Odd or what? Camera Tales!

Following on from my successful experiments with nasturtiums last year I decided to plant some begonias as companions in my hanging baskets. As you can see the colours work wonderful together and I am absolutely delighted with the results.

I did not buy any new seeds this year, all my nasturtium seeds were harvested from last years plants. Here you can see this years flowers producing next years seeds!

Something is attacking the green leaves and if anybody knows a natural repellant which I can spray on my flowers I would be very grateful for the information!

So the camera........................................

I have a Samsung digital camera which uses re-chargeable batteries.

I also have a Nikon which I found when on holiday in the Isle of Man!

I did make enquires as to who it belonged to, contacting the police etc but it seemed destined to be mine.

Now I have heard that some people have jinxes on watches, I think I am jinxed with vameras....today was a typical example.

We went to Pickering Traction Engine Rally, I took along my Nikon camera.

I took a small number of photographs when it flashed "Memory Full!"

I had forgotten to put the memory card into the camera!

Returning home I loaded the memory card and took the few pictures above from round the garden. Error message flashed..."Battery Exhausted!"

Now the Nikon has a lithium battery

so I had to plug the charger in.....will be a few hours,

by which time the moment will have passed.

No worries......my Samsung camera was at hand.

I loaed up the recently charged batteries and off I went.

This time more flowers and some of my chickens.....

or so I thought!

After 1 photograph "Low Battery" and then the camera switched itself off!

Loaded up more recently charged batteries and again after 1 photograph

"Low Battery" and then the camera switched itself off!

So enjoy the photographs! I am away to do some thinking!

Is it me?

For other flowers visit here!

Odd or not this little device is going to be popular over the next few days as I strive to de-clutter and have a spring clean! The sun is out and there are jobs to do both inside and outside the house! Watch this space! Spring cleaning time! Emerged from winter’s slump We’ve trucked a load of refuse to the dump -- Old things once valued, bought with hard-earned cash, Mementos of our lives, devolved to trash. The treasures tykes unwrapped one Christmas morn With shrieks of glee, are disused and forlorn. Bent rackets, a deflated basketball, A battered box of battered Barbie dolls, A chipped, old conch shell from some tropic isle, A beat-up, floral couch long out of style, A bicycle, a lamp, a plastic Jeep, Lie broken and discarded in a heap. Once prized possessions, now computer junk, Land in the trash pile with a sullen thunk. There goes that printer – and if truth’s to tell, The darned thing never did work very well. A bust of Elvis with a busted nose Begs, “Don’t be cruel!” -- but to the landfill goes. A fond reminder of their childhood past, Our kids’ old booster seat gets chucked out last. A hunk of scrap is much more than it seems. Here in the bone-yard of our worn-out dreams The crunch of boots on shards of broken glass Reminds us that, tout passe, tout casse, tout lasse. Neil Harding McAlister For more odd shots see here!

Monday Monday!

Jo, waiting for his crust!

My Monday odd shot features Jo, my adored gander who has enjoyed paddling round the garden in the snow. By looking at his prints I could see exactly where he had been yesterday in the snow. When I opened the blind in the kitchen I saw two pheasants walking through the village, it was a lovely sight. The contrast of their colourful plumage against the whiteness of the snow. Wilma and i went for a walk and I could see many prints, probably foxes and badgers, it was lovely. To look at more Monday shots click on the links in the sidebar.

My odd shot was taken on 7th February last year. Yet last Friday the scene was exactly the same, so it was an ideal subject for a monochrome project. Although we have had no snow during the night the village looks wonderful and I will indeed be taking some photographs later. I did take some yesterday but there are issues with the re-chargeable batteries in my camera and I could not load my efforts, but this will be sorted later. Today sees me embark on a mammoth spring clean throughout the house. Today it is to be the kitchen cupboards. I will show the end results but not the current oes as the place needs a good sort. I have plans for each room and am very keen to get started. With the kitchen my plans will involve NOTHING to be stored on any of the work surfaces other than the kettle, knife block, microwave and possibly the toaster....toaster not used everyday just some days. I know I will be taking stuff to the charity shop as well as the tip so I need to be organised about it all, which I do feel I am. Rather than thinking "Oh the place is JUST SO Cluttered" I am thinking, yes there are issues here and I will address them. LOL! ie tackle each room at a time. I am making progress with my new mobile phone, having managed to send picture messages to poor unsuspecting friends and family. I also play a daily brain refresher exercise, involving maths, logic, mamory and visual skills.......room for improvement me thinks, especially on the memory skills as i can't remember where my mobile is, still I know my number so I can always ring myself! LOL! I

Back to Normal?

Garden Visitor, January 1st 2008!

Monochrome Monday..... Now Christmas is over and New Year Celebrations are complete it is time to look forward and find any hints of Spring! This photograph, taken from where I am sitting now, at the kitchen table shows clearly that the buds of the cherry blossom last year were more advanced than they are today...there are some buds and indeed if I zoom in I am sure I will see more signs...it is just a case of looking! Our garden visitors are checking out the bird house and we have had many visitors throughout the holiday.

The photograph, normal colour appears much warmer. My oddshot is indeed odd because like many other people I felt the weather was getting warmer, so it was quite a surprise to wake up to find snow on the front lawn.....not such a sign of spring, but an essential part of nature's calendar.

Slowly but surely things are getting back to normal after a very hectic fortnight of entertaining and partying. We have a full month of parties, birthday celebrations and a wedding so it will be a fun month for us. After abandoning any healthy eating for a couple of weeks I need to get back on track which I hope to do so over the next few days........well when I have eaten the last of the jelly babies and wine gums which are looming in the lounge! My New Year Poem is my Bridges contribution as I do feel it really sums up what it is all about! To follow any of these projects, click on the link in the side bar. Here's to 2009!

SAILING INTO THE NEW YEAR God built and launched this year for you; Upon the bridge you stand; It's your ship, aye, your own ship, And you are in command. Just what the twelve months' trip will do Rests wholly, solely, friend, with you. Your logbook kept from day to day My friend, what will it show? Have you on your appointed way Made progress, yes or no? The log will tell, like guiding star, The sort of captain that you are. For weal or woe this year is yours; Your ship is on life's sea You acts, as captain, must decide Whichever it shalll be; So now in starting on your trip, Ask God to help you sail your ship. ~Author Unknown~

More Pies?

The 3 components of a pie mould!

I have incorporated my Monday Odd Shot with my Monochrome offering. A year ago I would not have had a clue what these were, now both Jon and I are becoming pie machine experts. 2009 will be the year where we develop Jon's business into the food industry and we will be working together in a new direction which we never anticipated. I wonder what other new discoveries we will make in 2009? How exciting!

Talking of food........... Have you had one of these over the holiday period? A traditional pork pie!

I must say we haven't had one, it must be one of the few things we haven't had. I am now on food overload and do not want to look at anything fancy for a few days. However with friends coming round on new Year's Eve, a family buffet on New Year's Day, a pre-wedding get together of more friends on Saturday, dinner at more friends on 10th, a wedding on 17th and a big family get together here on 24th to celebrate nephew 2's 18th I can't see a food break being an option! Phew! For more odd shots/Monochrome Monday offerings follow the links in the sidebar!

Monday's Kick off for the Week!

I am using our pets for today's theme. My Odd Shot is Wilma winking at the camera. Notice the tears in the cushion? This was Max's handywork. When somebody knocked at the door he would bite the cushions! LOL!

The star of my Monochrome is Ella. As she is black and white she is a natural for a monochrome. Considering her size, she holds her own against two huge german shepherds who will never learn! LOL!

If you would like to see more odd shots or monochromes follow the links in my side bar!

What a Small World!

Monochrome Monday........Grosmont Station!

With red fire buckets! LOL!

Notice the planters................................. here they are in original state! My Odd Shot for Today!

When I was searching for a December Poem in Google, who should be number 1 but our very own Gerald! Read more of his poems here I was proud to say I know him! MID-DECEMBER by Gerald England A full moon shines over the morning frost; the lanes are full of late-fallen leaves; walking across the mulch is almost as tricky as treading over ice. In town the carol-singers are in crowding the shopping-mall, while a group of muffled musicians play by the outside market. This year but two robins on the early christmas cards; the squirrel still runs along the fence skirting our newly-erected shed. My contribution for the Bridges Project is just along from Grosmont Station, Beggers Bridge, over the River Esk.

I know many people are interested in the railways and have indeed visited our very own North York Moors Railway. To join in any of these memes do click on the picture in my sidebar, now back to the left!

For my friends in Norway!

Grosmont Station

Just a teeny weeny addition of red thanks to picasa!

How's this for an odd shot? The explanation linking Norway and UK!

Have a good day! To join in these fun themes, use the links in my side bar which was on the right side but now is on the left!

Let me in!

Monday's odd shot! Jo and Elsie sharing a moment! Will be back with my Monochrome!

Mr Pie Man, wont you make me a pie!

Now, this weeks odd shot is a very special one..................a pie machine.! 1. The pastry is placed into the tin...

2. The heating element is brought over to press out the base of the pie.

3. Pie base ready for filling!

4. Filling is added.

5. Top is placed on

5. Hole inserted for jelly to be added.

6. Pie is crimped.

7. Pie is baked, afterwhich jelly is added.

8. mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!

All Change!

Autumn Colors By Felix L. Perry Pressed between the bible pages it may fade Ironed between waxed paper softly laid Captured by the solitude of times past Seasons change but these memories die cast Autumn colours on a schoolroom wall dance Brighten young and old with every glance Swirling leafs giggle out side the window’s sill Of Halloween’s witches and goblins they tell Time to tuck beach memories away somehow As we applaud the summer’s closing bow The smell of burning leafs perfume the air Children frolic in piles raked up with care So glad Mother Nature sure knows what to do With sweet autumn’s colours just for me and you!

The leaves are now beginning to fall as Autumn places a firm grasp in the garden. The nights are drawing in and the weather is definately colder...but it was great to go in the garden to discover Today's Flowers!

I am particularly pleased with these flowers which are new to our pots this year. I am not sure what they are but I am sure somebody will know. I received some bulbs earlier in the year and planted them with others outside on the patio. Their vivid colours were a welcome sight this morning!

On the drive the nasturjuims are still giving us some good colour and it is great to see the primulas getting ready to give a good show!

Continuing with the bike theme for my monochrome here is my offering! It is of my new bike boots. We went to Hull on Saturday following a telephone conversation regarding some new leathers they had got in stock for me. We arrived around lunchtime and I must say I was thrilled when they fit like a glove. Yes, they need slight alteration as the legs were a bit too long, as were the sleeves, but we know a very good chap not far away who will work wonders on them! What a bargain too! I had tried some in York which were £595...but they were dull and didn't fit anywhere near as snug as the ones I bought on Saturday.......................for £189!!!!!

Finally my Odd shot Monday is of my boots again. Jon has the same! The colours match our bike as do our leathers. Our last leathers and boots lasted 8 years so we will have to see we always have a blue bike! LOL! To join in any of these Monday themes click on the links in the side bar!

Wilma and I had a good walk this morning and I felt so much better! The Wedding Fayre went well and we are meeting up with the manager in a few days time to plan some events for 2009. He is keen that the local businesses are the ones who he uses. Great news! Talking of local businesses, we are celebrating today. It was October 20th, 1994 when Jon first set up in business, so as of now we are entering into his 15th year of trading! I am so proud of him!

On a Brighter Note?

My Monday odd shot was taken on Saturday late afternoon when we returned from an excursion to Hull. We had a great day and it looks as though we have sorted out my new leathers....watch this space! You can see by the state of the back of the bike that although we did not pass through any rain, the road threw up enough dirt to warrant a clean..... Todays Flower......................yes, they are still going strong! So lovely a sight on a dull day!

My monochrome is again of the bike, but from a different angle. The bike was parked at Scarborough a few weeks ago!

Every morning we wake up to the news and I must say of late it all seems doom and gloom. The financial state of the world seems to be crumbling around us. Usually it all seems to be happening elsewhere but of late it all seems to be happening close to home. Last week we heard our own coulnil had invested £5 million in icelandic banks and this morning we heard that our bank is now seeking investment! It will be interesting to see what pans out!

Monday Collection!

My monochrome ............ The front wheel of our bike.....

My odd shot............close up of the wheel..............the disc brake!

My flower for today is the cyclamen growing at the base of our cherry tree.

It is miraculous that flower should rise by flower alike in loveliness. . . . William Carlos Williams, "The Crimson Cyclamen,"

There has been a definate change in the weather of late. Last week saw the delivery of our central heating oil. I wonder if there will be sufficient for the winter? We have had the central heating boiler serviced and just in time too as we had some bitterly cold days at the end of the week. Ironically, yesterday was a lovely day which I missed as I had caught the cold which had put Jon in bed for a couple of days. I could hear all the motorbikes passing and wished we were out with them, but it wasn't to be. Today I will be catching up on housework and making sure Wilma gets a good long spell on the beach. Thanks for the many words and messages...still no news. D

Monday Collection!

My Odd Shot..... The Grabrail at the back of the motorbike. People often wonder how I stay on the motorbike.... (I often do myself! LOL) Basically my left arm is around Jon, my right arm holds onto the grabrail! I sometimes relax my right arm on my knee, but when I see Jon is about to speed up or overtake I reach for the grabrail. Friends who are behind us always know when Jon is going to overtake by watching my actions. Recently we had an observed ride by the police who commented on how well we rode together!

My Monday monochrome...the engine casing of our bike. This was taken yesterday, at Grosmont station....more later!

My Flower for today, a hanging basket at Pickering Train Station yesterday. Still bursting with colour as we approach October!

To join in with any of these Monday themes. click on the links in the side bar! Must dash, a busy couple of days!

Monday's Offering!

Following the great comments I received last week I have decided to use the motorbike as the subject for all my monochrome posts....for the time being anyhow. The bike is such an interesting object...so photogenic! This is the rear of the exhaust, taken yesterday at the Gold Cup Race Meeting at Oliver's Mount, Scarborough. We had a fantastic day!

My Odd Shot is a technical insight into the operation of the suspense stuff of the motorbike. I asked hubby what the little canister was behind the large suspension springs. Here in order for you to see what I am yalking about I have used some basic editing to highlight the bright red writing. It contains some gas, the name escapes me. The suspension keeps the ride comfortable.

Today's flower, is my tomato plant. My tomatoes are quite sparse this year. To contribute to any of the day's memes follow the links on my sidebar!