Seasons Greetings

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas!

Of all the photos I have taken and have yet to take this one always gives me a smile. Taken on a camping trip with the kids, footloose and fancy free...!

Facetime with the old Browns

Capturing those little shards of daily life.  Lewis and I chatting with my Mum and Dad via Facetime; so much fun!

So the image is a bit of a mixture of my desktop chaos of work and life merged - just like reality!

Santa Dash

Greg did the Santa Dash funrun with George and his parents and the dog around Lymington and don't they just look festive.

COINCIDENCE by Robert Carter

Have a listen to this beautiful composition by Robert Carter - Jazz Pianist which is included on his new CD on Flame Records called "Less"

Robert will be performing at Twyford Church in the near future - I will post details later. In the meantime if you'd like to listen to or buy a copy of his CD, it's available here http://www.robertcarterpiano.com/index.php/albums.

Sun Ra Interview (Helsinki, 1971)

Another amusing posting for y Mum mainly. We saw Sun Ra and Arkestra quite a few years ago, sometime in the late 80's. An unforgetable experience which this will bring back.

I was amazed to discover that the remains of Arkestra will be playing on Sunday, 27 Nov 2016 at Belgrave Music Hall in Leeds... just a few days after I randomly pulled this up.

Blaen Bowi

I have to include this lovely photo by my brother Chris, of my parents alongside one of my Dad's paintings. It's a view of the farm where we first really called home, and a time of much happiness in our family life. We lived in a small cottage on the farm and my Dad painted a lot at the time, having successfully landed the job at Carmarthen School of Art that lasted him a lifetime.

Recovering nicely

Having been laid low for ten days or so recoving from an op, it was nice to be chauffered to the Jazz Club to drink some tasty beer from The Red Cat Brewery, thanks to Fordy. Music courtesy of Will Gibson and his 7 piece ensemble which I thought was first class group. http://www.willgibsonmusic.co.uk/

Will Gibson - tenor/soprano sax, bass clarinet
Sam Leak - piano, Roland kb
Leo Appleyard - electric guitars
Kevin Glasgow - electric bass
Chris Nickolls - drums
Paul Jordanous - trumpet
Tom White - trombone

The only weakness for me was trying to follow the notation too closely, a bit more improvisation would have suited me, but clearly they are all hugely taleted guys. Sam Leak I really thought was good and Tom White on trombone too. Kevin Glasgow I saw playing here some months ago with a trio called Preston Glasgow Lowe. Sam played here earlier in the year with Duncan Eagles.

Smiles

A short bike ride in the autumn sunshine, clear blue skies and a gentle breeze blowing the last of the leaves around. All is well in the world, but sadly no photo. Why am I smiling?

Ouch

A little reminder that I am having to take care when moving around! No gardening, no lifting, just light duties!! As if...

Facetime

Had a fun session with my Mum and Dad yesterday via Facetime. We started with the Telephone, jabbering as we do about stuff like Leonard Cohen, so after a while we agreed that she might like to watch some of clips I had found for her "on the internet"

She agreed that she'd try and Facetime me, which translated into me Facetiming her.... and she answered the call!

Before long we had a flow going and she had managed to watch clips on Youtube by Cohen (his last interview) and Sonny Rollins, who at 86 is still firing the trail. All good fun.

The old Yamaha!

It's been so much fun sharing stuff with my Mum that I have progressed to selecting a few bits I know they would love to see. 

When I was young we had a Spanish guitar, but sadly we never got as far as the guitar lessons! Anyhow in due course Lewis learned to play and Gran and Grandad gave us the guitar and now Greg also plays the guitar.

Here he is practicing, and shortly my parents might share the experience and the joys of homegrown music...

Sonny Rollins - Jazz à Vienne 2011 - LIVE HD

Today's posting on Mippy.co.uk is musical inspiration for the Penyrallt Browns. I am trying to teach my Mum to watch stuff on Youtube that I know she will like.

Jazz is just one of the things that I gained from my parents, and we all saw Sonny Rollins play at Brecon Jazz Festival some years ago. (c1989?) This clip is the final 20 mins of a concert in Vienna from 2011, and he's still kicking ass. Sonny Rollins is the Saxophone Collosus, and he's four years older than my Dad. Never stop blowing your horn man!!

So sad to think that Bob Cranshaw who is the bass player on this clip died last week.

LEONARD COHEN - The Last Interview (September 2016)

Leonard's last interview with David Remnick, posted for my Mum and dad

Popsie reading

Well she's just reading me what she has written to Gran, and doesn't she lookgrown up these days! Big and yet small...

This was half an hour before Auntie Miffi came to visit with Uncle Tony.

Sweet Potato and Cavalo Nero Soup

One of my tasty soups that Popsie and I, made with scones for lunch on her inset day.

Teamwork

Putting the boat away after another session on the water

Daughters and Fathers

Self portrait posted by progeny.  Less pleased to discover that sh'e been doing this anonomously, but I am pleased at least that she isn't pouting!

Leonard Cohen - Suzanne

Growing up we were surrounded by many culturally relevant things - art, writing, music and many interesting people with their ideosynchratric behaviours.

One of my Mum's favourite musical influences died this week, Leonard Cohen. This piece is beautiful.

Drawn to attention

Have a guess who? It's Miranda's drawing from the morning at the breakfast table...

When it's too windy

Greg and George doing some Dragonboat sailing at Lymington earlier. It was quite funny seeing these little RC sailing boats milling around all the bigger boats, jostling with even the Isle of Whight Ferry!

Today after sailing they have been doing some boat prep, organing their resources and repairing a damaged sail. Plans have been made to do a few more events and sailing together, it's great to see them having fun together.

She's fast

Popsie has been running in the Cross Country Relay event at Gang Warily, competing against other New Forest schools.

She's been looking forward to this event, and practicing most nights. I should know, I have been standing on the street corner to count the laps!

The Big Chair

A photo of Miranda on the daywe visited Southampton Solent with Lewis. Have to admit it does make for a funny photo!

Old Frends

Many years ago my Dad got me into cycling, buying me a bicycle as a present for "passing the Eleven Plus exam"

Certain memories stand out for me such as going on cycle touring trips to North Wales, and racing up and down the Towi valley with him and the Carmarthen Wheelers cycling club.

My last visit to Wales saw me inherit his trusty steed the Holdsworth Mistral, which dates back to the same time roughly as I traded up to my Freddie Grubb Galibier bike somewhere c 1975.

We shall be going on some adventures together.

Greg and George

 

Greg has a new sailing partner, and whereas he 'enjoyed' sailing with Lewis, George is the same age! Anyhow this pairing works well as both seem to have very similar interests and ambitions and bring out the best in each other.

Here they are working together to solve a problem; just what sailing does in bucketloads....

Rempstone Ride :: Poole Harbour

Not a big fan of putting things off until my retirement. I've wanted to do a circular tour around Poole Harbour for some time, and whilst Lewis amnd Elliott were sailing I did my thing. Heading north from PYC I took the trail towards Hamworthy and the sailing facilities at Rockley, crossed the railway line and made a bid towards Wareham by whatever means i could find avoiding the roads.

I'd forgotten it was a Saturday so found Wareham rather busy so didn't stop. On to Arne and then across the dunes and then via thebRempstone Ride across to Studland. An epic ride the last half. Finally over to the chainlink ferry and back home.

Composition

A little assignment for Gregory to photograph a tasty still life. I get to vary the composition by eating them slowly...!

Where's Mirada?

Now she can climb trees unaided, Miranda loves to disappear and pretend to have gone missing. Reliant for so long on the boys to lead the way, or me to help her up, she's now making up for lost time.

Quite often now she disappears into the garden and climbs a tree and sits there reading her book. Reminds me of my childhood in the woods at Alltycnap.

Almost forgot to mention this is Gregory's photo, as he's just startedfocusing on photography in his Art GCSE module. Some more pics may follow.

Gathering dust

A remnant from my last visit to Wales to visit my Mum and Dad. This is my Mum sorting through some drawings, no doubt to show me something interesting. My parents have serious problems with throwing things out, and as a result the house is full of occasionally really interesting things. It's the knowing what to do with it all....

Model Child

Greg getting stuck in to some model making. He's made many plastic models, but this wooden model which he's been making with the aid and sponsorship of our neighbour John, is pushing him to the limits.

Any friends or relatives who'd like to give him a weeks course in craft construction skills are welcome to put themselves forward!

Hayling Island Wind down

It's been a belter of a day as Lewi and Greg were sailing together in an RS800 organised by John Mather.  Popsie and I went cycling around the Island after watching them getting the hang of twin trapezing. After the day was nearly over Greg and John went for some fun in the slot arcades, before we tucked in to some tasty chips on the beach.

Then the larking around...

Tom Foolery

I always prefer this sort of image of people I know, laid back sort of pictures you might call them. Just candid moments in amongst the more mundane passages of life, but real ones nonetheless.

Candles on the Castle

For Greg's 14th birthday bash we went to Studland. At the beginning of the day, however heavy traffic slightly altered the plans and we went to Arne en route. This was good as Arne is beautiful but also quiet.

The sand castle was built after our picnic lunch, and then we headed down to Studland.

Badminton, swimming in the sea, running aroud the and like mad things; we had a great time.

And finally the end of the day was spent at Swanage eating tasty vege pasty and chips on the beach... Greg's favourite!

Me

On the beach, making my way north somewhere near Walberswick. I guess I planned it like this, but in focus. However I like the vagueness in this self portrait.

The wonders of Modern Technology

A screengrab from this afternoon. Thought I'd put in a quick call via Facetime with my sister Joanna as she's been visiting my parents in Wales. Remarkably they were with Rena and Jeremy on the bench at Scotts Bay, Llansteffan and the 3G signal was strong enough to convey audio and video picture.

Even managed to get them waving back!

I know we all complain about modern life ruining everything of quality, but this is one truly awesome use of the internet...?

Suffolk

Looking remarkably like the New Forest, although it's Dunwich Heath in Suffolk. I shall post some of my landscape and travel pics here over the next week or so. Top weather in the most part, and lucky to find some great places and people along the way.

"Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can" Arthur Ashe

Been a long way on my bike by now, going keep pushing on!

Hats off to them Cuckoos

Can you believe that the first of the BTO tagged Cuckoos has already crossed the Sahara? Cuckoo 161321 was tagged in the New Forest this Spring and has taken the westerly route through France and Spain to his current location in Mali.

Awesome...

Sports Day

Popsie chomping breakfast ahead of her Sports Day at school.

She's wearing the T Shirts she designed for her running club.

After a less than promising start in the obstacle race, she took her place in the running. First place in both year five races, and top girl in the combined year 5 and 6 'ticket' race. So she's fastest girl in the school with another year to go!

Well done Popsie!

Nesting time nearly over

 A few of the nests in our garden this year, both now vacant. We had a pair of goldfinches nesting in a conifer tree, and although I think I know where it is, I've been unable to locate it precisely.

However the lower of these two images shows a nest that looks very much like a gold finches. It was blown out of an oak in the front garden, so it's unlikely to be theirs? Miranda was distraught that they may have lost their home.

Beautiful nonetheless.

Dartmoor

Lewis had a coaching session at Torquay with James Hollis and a bunch of other 29ers, and since enough hands were available to cover safety boat duties I was able to ride my bike!

As you can see I had a great time, getting stuck into the real Dartmoor as well as discovering some if the lovely lanes around South Brent and Buckfastleigh. Both these little towns were really worth a visit, lots of character, and some great places to eat and have a coffee etc.

Sailing talk

Lewi electrifies when he's got the services of a great coach. Torquay at the weekend with Niall Myant who just happens to also love cycle touring!

Alfie

Miranda and her chum Alfie making a video about her moshie monsters. If I can find a link I will post it but for the time being I shall post my photo.

On the trail

Out on my bike this morning, just stopped up for a breather in a beautifully quiet part of the forest.

The trail you can see was once a tarmac road but the A31 led to it's demise. The clouds were rolling over and I almost got wet several times.

Later in the day the thunder and heavy rain did come but by then I was home and dry.

Only about 40 - 45 miles today...

Trying to find the story

An old postcard image from Ashlett Creek, and a thoughts that have been rolling around for some time. I read some time ago about Edwin Mudge, a Fawley based photographer who had a small darkroom in the old mill at Ashlett.

This weekend was the 200th anniversary of the mill, and I was able to meet up with Tim Woodcock who had a similar interest in Mudge. The story goes that he buried 4 tons of glass plates in his garden, and I can't stop thinking about trying to recover these. His images are fantastic, the one above is taken from his darkroom at the mill. You can see the Jolly Sailor pub before it was extended and the square looking very different to today.

They had organised a music festival to mark the occasion, and we listened to the music of The Real Raj, a superb local musician from Beaulieu.

Bike Ride around Wiltshire and Dorset.

This is a Strava map plotted from my bike ride with Alan on Saturday, showing the map and altitude. Some superb countryside taking in Gillingham, and Stour Head, starting at Salisbury, which I need to explore further.

We had a coffee stop at Shaftsbury, cycling up Gold Hill, not exactly by mistake, but by the top we were being watched by some onlookers, and we couldn't stop then could we? Bloody steep and cobbled right to the top...!

78 miles in total, but eased along by some great food and drink in the Upham Brewery pub en route.

On Duty

Just found this picture on the club website of me doing OOD duty with my able helper Lewis! Just so happens we are on duty again tomorrow so haopefully it will be a chance to top up the suntan.

Been out on my bike today, a nice long ride all over the forest with lunch at the Royal Oak in Fritham. I am getting the miles in, trying to get a bit fitter. Next weekend I have a 72mile ride planned around Salisbury Plain!

Popsie has been unwell for a few days; what we thought was a little tummy bug has persisted and she is still rough, more so than when it started.

Ratty the Brave

 

I have never set out to be a nature photographer, although I do admire those that have the patience and knowledge to perfect the art. I think it's great to be able to observe some things, and this is my best effort to tell the story.

Yesterday whilst thinking about the village of West Deane, which King Alfred bequeathed to his older son Deone, having given Amesbury to his younger son Ambresbyrig, I was given to gaze into the waters of the canal once four feet deep and fifteen feet wide at it's deepest point.

I happened to spot a grass snake scootoing along the edge of the water, and moments later a water vole heading towards it, cascading a stream of water behind it. It all happened quite quickly and there was an almighty battle, and this is my automatic image grab response; see if you can spot the Grass Snake's tail and the Water Vole in action..! Neither seemed to be victorious, and I could rest easily.

"Grass snakes adopt a 'sit and wait' hunting policy. Any prey that comes within striking distance is caught in their large jaws and then swallowed whole. Studies suggest that an adult grass snake can survive for 12 months on less than 10 frogs."

Bournemouth

Met up with my parents and Rena and Jeremy in Bournemouth earlier. They were visiting various gardens with the Country Gardening Club, staying at the Hotel Trouville. They had had a very tiring few days but we were together for long enough over dinner at the hotel to enjoy ourselves.

After dinner we went for a stroll around the gardens, so Mum and Jeremy could go looking for the house of one of our relatives that ran a guest house in the Triangle at Bournemouth.

I stuck with Dad, who wasn't quite able to do the distance and we had a nice chat as I propped him up as we climbed the steep hill back to the Hotel. Got me thinking about all those hills (mountains) that we climbed together from North Wales to the Cuillins, and Macgillycuddy's Reeks.

A drink in the Bar together whilst we waited for the others to return, and we set the world to right.

Photo from a few weeks ago

Just because

Not a new photo, but as I am clearing out rubbish thought I should use the jewells I have, but have not used!

The Bluebells at Allt Blaen Y Bryn

Memories of a few weeks ago in the Bluebell Woods with my parents near Abernant.