Have a great weekend

Hi all,

Sorry I am not around much at the moment, there is so much catching up to do at home, especially in the garden. I have been planting lots of new Spring bulbs, Daffodils, Tulips, Bulb Iris and Dwarf Iris. I have cleared the veg plot and spread the home made compost around.

I have trimmed back lots of the shrubs but there is still much to do.

I have also been doing the training for the health walks I have volunteered to lead for people who have been in ill health and their doctor has decided they are ready for a little vigorous exercise in the form of an hours reasonably fast walking for an hour twice a week.

I had to renew my first aid certificate to lead the walks and was surprised how much had changed, I completed the course and was re-certified last week.

I have been doing the walks twice a week as an observer for the last 2 weeks and next Wednesday we have a meeting to allocate walks to leaders for the next 3 months.

I have also been looking at leading the health cycle rides for people at the next level of health development, but unfortunately these are going to clash with the walks so at the moment I will only be able to do the rides on the days I am not leading a walk.

For my part some good news I have got my weight down to my target weight for my age and with the additional exercise I have been doing my blood pressure has now dropped into what they call the "Optimal Zone" which means it has consistently been below the "normal" 120/80 and on average has been about 116/68, the doc cut my BP meds by 50%  for the next 2 weeks if my BP stays in the Optimal Zone we are going to try cutting out the meds completely, fingers crossed LOL;)

With Winter well underway now and some very cold weather anticipated next week I have not been out shooting much but I am planning to wrap up and get out during the week if we get snow,

Mom and I have started to get the decorations out we always start with the fire place in the living room and we decked that out this week and also mad and put up the wreath on the front of the house.

Marci will be here on the 27th December and will be here for almost 3 weeks we are both very excited to be getting back together after a whole series of mishaps that have kept us apart this year.

Well thats my knews for now I will be blogging more from now on but I will not be spending as much time on line as I did before, since the demise of Multiply I have found a whole new raft of rich experience I am enjoying at the moment along with making some new friends in my local community.

Have a wonderful weekend and may your God be with you;)

Creative Challenge 229 = Beginnings

William Rufus - William II of England - The Rufus Stone

William II (Old Norman: Williame II; c. 1056 – 2 August 1100), the third son of William I of England, was King of England from 1087 until 1100, with powers over Normandy, and influence in Scotland. 

He was less successful in extending control into Wales. William is commonly known as William Rufus, perhaps because of his red-faced appearance.

Although William was an effective soldier, he was a ruthless ruler and, it seems, was little liked by those he governed: according to the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, he was "hateful to almost all his people and odious to God." 

However, chroniclers tended to take a dim view of William's reign, arguably on account of his long and difficult struggles with the Church: these chroniclers were themselves generally products of the Church, and so might be expected to report him somewhat negatively. 

His chief minister was Ranulf Flambard, whom he appointed Bishop of Durham in 1099: this was a political appointment, to a see that was also a great fiefdom. The particulars of the king's relationship with the people of England are not credibly documented. 

William was roundly denounced in his time and after his death for presiding over what was held to be a dissolute court, in terms which, in modern times, have raised questions over his sexuality. In keeping with Norman tradition, William scorned the English and their culture. 

 William seems to have been a flamboyant character, and his reign was marked by his bellicose temperament. He did not marry, nor did he produce any offspring, legitimate or otherwise. 

He died after being struck by an arrow while hunting in what is now called The New Forest, under circumstances that remain murky, and was succeeded by his younger brother Henry. 

The Rufus Stone 

A stone known as the Rufus Stone marks the spot where he supposedly fell, The claim that this is the location of King William II's death appears to date no earlier than a 17th century visit by Charles II to the forest. 



At the time the most popular account of William II's death involved the fatal arrow deflecting off a tree and during Charles II's visit to the forest he appears to have been shown a suitable tree. 



In letters in The Gentleman's Magazine it was reported that the tree was cut down and burned during the 18th century. 

Later in that century the rufus stone was set up. Originally it was around 5-foot 10 tall with a stone ball on top. In 1789 the stone was visited by King George III along with his queen and an inscription was added to the stone commemorate the visit. It was protected with a cast iron cover in 1841 after repeated vandalism. 




The inscription on the Rufus Stone reads: Here stood the oak tree, on which an arrow shot by Sir Walter Tyrrell at a stag, glanced and struck King William the Second, surnamed Rufus, on the breast, of which he instantly died, on the second day of August, anno 1100. 

King William the Second, surnamed Rufus, being slain, as before related, was laid in a cart, belonging to one Purkis[e] to take the king's body to Winchester Cathedral on his cart., and drawn from hence, to Winchester, and buried in the Cathedral Church, of that city.

River Stour in Full Flood November 2012

Hi all yesterday on the way back from the store I have to cross a bridge over the River Stour when I noticed it was in full flood so I pulled off the road and took a few quick shots with my ever handy point and shoot I hope you find them interesting have a great week;)

Images & Words - By the Seashore -186

Hi all sorry I am late with this one I am only just getting back into blogger after an 8 week bout of Acute Bronchitis, but I am up and running again now have  a great week;)

Flood Moors Lake

Hi all, the storms are Finally over here, but I know they only moved north a thought and prayer for people in Mitch's area who I know are still under threat of flood.

Mom and I ventured out for an hour yesterday as soon as the rain finally stopped. we headed up to the moors River and lake to see how things were.

When we arrived the river had just burst its banks and was flooding into the lake which in turn was over topping on to the flood plain. All the property in this area including the Rangers office is on higher ground so everyone was safe.

I took a few shots and we left as we could see the water rising as we walk and we had to back track as all the paths were under water, Its humbling to see the power of nature . here are a few shots from the day when the flood had just started. 

Have a wonderful day;)

Hi All

Hi, I hope you all had a good weekend, absolutely nothing to blog about here its been raining and very windy for days now and the week looks the same. 

The only good news at the moment I am fully recovered from an 8 week bout of Acute Bronchitis and the camera engineer was able to fix my 70 - 300 lens with out recourse to new parts.

Moms doing great and walking miles with me when the weathers dry.

Marci finally got everything sorted out at home and is coming to see me for 3 weeks on the 26 December.

I am heaqdin g off around your posts now while I drink my coffee have a great week;) 

Shadowlands

Yesterday afternoon  was a beautiful sunny window in the terrible weather we are having right now. 

Mom and I headed down to the Avon Valley and took some shots focusing on light and shadow in the late afternoon sunshine.

Happy Thanksgiving to all my American buddies and a great week to everyone;)

Creative Challenge 228 - Brotherly love

He ain't heavy.................................................................!

The Long and Winding Road

Hi all I hope you have had a great weekend? Mum and I managed to get out again for a long walk, we both felt much better and walked for over two and a half hours at a trail at the Moors Valley Country Park we had not explored, I took some shots along the way and thought you might enjoy them.

Have a great day and enjoy the rest of your weekend;)

Afternoon Delight

Hi all, still getting back on my feet but feeling 100% better than I was, I managed to get out for a walk yesterday afternoon and caught the last of the autumn colour in the last of the afternoon light, it was beautiful. Here are a few of the shots I took I hope you enjoy them. 

 I am planning on catching up on your posts tomorrow with my morning coffee, until then have a great day;)

Good Morning All

Just a quick note to let you know I am back to full health and to thank you all for the kind words while I was sick. I have to admit 5 weeks is the longest I have ever been unwell in my adult life and I do not recommend it LOL;) 

But now I have a huge back log of work to do around the house to get ready for winter particularly in the garden. So I am still not going to be around much for the next couple of weeks.

Here in Britain we have something called the "Heart Club" and they organize health walks for people who are recovering from heart problems or have been advised by their doctor to reduce weight and get more exercise  I have volunteered as a health walk leader and was on a course at the end of this past week and am waiting to be advised when I lead my first walk I am excited about this as I can be doing something I love doing and also giving something back at the same time.


They also do health cycle rides for people who have progressed through the health walks to a point where they need more vigorous exercise. I am joining one of the rides tomorrow morning to see if I would be interested in leading some rides as well, group riding is something I have never participated in so I am undecided if I want to get involved, but the ride tomorrow should help me decide,


I hope you are all well and I hope I can get back into catching up on your posts over the next couple of weeks. Have a great week and msy your God be with you;)

Lest We Forget

Hi all, feeling much better today

I think I will have shaken off this Bronchitis by the weekend. 

I took a short walk at the Lake yesterday and took a few Autumn Reflections. I hope you enjoy them.

I cant wait to get my energy back and be outside again everyday, enjoy the rest of your week;)

Happy Sunday

Hi all, Thanks for all the Kind words yesterday. it is a slow process getting over Bronchitis, I felt exhausted again yesterday evening after just a short trip to the store for groceries, I guess its gona take its time ;) 

 Its very frustrating when your an active outside person like me being restricted, but I guess I have to accept that's how its going to be for the next few weeks. 

 I will have to get out for some air now and then but I just have to accept I will feel worse for a while afterwards, but that's what I need to do. 

 I will get around you blogs as I can I have started to feel more like sitting at the computer for a while. Have a great Sunday, Baz;)

Have a great weekend

Hi all still not feeling great but improving each day, I found a few shots I took when I went out for a breath of fresh air the other day.



I managed to get out yesterday for a short walk as well, felt tired afterwards but enjoyed the fresh air and managed to get some shots of the wonderful Heathland Autumn Colours





Have a great weekend;)

Just got bad from the Doctor

Hi all, 
Just got bad from the Doctor, the good news is I am already on the mend, the bad news I have Acute Bronchitis and it has a  6 - 8 week  duration so it could take another 4 weeks to clear up, its a virus and there is no treatment other than reducing the symptoms and rest. So its continuing with the cold and flu drinks with decongestant  and rest and keep warm for the next few weeks.

It looks like mom just had a bad cold so that's good news as well.

Doc said I am lucky because of my underlying good health and fitness, and it could have been much worse than than it is. 

He said that not re-hydrating enough after exercise could have left me vulnerable to the infection as 10% de-hydration can suppress the immune system by 25%!!!!

Sorry not to get around to your posts but to be honest I do not have the energy to sit here and type.

I hope all is well in your worlds thanks for the kind words, thoughts and prayers to those friends who have endured one of the worst storms in living memory, I hope the road back to normality is a quick one;)

Be safe and may your God be with you;)

Hi All

First off thoughts and prayers to all my friends in the Eastern States may you all be safe and your property undamaged as this huge storm subsides.

As its been going, this bug eased over the weekend and came back with a vengeance on Monday. I called the doc and so many  people are sick I cant see him until tomorrow morning, its frustrating, because I am not really ill and not well either its like constantly having a head cold and cough and no energy.

Mom seems to have it as well she stayed in bed yesterday and feels better if my doctor gives be antibiotics tomorrow we will call her doctor and tell him what treatment my Doc has put me on.

Be safe wherever you are have a great week again thoughts and prayers for those enduring the storm  

Hi all

This bug is driving me nuts if I sit around and rest I am fine but as soon as I make an effort to do anything even light exercise the cold type symptoms come back, I did 30 mins on the bike yesterday and have the sniffs and am congested again today. If its not clear by Monday I guess I need to see the Doc and see if I need antibiotics.

Anyways the good news is its the weekend have a great one and I will get around some of your posts in the morning with my coffee;)

To Everything There is a Season

January to June 2012

A Two Year Tale

Marci and I first met in October 2010 in Washington DC, its been an amazing time. I made a video to celebrate the adventures we had along the way and in anticipation of many more to come ;)

Hi all

Wet and miserable here still not feeling 100% and totally uninspired to post or shoot at the moment, but I will when I have something worth posting have a great week;)

Happy Birthday Sweetheart xxxx

Happy Birthday Marci have a wonderful day I am sorry I cant be there with you today xxxxxxxxxxx

In the Early Morning Light

Hi all, thanks for the kind words yesterday Mom and I are both feeling a lot better today. I have to go to the store to get Watercress for Sherpa, on the way back I stopped at the overlook to get a few early morning Autumn shots here are a few, I will get around some posts later. Have a great weekend;)

Good Morning all, its OK I am still alive LOL;)

Hi all, sorry if I worried a few of you by not being around, I had some emails from you so I know I have. 
Everything is OK, just a lot going on and not much interesting at the same time LOL. 

 If you remember I had what I thought was a cold a fe weeks ago, well its hung on and keeps coming back so I think its some sort of mild virus, anyway Mom seems to have it as well so we have not been very active the last couple of weeks.

Except for getting the garden ready for winter and this really is the busy time of year in a garden like mine getting all the shrubs cut back and shredding the waste. 

I was joking about the Tortoise he is not much bother just been spoiled by my cousin with hand feeding which I believe he does not want or need! So he is not getting that here and seems to be loving his new freedom. He is living in my conservatory as its already too cold for him outside and he has been very ill in the past and is not heavy enough to hibernate so he is kept active through the winter. 

He is a "Golden" Greek Tortoise - Testudo graeca. They are found in southern Spain, Eastern Europe, Northern Africa, and parts of Asia especially the Middle East. They are found in a variety of environments from seashore dunes to rocky mountain steppes but usually in very hot, dry and arid regions with high summer temperatures. 

They inhabit areas of sparse vegetation where they browse on grass and plant growth. 

This tortoise is listed on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: VU - Vulnerable and is listed on CITES: Appendix II. 

The Greek Tortoise or Spur-Thigh Tortoise is small with most reaching only about 8 inches (20 cm), though there are occasional specimens reaching up to 12 inches (30 cm). Their coloration of the is not overly bright, but it is variable and attractive. A primary characteristic, as indicated by the name, are the 'spurs' found on their thighs; two small tubercles, one to each side of the tail. 

I still have a lot of work to do it the garden and with this bug its slow going. 

Also I guess I have having one of those "My Muse has gone walk about" moments, probably because my camera is broken, my long lens auto focus stopped working after the trip to Monkey World and I am expecting to be told I either need a new lens ( which now cost £500 / $1000) or it will be very expensive to fix, so I am not a happy bunny about that right now. 

To be honest I have not been blogging so much because I realized I was wasting so much time when we were back over on Multiply that I was neglecting things I also enjoyed in the "real world" and before the bug I had got back to a really great level of fitness out on my bike, so I doubt that I will ever be back posting at that level again.

I have some bulb planting to do in the garden today and if the weather holds we may head out to one of the country parks for a few hours and I might take a few shots with my other lenses. 

 Anyways, I hope your all well, have a great weekend, be safe and may your God be with you;)

Sorry I have not been around I have a visitor!!!

Also its the busiest time of year for me in the garden lots of Maintainance to do before Winter sets in, but its my guest who  has been the time graber!

He is Greek!

He is 66 years old

and 

A very finicky eater!

His name is Sherpa!

He has been my Cousins house guest since she was 4 years old, she will be 58 next birthday, she is a photographer as well and is off to China to photograph Panda in the wild for 3 weeks and she asked if Sherpa could visit with me while she was away and he has been keeping me busy. I will get around and visit as soon as I can. Thanks for all the kind comments on Images and Words have a great day;)

Images & Words -180 -Colors of your season

Autumn in the English Garden

Have a great weekend;)

Autumn in the English Garden.

Jim Cronin's Monkey World

James "Jim" Michael Cronin MBE (15 November 1951 – 17 March 2007) was the founder in 1987 of Monkey World in Dorset, England, a sanctuary for abused and neglected primates. 

He was widely acknowledged as an international expert in the rescue and rehabilitation of abused primates, and in the enforcement of international treaties aimed at protecting them from illegal trade and experimentation.

In 2006, Cronin was awarded an MBE by Queen Elizabeth II for services to animal welfare. Cronin has also received the Jane Goodall Award.

Cronin died at the Cabrini Medical Center, Manhattan, New York, on 17 March 2007, following a brief battle with liver cancer. His wife Alison is now in charge of Monkey World.


Monkey World ( fully referred to as Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre) is a 65-acre (26.3 ha) ape and monkey sanctuary and rescue centre near Wool, Dorset, England. 

Set up in 1987 by the late Jim Cronin, and later operated by both him and his wife Alison, it was originally intended to provide a home for abused chimpanzees used as props by Spanish beach photographers, but is now home to many different species of primates.

Monkey World works with foreign governments to stop the illegal smuggling of wild primates.
The facility made the news in January 2008 with what The Guardian called "the world's biggest rescue mission of its kind," when it saved 88 capuchin monkeys from a laboratory in Santiago, Chile, where some of the animals had been kept in solitary cages for up to 20 years. 

The operation was carried out at the request of the laboratory, and with help from the Chilean Air Force, who flew the animals to Bournemouth airport with special permission from the British government.

In August 2010 Monkey World rescued a Bornean Orang-utan called Oshine from Johannesburg, South Africa. On December 7, 2010 Monkey World rescued an orphan baby Sumatran Orang-utan called Silvestre from a zoo in Spain. In January 2011, Monkey World rescued a chimpanzee named Kiki from Lebanon.

He ain't heavy!

Hi All

I seem to have picked up a bug so might not be around much the next few days, enjoy the rest of your week;)

View from the Quay

Christchurch Quay is a beautiful riverside open space in Christchurch town centre with a variety of events and facilities available throughout the year.Christchurch Quay has views of the 11th Century Priory and is the starting point for many water based activities. The large grass area is known as the Quomps and is perfect for a variety of activities including picnicking, relaxing, sports and games. The smaller paved area next to Place Mill is known as the Town Quay.  We ensure the unique character and heritage of the Quay is maintained in harmony with the facilities and leisure opportunities available. For more information about Christchurch.Christchurch Quay operated commercially from the thirteenth century until the early 1900s. The River Stour has since been used by leisure craft. The Quomps, a name recorded from the 1700s, is historically used to describe a marshy area. The Priory fish ponds were located here and whilst subject to regular flooding, the area was almost certainly grazed by livestock. River system improvements to the lower Stour have removed much of this old landscape.Place Mill has medieval stonework and Tudor and eighteenth century brickwork. The mill was used for cleaning and thickening cloth and grinding corn until 1908. It was then used as a boatshed for 70 years before being purchased by the council and carefully restored.

Avon Heath Country Park - Southern Section

Yesterday Mom and I Went over to one of our favorite spots, Yesterday Mom and I Went over to one of our favorite spots, Avon Heath Country Park. 



We had never visited the south section of the Park which is separated from the North by a major road. 
We walked along the Bridle way and into the South Park. It has a completely different character to the North.

This slide show follows our walk in sequence I hope you enjoy it, have a great Sunday;)

View from the Edge: Matchams View Point Dorset England

Matchams View Point Dorset England, looking out across the Avon Valley to the New Forest in the distance, in the first picture Hengistbury Head can be seen in the far distance on the coast

Good morning. Have a great weekend;)

Final Harvest

Despite the tomato crop being beset with blight I think we have done very well this year over 25 LB of Tomato's not including those already eaten. Some for freezing, damaged ones for mixed tomato chutney, cherry tomato's for eating like fruit now, Green tomatos to ripen in Conservatory. Its better than I expected.



Red and Green Tomato Chutney

• 4 pounds ripe tomatoes
• 1 (1 inch) piece fresh ginger root
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 3/4 cups white sugar
• 1 cup red wine vinegar
• 2 onions, diced
  
  
  Directions
  
  
  Puree tomatoes with ginger and garlic in a food processor or blender.
  
  Place tomato mixture, sugar, vinegar, onions, and golden raisins in a large saucepan. Season with mixed spice, chili powder, paprika, and curry paste. Simmer over medium heat until thick (at least an hour more like 2). 
  
  
  
  Heat jars in oven, fill with chutney and seal, keep a check on the jars, but it should last a whole year is sealed well. 
• Enjoy;)

• 1/4 cup golden raisins
• 2 teaspoons mixed spice
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 pinch paprika
• 1 tablespoon curry paste

Barry Haynes Photography Web Site

I just revamped my web site if you would be interested in taking a look, I would appreciate it;)

http://bhaynesphotography.smugmug.com/

Have a great weekend;)

Sit a while and enjoy the view

Autumns Chill

Autumns Chill

Clear night herald  Autumns Chill.

Silver Moon plough's blue sky's, still.

Warm breath floats like morning mist.

The wonders nature does enlist!

Morning dew hangs on spider web.

Festooning pine like gossamer thread. 

Sun bathed world shimmers Gold.

A wealth of wonders to unfold.

Long shadows cast there eerie shade.

Leaves turn red in Forest glade.

Silence sits upon the land.

Awaiting the touch of Winters hand.

                                       bAZ©2012

Creative Challenge #224 - Fool

The Road Less Traveled?

I never could run with the crowd LOL!

Reflections of Autumn 2012

The Reflecting Pool is on of my favorite locations to shoot, but I recently discovered Moors Lake and its fast becoming a favorite of mine.

Seeing Autumn reflected in its waters was beautiful.

I took Mom for her afternoon walk around the lake and took the opportunity to capture some more shots here are a few that I liked I hope you enjoy them as well, have a great day;)