mippy.co.uk :: The Brown Clan Blog....

Rosy glow

2012-01-28T22:50:00.001Z

When I asked Greg to do his guitar practice last night he brought me a piece of paper, and quietly looked up at me until I reacted. He's had his first assessment from the Hampshire Music Service, and lets just say it was good.

So we now have two promising guitarists in the house, and what a joy it can be to listen to them playing. Greg seems to have lots of natural talent, and is eager to show off his talent.

It's been a nice clear morning here, although my bike ride across the forest was bitterly cold. Lewis by contrast has been out on Southampton Water on a J Class boat from Hamble, and after 3 hours on the water said wasn't very cold at all!

btw Well done Greg... the new gold standard!

What's the plan Stan?

2012-01-26T22:22:00.000Z

Took this on Monday when Greg and Miranda were home with an inset day. I'd set Greg the challenge of doing some planning for a story that he'd been asked to write in school, and he'd begun to sketch out the story line, the characters and the development.

I thought it best to give him a reasonable incentive to achieving some Sketch Up time on the computer without Lewis in the house!

Better check whether he's finished his story yet....

I'm listening to Chad McCullough Dark Woods, Dark Waters on Origin Records

X Ray Specs

2012-01-25T23:31:00.000Z

Lewis is getting on well with his science work at school. He's had another progress test and tells me he's well ahead of the curve - and naturally I believe every word he says! These are his new reading glasses!

Robert John Thomas

2012-01-24T22:31:00.005Z

I have my brother Chris to thank for finding and scanning this image of my grandfather. I guess I'll add some more info to this photograph as and when others get a chance to comment on it's provenance.

It shows Grampy a happy man, dressed in his finest. It wasn't often you saw him in public without a tie on, but I suspect that sitting on a deck chair by the beach probably was the right time for him. Who knows that grin may have been inspired by the thought of being slightly anarchic...?

He would have been 109 the day before yesterday...

The recording below was made the last time I saw him in c1995.

If any family members would like to send me a memory of Grampy I will add it to this post.

Grampy talking about TV and electric razors by jonathanseymourbrown

Red Indian

2012-01-23T17:56:00.001Z

Miranda and Greg had an inset day today, so as Caroline was out at work, they did some drawing for me! Miranda is very into Red Indians at the moment and this is one of the pictures she drew, complete with headress and leopard skin dress. I have another equally beautiful drawing of a small Hopi girl for another day...

Something's Got a Hold on Me

2012-01-20T17:18:00.001Z

Just so that Lewis and Greg understand where it really comes from...

Etta James RIP

Row, row, row your boat...

2012-01-19T23:44:00.000Z

It was only this evening that Miranda and Caroline were singing the above ditty to their hearts content. So whilst we are on a historical strand, just wanted to post this image of us "en famille" from the early seventies (at a guess). We all look like we are having a whale of a time, even though the boat wasn't actually going anywhere - we used to know how to make our fun then.

I don't have the actual transparency to inspect, although it was probably shot on Kodak and so it's poignant to reflect that the enormous corporation which in the seventies employed hundreds of thousands of people in the manufacture of film and associated products has today filed for bankruptcy protection.

Memory Lane

2012-01-18T22:20:00.000Z

Not had the opportunity to check with the residents at the old folks home but I think this is Runswick Bay in North Yorkshire circa 1974. We had a holiday there with our cousins, and this sort of fits in with my memories of the place. I think I was about Lewis' age and can remember playing on the beach and visiting the fishing boats... Maybe one day we'll go back there, but it's probably all changed!

Captain Cat

2012-01-16T22:51:00.000Z

It goes quiet sometimes and you don't normally notice that she's gone. Some time later she re-appears often wearing a costume and a handful of props; a hook, an eyepatch and a treasure map...... "Mummy can you put my makeup on!"

The silence by now replaced by wailing like a banshee, running around the house "Eeehaarr me hartying to her heart's content.

This was last night before she burned out.

Greg's been off school today, he's got a bad cough and his voice has more or less gone; tonight his temperature is up and he's not looking his finest. Spent most of the day in bed listening to Harry Potter stories read by Stephen Fry.

Ning Nang Nong

2012-01-15T22:21:00.000Z

On the Ning Nang Nong were the cows go Bong, and the Monkys all say Boo.... So it's the Ning Nang Nong, the caterpilus go Bing

Bearing in mind she wrote this without guidance and it was something they had watched in school, she's not done a bad job of transcribing the poem...

2012-01-14T22:11:00.001Z

We took Domino the Donkey out for a walk this afternoon, he was in fine fettle allowing us to take hima good distance up into the woods above the house and around the estate where Miranda knows lots of people. Needless to say she enjoyed the experience. When we got back it was more or less time to put all the animals to bed so we helped round up the menagerie, feed them and put them top bed. I almost managed to get a shot of her hugging Maggie and Mickey, one arm around each; but it was too much excitement to be a success! Domino looking sheepishly on...

Lewis spent then day today in London with Terry and Kyle at the Boat Show - apparently he's been telling them (the yacht and dinghy salesmen) that we're in the market for a boat..! So we have enough brochures to start the research.

Freda Flintstone

2012-01-13T21:49:00.002Z

Over Christmas we went for a walk along the coast from Barton on Sea, and Miranda carried this quill and stone home. I suspect we may have told her a story about what it was like when we were children and kids had to write with old technology! To give her credit where it's due she's taken the lead and shown us that she too is capable of communication with said equipment.

Greg very pleased to tell us at dinner time that he'd been assessed on a piece of guitar work in school and was awarded 19/20. Nice work Greg, keep it up!

Tonight I'm listening to "He Said and then She Said" by Tommaso Cappellato (on drums) with Michael Blake (on sax), Giovanni Guidi (on piano) and Joe Reimer (on bass) from the album Open

Zook

2012-01-10T23:12:00.003Z

A drawing of one of Miranda's toys at school if I recall correctly, can't tell you much more than he's fun!

The video below is also for Mipp as she came home from school with a nice poem she'd transcribed by Spike Milligan...

Scribe

2012-01-09T23:31:00.000Z

"You take one of me and I'll take one of you" she said, but she meant give me your camera, and you have a play with this old toy you've been fobbing me off with! Has to be said it takes quite good pictures doesn't it...

Boys and Toys

2012-01-08T22:57:00.000Z

Has been a spectacularly beautiful day here today, after the stormy weather during the week. Some huge oak trees down in the forest sadly, but the winds have been very strong. Lewis has been sailing again for most of the day with Terry, as they are keen to get as much practice in with the Flying Fifteen.

The rest of us have had a walk in the forest and this is afterwards when we met up on Beaulieu Heath (on the last remains of the wartime airstrip) with the flying club... Do you get the impression that Miranda might be keen to have a go?

Flying Fifteen

2012-01-07T21:08:00.000Z

Lewis was up at half past seven, had his breakfast and made his sandwiches, and was cycling down to Beaulieu to sail with Terry and Kyle. I often think that January and February are the best months to be out, as we often get nice fresh sunny mornings in the winter. Luckily by the time I got out on my bike and headed in the same direction I was there just in time to help launch the boat in the water!

Oran Juice Joe's

2012-01-06T22:41:00.001Z

It's been quite harmonious in the kitchen at breakfast time the last few days. Cereal been eaten, spellings been practiced, guitar been played, orange juice nearly drunk....

We've even been singing "Sometimes I get a good feelin...." from the bathroom in chorus!

I even made a pop video whilst I was bathing the kids, yes and I edited it too and we watched the darn thing whilst they towelled themselves dry.

Does it get anybetter than than?

Video Star on iPhone is possibly the most fun you can have with your clothes on, some might even say with your clothes off too...!

It's in the genes

2012-01-04T20:36:00.001Z

When I see a snap like this from the late sixties/ early seventies it really opens a window on personal history. I can clearly remember these friends of my parents visually, although not much about them unfortunately! My Mum looks more like a younger sister here (in my memory) what a top photo. Chris, who scanned this transparency recently after finding it at the old folks home, looking more like Otto in this photo.

Just realised that Juliet is holding a Weston Light Meter in her hand, and Practika TL on her arm.... phew!

Wildlife Illustration

2012-01-03T23:03:00.001Z

This photograph is a diary note for my Dad who started the first specialist wildlife illustration course in the UK back in the late seventies at Dyfed College of Art. I think this particular gallery is a new addition to the NHM but it specialises in wildlife illustration from across the last few hundred years, and is a real treat to see. It was especially quiet when we were there and the kids were able to draw on the floor in peace and quiet.

It looks at the work of contemporary artists and various printmaking processes such as woodcut and etching etc, and also encourages youngsters to join in the fun....

Waterborne Creatures

2012-01-02T22:57:00.000Z

Every time we have visited the Natural History Museum we have gone to see the Blue Whale and other mammals in this fantastic hall. It never fails to impress. The displays are rather antequated now, relative to some of the other parts of the museum, and you wonder what they could do to make it more impressive. Parts of the dinosaur gallery now have animatronic models that are very lifelike, but I'm not sure they add a great deal to the experience.

I asked Lewis how keen he'd be to jump into the water to film these creatures (and the blue whale) if it was his job was with the Frozen Planet team, and you could see him stop and think about the danger...

It's behind you!

2012-01-01T23:36:00.000Z

Thought it was a good use of a day to visit the Natural History Museum in London. We've tried New year's Day before as it's fairly quiet getting into town.

There's so many different things to marvel at at the NHM, and as we've watched some of the Frozen Planet series over Christrmas it was great to see creatures like the Musk Oxen, penguins (thoughtfully juxtaposed with dinosaur forebears) and of course Miranda in their natural environments.

Saw the day out in Covent Garden having taken in the sights of the West End.

End of a good year

2011-12-31T23:09:00.001Z

Although we'd hatched a plot to go sailing with Terry on the Beaulieu River this afternoon, the rain was stating to set in and the wind was almost non existent. So much to Lewis' disappointment (and Caroline's delight) Terry suggested a cruise over to the Isle of Wight to have our lunch instead. Of course the wind picked up and the sun came out, and we had a jolly nice lunch at Shalfleet Quay in Newtown Harbour. First time I have ever seen the place empty of yachts. Lewis and Greg did all the helming, every last bit even the creek to Shalfleet with the depth gauge reading 1M!

Happy New Year y'all!

Talking heads

2011-12-30T22:41:00.000Z

Rather grey here this morning so we entertained ourselves indoors with a few books and some general larking around. Lewis and Greg were engrossed in some Sketch Up project, and Mum was still in bed...

By midday Ian was here with his new Gopro camera, and the boys had hatched a plan to go riding in the woods, and maybe create a video of the action. Had some great fun working out some sequences and the rushes look quite good, now all I have to do is start pulling some clips together in Premiere to reduce the 30 mins of footage down to 3 minutes, and add a soundtrack!

Cinderella on Ice

2011-12-29T22:55:00.000Z

Miranda and I spent a few hours this afternoon making a stage set for Cinderella on Ice. It all started when I found her on the floor near the back door with a tube of Pritt stick and a scissors and a pile of recycling material.

"What are you up to now?" is the popular refrain.

I like this picture over the finished item as it carries a bit more of her naive illustrative charm, dig those pink ice skating boots...

You spin me round

2011-12-28T21:28:00.000Z

Having been housebound most of the day yesterday, we thought we'd blow the cobwebs away witha walk from Milford on Sea along the coast path to Barton. The sea was pretty rough and the wind was fairly strong but not too cold. No lunch was thought necessary, but we did have a cream tea before our return leg at the excellent cafe in Barton called the Beachcomber's.

Decided to spend the last of the day at Christchurch where the awful realisation that we'd forgotten to send Christabel a birthday card on her 21st (of all birthdays) so we quickly impromptued a photo shoot on the magic roundabout, to send her a message with the iPhone, to remind her to make sure every day has some fun packed in...

Happy Birthday Christabel. Seems a long time ago since we came to visit you for the first time in Andover all those years ago.

Rarer than hen's teeth

2011-12-27T22:55:00.000Z

Another of Miranda's delightful drawings which needs no introduction. It's lovely to watch her look at a book of illustrations, and then jump headlong into a drawing of her own. I did ask her to colour it in, as they always stand out much better, but she's added the description under her own initiative. This is one of four or five done this morning whilst waiting for David, Barbara and Jonathan to arrive with us for lunch, which they did bearing a very nice bottle of 1961 Armagnac from Nismes Delclou, as a birthday gift. To think that this has sat in a barrel maturing for all those years whilst I have been getting ready for it....

Boxing Day Shakedown

2011-12-26T21:39:00.000Z

Lewis is the boat on the left hand side and they approach the shore in fine formation. He said he thought it was the best day of the year for him, and you couldn't disagree. They all had fun and with quite strong winds were able to zoom around on the water. We still had difficulty pulling him in after three quite cold hours on the water.

And just when he thought that his sailing was over for the next few months Terry asked himn if he'd like to help with some Flying Fifteen sailing in January....

Fortified

2011-12-25T21:26:00.012Z

And since it's Christmas we'd better have one of those Christmas present unwrapping moments. Our neighbour John is gifted in the engineering department, and often helps us with some rather complex challenges. Somehow Caroline managed to persuade him to favour Gregory with a fastasy castle to play knights with, and this is the moment the paper came off! How's that for a Christmas present...?

St Nich

2011-12-24T23:32:00.000Z

Mince pies had been baked, the sack of potatoes collected from the farm in Longdown, Christmas tree made, decorations and cards up, ginger bread house made.... so we had a few hours on our hands this afternoon and we went to Romsey. Visited the Abbey, and made to feel very welcome by the wardens who told us that this statue of St Nicholas (patron saint of children and pawn brokers) was made from a piece of driftwood found in Hythe!

Must just go and pop our bottle of Barbadillo Manzanilla in the fridge for our 11AM quaff on the beach tomorrow. Merry Christmas peeps....

Va va room

2011-12-21T21:24:00.001Z

Greg reading my Rallying Yearbook from about 1979 or 1980. It's interesting seeing him getting interested in cars now Lewis has moved on to other things, but when there's a personal dimension and it takes me straight back to when I was a child it's quite fun to reflect on. Reading this book myself last night it only just dawned on me that the Vauxhall Chevette must have taken it's name from General Motors association with Chevrolet back in the day. Those in the know will be aware that I photographed rally cars quite keenly as a teenager, and sold photographs to anyone that would buy them, leading me towards a life in photography. Not that I've taken photos of cars since....

One step beyond

2011-12-20T22:51:00.001Z

One tries not to make genderist remarks on this blog, but it is nice at least to see one of the progeny getting stuck into a bit of tidying up after the 'fun bits'.

So far she's been getting quite excited about the prospect of getting her step out and rising to the challenge. Anyhow she deserves a medal.

The mince pies have been destroyed at an unprecedented rate this year, we had reports lunchtime that onto two jars of CJ's special mincemeat were left and we're still days to go to Christmas...

Had a nice surprise though earlier, Caroline won the prize draw at Waitrose; a month's free groceries no less! Now that's what I call payback on investment.

Wayfarer

2011-12-19T23:22:00.000Z

This was Lewis' illustration on the birthday card he gave me. I don't recognise him on the boat, so I guess it must be me and some othere fuddy duddy as it's a Wayfarer. Him and Greg are forever drawing boats these days, and the boats get racier and racier. I'm glad naturally that they don't obsess after Ferraris and Lamborghinis any longer, although it's possible that racing could prove to be an even more expensive pastime!

When the going gets tough...

2011-12-18T22:50:00.001Z

Bone janglingly cold on the water today but that didn't put the keen teenagers off at Calshot Sailing Club. Lewis is already on the water, Kyle getting ready to jostle for the best position on the start line! This was the last race of the season although they plan to do an event on Boxing Day too. They raced until the sun went down, and with winds of about 17 knots it was pretty damn cold for those of us on the shore waiting to pull the safety boat in! Makes all the difference sailing in these conditions knowing that you'll get a nice hot shower afterwards.

I've not managed to post for a few days due to nights out for various Christmas festivities, and nights in, in front of a roaring log fire - I must be more disciplined.

Choose your weapon

2011-12-12T22:21:00.001Z

The kids were drawing on Sunday morning whilst Lewis and Caroline were out sailing. I asked Greg what he wanted to draw and he said "YOU!"

So I sat for him, and gave him a few tips on how to observe and draw, and so on... I reckon he's going to give Lucien Freud a run for his money in years to come. Not the most complementary of portraits, but you can't dispute who it is. Nice one Greg...

I'm listening to Hiromi Uehara and Sonicbloom's version of My Favourite Things on Beyond Standard. Ever seen her play?

The Entertainer

2011-12-11T22:03:00.000Z

Ian drawing a Gingerbread house for the kids, Miranda helping with the colouring and Greg mainly being entertained. The story begins some years ago when Caroline baked the structure of a Gingerbread house, although Ian came around and finished building it, so they will forever think that he made. Come Christmastime of course and he is harangued to begin another one, and the story takes on new life...

Raggy

2011-12-10T22:42:00.000Z

Once he was the only creature/thing that she would have to take to bed with her, but nowadays there are a few other competitors. So it's been interesting today watching Raggy come back into focus. She's been reading him stories on the settee, and tonight at lights out he was the only one - I guess he must have been nice to her or something.

It was very frosty first thing this morning, but absolutely lovely out in the forest on my bike. It really saps my energy though when it's that cold and after three hours of pushing it, I'm begining to feelmy age...

Lewis has been sailing this morning at Calshot, and is keen to go out again tomorrow. He's just got a new RYA Sailing Book which he's been studying. A lot of the photos are taken at Calshot and Weymouth.

Teenage moment

2011-12-08T22:48:00.001Z

When we look back with rose tinted spectacles at the things we got right, we will also need to remind ourselves with images like this, that it wasn't all easy.

Finding the energy to the address issues, and keeping everyone on message is one of the biggest challenges we have to deal with. Lewis often rightly feels that as the eldest, we are harder on him than the others, but his assertiveness often leads him into conflict with the management....

I'm listening to Isao Suzuki Quartet playing Aque Marine on Three Blind Mice Label

I noticed earlier that Wales will soon have a complete Coastal Path - what a good reason to visit Wales

Did you dress for dinner (lunch)

2011-12-07T22:17:00.003Z

Complaints have been made recently that Caroline doesn't get featured on the blog often enough. Well this is from lunchtime today, and it might give you a hint as to why....

Another good reason for posting this is the rather artful self portrait that I managed to squeeze into the frame. If anyone would like me to send them a reindeer stalker's hat pls do let me know, and I'll make the arrangements. Say no more.

And finally a teaser - what do I share in common with Ken (of Barbie and Ken fame), President Obama, the Jaguar E Type and the Berlin Wall. Answers on a postcard please....

I'm listening to Sun Ra - Disco 3000 Space is the Place from 1978 - it's phreaking fantastic...!

A hole lotta fun

2011-12-06T22:44:00.001Z

Lewis has been working on Sound and Light as his theme in Science lessons at school, and he has been enjoying his homework. Having done a research piece about the Pinhole Camera a week or so ago, we thought it would be fun to make one as he's very fond of craft activities. We have a drafting film focus screen and he's using his school blazer as a blackout, Greg graciously modelling in the bright light, as I'd made the smallest of holes to try and keep the image sharp! We didn't try to expose a paper neg, but may do so yet...

Have just watched the Frozen Planet on iPlayer. Can't say more than watch it whilst it's still available

Ruff

2011-12-05T17:35:00.000Z

Miranda has a hacking cough that she's obviously brought home from school, and is now trying to distribute to the rest of us. She's a tough cookie though and it's not holding her down - (although she's quite good at playing the part...)

Lunch with Monty

2011-12-02T23:16:00.002Z

About this time of year the year 5's at Waterside School are invited to Beaulieu to have a taste of Victorian Christmas with the Montagu's. Lewis went some years ago and today it was Greg's turn to try out the silver. They have to dress in part, having done their research and take an authentic meal which they eat there.

Only just read this evening about the passing of Paul Motian - one of my all time fave jazz players. I can still remember buying Psalm on ECM from a record shop in The Quadrant Centre in Swansea circa 1982 just before I left for Art College. My punk/new wave days were over by then and I was looking for something more challenging; and although I'd always had a jazz influence from my parents, took off with modern jazz. He has produced so many great records, and I've seen him live many times in different bands (with Geri Allen and Charlie Haden in Southampton, and with the Electric Bebop Band in Brecon both stand out for me); the lightness of his touch and walls of sounds he was able to spin will always fascinate me.

Check out a few of my fave albums if you get a chance.

'Le Voyage' and 'Dance' both on ECM
'On Broadway Vol 1'
'I have the Room above Her'
'Lost in a Dream' with Chris Potter and Jason Moran from just last year.

and of course the classic Bill Evans Trio recordings with Scott LaFaro and Paul Motian, 'Waltz for Debbie'.

Betwixt and Between

2011-11-30T21:32:00.000Z

What to do when you have taken several but none are really any good at all.... Time to get creative then. This was from last night, she was showing signs of fatigue so I just let her choose whatever came to hand from the bookshelf. The book is far too easy for her to read nowadays but somehow it brought about a very childish revisit of when she could not read so well. We did the baby talk and I asked her if she could remember not being able to read, told a few stories about different books we use to read together. And then she crashed out.

Practice pieces

2011-11-29T20:28:00.004Z

Lewis is making steady progress with his Stage 3 guitar in school, and is also doing a band rendition of a Bob Marley's Buffalo Soldier with a few friends as a music assignment. The following music clips are mainly for his study purposes...

Banjo Bill - Gary Ryan

Menuet - Gary Ryan

Bauerntanz

Buffalo Soldier by Chris Arpad

Bob Marley - Buffalo Soldier cover (Jonas Kaas moombahton mix) by Joe Goose

Daniel Mora - Buffalo Soldier by RFSAudio
Three different covers of Buffalo Soldier above and below the real thing which sadly was only published after he'd died.

And finally my favourite news headline of the day will provide inspiration I hope for any aspiring writer (Greg?) ....

Trophy

2011-11-28T22:09:00.000Z

Greg has been out at Cubs this evening and he came back with the shield for the 'Best Six' which is awarded for winning most points in thier group activities. Normally it's the Sixer who gets the trophy home, but Greg's friend Cameron is leaving the area so the leader's role is up for grabs. Will Greg get put in charge, stay tuned for future updates...

Self portrait

2011-11-27T22:21:00.000Z

Lewis and I have been labouring with a work party at the Scouts Hut today, doing general repairs to the fabric. They are very lucky to have a huge building right on the shore with it's own beach and boat pound. But that also means a lot of looking after! Lewis was clearing brambles and other nasty undergrowth that was trying to reclaim several of the boats to nature, whilst I was replacing weather boarding from some slightly rickety mobile towers. I am not going to be taking up a career change any time soon.

Miranda and Greg were drawing when we got back, and couldn't resist a quick snap of them in action.

The Joker

2011-11-26T22:29:00.000Z

Greg has been reading to me from the Adventure of the Cursed Ruby this evening. We are trying to get more emphasis in his speech and it's quite difficult when he's enjoying his read, and falling over himself with the story to get him focused on the delivery!

He's also been showing off his card tricks, another of his favourite pastimes.

Lewi's been sailing all day in conditions that he described as a bit bloomin windy. I can only concur, as I came back from my bike ride feeling exhausted. The lovely autumn colours are mainly gone and the murky mix of browns is the main feature...

Last Orders

2011-11-25T22:43:00.001Z

Miranda turned up in the kitchen this morning wearing her costume for the Nativity play in school. She is the Innkeeper, and has been rehearsing her lines, and gestures and songs all week. As soon as I'd taken the photo she wanted me to email the photo to her teacher, ...you'll just have to show her the blog then Miranda!

Away with Miranda's imagination

2011-11-24T22:32:00.002Z

This image belongs a few days ago and came as a direct response to the pictures I made of the toadstool. Miranda does some absolutely beautiful pencil sketches, when she's got a subject firmly in mind.

Tonight we've been reading Paddington Bear, and predictably hootering and hollering as the story unfolds. We've been reading shorter more straightforward book at bedtime mainly with Miranda so she can practice but every now and again we just have fun...

Inspiration for Lewis - Al di Meola - Mediterranean Sundance and then some lessons on how to play it!

cmyk

2011-11-23T22:50:00.000Z

Was playing around with some illustration techniques and quite liked this. Has a sort of expressive quality that reminds me of Miranda a lot. As we speak she's hacking away in her sleep, as she's suffering a bit of a cough. I went up to her earlier to take her to the loo, and she had plastic bottles, a large piece of rope, books and dolls all wrapped up in her bed with her.

Close to the edge

2011-11-21T22:55:00.000Z

Heading towards the sunset on Bournemouth beach yesterday, and the kids were still in possessing of some energy. Makes me smile this as Lewis would normally be chasing them to the ground, but instead he's the old boy watching their exuberance take hold. I always used to think Bournemouth was a bit boring, but there's quite an atmosphere on the prom in winter; factor in the sound of the sea and a sunset as big as the sky... and you might walk all the way to Poole.

Six

2011-11-20T21:58:00.000Z

Been out for a walk around Wilverley Enclosure this morning, there was a nice mist to start and then the sun broke through. We had a picnic on the Plain overlooking Rhinefield and then headed over to Bournemouth to had an afternoon making Victorian connections for Greg. He was lucky enough to find a timeline connecting the Russell-Coates activities to the Victorian era, as well as plenty of other stuff like the pier. Bournemouth of course is a Victorian town coming of age with the arrival of public transport in the nineteenth century.

The sun was setting as we came out of the Russell-Coates and we walked down to Poole, the the sky glowed red over Swanage.

Dinner at Thai Smiles in Boscombe was first class.... if a little spicy for Miranda.

Flight of fancy

2011-11-19T22:12:00.001Z

Quite an amazing thing happened today when we were out for a walk in the woods. Miranda heard a voice from the bushes and when we looked for the source we found some fairies dancing underneath a toadstool. Had I not seen it with my own eyes I may not have believed it!

It's been the most perfect of autumnal days here in the New Forest, still and bright, beautiful colours and wildlife everywhere. Miranda spotted about a dozen deer on our walk, who allowed us to come so close they may well have been tame. She told me afterwards that she really likes deer now...

Lewis has been sailing with Terry and Kyle in the Flying Fifteen on the Beaulieu River today. He got himself out of bed made us a cup of tea and was packed and gone by 9AM.

Screeching pixies

2011-11-18T19:22:00.001Z

Miranda had a few friends around for a birthday tea after school, and her chosen theme for the cake was toadstools and fairies.

The characters were procured at a tabletop sale recently and Mum has been making and icing the cake all day.

By bedtime she was fairly worn out, but still able to read me Good Will Hunting, whilst I nearly nodded off myself!

We had a delivery of logs earlier and I can't blame the exertion of putting them all in the log store for the fatigue as Lewis did most of this for me when he got home from school. Needed to remind him that he did want to go sailing on the weekend, didn't he!

The story of the blues - link for Lewis since we were talking about slide guitar and the bottleneck!

One man and his (someone else's) dog

2011-11-17T22:55:00.001Z

I was looking for a picture of Lewis, and although I had a few portraits that had not seen the light of day, thought this was one that described him well.

Taking a stroll, highly independent, out in front.

I'm listening to Canonball Adderley Quintet playing Plus on Riverside; with brother Nat on cornet, Sam Jones on bass, Louis Hayes on drums, Victor Feldman on vibes and Wynton Kelly on pian.

The rough and the smooth

2011-11-16T22:45:00.002Z

George is a very large pot bellied pig with a fearsome grunt, and enormous teeth. I mention this only as a way of introducing Miranda's casual relationship with the animals at Barry's field nowadays. There was a time when she used to scream when the animals even came close.

To be fair she is still nervous of Alice the vicious goat, and with good reason.

Miranda keeps asking if she can go and milk Daisy again, so we must pull our finger out. It would make a great Blog Caption "Miranda the Milk Maid"

I'm listening to George Kawagushi's The Big 4 on the Three Blind Mice Label. Some rare groove Japanese Jazz.

It's fantastic, I'm made out of plastic

2011-11-15T22:15:00.000Z

It's always good when I've managed to post a picture of the boys, because I can then post (another) one of Miranda without fear of criticism for a lack of balance!

This one taken on the weekend after Lewis had finished his sail training, and we had a walk around Calshot Cats boatpark. Lewis was checking them all out for the most rad trapeze harnessing and platform extensions, but Mip was happy to choose this cat for entirely different reasons.

Greg has been telling me all about his astronomy classes in school earlier so I've been telling him about the project we pitched for ten years ago to design and build the Spaceport visitor centre in Liverpool, and met the man responsible for the National School's Observatory

Seconder

2011-11-14T20:51:00.000Z

Didn't actually post a picture of the boys on the weekend, although we were all very proud of their contribution to the Remembrance Sunday Parade in Hythe. This was as they set off from home, Lewis representing the Sea Scouts, and Greg the Cubs.

Tonight Greg came back from Cubs to tell us that he's been promoted to Seconder in his 'Six'.The thought of Gregory nearly being in charge is very scary....

On Topper d'world

2011-11-13T23:07:00.003Z

Lewis has rather fortunately had two days sailing this weekend. Yesterday he was able to race in both sessions at Calshot, where he finished 3rd and tenth. The third place was his best finish yet and he came home with a big smile on his face.

This morning after doing the Remembrance Sunday parade in the village with Gregory, Kyle and the other scouts he was offered another chance to go sailing again by Terry.

So this afternoon they have had some sail training with Andy Sutton, and Lewis has learned some new tricks...

musical link for the day is a cello player / singer called Ayanna Witter-Johnson that I think I've name checked before... check out 'Roxanne' at the very least.

Read more here

Animals bed time on Saturday

2011-11-12T18:11:00.000Z

Today's post is written by Miranda

This is me with Domino the Donkey. i have been riding him arawnd Barry's field this afternoon with Dad. After I helped put the animals to bed. I rounded up the chickens, and the goats and fed the alpacas. Then I had a go at milking Daisy the goat in the milking shed. Her udders felt really soft, and we got half a buckwet of milk. I stroked George the Pig, who was hiding in his shed.

Bad to the Bone

2011-11-11T23:29:00.000Z

Well it's the weekend again, so let's go climb a few trees! Let's forget just briefly about all the irritation and distractions that life throws at us, and focus on having a bit of fun. Greg asked for some sympathy this morning after enduring some harassment in a familiar context. What advice do you give, turn the other check, walk away - or deal with it once properly? I know what I've always done, but it's not so easy when you are giving advice...

I'm listening to Erik Friedlander's Badbone - avant garde jewish jazz meets bluegrass, somewhere out on the plain...

Pizza con funghi

2011-11-10T23:42:00.000Z

Slightly self conscious as she offers me pizza at the parlour in Matley Wood. She's getting to that age when she starts to become aware that we are playing games with each other, rather than just doing it...

A few days ago I gave her a rather short cuddle at bedtime. She asked me why she was getting less than usual, and when I explained I was not very happy she asked me if it was because of what had happened earlier.... Yes I said, it makes me unhappy. "I thought so...." then she gave me a very tight hug, and just when I thought she was going to say sorry said "...you can go now...!"

sk8r boy

2011-11-09T23:05:00.000Z

Greg and Miranda have been playing lots of making games recently, with both Lego and K'Nex. Didn't have a picture of the K'Nex action however so this with have to be the one.

Mipp very determined with her reading this evening. Very challenging words, and she didn't baulk at one of them. When she's fired up she can make a reasonable job of almost anything. It's quite amazing to watch her sizing up silent letters or letter groups whislt she takes a few seconds to work it out...

Music clip below for Lewis (mainly) but please enjoy! Christian McBride on bass with Sting revisiting a classic from his first solo album "Dream of the Blue Turtles"

Christian McBride with Sting - Consider Me Gone from Mack Avenue on Vimeo.

Day dream believer

2011-11-08T22:42:00.001Z

When he was younger he only seemed to have one expression; that exuberant, happy, smiley face. Capable of convincing you that there was nothing that it could not overcome.

He uses it less often these days, and like a clown off duty you start to see the the occasional anxieties and disappointments come to the surface.

I was looking at a photo last night as I edited a few a few snaps from a while ago, where Greg was crying after some major disappointment. I used to try quite hard to make the blog have a gritty hard edged reality, but sometimes I don't have the energy for too much truth...

Jazz Link of the Day! If you'd like to listen to any of the concerts at Newport Jazz Festival 2011 - following the links here There's loads of great music including Steve Coleman, Hiromi, Ravi Coltrane, Charles Lloyd etc etc....

Liam and Noel?

2011-11-07T23:36:00.003Z

Greg has also started guitar lessons now as well in school, and since we've been trying to get them to co-operate more often thought that the Jolly Sailor with accompaniment would be the way to take it forward (a step or two). Quite pleased that there was some progress, if not complete harmony. One day they might be Simon and Garfunkle, or will be more like Gallagher brothers - who knows?

Just listening to Jason Moran 'Modernistic', the track is Gangsterism on a Lunchtable - absolutely brilliant album...

This clip from the Tribes on a clunky old bar room piano is definitely worth a watch / listen

Jason Moran Live at Tribes in NYC
Sunday May 29 2011 5-7pm
15 dollars at the door
Limited seating RSVP

Hand on the Tiller

2011-11-06T21:48:00.000Z

Nothing ominous at first sight, until you hear that high pitch screeching of Miranda announcing that she's steering the boat (which also means accelerating the boat) with two other children in the boat.

Also in the boat is Gregory and Kyle acting as Safety Boat for Lewis who is elsewhere sailing up the Beaulieu River.

It's been a very pleasant afternoon with very little traffic other than ourselves, so a good chance to experiment with a few things - and fortunately no mishaps to report. Just a very cold wind to remind us that summer sailing is no more...

Christmas is a comin'

2011-11-03T22:51:00.000Z

Picture of our Christmas cake at the construction stage. For some reason Miranda doesn't seem to be wearing it all over her face, that must have come later.

It's now been cooked and is being fed with various liquid nourishments.

Miranda showed me a picture of a cake that she'd like to have made for her birthday. It's an igloo with penguins dancing around outside. I'm not sure whether there's any cake within the vast acreage of icing, but it's not my idea of a tasty morsel....

The way ahead

2011-11-02T22:09:00.001Z

Something of the Gregory Crewdson about this image of (our own) Gregory. It's all in the lighting and the ambiguous sense of something about to happen that creates a narrative for me. He might be watching a spacecraft hovering overhead, but knowing Greg, it's probably just a ball!

Greg has been reading the Indiana Jones series of stories, so we've been getting edited episodes from him at mealtimes. Sometimes you can't separate him from his doorstop books, other times like tonight he just wants to fall into bed and have a cuddle before going to sleep!

I'd just like to give a little plug for Treacletart a newly re-established blog dedicated to the more important things in life

Sketch Up

2011-11-01T23:04:00.001Z

"Guess what I'm drawing a picture of Dad?"

"It looks like you on the beach at Calshot, ...with Bouncer throwing stones in the water. And is that a Buzz and a Topper racing, which one is Lewis in?"

And bold as brass Lewis replies "I'm in the Fireball, and you can't see me because I've already crossed the Finish Line!"

Ever wanted to get a closer look at certain paintings but were too afraid to get arrested by the security guards?

Saw head

2011-10-31T21:33:00.001Z

Greg and Miranda had an inset day today, so they spent part of the day fetching a punkmin, and when Lewis got home they all helped harvest the content and carve the face. Tonight we've had stuffed figs, pumpkin gnochi followed by apple cake. Yum.

It's not every day I urge you to look at 102 photos but tonight have look at the Masks, Costumes and Halloween Exhibition on Lenscratch.

You take the slide

2011-10-30T20:43:00.001Z

A damp a murkely sort of day here today, so we've dug in a played with LEGO. Greg wanted to make a skate park, and although I did my best to persuade him that LEGO and curves did not really make out together, that's where we went. When they suggested making a Death Slide my eyes rolled over, but within seconds they had found a way of making one. In one shot I've got a Paramedic's stretcher on the floor, I'm sure I won't need to explain why...

We've managed to get out for a tootle this afternoon, but we didn't get back till after dark (the clocks having gone back)

Did I mention Lewis bringing us a cup of tea at 6.45 this morning?? That went down well, ...not!

I'm listening to Iba Diabate - Mouna

Wonderful tonight

2011-10-29T21:11:00.003Z

Last weekend Lewis put Clapton's 'Slowhand' on the CD player when we were eating, so I chided him for not playing Clapton's music much any more. So this week we have had all my old faves with increasing confidence. Lay down Sally, Wonderful tonight and of course Cocaine... He can really put his heart into it when he tries, and knows how to bend a string.

We've been at the sailing club today, Lewis took out a Pico single handed in quite strong winds. Greg had planned to go with him, but strong winds had taken it's toll before they even crossed the starting line for the races, and Lewis proceeded alone with both main and jib. Watched him briefly battling with the winds before taking Miranda out in the kayak. We tried using two paddles but it was a bit tricky and I wasn't keen on capsizing today. My usual method is to give her the paddle periodically whilst I just sit behind her, taking in the ride. She's making good progress but today was very tidal and a bit cold and windy at times.

Excellent bike ride alone first thing, autumn colours are pushing through nicely in the forest.

I'm listening to Coeur de Pirate - Le long du Pirate via Bandcamp - It has a very easy to use audio player and it's a great way to access new emerging musicians (and download/buy their music)

Days with my children

2011-10-28T19:55:00.001Z

As I load this picture I notice that I'm listening to Brad Mehldau playing "Young and Foolish", and I imagine the kids looking back at me questioningly...? It seems a good way to introduce a set of photographs I saw earlier by Colin Gray who has photographed his parents over a 30 year period in a very interesting way. One of the sets of images is currently featured on the Telegraph website, but his own website also shows an earlier project exploring his relationship with his parents from childhood through adulthood, and their relationship with each other.

Outstanding images, on a par with the set by Phil Todedano called "Days with my Father"

Preview Screen

2011-10-27T21:39:00.000Z

Yesterday was considerably nicer than today, I think we've had the lights on all day it's been so gloomy. And as you can see I took this one in yesterday's sunshine.

The kids are on half term break, and Miranda popped into my workroom and asked if we could go outside and take some photos in the garden. She had her camera (an old plastic film jobbie) ready, and out we went. As bold as brass she's taking photos, winding on and reviewing the images on the back; asking me what I think of them...

When we looked at the images on the computer this evening she even made reference to the (invisible) image on the back of the camera, so I thought I'd morph one in just to see her face tomorrow when I show her the blog!

Up a gum tree

2011-10-26T22:54:00.000Z

She thought I'd left her up the tree, and was bawling at me to come to the rescue. Greg naturally was higher up the tree, giving her a running commentary on my photographic distractions. This was the look on her face when I poked my lens through the branches!

On a short piece of string...

2011-10-25T22:04:00.000Z

I found this picture on my phone of Lewi sailing his Wayfarer, and thought it needed to go up. He's controlling the main and jib, and reckons he can even get the spinnaker to work too. It was great watching him from the other side of the pond when we'd left for a walk - endless people stopped and watched him at play. Grown ups with children mainly, but you could sense the satisfaction of watching a kid at play with his sailing boat....

Opening moves

2011-10-24T19:05:00.000Z

Lewis in compassionate mode playing Draughts with Mippy.

They have been to the dentist today and Miranda was very pleased to discover the arrival of her first grown up tooth - a wisdom tooth. So I've spent all afternoon telling her that there must have been a mix up!

Lewis has been refining his trawler drawing in Sketch-up which is starting to look very professional. I'm going to try and export a walk through for the blog.

Rans Wood

2011-10-23T22:28:00.000Z

Been for a nice walk in the forest this afternoon, it's been the perfect autumn afternoon. Colours are beautiful, as they shift from greens to yellows. A bit like the Wayne Shorter concert I'm listening to via Jez Nelson on Radio 3.

The kids love playing on this rope swing, and they talk about all the crazy things they are going to do when they get to it. Quite a few walkers out today for a change. And still a few pigs out for pannage too.

Chuff chuff

2011-10-22T19:34:00.001Z

Our neighbour John has been building a track for his steam trains in their garden. Today the kids had a chance to ride in them as it winds around between the trees, and even over the pond! It's a very atmospheric experience with steam billowing in your face and the sound of all that huffing and chuffing!

Lewis even got a science lesson on how the steam engine functioned. All handmade in his garden shed.

This afternoon Lewis has been trying to sail his Wayfarer model at Hatchet Pond - he's made sails, daggerboard, tiller and rigging etc and sails it with some long pieces of string.

Book Week

2011-10-20T21:50:00.000Z

They have been busy getting costumes ready for Book Week in school. Miranda came running into the bathroom first thing to tell me she was dressing up as Rapunzel.

By the time I took this photo, just before they left, poor old Greg was begining to wake up to the perils of wearing a flimsy robe on a bitterly cold day. His winged sandals better suityed to warm Grecian climes....

Nevertheless Perseus set off like a shivering man possessed. Later in the day he was full of beans again!

2011-10-19T21:41:00.001Z

Miranda drawing a map of Noddyland on the weekend. I was intending scanning the finished picture, but I think she took it into school. She has always enjoyed reading maps related to stories that you find inside books, and she worked away at this one putting lots of detail, words and colour into it.

This evening we've been to the park as the boys wanted to play football, so whilst they kicked the ball around in a flimsy layer of sports kit, I shivered in a fleece and jacket. Autumn definitely here, and we've even had the heating on!

Blow dry

2011-10-18T21:20:00.000Z

Greg brought his design for a Christmas Card home from school a few days ago, which got us thinking about getting organised and making our own this year. So we've been planning how we are going to make them. When I told him and Miranda that we would need to make at least a hundred they looked a bit shocked at the thought of doing all that work!

A table with a view

2011-10-16T21:28:00.000Z

I don't think most people would call this conspicuous dining, but our picnic lunch today in the spayed boughs of a large oak tree near Pigbush certainly provoked a few remarks from passers by! Reminded me of an old photograph of a picnic we had many years ago with my brother and his girlfriend in the Quantocks. Today's photo by Caroline who didn't have the stomach for the adventure.

We've had two really nice sunny days, wonder if it will last much longer. Our bike ride today was first class, Miranda must have ridden about 18 miles most of the time off road.

Hula Girl

2011-10-15T21:41:00.001Z

Eager

2011-10-14T19:54:00.000Z

Lewis is off for a weekend aboard HMS Bristol; sailing and other manly persuits!

This is as we waited for the leaders at Sea Scouts to turn up, he's always early, no matter how hard we try to organise him.

It's always strange when we have a weekend without him, it's like there's something missing - which of course is what it is.

Autumn is here, it's quite chilly and the nights are drawing in. It'll soon be Haloween.

Spellings

2011-10-12T22:00:00.000Z

She's so keen to do her homework that she does her spellings without any one asking her to do it, and under her own steam. I asked her to do them again for me as I ate my breakfast and she obliged getting them all right.

No wise cracks about there being only eleven, as you all know 11/11 and 12/12 both make 1.0

Ways of Seeing

2011-10-11T22:01:00.000Z

Met up with my photo chums last night and was moaning about the fact that I use my DSLR and prime lenses less than I used to. But what you loose in visual quality you gain with spontanaeity with the iPhone.

Mipp's drawings continue to fascinate me at the moment, and the alignment in this image is very satisfying.

Greg, in the background, wondering why he doesn't get the same attention...!

All Change

2011-10-09T21:32:00.001Z

We were the first people at the Sailing Club this morning, Lewis was very eager to get going with his new sailing partner Tom. The wind was fresh and this was after they had finished their first race. In the second race Tom took a Topper out singled handed and Lewis went out with Greg in the Pico. It had picked up to Force 5 and Greg sustained a few rope burns during a capsize which brought their race to an end, unfortunately...

Miranda has been skinny dipping with Bouncer all morning. Everyone seemed fairly pleased with their day.

New Boyfriend

2011-10-08T21:01:00.001Z

Miranda has been asking me if she can ride Domino for a few weeks, but it's never been the right time, but today when I asked her if she wanted to go and see if Barry was there she leaped up in the air and kissed me. I'll taken that as a 'Yes' then Miranda...

She really enjoyed herself, and Domino even seemed to enjoy himself too. I had to lock Alice (the goat) in the shed as she always butts us, and although I can ignore it, Miranda gets really stressed by it all!

Earlier in the day I had a great sighting of six Crossbills in the forest, four red and two green. It's not often that you get a first sighting as spectacular as this. We also saw piggies at Pannage, the forest being full of haycorns this year and a marvelous old Buzzard swooping through the trees on our bike ride through Pigbush.

Ping Pong

2011-10-07T21:55:00.000Z

Greg has been representing Waterside Primary today in Table Tennis at Testwood School. He's been taking part in a sports programme in conjunction with Noadswood School (Lewis' secondary school) to get the Primary kids focused on a transition to Secondary school, and he's loving it.

So this is his new team strip!

Swing out Sister

2011-10-04T21:37:00.000Z

Both boys were very keen on swinging, and propelled themselves forward from an early age. Miranda has been somewhat more lazy; happy to be pushed but easily distracted. However she's turned the corner and a few times lately she's given it a good push, and I even managed to catch her in the mood for showing off!

A buck an ear

2011-10-03T19:58:00.002Z

Greg has been learning his lines for his scout investiture, and tonight he's officially progressed to wearer of the knot. His New Forest East badge and another proclaiming him a member of the Buccaneer Pack will shortly go onto his jersey!

Since she came home from school Miranda has been painting pictures of Puff the Magic Dragon (which I think she must have been doing in school) and so before bed we have all been singing and playing the guitar in a Peter, Paul and Mary style, whilst Miranda does her best to remember the words...

Lazy Sunday Afternoon

2011-10-02T21:50:00.000Z

When I was a teenagers we used to listen to Annie Nightingale on the radio, and boy did we think we were lucky even to get a glimpse of Pop star lives...! In the foreground is Caroline and Lewis in the Feva (white and yellow sail 3341)heading off to the start line and later Greg and Cameron in a Pico (yellow with blue sail) this afternoon at Calshot.

To be fair the wind was not great but the sun made up for it as we dawdled along. We all had a go and Lewis even thinks he scored some points....

Not quite in the points

2011-10-01T22:18:00.000Z

Something of a scorcher down here today, and I managed an excellent 40+mile bike ride in the forest this morning AND sailing this afternoon (...and I'm still awake). Lewis completed the first race of the day with Kyle at Calshot, but when we showed up Kyle wanted to sail his Topper, so I had a chance to go out with Lewis in the RSFeva. So Lewi had his first ever race at the helm and I was his crew - we finished 6th out of 8 boats, which gave us a smile! It was probably our nicest day down at Calshot weatherwise too, sunny and quite breezy, but not too hairy. Caroline and Greg went out with Cameron (who's training to be a Junior Instructor) in an RSVision.

Didn't take any photos in the water, but I did take a few at Church Moor this morning with my phone

A place of our own

2011-09-29T21:46:00.000Z

Managed to get everyone to come out for a walk together on the weekend, this one was taken within Dibden Enclosure as we headed over to Pooh Bridge to throw some Pooh cones. As itbwas Lewis' birthday we were in nostalgic mode and recollecting the things we used to do when they were smaller....

Untitled...

2011-09-27T22:32:00.000Z

She was doing her homework when I came out to play with the kids after teatime. "I'll just be finishing my homework first Dad", ...she said keenly!

Out she came ten minutes late with a notebook in hand/ "I need to make a list of fruit and vegetables" she told me. So whilst Lewis and I kicked the ball, she wrote down her list.

After reading her bedtime story, it was the same story, she wanted to do more writing, so we had another go and worked on a few of the spellings. That was all getting a bit technical for her, too late in the day!

Domino

2011-09-25T18:19:00.000Z

We've had a nice walk this afternoon at Rans Wood, which looked beautiful in it\s autumn colour scheme

Tapas

2011-09-24T16:50:00.008Z

Earlier in the week Caroline had made some quince paste, which we all love eating with cheese, and it was the inspiration for our supper, which naturally was Tapas!

Tortilla Espagnol

Bean Salad

Chick Peas with Spinach and stuff

Roasted Cherry Tomatoes

Courgettes with Mint

Potato skins with Garlic Mayonaise

Beetroot Salad

Patatas Bravas

Houmus with pitta

Olives

Manchego with quince paste

All washed down with a bottle of Ned Sauvignon Blanc

hpbd

2011-09-23T21:37:00.000Z

I'm sure you can see the theme going on here, but this is Miranda's lovely card that she made for Lewis.

The spinaker is blazing, and the suin is shining, and the lads are smiling!

Lewi's off sailing in the morning, and I'm off on my bike for a ride on the trails.

This evening Miranda had a bit of a fall. She was playing on the slide in the park, and she took a tumble. Felt almost certain that her arm was broken but after slowly being able to see that she could move everything in every direction, and that she could push herself up with it, changed my mind. She went to bed happy as Larry, and when Caroline went upstairs to take her to the loo, she was in bed asleep with her arm bandaged up...!

Birthday Boy

2011-09-22T21:56:00.001Z

From today he's officially a teenager!

Caroline pulled all the stops out to make his cake look like the RS Feva, and Lewi was pretty chuffed with the result. We all had a slice at teatime as this evening he's had a barbeque on the beach with Sea Scouts.

Miranda made him a lovely card which I must scan and post up - he was very pleased with the presents he was given by Mipp and Greg. Model makers drill and drill bit set!

He was pleased too with all the other presents he was given, but I'm sure he'll do his own thank you's...

Monkey Business - you must read this!

Every once in a Lifetime

2011-09-20T19:46:00.000Z

A little glimpse upon our daytrip down to Langton Matravers on the weekend. You may be shocked so press the PLAY button with extreme caution...

You can do some amazing things with an iPhone these days, but I warn you this is reality, unedited in any shape or form....