SIX LEGGED CRITTER SINGING IN THE TREES*

An outbreak of the Mondrian effect

2011-07-25T19:45:00.003Z

Drypool, again.

2011-07-17T16:42:00.002Z

Hull Carnival

2011-07-16T14:05:00.002Z

Drypool

2011-07-13T18:18:00.003Z

There's a LOT more to come.

Spiked at high tide

2011-07-13T18:13:00.002Z

Back by popular demand

2011-07-13T18:04:00.003Z

I was never away anyroad, just rather busy with 'life'.

The bridge

2011-04-23T00:17:00.003Z

York, late November 2010 just before the 'big freeze'.part 2

2011-04-09T20:47:00.002Z

York, late November 2010 just before the 'big freeze'.

2011-04-09T20:37:00.004Z

Hull's World Trade Centre

2010-11-13T09:32:00.002Z

Drypool after the rain 2

2010-11-11T20:54:00.005Z

Drypool after the rain 1

2010-11-11T20:51:00.004Z

Drypool bridge after the rain

2010-11-08T22:17:00.003Z

Weird critter

2010-11-01T22:28:00.003Z

A critter I spotted on a walk through Oak Road / Beresford Park in Hull. It's a musical instrument / installation.

Spurn Light Vessel

2010-11-01T22:25:00.001Z

My Town Hall

2010-10-26T19:47:00.003Z

Mean street

2010-10-25T20:18:00.003Z

E's are good for you

2010-10-25T19:40:00.004Z

Old Town street

2010-10-24T21:45:00.002Z

After the rain

2010-10-24T18:39:00.003Z

On reflection

2010-10-24T18:36:00.003Z

A touch of the Gothic's

2010-10-24T16:00:00.002Z

Tales of the riverbank 4

2010-10-23T09:48:00.003Z

Tales of the riverbank 3

2010-10-18T19:42:00.003Z

Tales of the riverbank 2

2010-10-18T18:46:00.003Z

Tales of the riverbank 1

2010-10-18T18:44:00.003Z

I am the sea

2010-04-10T01:30:00.004Z

Feeding time

2010-04-04T17:21:00.002Z

Timber and glass

2010-04-03T11:35:00.003Z

Standing stone, Whitby

2010-04-02T21:26:00.003Z

St Mary's Graveyard, Whitby

2010-04-02T14:20:00.002Z

Random Skyline

2010-04-01T09:14:00.003Z

Beach huts

2010-04-01T09:11:00.002Z

Whitby abbey ruins

2010-03-31T22:39:00.001Z

Surfs up

2010-03-31T22:33:00.003Z

A view westerly to Sandsend from Whitby harbour at dusk.

I'm off shortly

2010-03-05T23:27:00.001Z

Got some time off booked, and it's in prime photoland. More later......

"Whatever you do, don't blink"

2010-02-16T20:19:00.002Z

'Me' time

2010-02-13T08:58:00.005Z

Just a quick one. With some relief I now have time to myself of a weekend after spending the last several weeks helping out with my mother's move to a ground floor, one bedroomed flat. This down sizing lark isn't easy, my back still aches but it was worth it. My mother is much happier now, more independent.... rather selfishly the only downside is that when I stay over I have to sleep on the floor, but I've got that sorted with air bed and sleeping bag.

I hope, weather permitting, to shoot something this Sunday morning before I cook Sunday lunch at my mum's. The location of my mum's flat gives me an opportunity to see a part of Hull I haven't explored for a while; the 'Avenues', Northern Cemetery.

Hopefully, I may have some inspiration, post something a little different.

Some abstracts from my second home

2010-01-03T21:21:00.004Z

It was cold out there, yet more snow.

The morning after the night before

2010-01-03T21:08:00.004Z

The ubiquitous empty bottle of beer outside my mum's home on New Years day. Evidence of the previous nights festivities.

First snow of winter

2009-12-20T23:46:00.003Z

Viva la shingles

2009-10-04T00:41:00.003Z

Usually by now I've posted a shed load of images of Nelsonica, Harrogate and Knaresborough (a yank friend told me to visit). But you know how it is? I spent ages processing my images, posted 'em to Flickr etc, then the brown stuff hit the fan....ruddy shingles. Anyroad, I'm still very sore, but back at work thank whoever.

Anyway, here's a flickr slide show of my Knaresborough images, an amazing place, 9 minutes by train, up the track from Harrogate.

Oh joy, I have shingles

2009-09-23T17:45:00.004Z

Now doesn't that take the biscuit, my life is ruddy complete? What I thought was a muscular strain in my right arm, albeit painful, that started about a week ago and lasted through my Nelsonic weekend is a nasty case of shingles. I'm on a LOT of antiviral meds, 5 x 800mg a day. Hopefully this'll prevent the spread of this virus, take care of the awful rash that suddenly appeared yesterday, before the side effects of the meds kill me.

I actually think I'm lucky, shingles can be nasty, especially if blisters appear near, or in eyes. At the moment, only my right arm is affected, and hopefully I caught it within the important first 72 hours. Unfortunately, due to the blisters, I'm now contagious and a danger to anyone who hasn't had the chickenpox (not nice to get the pox when you're an adult). I took some snaps of my blisters, but decided not to post them here as they ain't perty. I'll keep ya posted.

Harrogate September '09 photostream

2009-09-22T22:34:00.001Z

A spot of R 'n R

2009-09-13T21:18:00.003Z

Yours truly is still in the midst of processing his 'Scottish' images, but I'm not rushing things. I'm spending 8 more working days away from the 'Evil Empire' with at least 3 in Harrogate for this year's Nelsonica. It's a few years since I spent any time in Yorkshire's poshest town. Looking forward to many photo ops, music courtesy of Bill Nelson (his only gig this year) and a rest from being worked off my arse (oh for a proper work / life balance).

Anyroad, I'm in good spirits having spent some time this weekend with my mum, had a simple but tasty Sunday lunch. Caught the RED ARROWS flying at tree tops, as you do, on their way to Hull marina and the start of the 'Clipper' race. WHERE WAS MI' CAMERA!!!!

Butterflies, Dragonflies........

2009-08-22T22:47:00.004Z

Here are a few 'nature' images I was extraordinarily luck to catch on a walk in the 'hills' whilst on holiday in Scotland. It was by sheer good fortune I captured the images of the butterflies. The dragonfly especially, is a bloody miracle as far as I'm concerned.
All images are best viewed by clicking on the image, especially the dragonfly. Enjoy.

So much for the squirrels

2009-08-22T22:42:00.004Z

Anyone who says wildlife photography is easy is not being totally honest. It isn't, not that I didn't see any, it's just that by nature, anything 'wild' isn't going to pose for you. You have to find it first, lure it, or in my case not scare it away. More later.

Dusk over Loch Goil

2009-08-19T18:04:00.004Z

This image was taken at 8.30pm on the Thursday evening of my holiday. I was drinking a pint of 'Highlander' ale (lovely drink) in the beer garden of the 'Shore House Inn' a lovely pub / restaurant, the midges were about as the wind had suddenly changed direction. This didn't spoil my good mood.

Compare and contrast

2009-08-19T17:58:00.002Z

The shore houses

2009-08-19T17:55:00.001Z

The big house

2009-08-19T17:51:00.002Z

Images under the forest canopy

2009-08-18T22:17:00.004Z

I took these on the way home from Dunoon. Loch Eck, deep within the Argyle forest park and taken from within the forest canopy. One of the few days it didn't rain during my holiday. Not that it mattered, we'd just had a great Italian meal in Dunoon and I was as relaxed as hell, soaking in the beautiful scenery.

Loch Goil at dusk, in colour

2009-08-18T09:42:00.001Z

Carrick Castle, Loch Goil

2009-08-18T09:38:00.001Z

Space alien influence in Scotland?

2009-08-17T10:51:00.002Z

Looking like space invaders rolling down the Scottish hillside, these lodges are slightly bigger than the 'A' frame lodge I stayed in on the Drimsynie estate.

2009-08-15T22:02:00.002Z

I've just got back from Scotland, I'm tired and hungry.................here's a taster of what I saw. The view, or to be more accurate, part of the view from our lodge. It was raining, the glen beckoned........................ a monochrome treatment, HDR to bring out the bleak beauty of the view.

The hills are alive........

2009-08-13T15:53:00.007Z

......with wildlife. After 4 or 5 days around Lochgoilhead, I still haven't seen any red squirrels, but I've spied lots of insects, butterflies, bees, birds I don't normally come across back home. The bracing walk around the estate I took this morning yielded some interesting photographic opportunities.

I was disappointed thus far with the lack of opportunity for nature photography. There are a multitude of different plant varieties growing wild at the edges of the footpath, teaming with many different species of bee and butterfly which I managed to capture in the wild despite my feet making a racket on the gravel and disturbing my subjects. The wonder of a telephoto lens.

There are a lot of small streams up in the hills, home to of all things, several species of dragonfly, one of which I was able to photograph, much to my surprise as I really didn't think I'd find one that wasn't flying around. But fortunately, one alighted on a rock in a fast flowing stream and I managed to take a number of images. It was rather beautiful.

When I get back home I'm looking forward to posting my images, until then you'll have to make do with my text only post. Hopefully more later.

Having a recharge

2009-08-09T17:53:00.003Z

I'm writing this blog in a rather secluded part of Scotland, sipping a cool beer in splendid, scenic surroundings. Outside our lodge it's raining in the glen, mist obscuring the view of Loch goil and the village of Lochgoilhead. The Scottish highlands are notorious for changeable weather, this morning / afternoon the weather was glorious, warm and sunny so I'm not complaining.

Having escaped the evil empire for a fortnight, I'm trying to recharge my batteries via the medium of photography, fresh air (lots), exploring the local area on foot and generally having some unashamedly and well deserved 'me' time.

I've been drinking in some glorious scenery today, visiting nearby Lochgoilhead on foot, talking to some very friendly and convivial 'natives' gearing down to a much slower and more natural pace of life. I'm envious, though the area is remote, internet access is slow to non existent, radio and television reception is limited or very poor (no FM or AM) I'm not complaining. All the better for navel gazing, which is something I haven't been able to do for months. They should put this on prescription on the NHS.

There seems a wealth of things to do in the local area, from hiring bikes to boats, pony treking though I've yet to find where to go, evidence of equine activity is obvious on the local single track road. I haven't seen any red squirrels (I'd like to photograph some) though I've observed an abundance of lapwings, a single solitary heron, some unusually coloured and tame finches, magpies and hooded crows along with the usual butterflies and the odd crane fly lingering outside the lodge at night. The midges haven't been a problem, which makes a very welcome change to previous years when I've been the midges main course.

Due to the unpredictability of the weather, planning trips etc isn't on the menu. I'm going out and about on an ad hoc basis, with my ever present camera. I'm rather pleased with the images I've captured so far, mainly landscapes. I'm hoping to also capture some wildlife in the remainder of the week, weather permitting. That's it, time to sign off.

Only one thing is certain in life

2009-06-14T21:00:00.003Z

Filey, Whit Sunday

2009-05-25T02:39:00.003Z

Bridlington, late April, Glorious weather

2009-04-26T20:56:00.001Z

Easter scooter rally

2009-04-19T10:06:00.001Z

Nautical abstracts

2009-04-15T21:06:00.007Z

Flamin' Nora

2009-01-25T02:26:00.003Z

It's good to have a full weekend to myself for a change, no work though I suspect next weekend I'll be manning the pumps. But there you go.

On the union front we successfully negotiated, and got a 4% pay settlement accepted by the members on't farm. I actually got a note of thanks as well. Knowing how bad things are I think 4% is pretty damn good an increase, though there are some who won't be satisfied until we bleed the Company dry.

On a more personal front my mum has got arranged a very posh gravestone for my father and herself (we've got a dual plot in Hull's Eastern Cemetery) all black polished granite and gold lettering. It's costing an arm and a leg, but fortunately we can afford it, or rather mum can.

I haven't visited my dad's grave since he died, I should really, I didn't feel ready for some reason, but cemetery's are wet and damp places during winter, my excuse.

Anyway, as for 2009, well I feel quite enthusiastic. I hope to throw out the crap and have a life for once. My family, mum included seem quite settled and hopefully it'll be onwards and upwards. I also hope to post some photos, when I have the time and opportunity. Ciao anyroad to use a slightly corrupted Yorkshire euphemism.

It's a wonderful life

2009-01-19T22:38:00.004Z

It's a while since my last entry, I'm busy doing work stuff, union stuff (organising ballots) working overtime. I seem to have lost sight of 'me'. I have to do something about it, after all what is the point of the whole shabang?

Anyway, apparently on the music front I've discovered the 'Floyd' with a little help from a transatlantic buddy (a cop with a big gun of all things) and some Brits. If only I had the time to emerse myself.

More later, when I have something actually worth posting. Think of this entry as a placeholder.

Welcome to 2009

2009-01-01T15:54:00.004Z

Well, that's all folks for 2008 and good riddance as far as I'm concerned. It can only get better from now onwards, fingers crossed.

Here's a movie I made of the firework celebrations I saw while staying over at my mum's house. I'm not sure, but it didn't seem as loud as last year's shindig? Anyway, it still reminded me of the siege of Stalingrad.

I'm stuffed

2008-12-29T10:54:00.002Z

Well, it was Christmas and all I seem to have been doing is stuff me face with food and copious amounts of alcoholic beverages. I was rather glad to have walked home from my mum's on Saturday (a nice 50 minutes) it was a good bit of low impact exercise, though I suspect it will have made negligible impact on the excess lard I'll have stored over Yuletide.

And speaking of Christmas, it was a nice 'chill fest'. Stayed over at my Mum's, did some entertaining on Boxing Day, and generally relaxed. It was different without my Dad's presence, my Mum and I reminisced like you'd imagine, kept each other company. It was good. I'm hoping it's more of the same over the New Year celebrations.

I'm back at the farm on the 5th, which I'm quite looking forward to, especially after having a lengthy 'recharge'. I'm determined to have a cracking 2009 after this year's calamities, though I seem to have come away from it all a stronger person in more ways than one (not what I expected) and I'm in an 'interesting' position in the 'farm yard'. All I need now is a bigger shovel :)

I hate politics

2008-12-06T16:40:00.009Z

Which considering I'm a trade union rep and a member of a certain British ruling political party may be an odd thing to say. Politics permeates everywhere, and everything nowadays. You can't escape it, politics sadly affects everyone, in every aspect of life from regulating shop opening hours (I'd be stuffed if I couldn't buy milk on a Sunday morning from my local garage) to whether or not Britain goes to war with another state. I guess I understand this, but politics at work is another thing. And the bigger the organisation the worse it is in my experience.

If there's one thing I've learned in recent years, and VERY painfully, is that there's nothing worse than having a line manager who hates you, for whatever irrational, arbitrary, or other reason. It's crap, and I know from personal experience what it's like to be singled out, victimised etc. At best it's an annoyance, at worst it can affect your pay, your career opportunities, your health and in some instances has lead to people taking the ultimate sanction in order to get out the situation (use your imagination).

I blame hierarchies within organisations. Bonuses within business functions dependant on performance, pressures put on successive layers within a business to achieve certain targets, the interrelationship of functions within a business (political units), how they relate to other functions and finally the 'troops', non bonussed employees at the bottom of the 'food chain' who perform the work that ensures the 'managers' get their bonuses. Coupled with a performance related assessment system which relies more on an adherence to a 'bell curve' distribution of performance, than actual performance you have a recipe for all sorts of heartache on the shop floor.

If you're very lucky, you might work in a function that is isolated from other functions within an organisation. This situation, otherwise known as a 'cushy number' is rare within large organisations. In the real world most functions within a business are continually jockeying with each other, asserting influence and establishing a functional hierarchy. Usually, any quality control function is seen as being at the bottom of that hierarchy, irrespective of how well regulated the business may be within it's particular industry. You only have to look at capital expenditure, head count, salaries, career opportunities etc.

Anyway, I'm starting to ramble. But the point I'm trying to make is that in order to survive in today's world of work, it's not enough to be doing your job, you have to be seen to be doing your job. It's about perception, being proactive, being competitive, playing the 'game', otherwise you run the risk of losing your job, your pension etc. The system bloody stinks as far as I'm concerned and it'll only get worse. If you aren't intelligent, or astute enough to see the 'end result' you're stuffed. Is it any wonder that 'back stabbing' is promoted within this system, that people who are otherwise good workers are singled out if for whatever reason their performance falls (personal reasons or otherwise).

And of course, if you are disabled in anyway?

A birthday

2008-12-06T15:23:00.007Z

Today would have been my late father's 78th birthday. But instead it's a time of remembrance for me and my family. Last night I stayed over at my mum's, the first time I've seen her in too many weeks. I phone her every day, but it's not the same really. Anyway, it was wonderful to arrive 'home' to a smiling face and a hot meal. It was bliss to spend a bit of quality time with my family, something I wish I had the opportunity to take for granted.I miss my dad, even though he could be a pain in the arse at times. Christmas is approaching and I'm not sure I'm looking forward to it without my father.

Something for Bob

2008-12-01T19:16:00.003Z

Not one of mine sadly. Something to perhaps provoke a discussion from 'BOB' one of my more politically motivated readers.

Nelsonica 08 weekend, a tale of experimental time traveller's balls, gentlemen rocketeers and alternate timelines.

2008-11-08T14:20:00.052Z

My 'Nelsonica' weekend, my trip down memory lane, my foray into Bill Nelson's musical multiverse almost didn't happen this year. Irrevocable life changes made me reassess my priorities, and quite frankly this year's Nelsonica wasn't really on my 'A list' of things to do, but I suddenly realised that JJ without some 'fun' in his life wasn't having a life at all. So that was that, as the bard would say. It was arranged. Well, sort of.

My first Nelsonica's; 03,(the one I'm probably most nostalgic about, because it was the first time I'd seen Bill Nelson Live in any form, or actually met real fellow Nelsonians) 04, and 05 were at 'the Duke', home ground for me, being only a few miles up the road from my garret in Hull. Mind you I could write a novella on the transport problems I still had getting home and to the event. It's a bugger when you don't have a 'ride'.

Anyway, this year's event 'The Experimental Time Traveller's Ball' was in York, as 06, and 07 had been. I can remember not being very happy about Bill moving the event to York, but with hindsight it made it a bit of a mini adventure, finding a place to stay, travel, that sort of thing.

In 06, and 07 I used the York Backpackers Hostel as my base of operations. I think it's quite amusing that an image of the hostel I took, and published on flickr was chosen to publicise the hostel on an online guide in February this year, especially as the place has shut down for major renovation since January. It was still heavily shrouded in scaffolding as I discovered in a saunter down Micklegate during my Nelsonic weekend.

Anyway, I'd grown tired of the place, cheap though it was, the thought of sharing a mixed dorm with 15 other individuals, snoring, farting etc had lost it's charm. I found myself a lovely B'n B. The Friars Rest was a joy, my own ensuite room, privacy, digital tv and all for £55 a night, fantastic and there's something very life affirming about a proper, full English breakfast in the morning. I think if I can, I'll be back next year. I hate overpriced, corporate hotels that are so impersonal. The friendly, homely ambience of a well run B'n B is the way to do it.

The weather in York, Friday and Saturday was really good. Bright sunshine, and if you got out of the wind, quite warm for the time of year, as I remember relating to my mum via my mobile phone as I sat sipping a pint of 'Best' (£1,50) outside the 'Kings Arms' on the Ouse, and almost within the shadow of the Park Inn, venue for this years Nelsonica. I was enjoying myself and the real fun hadn't even started.

About an hour previous I'd been tucking into the tastiest 'mucky haddock and chips' I'd had for several weeks, near 'The Shambles' when I bumped into Shaun and Julie, a lovely Welsh couple I'd last spoken to at N07. I make no apologies for the fact that my most memorable recollections of N08 are the human interactions, the 'shits and giggles' as a crazy acquaintance of mine once ascribed.

One of the highlights of the weekend was meeting up with Mark Henson (Mr Ilektric) and Jim McFarlane (Ruud Punter). It was 2 years since I'd last met 'em and had a few beers. Always good company, down to earth and in the case of Mark there's always a cd of his latest musical project. What more could I ask for? Incidently, many thanks to Mark for getting me a ticket to the Halloween gig at York's City Screen to see Honeytone Cody. Now that was a memorable show!!

Honeytone Cody, Halloween gig;

What can I say really, it was bloody good and I'm not just referring to HTC. The venue was incredibly small. 'Intimate' doesn't go half way to describe it, but it works, even down to being stamped on the back of ya hand. Can't remember a 'local gig' where I had so much fun. The two supports, I'll have to put names up when I edit this were excellent, at least as good as the Cody's live, but very different. You had to be there to enjoy it and if you weren't did you miss a good 'un.

Highlights for me were Elle Nelson, extraordinary vocals, Elliot Nelson's guitar and his own pre and apre gig personality. Both myself and Jimbo had a good chinwag with Elliot, dressed as a 'Droog' from Kubrick's 'A Clockwork Orange'. He struck me as being extremely normal, down to earth and undernourished. Emi, Bill you need to invite him over for Sunday lunch more often, feed the lad up.

The venue was full of lucky Nelsonians if I recall, making the most of the weekend. I was fortunate enough to speak to many of them, everyone was up for a chinwag and it was good to put a face and a voice to people on the Dreamsville Forum and the Electric Phoenix.

The main event; The Experimental Time Traveller's Ball;

I almost didn't think I'd make this, after nearly forgetting directions to my B'n B, but I found it, had a good nights sleep and after a hearty breakfast I was ready for the fun. On my way to N08 I stocked up on field rations in Budgens. It was going to be an arduous day ahead and I wanted to keep my strength up.

The entrance to the rip in the space - time continuum that led to the Nelsonic alternative universe / timeline was packed out. It took me a full 20 minutes to pass through it's event horizon. On the other side I quickly joined the long queue to purchase my Nelsonic merchandise and thus equip myself for the unfamiliar environmental conditions.

The event proper began with an audio - visual presentation 'The departure of the 20th century in a hail of memory". It had an impact visually, but the motifs, both musical and visual, began to repeat themselves. There was familiar use of samples and footage from old sci-fi movies as well as late forties British 'feel good' movies. It was enjoyable, but went on a bit.

After a short Q&A session with Bill (his entrance was greeted with much applause) there was the 'world premiere' of the 'American Stamps' documentary, for which Bill had been commissioned to write the soundtrack. It was clear from the response to this, that there were few American stamp collectors in the audience.

I took the opportunity of a lull in the proceedings, to find myself a seat next to my Electric Phoenix colleague 'HappyTronics' and a certain Mr Mayall. There was much chatting and a quothing of ale, eating of field rations which segued nicely into Bill's first live performance. A solo set comprising;Blue Amorini : Beyond These Clouds The Sweetest Dream : If I Were The Pilot Of Your Perfect Cloud : Golden Dream Of Circus Horses : The Raindrop Collector : Night Song Of The Last Tram : The Girl On The Fairground Waltzer : Only A Dream But Nevertheless : Beatniks From Outer Space : A Dream For Ian : For Stuart.

I enjoyed the set, highlights for me being 'The Raindrop Collector', and the wonderful 'The Girl On The Fairground Waltzer' which literally brought a tear to my eyes. Fantastic stuff. It was clear, towards the end of the set that Bill was experiencing technical difficulties. That spoilt for me, the start of 'For Stuart'.

At the end of the set, Dave Sturt and Theo Travis appeared, to form 'Orchestra Futura'. They performed an improvised ambient piece, that though not really to my taste was okay, but a bit long. They seemed to gel as a trio, certainly better than when they played at N06. I was particularly impressed with Dave Sturt's bass playing. Unfortunately, the gremlins seemed to be having their way with Bill's equipment.

There was an intermission, during which I grabbed a bite to eat and got myself a pint from the bar and had a chinwag with other Nelsonsians. The queue at the bar was long (more bar staff please).

Bill entered the stage with the 'Gentlemen Rocketeers' comprising;

Bass Guitar/Backing Vocals : Dave Sturt
Drums : Dave Cook
Flute, Sax : Theo Travis
Keyboards : Jon Wallinger
Piano/Keyboards : Steve Cook
Rythym Guitar : Dave Standeven
Guitar/Vocals : Bill Nelson

Needless to say, this was to VERY loud applause. Something told me this was the real reason the event was packed out. Considering the limited practice time everyone did a bang up job. I was particularly impressed with both Dave Sturt and Theo Travis. The set list was ; October Man : Night Creatures : God Man Slain : Do you Dream in Colour : Lovers are Mortal : Furniture Music : Adventures In A Yorkshire Landscape : Big Yellow Moon : Contemplation : Ships in the Night : Panic in the World : Sleepwalk (encore).

The band gave a much appreciated performance if the volume of the applause was anything to go by. I know I thoroughly enjoyed 'Night Creatures' and 'Lovers are Mortal' sentimental old fool that I am. The gremlins struck again, Bill was having problems with his guitar lead, there were a couple of false starts. But you know, it didn't really matter. They just gave Bill the opportunity to do a bit of 'standup'. It was good to see Bill in fine form, confident and good humoured.

Theo Travis stood out in the band set. I was rather pleased he shared lead with Bill, during 'Adventures In a Yorkshire Landscape). It was good to hear a slightly different interpretation, which freshened up this classic tune nicely.

Shortly afterwards, the meet and greet began, tickets 1 - 100. My ticket was number 204. I wasn't going to wait around to see Bill. I did that in 2003 and that was good enough for. Besides, I was feeling rather fatigued and I knew I'd be heading back to my B'nB soon. I 'chilled', spoke to a few Nelsonians while various videos were projected (I particularly enjoyed the OGWT tapes of Be Bop Deluxe and Red Noise, IF ONLY they could be released on DVD). I left shortly after 'Eddie's Raffle'. I was tired and needed some sleep.

I enjoyed this year's convention. It wasn't the best one I've experienced, but nonetheless it was well worth attending for Bill's brand of nostalgia, and that's Bill's latest music which has his own unique 'Retro Futuristic' feel.There's no one else who has a knack of producing this kind of stuff, even though it can be a little difficult to get your noodle around.

I have many fond memories of N08. But it's the people I met (too many to name check) who made the event special for me. I could go on, speculate about next year's venue, does Bill need to rethink the whole Nelsonica concept? Without the fans, fellow Nelsonians, there wouldn't be a Nelsonica in my mind. I'm looking forwards to seeing what happens next year. This year's Nelsonica both tired me out, and energised me and boy did I need it after the rubbish I've experienced this year.

Some local colour in York

2008-11-05T17:06:00.002Z

York Boer War memorial in HDR

2008-11-04T12:15:00.002Z

It's my 3rd visit to York in successive years and I can't believe I've only just spotted this huge monument to York's fallen in the Boer War. It's in a tree covered garden, in the shadow of York Minster and is architecturally a world away from most of the much simpler memorials you see commemorating the dead of the 'Great War' onwards, in towns and cities of the UK.

The lighting was way too contrasty to capture using a single exposure, so I manipulated the RAW file, created 4 files with differing exposures and combined them using an HDR program. The resultant image is a little surreal, but you get to see the detail that you can't capture any other way.

Getting ready for the 'Ball'

2008-10-29T22:25:00.003Z

I'm almost set for a weekend away, some packing yet to do, recharging the batteries for my camera, getting my travel docs sorted. I need this, some 'me' time. I may even have the 'odd' beer on the banks of the Ouse. There will be a follow up review shortly and I'm looking forward to doing it, therapeutic journalism I suppose, hopefully cathartic in a good way.

Ta ta for now, pop pickers.

Bring back the spark

2008-10-28T21:26:00.003Z

I hate being depressed, it's like wearing lead boots. And as for trying to get up in the morning........

I hope that by making these flatulent outpourings I'll make sense of the way I feel? At least I know that there is light at the end of the tunnel, hopefully a rainbow. I'm determined to kick the arse violently of this little fugue. If I need to metaphorically equip myself with a benailed baseball bat, then so be it. It could be nasty, but sod it. Rant over for the time being.

Contemplation

2008-10-26T18:43:00.008Z

It's been a while since my last entry, though it seems like only last week, such is the passage of time. Maybe it's a mid-life thang, I suspect not though.

It's been too busy of late, for the wrong reasons and I find myself not the master of my destiny or time. One thing that has affected me profoundly of late is getting rid of my late father's gear, clothes that sort of thing. Talking to my mum about it brought back some ancient memories, the sudden realisation of the 'finality' of my father's death. It certainly hit me harder than I thought possible, re-opening raw wounds that I thought were healing nicely, I know it's only 4 months but sometimes it feels last week or conversely like an age ago.

After a couple of weeks feeling low I find myself feeling somewhat more optimistic. Next weekend I'm in York, a nice B'n B and Nelsonica '08 this time re-invented as 'The Experimental Time Traveller's Ball'. I'm looking forward to meeting old friends, fellow Nelsonic enthusiasts and maybe I might get involved in the 'meet 'n greet'.... well why not?

I'm also hoping the change of place / scenery will help my photographic muses. You never know. The B'n B is on the other side of York, I reckon 20-30 minutes walk from the NO8 venue, ample opportunity for photo 'opps' I hope. But no matter, it'll be good to get away from Hull, the 'Big Shitty'........

The banks of the River Hull (HDR treatment)

2008-09-29T21:09:00.003Z

A carbuncle or a rose?

2008-09-27T21:06:00.004Z

This wind turbine appeared, out of the blue not far from my home a few days ago. It's grey and green at the same time. Personally, I don't have a problem with it despite it being ruddy enormous. It makes a good photo op and it's producing electricity without chucking out carbon dioxide. Mind you, I'm glad I don't live underneath it!

The rain seems to have stopped.

2008-09-06T06:34:00.003Z

The weather has been atrocious this last few days, wet (very), and windy. This morning at around 7.00am I popped into the local garage for a loaf of bread and some milk, and for once my specs were not rain spattered. There were several rabbits idly going about their business on the local roundabout, oblivious of the early morning traffic. However, no sign of the fox I saw last Friday night.

Anyway, while I'm at it here's a little experiment using an image from the last few days, a black and white HDR treatment. I was not happy at all with my previous attempts at processing the RAW file. This is quite nice, it does have a bygone feel about it though, which is apt I think given the subject matter.

Maritime decay - Victoria Dock, Hull

2008-09-04T20:33:00.010Z

Weather wise, the last few days have been appalling, wet and windy, no good for a photographer, especially someone badly in need of inspiration such as myself. I had hoped to visit the East Yorkshire coast, weather permitting I'll do that next week.

In the meantime I spent most of this afternoon in Hull's 'Maritime Quarter', what's left of it. I took these images of Victoria Dock, or rather what used to be the dock. Most of it has been 'gentrified' by developers, and a good job they seem to have done. Housing predominates, the locks and most of the original docks are still there, but they're used differently.

These images are of what's left of the old quays, rotting away as wood does. In amongst this are railway lines, twisted, rusting that were apart of the now long since disused docks. They may be an eyesore, a danger even. I guess there isn't the money to either preserve, or demolish the structures? Anyway, while they exist, they are a tangible reminder of Hull's once thriving maritime history.

Talking on corners

2008-08-31T23:54:00.003Z

No, this is not a discussion of a Corrs album, more a description of a cracking night I had on Saturday with my sister, brother in law, niece and Zena, a neighbour outside their house. Between 9pm and midnight we held court, a few beers in attendance about life, the universe and my new pair of varifocal specs. Ahhh, for the simple things in life. No doubt we were in violation of the riot act, but seeing as how the 'bizzies' weren't about?

I think I may be regaining my 'va va voom'.

The 'other' Oxford Street

2008-08-12T17:36:00.002Z

Not the street in London, But in Hull. It's a bit rough.

A good send off

2008-06-23T20:42:00.004Z

Well, I buried my father today. I wasn't looking forward to it, I had butterflies in my stomach right up to time the cortège left my mum's house. There was a hearse and 2 limos, so we did it in style. There hasn't been a sight like this in our close for a while, and I wore a new suit. It's years since I've worn one. It felt strange dressing 'smart'.

The simple Catholic service was lovely, Terry's favourite music was played during the proceedings, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis jr and Frank Sinatra. The priest read out a dedication I wrote to my father. It was very positive, more a celebration of Terry's life and very child friendly (it was my 11yr old niece Zoe's first funeral). I was so glad it went without a hitch.

Afterwards, we had a family 'wake' in a room above a local pub. It was an opportunity to meet family members I hadn't seen in years, but it's sad that funerals seem to be the only times this happens nowadays.

I think my dad would have been pleased with his send off. Now it's time for everyone to start living their lives again, me included. It's back to work tomorrow, and a touch of normality. I'll be keeping an eye on Mum, but she's alright and she knows the 'kids' are looking out for her.

Every dark cloud has a silver lining

2008-06-21T08:39:00.003Z

It's a week since my father died, I'm busy getting myself ready for the funeral on Monday, if you can ever really be ready for such things.

It's been a bit of an emotional roller coaster, but it has brought my family closer together which is one positive aspect. Another, and something my mother in particular draws comfort from is the number of cards expressing sympathy, the support she's had from neighbours, friends and people who pass by the house. Terry was liked by everyone and his passing has affected a lot of people.

As a family we've moved forward a lot in a week. We are going to be alright.

A tribute to my father

2008-06-14T19:29:00.005Z

It's been far too long since my last post. I just didn't feel I had anything worth posting.

Since then however, events in my life have taken an unexpected turn for the worst. My father, Terence, has died. He was 77 years old, a fighter and an inspiration to me. He wasn't a well man since I was a bairn (I'm 47) but any amount of pain didn't stop him going out to work to look after our family. We had our rows, arguments etc, like all families, but I loved him to bits.

He doted over Zoe, my 11yr old niece and his Granddaughter by my sister Tracey. She gave my dad renewed purpose after he retired at 65. The photo's adorning my parent's living room are testament to that.

However, in recent years my father grew increasingly frail. He wasn't the strong, vigorous man I remembered as a child, in spite of his illnesses. He suffered 2 bouts of pneumonia within a year, each time I thought I'd lose him, but his dogged determination plus the NHS helped him pull through.

Over the last 2 or 3 years or so, my dad's short term memory started to go (early signs of dementia, Alzheimer's?). It caused problems, especially for Jean, my mum. But she stuck by him, and in a way she shielded the rest of the family from this, in spite of the fact it obviously upset her. Added to this, about 18 months ago two of my dad's siblings, a much loved brother and sister died. I think this affected my father in a profound way. I've only just discovered this after spending the last week with my mum.

Which brings me to the events of the last week or so. My brother-in-law, Martin rang me to say that my dad had been taken into hospital with breathing difficulties. I took some holiday time off to stay with my mum, help her out, mainly to be there for her. I couldn't have lived with myself if anything happened to my dad and she was alone.

My father seemed to be improving, he was in good spirits, his old self when I visited him in hospital. Just over 24hrs after being discharged from hospital my father relapsed. I rode with him in the ambulance, sirens blurring. He was in good spirits, chatting to the nurses, and seemed to be responding to the meds. But sadly, late in the evening his heart gave out.

The nurse who broke the news to my family was wonderful, as was the doctor who explained what happened. My father didn't suffer, unlike his own father, and I know he died with some degree of dignity.

I shall try my best to remember Terry, as a strong, sensitive, vigorous family man, ever supportive of others, a friend, father, granddad and uncle.

R.I.P.
Terence Patrick McNally
6th December 1930 to 13th June 2008

Recycle this

2008-04-10T21:55:00.003Z

A little monochrome treatment of man's inhumanity to the ecosystem, even if it is biodegradeable in a few decades.

Maritime - Hull Marina

2008-04-06T16:43:00.001Z

Humber street fruit market, Hull

2008-04-06T00:08:00.001Z

A maritime connection?

2008-04-05T21:57:00.001Z

"Howdy neighbour, it's health and happiness time"

2008-02-09T15:20:00.000Z

The east coast, fish and chips and Easter '88

2008-02-03T19:51:00.000Z

The weather this weekend has been atrocious, but that being said, the prodigious amounts of snow we had on Friday didn't settle thankfully. To celebrate the fact that I'm warm and snug at home in my garrett I'm posting some images from my 'divine archive' just to prove that despite the elements, global warming etc.... it's not that long before Spring.

Images taken in Whitby, Good Friday 1988. If memory serves me it was a lovely day / weekend.

Whitby is the place for the finest fish and chips on the east coast. That's a fact as far as I'm concerned. Bon appetite.

Eire, panoramic views of Caherdaniel 2000

2008-01-27T23:43:00.000Z

The format of this blog doesn't do these images justice. Just click on them to view full size.

My ride mid 80's to early 90's

2008-01-25T23:42:00.000Z

Found these images of the Vespa PX200E I owned when I was traveling around Scotland. But for this little beast I would have missed out on several adventures and hundreds of images of the Scottish highlands.

These images were taken in '91 I think, another country cottage in Scotland. Still can't believed I travelled over 400 miles in less than a day on 'Winona'. What I do recall is a very sore arse before I reached my destination!

Yet more images from Applecross in the early 90's

2008-01-23T23:22:00.000Z

A few more images from a very memorable holiday. I'll leave it to your imagination as to where we stayed, it's in one of the images ;)

Okay, we stayed here, not far from the 'ruins'.

Boadacea - London, Feb '88

2008-01-21T23:12:00.000Z

Boy, did I get around a bit in the late 80's?

East Park, Hull, April '88

2008-01-20T18:10:00.000Z

Some more images, going back the best part of two decades, frightening thought. East Park is very different now, although I suspect these images were taken before it fell into neglect and since the face lift it looks very different, especially around the 'rockery'.

This tower, once apart of the city's defensive wall has been moved, used to play in and around it as a nipper.

More views of Applecross

2008-01-20T00:20:00.000Z

I'm getting used to using my scanner gizmo now. Some more images taken in the early 90's that hopefully, give the viewer an idea of the feeling of isolation I felt at Applecross. Not that it was a bad thing at the time.

I thoroughly enjoyed the week I spent here with my family. The cottage was isolated, but not devoid of surprises. One night we heard strange noises. We grabbed a torch and found to our surprise that the house was surrounded by deer (their eyes acting like 'cat's eyes' on the road side). Normally, unless you travel in the early morning, you don't see these very shy creatures.

View from Applecross

2008-01-19T21:33:00.000Z

This image was taken early 90's during a family holiday to Applecross in Scotland. This shot was taken only a few hundred yards from the cottage we were staying in, which was 6 or 7 miles from the nearest village. It was late on, and really was as atmospheric a view as I can remember. Some very happy memories.

I have been a little remiss.....

2008-01-14T18:17:00.000Z

......but I've been busy of late, not had much chance to 'snap' away. Hopefully, I'll be posting a few images I captured in the 80's with my Canon T70 and around 2000 with an APS. I acquired, by way of a Crimbo present a photo quality printer / scanner. Once it's set up I'll be experimenting.

The Day After........ Christmas

2008-01-06T21:29:00.000Z

Cottingham Railway Station. It was eerily silent save for the taxi rank round the corner.