A Sky for Friday!

The open gate is just over the road from our house, part of a local farmer's land. It shows the animals have been moved to another of his fields. The weather forecast said everywhere was going to be warm and sunny except the North East Coast which is precisely where we are so I will be watching the skies very carefully. Today the weather is very pleasant, not too hot and there is a lovely cool breeze....ideal as I am tidying up my study and having a re-organisation. Many I know are moving and sorting and it has made me realise I need to sort out a few bits around the house. I received a filing cabinet from Freecycle so this will bring about great changes, for the better in my study! One day I just may show you my study, after it's re-decoration, but dont hold your breath! lol it may be a while. For more skies visit here

Watching the Sky! Update 2 of the Chicken Preparations and a Competition!

Looking up from the new chicken area a few minutes ago!

We have been very lucky with the weather today but just as I went out to take some photos it started to rain, so I hope you appreciate the fact that I got wet, just so I could share some of the work we have done today! The gate has been modified so Jon can get the sit on lawnmower through. I think Nephew 3 did a great job!

I too was busy, I have these candle holders knocking around the garden for BBQ's so I nailed them to the posts and found some redundant artificial flowers destined for the charity shop.

The henhouse is really coming along! The base is our old gate and all the wood is from our stable. If you look at the side you will see the opening which eventually will lead to a nesting box. There will be three nesting boxes in all. Behind the plastic bag is the main entrance. We have some perspex type material, originally the window of the redundant shed, directly behind the hen house. Yes, our hens will have their very own patio doors! The shed is now a luxurious hotel to the bees which have set up nest in there. The entire project has cost us the price of the chicken wire, nails and some hinges. Everything else has been recycled from stuff we had lying around the place.

I have decided on the names for the 6 hens we are getting... Shirley, Beverley, Eva, May, Olwyn and Mable! Good old traditional names! Hopefully we will get the hens this weekend, if not it will be early next week! Now, I thought we could have some fun...

Look at the photograph and have a guess as to what Jon is doing in the airing cupboard! It isn't anything illeagal! lol! Have a guess in the comment section! The winner will receive one of my cards! Talking of cards I have decided to study my hens and capture them in paints, which I will then use around our house and make some card too! Go on, have a go!

For other skywatchers, visit here

Update 6pm Friday!

Congratulations Gerald! Indeed Jon was monitoring the cider...with his stethescope! lol! Checking on if it was still making any noises! e-mail me your address & I'll get cards in post!

Rose Scattering Fire in the IOM Sky!

Though the day still lingers, the rose-scattering fire of the evening star already scintillates through the azure sky. - Willem Kloos,

Continuing with my Isle of Man Skies, this was another evening, another sky at Port Erin. Quite late evening, you can just see the lights on the bay indicating something was going on! For more skywatchers go here

Skywatch Friday

As mentioned last week, my skywatch photos over the next few weeks will feature Isle of Man captures. Was it really only 2 weeks ago? It seems ages!

These are taken from the bench on the promenade at Port Erin, a favourite place of ours to sit and mull over the events of the day and plans for the next day.

Author: grooveysaz@hotmail.com

The sun is setting on a lonely day

The colours are splitting, the perfect way

Your strolling home as you see this too

And I watch from a window thinking of you

From this day on, Ill look forever

That magical sunset, our memories together

To help me through when my life gets tough

And when I feel that Ive had enough

The sun you see, makes me think of you

The miracle of it, the wonder too

I see you both everyday as you know

To stop seeing either, Id have to say, no

The bright colours shine from within my heart

The colours of a sunset, a special part

Of a day in my life I wish you could see

Just whats its like, just to be me.

For more skies visit here

Skywatch Friday!

Blue sky over the mountain. Jon & Andy contemplate life and other things!

As many of you know I haven't been blogging as much of late due to wedding commissions which I need to complete and deliver. One down one to go and then I can begin on the preparations for our visit to the Isle of Man! We are so so excited! I will be sharing more later but for the moment enjoy the view! For more skywatchers visit here!

Away Beyond the Blue!

A lovely sky for a lovely person. My very best friend's partner died yesterday, so Philip Argument this is for you! RIP!

Away beyond the blue Away beyond the blue One star belongs to you One star belongs to you And every breath I take And every breath I take I'm closer to that place I'm closer to that place Yeah baby, I'm gonna meet you there On the outskirts of the sky Yeah baby, I'm gonna meet you there And we will fly Away beyond the blue Away beyond the blue One star belongs to you This life is but a dream This life is but a dream Go gently down the stream Go gently down the stream Skywatch Friday

Skywatch Friday

Taken last year, Isle of Mann during the TT Races

"Last night I lay in bed looking up at the stars in the sky and I thought to myself, where the heck is the ceiling." lol!

I have decided to re-join Skywatch Friday for the time being and think this one is so appropriate as in 2 months time we will be going to the Island again, for the TT races. We are staying in Port Erin and I am beginning to get excited. I love the anticipation and preparation of holidays!

Skywatch Friday and Wilma!

I haven't done a skywatch for a while as the sky has not been particularly exciting. Yes we have had some dramatic sunsets or evening skies but always when I didn't have my camera with me or when I have been out and about. I always notice the sky when I put Jo into his hut. Sometimes the sky is so dramatic by the time I have locked his door, returned to the house, picked up my camera the moment has passed. However, this little fella was captured through the kitchen window. A timely reminder we should be looking after our garden visitors at this time of the year! For more skywatchers visit here It was strange I should find this picture. I have noticed a particularly intriguing idea on a few of the blogs I visit. basically you look into your photo storage section and look in your 6th file and chose 6 photos, post them together with the story behind them. When I did the same I found the little fella above and 5 of Wilma. These photos were all taken arouund the same time of the year back in 2007. I know this because we had just finished decorating the bathroom in time for Christmas and I noticed how Wilma complemented the colour of the painted bathroom walls.

I wont tag anybody but do have a look in your 6th file, you never know!

I dont know why we always need to do jobs in time for Christmas. This year it is the porch which we are working on! Watch this space! Well the snow seems to have made it's point and has now started to melt, so hopefully the village will still hold some lovely scenes which I hope to capture when out with Wilma. Weekend plans? I think we are off to York tomorrow for the monthly auto-jumble. Mostly machinery man's stuff. Jon will be in his element. Mind you, I do love a good rummage and like to bag a bargain. A couple of months ago I got 100 dishwasher tablets for £1.99. What a bargain eh? They have been superb too! What are your plans for the weekend? Have fun whatever you do!

Sunset!

The sky was very dramatic last night, all pink and blue, quite beautiful really! We were blessed with good weather today, for Graham's funeral. The church was absolutely bursting at the seems and people were outside too, again in a huge crowd. I dont expect I will ever understand why he did it, to see his family so distressed was so upsetting. Yet it is an indication of how low his depression had dragged him so far down he could only see one way out! Rest in Peace Graham.

Do you ever watch the sunset And just sit and think about things Just you and the sky and darkness Giving your thoughts some wings Perhaps you’re got some troubles And don’t know what to do Or you just plain need to get away To spend a little time with you Sunset beauty makes you feel as though Your life has meaning after all To see a sight so extraordinary Makes you feel capable, strong and tall It’s funny how flashes of color Like a sunset or sunrise can inspire It can calm your inner self a bit It’s a scene you can never tire The serenity gives you a chance To put things in perspective Life can be overwhelming at times And a sunrise can be reflective So when the sky lights up next time Let your gaze do some drinking Soak up and the amazing sights And do some sunset thinking! Marilyn Lott

Sunset

I very nearly missed posting a sky photograph as my mind has been all over the place today. However, as I looked through my photographs I came across one just for Graham.

Just beyond the sunset

Just beyond the sunset Lies a home for me Where the world is peaceful Like a paradise should be Just beyond the sunset Someday is where you’ll find me Written - July or Aug 1966 David Harris

New Day!

View from landing window

Each morning we are greeted by a sunrise, just as we were a few days ago. My camera was near-by so I made the seized the moment! It can only mean a new day, how exciting is that? A day to be grasped, embraced and enjoyed. The weekend is here and an adventures awaits! If life seems at its lowest ebb, Because a day's gone wrong. Let not your heart be troubled, For a new day soon will dawn And we can never be quite sure, Just what it has in store. Since each one is so different, Than the one just gone before As it penetrates the darkness, With its soft and tranquil beams. It calms even the most restless soul, And brings new hopes and dreams So when a days been troubled, And the night is dark and long. Lift up your fallen spirits, For a new day soon will dawn Author unkbown For more skywatchers, visit here

North York Moors

“I never saw a moor, I never saw the sea; Yet know I how the heather looks, And what a wave must be. I never spoke with God, Nor visited in Heaven; Yet certain am I of the spot, As if a chart were given.” Emily Dickinson

In the background the heather can be seen, always a heart-warming sight as I associate it with home and the surroundings I knew so well as a child. Beautiful heather moorland lies at the very heart of the North York Moors National Park. Unenclosed and unsurpassed, this stunning landscape has a quiet drama all of its own. Responding sensitively to the changing seasons, the moorland is a special place whatever time of year. The call of the moorland birds characterise the early summer and, as the summer evenings draw in, the flowering heather turns the moors into a purple carpet stetching for miles across the open vistas. In winter the moors can be exceptionally beautiful, inspiring artists and writers and providing a wonderful opportunity to brush away the cobwebs of daily life or to simply stand and stare.

Heather YOU talk of pale primroses, Of frail and fragrant posies, The cowslip and the cuckoo-flower that scent the spring-time lea. But give to me the heather, The honey-scented heather, The glowing gipsy heather-- That is the flower for me! You love the garden alleys, Smooth-shaven lawns and valleys, The cornfield and the shady lane, and fisher-sails at sea. But give to me the moorland, The noble purple moorland, The free, far-stretching moorland-- That is the land for me! Flora Thompson

To visit more skywatchers or to join in go here!

Time?

When we are doing what we love, we don't care about time. For at least at that moment, time doesn't exist and we are truly free. Marcia Wieder

This is Loftus Town Clock, about 2 miles away. I was looking up at the sky because I was checking the time, you see Jon is the official clock engineer and one of his jobs is to move the clock one hour forward or one hour back.

It happens twice a year. We all change our clocks and watches by one hour. In the spring, we add an hour, and go onto what is called British Summer Time, while in the autumn, we do the reverse, and adhere to Greenwich Mean Time.

Why bother?

It's all to do with saving the hours of daylight, and was started by a chap called William Willett, a London builder, who lived in Petts Wood in Kent.

Basically, he reckoned that you could improve the population's health and happiness by putting forward the clocks by twenty minutes every Sunday in April and do the opposite in September.

His idea was not taken up, even though a 'Daylight Saving Bill' was introduced some five years before the outbreak of World War One. But once the war started, it was considered prudent to economise, to promote greater efficiency in using daylight hours, and in the use of artificial lighting. And so in 1916, 'Daylight Saving Time' was introduced.

Even though most countries abandoned this after that war, some eventually decided that it was a good idea, and most of these nations began to keep it throughout the year.

Since 1972, Britain has decided to go with Greenwich Mean Time in winter, and British Summer Time in Summer. But back in 1968, Britain tried a four-year experiment by advancing time one hour ahead of GMT throughout the year.

But the arguments rage on....and on.

It is quite strange literally seeing time move back or forward! When Jon is up in the clock and I see somebody I know whilst I am outside checking the times I always tell them I am going to show them time travel! It always brings a smile! LOL!

Loftus Town Hall was built by the Earl of Zetland, erected by Mr Thomas Dickenson of Saltburn, and was first opened in 1879. At that time the building comprised:

• Ground Floor – Police Court, Local Board Room, Clerk’s Office and Retiring Room
• First Floor – Hall, Reading Room, Office and Ante-room.

During the World Wars of 1914-1918 and 1939-1945 some of the rooms were confiscated for the War Effort The Town Hall clock has faces North, East and West, but no face to the South as the residents of South Loftus were reluctant to contribute to the cost. For more skywatchers, or to join in visit the skywatch blog. Please note, I do reply to all comments received over on the posters blogs, but I may be a bit later this week and over the weekend as I have a nasty ear ache and am not my normal self (well as normal as I will ever be!) so I am keeping quiet...so unlike me! LOL! Happy Skywatching! Thanks

God Bless the Farmers

Skywatch Friday 28.08.08 Up the lane, this morning.

As I sit here, approaching 7.30pm on Thursday evening the air is filled with the sound of tractors and farm machinery as the farmers make the most of today's good weather and continue with the harvesting of the crops. Last night we could hear the farmers working well beyond midnight. I think it was about 3am when the machinery finally fell silent. Walking up the lane today the bales were in the sunshine. Yesterday the field was full of crops, uncut and awaiting the dawn of machinery.

Lord, what have we done to our land and to those who work the fields? We have taken without giving back without thought to the consequences. Tearing up,tearing down,uprooting life,and covering everything with a hard, unforgiving substance. You gave us this earth to watch over to look after. Forgive us Lord for what we have done. Our ways bring death to the land. We have been so concerned with our desires,that we have dismissed the needs of others. In our lust for faster bigger, better(?)we have lost sight of those who helped make our country what it is today - the farmers. Help us to remember as we go about our daily chores and preparing meals, that without the farmers we would not eat. Without the trees,we would not breathe, and the soil would erode,causing dust all around. Grant to the farmers strength to continue,rain and sun for their crops, faith in You and in humanity,that they may keep on providing the food we need to survive. God bless the farmers. Fran Watson For the Skywatch Friday blog see here

The Flying Lady

Last Friday, at Joanne & Simon's Wedding I photographed the Rolls Royce. I played around in Picasa and with black & white soft focus produced this photograph. I have to say I think it is one of the best photographs I have ever taken. The sky was dull but by converting it to Black and White I feel the whole artistic focus is quite awesome. It also led me to find out about this infamous mascot.

"The Flying Lady"

The Spirit of Ecstasy is one of the most well known motor car mascot in the world. Designed by Charles Robinson Sykes, The Spirit of Ecstasy has adorned the radiators of Rolls-Royce motor cars since 1911. This wonderful mascot was modeled after a young woman who had bewitching beauty, intellect and esprit - but not the social status which might have permitted her to marry the man with whom she had fallen in love. The model was Eleanor Velasco Thornton, whose relationship with John Walter Edward-Scott-Montagu remained a secret for over a decade, principally because both lovers acted with the utmost discretion. John Scott, heir to his father's title, was a pioneer of the automobile in England. From 1902 he was editor of the "The Car". Eleanor Thornton served as his secretary. Friends of the pair knew of their close relationship but they were sufficiently understanding as to overlook it. A member of this circle of friends was the sculptor Charles S Sykes. Lord Montagu ordered t he creation of a special mascot for his Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost. The small statue depicted a young woman in fluttering robes having placed one forefinger to her lips. The sculptor had chosen Eleanor Thornton as model for this figurine, which was christened "The Whisper". Lord Montagu had made the decision to put a mascot on top of the radiator, and it had become a fashion. Rolls-Royce had noted other owners of their cars following the new vogue, but doing so with questionable style by choosing mundane or even risqué and vulgar subjects. Following Lord Montagu's commission, Charles Sykes was asked to create a mascot which in future would adorn every Rolls-Royce. In February 1911 he presented the "Spirit of Ecstasy", which was easily recognizable as being a variation on the theme of "The Whisper". The similarity was hardly coincidental because the model for both had been Miss Thornton. The Spirit of Ecstasy was delivered by the Company with every Rolls-Royce. Each was done using the technique which was thousands of years old and known as the lost-wax method. This practice results in the mould's being destroyed to reveal the casting, which explains why no two figures are exactly alike. Sykes, assisted by his daughter Jo, remained responsible for manufacturing the Spirit of Ecstasy for many years. Likewise, each of the unique creations bore his signature on the plinth. The sculptures are either signed "Charles Sykes, February 1911" or sometimes "Feb 6, 1911" or "6.2.11". Even after Rolls-Royce took over the casting of the figures in 1948 each Spirit of Ecstasy continued to receive this inscription until 1951. From 1911 to 1914 the Spirit of Ecstasy was silver-plated and thus many thought it a massive piece of precious metal - one reason for the frequent thefts. In smaller versions, and now made from highly polished nickel alloy, the radiator decoration has stood its ground on every Rolls-Royce, including those in the present range. Over the years various alterations have been made. Those mascots for Rolls-Royce motor cars at the Springfield plant in the USA were modified. Bowing a little more forward no longer were they a danger to the bonnet. The original version had touched the bonnet sides when these were opened without the precaution having been taken of turning the figure sideways. Royce did not like the Spirit of Ecstasy, which he judged her to be just a fashionable bauble and complained that she spoiled the clear line of the car's bow. The order to create the sculpture was given during the chief engineer's illness and had been absent. Thus it became a habit that Rolls-Royce cars used by Royce were rarely driven with a mascot in place. Towards the end of the twenties the new body line of Sports Saloons had reduced the height of the coachwork. Royce was prompted to think about a lower variation of the Spirit of Ecstasy, by which alteration a driver might benefit from clear vision even with the windscreen lower and his seating position reduced in turn. Sykes created a kneeling version of the mascot, which fulfilled this requirement. The kneeling version remained after the Second World War for the new Silver Wraith and Silver Dawn. All following models, however, sported a standing mascot, although this has now been reduced in size considerably compared to the old one. Rarely, however, is the correct term "Spirit of Ecstasy" used - detractors remark this was only done at the factory in Crewe. The nickname "Emily" is widespread and Americans speak of the "Silver Lady" or the "Flying Lady". In 1920 Rolls-Royce had taken part in a competition in Paris for the most apposite mascot in the world. This they did with a gold-plated Spirit of Ecstasy, which secured Rolls-Royce first place. From then on gold-plated versions of the Spirit of Ecstasy were available from the company - at an extra charge. Safety regulations in some countries turned out to be a stumbling block to the fitting of the Spirit of Ecstasy. She qualified as a sharp-edged piece of metal jutting from the coachwork, which might injure a victim in an accident. because of this, in Switzerland during the second half of the seventies, the installation of mascots on Rolls-Royces was forbidden and purchasers of a new Rolls-Royce delivered to that country found their mascot in the glove compartment. The problem was solved with the Silver Spirit and Silver Spur; at the merest knock the Spirit of Ecstasy sank into the radiator surround and vanished out of harms way. Thus were the safety regulations satisfied. The woman who had been the model for the radiator decoration, was not to appreciate its success. Eleanor Thornton lost her life when, on 30 December 1915, on the SS Persia, while on passage to India, was torpedoed off Crete by a German submarine. She had been accompanying Lord Montagu who had been directed to take over a command in India. He was thought to have been killed, too, but survived and was rescued a few days later by another ship. On his return to England he read the obituary articles in the newspapers about his own demise. adapted in part from: http://www.darkforce.com/royce/ecstacy.htm

Skywatch Friday Assen 5 out of 5 a Photostory for Friday too.

Monday 30th June, out of our cabin window

Picture the scene....we are in our cabin, 5am Monday morning. I am fully asleep, land of nod! "Denise....get your camera QUICK!" "What?" "Get your camera QUICK the sun is coming up!" Fumble fumble....... The 4 photographs were taken immediately and the glories of the sunrise captured within seconds of each other! We were somewhere in the North Sea! Once the task was done I went back to the land of nod. A few hours later we arrived at Newcastle and made our way home. Our holidays may be over but the adventures continue! Watch this space!

Sunrise…Sunset Moments of life …are measured and… treasured. Life is shared in laughter and love. Love comes from the peaceful bliss of just being together. Sunrise or sunset It is a special event…a moment to last- forever. Sunrise and sunset -one and the same…yet far apart in years- but, still connected in the cycle of life. Sunrise or sunset It is a cherished moment …a symbol of unity, of being together like for a parent and a child. Sunrise and sunset Ever after to be remembered as a sunset too soon! And yet, treasured as a sunshine of love! M. Matthews For more skywatchers visit here

Skywatch Friday Assen 4 out of 5

Somewhere still in the North Sea
June 29th 2008

Leaving the wonderful rainbow and UFO's in the dining room (yes, that was a good drink I had! LOL) this was the sky I had been studying before the distraction...

quite a perfect end to my birthday I thought!

(I haven't edited these pictures...this was just as it was!)

I often look at the sky and think of everybody participating in Skywatch Friday. Just as it is approaching 7pm here and we will soon be having dinner, some of you will be just getting ready for the day, others will still be asleep.

What's your sky doing right now?

Ours is grey and it is raining, feels like thunder!

A couple of verses from a well known hymn sprung to mind!

Happy Skywatch Friday!

As o’er each continent and island
The dawn leads on another day,
The voice of prayer is never silent,
Nor dies the strain of praise away.

The sun that bids us rest is waking Our brethren ’neath the western sky, And hour by hour fresh lips are making Thy wondrous doings heard on high

John Ellerton


For more skywatchers visit here

Assen Sky Number 3 out of 5

View from Ferry Window, somewhere in the North Sea
10pm June 29th

This wasn't the sky I was looking at to begin with, this was over the other side, but when people became animated I looked to where they were pointing to discover this!


The second photo shows the reflection of the dining area lights, I laughed when I loaded it up, definately looks as though there is somebody or something out there!

The Story of the Rainbow


Once upon a time, all the colours in the world started to quarrel; each claimed that she was the best, the most important, the most useful, the favourite...

Green said: “Clearly I am the most important. I am the sign of life and of hope. I was chosen for grass, trees, leaves — without me all the animals would die. Look out over the countryside and you will see that I am in the majority.”

Blue interrupted: “You only think about the earth, but consider the sky and the sea. It is water that is the basis of life and this is drawn up by the clouds from the blue sea. The sky gives space and peace and serenity. Without my peace you would all be nothing but busybodies.”

Yellow chuckled: “You are all so serious. I bring laughter, gaiety and warmth into the world. The sun is yellow, the moon is yellow, the stars are yellow. Every time you look at a sunflower the whole world starts to smile. Without me there would be no fun.”

Orange started next to blow her own trumpet: “I am the colour of health and strength. I may be scarce, but I am precious for I serve the inner needs of human life. I carry all the most important vitamins. Think of carrots and pumpkins, oranges, mangoes and pawpaws. I don’t hang around all the time, but when I fill the sky at sunrise or sunset, my beauty is so striking that no one gives another thought to any of you.”

Red could stand it no longer. He shouted out: “I’m the ruler of you all, blood, life’s blood. I am the colour of danger and of bravery. I am willing to fight of a cause. I bring fire in the blood. without me the earth would be empty as the moon. I am the colour of passion and love; the red rose, poinsettia and poppy.”

Purple rose up to his full height. He was very tall and he spoke with great pomp: “I am the colour of royalty and power. Kings, chiefs and bishops have always chosen me for I am a sign of authority and wisdom. People do not question me — they listen and obey.”

Indigo spoke much more quietly than all the others, but just as determinedly: “Think of me, you all become superficial. I represent thought and reflection, twilight and deep waters. You need me for balance and contrast, for prayer and inner peace.”



And so the colours went on boasting, each convinced that they were the best. Their quarrelling became louder and louder. Suddenly there was a startling flash of brilliant white lightning; thunder rolled and boomed. Rain started to pour down relentlessly. The colours all crouched down in fear, drawing close to one another for comfort.

Then Rain spoke:

“You foolish colours, fighting among yourselves, each trying to dominate the rest. Do you not know that God made you all? Each for a special purpose, unique and different. He loves you all. He wants you all. Join hands with one another and come with me. He will stretch you across the sky in a great bow of colour, as a reminder that he loves you all, that you can live together in peace

— a promise that he is with you,— a sign of hope for tomorrow.”

And so whenever God has used a good rain to wash the world, He puts the rainbow in the sky, and when we see it, let us remember to appreciate one another.

— based on an Indian legend

For more skywatchers visit here

Skywatch Friday

Sky over Assen Race Circuit
28.06.08

It was touch and go!
Would it be a wet or dry race?

As we were getting ready to leave the hotel for the race track I assured everybody the sun would shine....

and it did!

It was very exciting when Valentino Rossi fell off his bike in the first lap, got back on and set off to catch up with the pack!

Each lap he rode he speeded up, we were all cheering, eventually he caught up and coming in 10th.


Throughout the day the sky was full of advertising slogans!

Now as we made our way back to Hoogeveen notice how the sky is getting ready to give us a lovely evening!

The scenery was quite awesome, so flat!

Bluer sky!

That will do nicely thank you!

As we prepared to have our evening meal the sky was a beautiful blue.
The next day we would leave for the ferry home, but the sky had some wonderful gems in store for us....
until next week!

LOL!

For more wonderful skies, visit the new blog here