrian town of Melk.  If you like National Trust properties then you'll love this. Stift Melk is an ancient Benedictine Abbey and school.

Spectacular is an adjective which sells this place short.

It only cost about 10 euros, but was well worth a visit.

STEPHEN

Shell Collector

2010-06-05 21:28:22

Every now and then Roz and I take the long walk to the end of Dawlish Warren, and collect a few shells.

Two days ago on my European Tour I drove into both Mostar and Sarajevo.  These vibrant cities still bear the scars of different shells.

Being there and seeing the damage on so many buildings is quite spooky, imagine living in a zone where snipers and mortars are commonplace.  If you think your neighbours are awkward imagine being handed over by them as they "Split" on you and your beliefs!

I think I'll stick to collecting shells from the beach rather than them there hills!

Weary Traveller

Flight Observation

2010-05-11 22:01:22

On my travels I often get glimpses of the natural world.

The key events of my day may have been an introduction to something more topical, but from a feathered perspective.

Each sighting centred on what to the casual observer would have seemed just like an ordinary bird of prey.  Whilst I was listening to the "Today" programme on Radio 4 I noticed a bulky, somewhat clumsy looking bird gliding in a low but stealthy fashion not more than two feet above the top of a motorway embankment.  The big BROWN common Buzzard was looking for opportunities, whilst commentators were suggesting a certain other Brown was trying to create a last minute Rainbow coalition.

As I drew closer to the M3 I spotted a far more graceful, dare I say attractive bird. It wheeled this way and that and sported a forked tail pointing (as they do in two separate directions).  The orangey brown plumage of the Red Kite certainly looked pleasing to the eye, and to be frank  it only recently seems to have started frequenting the horizons this close to Westminster.  On closer inspection I could see this raptor had none of the powerful features of big brown Buzzard. Maybe the broad wing span took the eye away from the relatively small talons, presumably more suited to lightweight carrion than the hard hitting Common Buzzard.  Meanwhile the commentators on the Radio spoke about the apparent displeasure of some as they viewed a relatively newcomer to the big stage trying to snatch a morsel from 2 different feeding stations.

Ah, well.  Business done I headed west, and before long found myself heading south down the M5. Not far north of Bridgwater heading from the Somerset Levels and out to the west was a powerful looking greyish blue raptor.  Of all the three birds of prey I had seen today, this was the first that seemed to be clutching a prize, mind you it was labouring through the air as it carried home a rich picking.  The sickle shaped wings were of course those of a supreme opportunist, the Peregrine Falcon.  as any birder will tell you, they aren't on the scene one moment but all of a sudden stoop and arrive at incredible speed.

By now my radio was telling a different story, the once widespread Brown was now (it appeared) having to make his nest elsewhere, the attractive articulate (speech and tail) of the Clegg factor appeared to slipping back towards it's original port of call.  The aspirant and powerful David had made the kill, but unexpectedly has to carry the baggage which a hung parliament brings.

Hopefully as the season develops we'll get a chance to see if the Peregrine can soar, dive, and rise again with a once more vibrant nation beneath it's wing tips?  Or was today just one of those days when one gets to say a brief visit of what appears to be a strong line up, but in actuality is just a transitory migration, just like the Hobbies at Shapwick Heath?

Stephen

 

Some Hobby

2010-04-24 22:02:47

 

 

Maybe this is a Hobby you've never heard of, it's actually a small bird of prey and a master at catching both insects and small birds in the air.

My optimism was rewarded today, as my previous encounters with this species have been fairly fleeting.

Today I was able to watch 5 hawking about above the Somerset Levels.

Splendid.

 

Stephen

 

Squirrel

2010-04-09 23:02:37

Have you noticed how in the last couple of weeks all the pussy willow has gradually puffed up, and the velvet grey tips have turned into soft dusty yellow and green?

These willows look beautiful, and this afternoon I spotted a squirrel who obviously been nuzzling his way through the trees and was sporting a dusty snout. I know they're vermin but this little creature looked so cute.

Ham Wall RSPB reserve also was blessed with the "Booming Bittern" calling out across the reeds.  I think I'll be back. 19 degrees centigrade, made the walk even more enjoyable.

STEPHEN

Greenfinch

2010-04-08 22:57:17

 

All quiet on the western front?  Well it was today, so with the sun shining I decided to do a circular walk at Topsham.

As Spring is only just springing getting pictures of perching birds is unusually easy.

Greenfinch may be common, but I still love'em.

The gentle zizzing of numerous Long Tailed Tits caught my attention, and for once these shy birds were quite obliging.

The Bird Watcher

 

Steamy Weekend

2010-03-21 23:01:03

We're just back from a steamy weekend in Dunster. We stayed in The Lutterell Arms which is ideally situated within easy walking distance of The National Trust Castle, and the Bishop's Lydeard to Minehead steam railway.

The Golden Age of Steam is behind us now, but you can't help thinking the nation's missing a trick relying on Arab Oil whilst we sit on the vast mineral deposits which once fired The Industrial Revolution.

 

The Luttrell Arms had pleasant and surprising peaceful rooms, but watch out in the restaurant every portion appeared to twice the size we expected.

Stephen

Breaking the Rules?

2010-02-21 22:49:43

Once upon a time (not so long ago) I came to the conclusion that when it comes to buying "stuff" it doesn't pay to compromise.

As a youngster I bought the best binoculars I could afford.  East German Ziess 10x50s.  Do you know I kept them for over 20 years, and they did me proud.  Being a tad more affluent I eventually upgraded to a modern waterproof Ziess binocular.  They have withstood awful weather, being dropped and after 10 years still give a fantastic view.

My choice of cameras has been similar.  I have tried not to compromise.  Three Sony digital cameras in a row.  All of which gave me good service, and were passed on to deserving causes.

These days digital SLRs are de riguer.  My choice is Canon.  First a 20D (still in active service at House Martin) and latterly a 30D.  Yes, I know it's old hat now - but it still works well.

So why did I let the LCE talk me into a Tamron 10-20mm wide angle lense?  First time out "in the field" I knew I'd made a bad choice.  It just feels wrong.  OK, so I can now take panoramic landscapes like the one above, but next time I'm not going to break my own rules.

Stephen

 

 

Time

2009-12-03 23:02:51

Sitting in a customer waiting room today I had two choices.  Firstly I could have reflected on my last visit where a 90 minute appointment took 150 minutes, or not dwell on such things and just relax and enjoy myself.

A quick look on my bookshelf at 8:00am unearthed a neglected trilogy which has been on my list of reading material for about 10 years.  Today I actually made a start, and investigated the writings of Francis A. Schaeffer.

I was not disappointed, indeed after a few minutes my curiosity was such that I decided to go on line and see if I could also track down one of his famous lectures on a DVD.  It looks like I may be able to add something profitable to my short Christmas/Birthday list.

But back to the book.  The well researched material stimulated my mind, and alerted me to different ways of thinking.  Early on the reader gets a chance to ponder Soren Kierkegaard's  19th century suggestion that anything of real importance in life is established via a Leap of Faith.

I feel as though my mind is being awakened and refreshed.  As avid reader of "information" which can simply be digested and stored away for a rainy day I find this whole experience akin to physical sensation of a good wash after spending a whole day driving in a sticky car.

So my planned 90 minute confinement at Westerly turned out to be a thoughtful and enriching TIME.

Stephen

Contrasts

2009-11-23 22:04:15

Today was the last day that our newly extended Anglo/Korean family could be together, and together we traversed Dartmoor lanes and sights, popped into "The Cathedral in The Moor", various shops, and two eateries.

As a group of 9 one would imagine we'd be warmly received as worthwhile customers.

Our hosts at the first stop were the staff of "The Three Crowns" at Chagford.  Two men were serving at the bar, and made us feel most welcome.  Just how far would one expect bar staff to go in making their customers feel comfortable?

Well these people actually went beyond the call of duty, as they not only served fine cuisine but also fed us with fascinating historical information about the building and nearby church.  When it became apparent that parsnips were not a known Korean delicacy we were even brought an uncooked parsnip from the kitchen.

Spendid!  My scampi & chips were excellent, and a nibble from So Young's venison was equally pleasing.

Later we splashed our way through to the coast and afternoon tea at Teignmouth.  What a contrast, one of the staff in the establishment we ate in seemed to be more interested in going home than serving, and American visitors who called after us were virtually rebuked for requesting food a few moments later.

Hospitality.  A long word, and a difficult concept for some.

Stephen

Basic Photography - Lesson 2 - Timing

2009-10-20 22:48:01

At the end of another day I sit here contemplating all the things I might share with you, and it seems that I might actually have "Writer's Block".

What words do I wish to disseminate?

Perhaps none.

As I type something has indeed come to mind, other than just leaving you with a big white space.

Perspective and Timing.  Do you know whatever you're looking at (even your computer screen) at different times, and from different view points it will look totally different.  Sadly too often we take hold of a certain standpoint, "position" and stick to it and maybe miss out.

Nothing could illustrate this better than using a camera.  Look at today's Autumnal Photo.  It is my favourite out of around 20 shots taken last Sunday.  I'd have to say it portrays the current season reasonably well, but then I'm biased.

So it would be easy to sit back and be content.

However just walking back from "The Bishop" last night I saw a far more glorious sight.Red leaves illuminated by a street light, it was the same scene (more or less) but almost Narnia like in beauty.

Yes, I know the composition is poor, but this blog programme only lifts my uncropped picture.  My point is that at a different time the same place takes on a whole new aura.  The sighting was quite accidental but I was there and enjoyed the moment.

Maybe in life we can look back at something from a different angle, or at another time and realise just what we have gained, enjoyed, or tackled.  Or on a purely photographic level, maybe try to tackle the shots at odd time and surprise yourself.

Stephen

 

Basic Photography Tips No.1

2009-10-17 17:11:26

Regular readers will of course realise that I'm quite a keen photographer.  I often notice young children are generally very keen to have a go at taking pictures.

As a consequence I recently gave a talk to a bunch of youngsters, on a few basic rules of photograpy.

So on today's blog I'll take a chance to cover a key topic.  EXPOSURE.

Take a look at the first photo.  Notice anything?

As is so often the case a good photo has been spoilt as the exposure level has been set frighteningly high.  So what could be done to overcome the problem?  Well ideally, set things a few stops lower, or alternatively do not expose at all until it gets a good bit darker.

Of course some will argue getting the right exposure is a purely subjective matter, if in doubt get advice from an older more experienced person, who can help out.

Contrast the above with the picture below, whilst it a good few stops under exposed it isn't as bad as the over exposed picture.

Contrast both of the above with the photo below.  Here is a very happy chap perfectly illuminated by the evening sun. Nothing is shouting out at us, the picture tells a story and doesn't leave us guessing.

Watch out for other tips soon!

Stephen

Would you fork out for a new Porsche?

2009-10-17 13:39:34

Somebody locally did!

 

As this a 924S, it was worth "digging deep"!

The Observer

 

Silver Sprouts in Brussels

2009-09-06 00:50:52

 

Reflections from 31st August 2009

When I was little my folks always insisted that I should eat my Brussels.  Well these miniature cabbages only appeared at Christmas, so I didn't suffer too much.

I wonder why they they are called "Brussel Sprouts" anyway? The only spheres we could find sprouting out of the ground during our day in Bruxelle were rather silvery, and metallic.

My desire to visit the Antonium stems from an article in MotorSport magazine.  The journalists in question were given a BMW 3.0 CS and set about touring each of the major continental capitals in a relatively short time span.  There was a lovely photo of the trendy yellowy/green grand tourer parked beneath the metallic globes.

Nowadays the GT has been replaced the the hideous Reva G-Wiz electric car.  Our trip around this World Expo marvel brought me even more satisfaction when I realised it was opened only a few weeks before I was born, way back in 1958.

The construction was the centre piece of a master plan to pup Belgium back on the map, and stimulate the economy in the dark post war years.  I have to say they did a pretty good job.  If you are planning a trip to Brussels you might well enjoy a few hours at this famous landmark, and whilst you're at it why not jump off the top on an amazing zip wire.  I would have loved to try it, but spotted it too late in the day.

Whilst we were  wandering around I paid a quick visit to the posh restaurant, although we only had a drink in the ordinary cafe.  If I ever go back I'll make sure I grab a window seat in the restaurant pictured.

Football fans might recognise the famous Heysel Stadium where 39 people died in a clash between Liverpool and Juventus football supporters.  Another shot shows a major fire over near Brussels airport.

In summary, fork out your 9 euros a head and prepare for a good value tour.

 

Stephen

 

Things that go bump in the night...

2009-08-24 14:10:44

 

Yesterday we had a whole host of reasons to be cheerful.

1.    England won The Ashes.

2.    A big Sunday Roast, with amazing lamb.

3.    Playing "I Spy" with our nephew and niece whilst driving up the A38.

And then Uncle and Auntie had to put these wee bairns to bed.  By 10:30 everyone was fast asleep.

BUMP

Sounds like someone fell out of bed.

I scurry into the room.  Young lad fast asleep, young lass sitting bolt upright in the middle of the bed, but thankfully no tears.  I tucked her back in and return to my bed.

An hour and half pass.

BUMP and CRASH

I tell myself, ah that's someone next door.  And try to drift back into the land of nod.  But as any caring uncle would I can't so venture to the next room.

Young niece is again sitting bolt upright on the bed.  "I overbalanced", is the first thing I hear.  Now quite how you can "overbalance" when asleep I am not sure, but I scooped up the sleeping bag and went to walk out.

I hear dripping.  I return to find a broken mug and water everywhere.  So off come the bedclothes, and on goes my quilt.  Just as I was about to walk out there is a small, "Thank You".

I go to sleep.

BUMP. Then silence.  Then, "Knock, Knock".  Can you tuck me in?

Ah, the joys of having little ones to stay.

Uncle Stephen

 

 

 

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