April 29th In View

Hartshill Hayes Photos
Hartshills Hayes Slide Show
Nath's and Pete's Party
Hartshill Hayes Info

Hartshill Hayes

May day bank holiday weekend got off to a warm start with plenty of sunshine. Today we took a trip out to our friends Michelle and Dave's and took Spritz with us. Decided to make the most of the day and go for a walk as rest of weekend not forecast too good. Took a trip out to Harsthills Hayes just the other side of Nuneaton. Unfortunately Dave couldn't make it as he was on call at the hospital which was a shame as we would have enjoyed his company, so it was just Jon, Michelle, Spritz and I. Was a lovely walk through the blue bells and woods. The cherry blossom smelt wonderful. We spent some time admiring the view from the hill which we have been to on a few ocassions with various people and everybody seems to enjoy the place. I liked seeing the shadows of the clouds on the landscape below. We were all rather fascinated by the bees pollenating the cherry blossom it was really fun trying to watch Jon try and snap a picture of them and every time he pointed the camera they would buzz off and there was me shouting "there's one ! There's another one ! Excitedly and annoyingly to Jon. Nature does that to me ! :-)

We also had a little walk down buy the canal where people seemed to be having fun and enjoying themselves some youths on a dingy with a dustbin lid floating next to it with there lunch. There's innovation for you. There was a man on guitar and a boat load of party goers on a canal boat giving us the ceremonial wave as they went by.

We got Michelle back home and left Spritz with her for the evening as Michelle and Dave are looking after her as a pre amble to our holiday. I hope Spritz behaves herself. Its been quiet lonely this evening without her.

Also this evening we went out to a bit off a BBQ and birthday party for our friends Teresa and Maxs son's which was rather pleasant. I piged out with the chocolate fountain and had a little drink. They had a nice fire burning in the garden which we where very welcome for as the night time was rather cool and I always enjoy a fire. We have arranged to go Ice Skating on May Day so something else to look forward to all thou I'm getting rather tired now and it's only April. A few nights in on our own next week will be a must just before the hols as I've all the washing packing and ironing to do. Ironing not looking forward to I hate it or rather not much good at it as I tend to get tram line on the trousers and double creases in the shirt sleeves. Then again as it's gonna get creased anyway just might as well shove it in and do it as we need it when we get there.

Bunsons Woods In View

Todays Photo Link


Today's Slide Show

Blue Bell Wood And Evening Walk

Today we had a relaxing and pleasant evening walk in the warm spring sunshine it felt quite comfortable in just a tee shirt. Just drove about a mile down the road to Kerseley parked up the car and walked through a delightful little wood called Bunsons wood. We walked up Thomsons lane and across some fields where there were panoramic views of the city skyline. Coventry doesn't have one the most impressive city sky lines but it's still a interesting site with it's three medieval spires dominating it. Was nice to pick out all the areas and landmarks we know. It's really nice living on the edge of The City as you have the best of both worlds all of what the city as to offer plus the knowledge you are very near to the countryside to get away from the hustle and bussle and the madding crowd. The woods and trees are coming along nicely now and the bluebells are beginning to form a nice scented blue and green carpet throughout the wood a hint of summer not far away. We saw quiet a few hazelnut trees that I'd like to go and gather the nuts from in the autumn. Spritz enjoyed her rummage through the hedgerows as per usual. We took our tea with us this evening and eat outside something which I really enjoy on the longer evenings. I'd like to go back at night time and take a photo of the city lights. That's another day. My mum retires soon and said she is looking forward to coming out on our evening walks. We have a evening bat walk next week with my cousin her husband and my auntie and uncle and a few others which we are all looking forward to. We also have a BBQ to go to this Saturday. We are going to miss Sprtiz this weekend as she is going to stay with our friend Michelle and Dave's for the weekend a pre amble to her two weeks stay when we are off to Sunny Spain.

Spritz's Training Day One In View

Photos Dog Training

Dog Training Slide Show

Coventry Dog Training Club

Pockets Loaded With Titbits And It's Off We Go

Well it finally arrived Spritz's first obediance training day. She seemed to get on well for her fisrt time and we all really enjoyed it. A lovely warm sunny evening and a nice sunset and Dogs lots of them ! with there owners. Great Fun !

Sunday In Milton Keynes

Haversham Photos

Haversham Slide Show


The Ouse Valleyway

The Ouse Valley

With the price of petrol now nearly hitting the £1.00 a litre mark and the weather not at its best over the last week or so and a impending holiday, we have not been out and about as much as we would have liked and have stayed pretty local. The car also broke down last night meaning Jon didn't get home till 2:30am. It's all mended now thankfully and as the weather is getting nicer we should be able to fit in a few trips and walks nearby this week.

We did manage to fit a walk in with business on Sunday and ended up on the outskirts of Milton Keynes in a place called Haversham near Wolverton. It is in the Ouse valley which as lots of interesting river walks and lakes and a impressive viaduct that carriess the main West Coastline across the river Ouse. The weather was a little unkind a repeat of a few Sundays ago when it was dull damp and cool. We did manage to stay dry this week compared to then. The River was interesting clean with the sound of runing water which I love to hear. We saw a couple of swans, and two herons fishing. I also had the opportunity to walk over yet another bridge. Bridges being a passion of both Jon and I and we have been over quiet a few in our time together from the long and wide Severn and Humber to a small chinesee bridge in Godmanchester and the long water filled Edstone aqueduct that we wandered over last week and of course William Telfords famous Iron Bridge on The Severn.

There was a lovely pasture on our little walk this week with plenty of sheep and a nice little campsite close by. We didn't walk far because of the weather and lateness in the day but it would be a place we would consider exploring on a Sunnier day. Milton Keynes as some beautiful villages and open space on its periphery and well worth a visit for a nice change.

Spritz did a Houndi trick sliped her collar broke her lead and we spent about twenty minutes trying to get her back from chasing the rabbits that seem to be mulitiplying in the hundreds at present. Thank God for obediance classes which we start Tuesday.

Liverpool In View

LINKS

Liverpool Photos

Liverpool Slide Show
Ferry Cross The Mersey Song Midi


Ferry Cross The Mersey Song Lyrics


The Beatles "Penny Lane" Song Midi


Liverpool Museums


Visit Liverpool Tourist Info


"The Leaving Of Liverpool" Beautiful Celtic Midi Song


The Leaving Of Liverpool Lyrics

Liverpool Lou" Lovely Celtic Song Midi

"You'll Never Walk Alone" Liverpool FC Athem. Midi And Lyrics

Liverpool Lou Lyrics

"In My Liverpool Home Folk" Song Lyrics

Map

Ferry Cross The Mersey on April 18th 2006

Had the most wonderful day in Liverpool. Tired and foot soar but well worth it. I consider Liverpool to be one of England's finest and most interesting cities outside of London. It as the finest art galleries and museums, grand buildings, theatres and a vibrancy just as much if not more than any other. Liverpool all thou being a large city to me as a slower pace of life and no disrespect to other English cities but as more of a friendlier feel and the people seem to have more time of the day for you than any other I've been to, what ever status you happen to have in life. Lots of bars and cafes to temp you, something to suit most people. There is so much to see and do you really do need more than a day to visit. We had a trip on the Mersey with a rendition of Jerry and The Pace Makers "Ferry Across The Mersey" blaring out from the tanoy which we all enjoyed. After we visited The World Museum which is a must especially if you have children with you and of course all the museums and art galleries in The City have free entrance so doesn't hit the pocket. Only wished we had more time to visit them all. We had a little walk down Matthew Street birthplace of The Beatles music and many other bands of sixties Liverpool. We took a trip through one of the Mersey tunnels twice which seem to go on for ever. The buildings in Liverpool are most interesting and it's hard to know where to look as there are grand buildings with interesting features almost in every street and something to catch your eye on every turn. If you like your statues you will not be disappointed there are plenty of them but beware if you are the prudish type there are some images that are naked and don't leave much to the imagination so you might have to close your eyes on a few occasions. :-). Abbie and I had some fun in the fountain to the amusement of a elderly lady sitting on a bench enjoying watching the world go by. The weather was kind to us it rained on our way up and way out but was fine while we where there.

We eventually left about 7.30pm and arrived back in Coventry rather tired but pleased with our day just gone 9pm

Easter Bank Holiday Monday In View

Todays Photos

Todays Slide Show

Saxon Church St Peter's

Edstone Iron Aqueduct

Longest aqueduct Oldest Church Longest Staircase Of Locks

A dull morning here and not too busy but the afternoon was rather delightful and interesting with a bit of excitement. We picked the best part of the day to go out as the sun decided to come out.

Took a trip out to the south of The City today to a place called Wooton Wawen. It was a pretty sought of place on The River Alne and Stratford and Avon canal. We took a leisurely stroll round the marina in the sunshine and took a walk across the first aqueduct of the day where we sat admiring the horses before going on to Edstone aqueduct and walking across that. The walk across Edstone aqueduct was enjoyable interesting to see our shadows from the bridge below. After we headed back out to Wooton Wawen stopping along the road for five minutes to watch a bird of prey hunting not sure what bird it was but it did look impressive hunting, we managed to get a camera shot of it.

Then we visited a very old saxon church called St Peters which boasted being the oldest church in Warwickshire and has stood there since 700AD. It was very impressive there was a lot to catch the eye and it was decked out in the most beautiful array of Easter lilies and spring flowers. The aroma and scent in the church was so sweet and very pleasant, hard to describe but a delight to the nostrils.

After St Peters we headed home via Hatton Locks they are very impressive and are the longest staircase of locks in the country. We had a bit of excitement at Hatton as Spritz chased a goose into a deep pond and ended up falling in with the mightiest of splashes. She's a big girl ! She tried to swim but could not get out as the bank was too steep, so I had to quickly run to her rescue and grab her collar and pull her out. She was soaked through and soaked me in the process after her big shake off. She didn't half smell on the way home, Jon described her as smelling like the bottom of a budgie cage.

Stopped of for a beer on the way home and picked up a bottle of Hobgoblins so enjoying that as I write and looking forward to tomorrows trip with Jon and my niece Abbie up to Liverpool and Southport for the day.

Easter Sunday In View

Todays Photos

Todays Slide Show

Temple Balsall Tea Room

Easter Sunday

A rather quiet day today. The day started off with the news of a new birth which was joyous to hear.

In the afternoon we went back to Temple Balsall for afternoon tea in The Templars Hall. Thought it would be nice to take the elderly folk out there as they always seem to enjoy that sort of thing. We picked up my Nan's Sister Rene and then Jon's Mum and headed out of The City.

The Templars Hall tea room was a rather sedate affair but enjoyable and seemed very popular. The volunteers who work there where very friendly, accommodating and welcoming. The choice of cakes were nicely varied. I had my favorite coffee and walnut, which was very tasty. The ambiance of the room was quiet but friendly with pretty clean linen table cloths and a small vase of fresh flowers on each table. The tea was also very good and plenty of it. It made a change for me to have tea from a cup and saucer rather than my usual mug. Sprirtz was very well behaved and waited patiently outside.

After our tea Jon had a little look round the hall and took a few photos. Then we went and took a look inside the church. I'm not the religious type but always enjoy the stained glass windows and the quiet peacefulness of the occasion of a visit to a church. The organ was very impressive and the acoustics of the building had more the echo of a lounge rather than a large open building which gave it more of warm cozy feel.

After our visit to Temple Balsall we took Jon's Mum back as she was getting tired. Then Jon and my great aunt Rene and I rounded the day off with a visit to the local Memorial Park to take a look at the cherry blossom and give Spritz a little run around the field.

April 16th In View

Todays Photos

Today Slide Show

LINKS

Berkswell Sheeps Cheese

Farm Shop

Temple Balsall & The Knights Templars Local History

Todays Movie 1

Todays Movie 2

MAP

Houghtonabout Bywater @ Bradnock Marsh

A pleasant and interesting walk today. Weather was cloudy but mild and dry. We started with a visit to a local farm shop, where there was plenty of delights to tempt the taste buds. Wild boar sausages, local cheese, honey and vegetables. We bought nice Chicken and ham pie, venison burgers and some Berkswell cheese made from local ewes milk.

Then we got out the ordinance survey map to see if we could find a bit of water nearby as I love being by water. We eventually ended up at a large fishing lake and golf course at a place called Bradnock Marsh just a few miles west of The City of Coventry. It was an interesting sought of place very busy and popular with golfers and fishermen. We found a few little streams and a small river which Spritz had a paddle in. We also found some nice pretty bridges and bubbly brooks.

After Bradnock Marsh we then went to Temple Balsall where we had a chat with a wonderful lady gardener who was very clued up on her local history and happily stood chatting to us for a while. Very interesting ! There is a hall and chapel here that was built by The Knights Templars. There is a nice tea room in the Templars hall that is open on a Sunday.

After Temple Balsall and all that walking we made our way home and cooked ourselves some cheese burgers made from the venison burgers and local cheese we bought earlier. Not quite Mc Donalds or anything you would buy in Tesco's but at least it had not travelled half way round the world or been heavily processed. I found them rather an acquired taste... not made my mind up yet if they will be a frequent dish on our tea time menu. Jon liked them very much but he's always been partial to a bit of venison. Apparently venison is very low in fat and good for people with heart conditions but don't quote me on the latter. The Berkswell hard cheese was pleasantly nice... in fact delicious, not had a chance to try the soft cheese yet but if it is as good as the hard cheese I am sure I will enjoy it. We had some visitors later in the evening my cousin Janet and husband Dave popped over back from there holidays in Hemsby. Was nice to see them back as we had missed them. We tried to temp them with our days gatherings but they declined. Modern tastes are so hard to change! Daves a real ale man and we know of a really good real ale pub at Rowington so have pencilled that in for a date.

Our friend Teresa when hearing about our day as invited us to a barbecue she was very interested in the wild boar and venison and as promised to get her ostrich and kangaroo burgers out of the freezer. Hmm ! Not quite sure :-)

Temple Balsall Interesting History

Images Of Berkswell

Todays Photos

Todays Slide Show

Jerusalem Midi

William Blake

BERKSWELL INFO AND HISTORY


Say Chesse !

On England's pleasant pastures seen

Yes there are still plenty of them left. Had a beautiful evening stroll round the village of Berkswell this evening just outside Coventry very relaxing and pretty indeed. All that you would want in a nice evening stroll pleasant sunshine a bit of history a village green, woods, fields and a bit of water and nature and good company. Was nice to see the Church doors left open so that passers by can pop in and take a pew, which is getting more and more unusual now in our modern times sadly. The church yard was exceptionally pretty and well kept. There is a big well that's interesting but unfortunately due to dry winter is now gone dry. So I guess we may be seeing hose pipe and sprinkler bans this summer. Quite pleased with tonight's set of pictures and hope you enjoy them and may they inspire you to walk that way sometime. The village shop and post office still survives and there is a nice little tea room too. The old stocks are still on the village green and me being me couldn't resist poking my hands through. Thankfully nobody was passing by to throw rotten tomatoes and cabbages at me. Happy Easter. :-)

Meriden Walk April 13th

Todays Photos
Todays Slide Show
Feature: Is Meriden Really The Centre Of England ?

Easter Moon Meriden Sunset

Not posted for a few days we not been out and about much as weather not been the best and Jon as been busy at work and by the time he as finished and we have visited friends the day as gone. I've not been in the best of health either since Sunday's wood walk. At least the days are getting longer now and a little bit warmer. Also petrol very expensive now so can't go to far to many times a week. We have got bikes but then can't take Spritz but our friends say they would have her if we wanted to go out cycling.

This evening had a evening walk out to Meriden my birthplace. Meriden is supposed to be the centre of England and is in the Green Belt between the City Of Coventry and Birmingham. The green belt is about a 10 miles gap between the two cities and is filled with farmland nice walks and very pretty villages.

Tonight's walk was rather nice not to long we did run out of daylight but managed to see a relaxing sunset over Birmingham and a lovely full Easter moon over Coventry. More open country rather than woodland as I fancied a change to our woodlands walks that we had been doing lately. Pictures a little bit disappointing as we were trying experiments with the camera and have been trying some manual settings. As with most experiments some work and some don't. We have a camera each now so what Jon misses perhaps I can catch. Its early in the season so plenty of more opportunities. The nice thing about digital you can take as many photos as you wish and not worry about developing costs and are easy to share with friends and family. Spritz was her usual self tonight going crazy for the rabbits and pheasants so had to keep her on the lead for most of the walk but she seemed to enjoy it all the same. Had to pick her up over a few styles.

Well it's now Easter weekend we have a trip planed to Liverpool which I am looking forward to and Spritzer's flyball on Friday. We have a summer walk on the South Coast in the early planning stages along the jurassic coast might even pick up some fosils.

Well that's about it for today Happy Snapping and Happy Easter

Wet But Interesting

Todays Photo Set
Sunday Slide Show
Brandon Wood Info

Soggy Sunday

Wet damp and cold today but managed to get out for a hour. Took our's and our friends dog to Brandon Woods for a little run around. Got back had a nice hot bath which was lovly. Think I might have caught a cold as not felt warm since. So not in the mood to post much tonight need an early night and some rest. Well looks like a better day weather wise tommorow.

Seeing Double

Tile Hill Wood Nature Reserve - a brief history
Tile Hill Woodlands

Today In View

Todays Photo Set

Slide Show

If you go down to the woods today your in for a big surprise

Today we visited Tile Hill Wood on the outskirts of the city about a few hundred yards from Jons home. I was quite surprised very pleasing to the eye the swampy bits reminded me almost of the Jurassic park era and the knotty fences of something out of middle earth right in the city. Spritz had a mooch through the bushes and Jon and I took a few photos. Loved the reflection of the sun through the trees. A Very de stressing experience and made for a nice relaxing afternoon. I always find walking through the woods rather refreshing and on a windy day of course your sheltered nicely from the wind. Back home for a little rest before getting ready for a bbq and fruit and chocolate fountain party this evening.

Today In View April 7

To Days Photos

Todays Slide Show

Scallywags Flyball Club Coventry

Interesting Sort Of Day

An interesting day not a lot happening on the home front. Tea time we went and picked up my cousins husband David up from the station and took him home. Didn't quite manage to get to Somerset today as Jon was busy with work and his mum had taken up a lot of his time in town. She lost her white cane so an hour spent hunting for that.

A nice evening in the park thought we would give Spritz ago at flyball. She didn't do to well but it was her first time not sure what to expect on first go. A bit of a growl here and there with the other dogs and she couldn't quite get the idea of grabbing the ball. So going to try and get her a little more interested in her ball. It was fun she did manage to jump the fences so am going to persevere. It did ware me out a bit as I had to run with her. Didn't realize how unfit I was, so early night for me tonight as I'm really tired. Managed to get our obedience classes sorted they start in two weeks time so looking forward to them.

Most of our friends and family away on holidays this week so not sure what the weekend will hold. We have been invited to a birthday party tomorrow so will go there and just see what Sunday brings. No plans.

April 6th

Today In view. Not many photos this evening as it was dull and we ran out of light.



Corley Moor

Hardwired Dog

Not a bad sort of day. Cooked a nice roast for our tea by the time that was over headed out to Corley Moor for our evening walk stopped at the pub and parked up the car. Were trying to follow the Coventry Way Path and find a wood that we saw on the map but we didn't take it with us. We have a GPS system great for roads but not so great for going off the beaten track as the maps are not so detailed. We got lost a little bit and got rather muddy walking through spongy bog. Jon couldn't remember it being that boggy last time he came but it was in the summer and he was on a horse. Spritz was a nightmare this evening we really have to think about obedience training. She is fine until she sees a rabbit then she is off and no amount of calling will get her back. She stuck her head down hole at least half her body disappeared down it. The next thing she decided to go after was a fox that shot out in front of us another ten minutes trying to get her back and if that wasn't enough chasing she then went after a pheasant. I was really losing my rag with her. She seems to be hardwired to chase after anything that moves even when we got home she decided to bolt after a cat she is fine with cats usually until they run. I think she is going to have to be kept on the lead as I am afraid she might one day go after sheep and get shot by a farmer. Might pop into pet city and get a extendable lead so she can be on a lead but have a little freedom. We didn't see any sheep there tonight but you never know what field they are in. Well an hour later sore voice wet feet and a extremely muddy dog we got back to the car. A quick stop to look at the city lights and off home and a bath for Spritz. Tomorrow night its her youth club meeting going to see how she gets on at the fly ball club. We will see. Got her interested in the tennis balls so she might like it and copy the other dogs. Then I am booking her and me into obedience training. She's half way there its just the coming back when we call her and the stop pulling on the lead I want sorted. Otherwise she is very lovable and quite affectionate.

April 5th In View

Babbling Brook Movie

Todays Photos

Slide Show

The Weeping Willows

Took a pleasant riverside walk among the weeping willows at Longford Park this evening. Coventry as two rivers I think The Sowe and The Sherbourne. The Sowe not sure but I think it joins The River Avon at some point. Will have to get my ordance survey map out. A lot of the river runs underground I think through the City but where it becomes open there are quiet some pretty stretches in parts and The City Ccouncil have done a good job with clearing out the shopping trolleys tires and plastic bags which pop up here and there. Not a big river more a series of brookes and streams until it gets on a bit further. I like the stretch we walked this evening never done it before even thou I have lived here for 41 years. Amazing what you can find close to home if you are willing to go out and look. It was very pleasant in the evening sunshine and Spritz found another dog to play with. A few little weirs on this stretch so lovely to hear babbling water a treat in an urban environment such as Coventry even if it does get mixed in with the sounds of sirens and traffic. With a bit of imagination you can almost imagine you are somewhere else lost in the country somewhere.

After our long walk in the park went to our friends Teresa and Max's for a bit of birthday cake and Jon received a present for his birthday which was nice kind and thoughtful. Teresa never forgets being as her and Jons birthdays are only two days apart. This time last year we where all sitting having a meal over looking St Michels Mont in Brittany. Oh how the year as flown. Then after our visit a quick visit to my mums then homeward bound tired and wanting my bed.

On The Green

Our afternoon walk and play on the green. I've Never tried my video and camera on my mobile phone so gave it a shot. Beautiful day today very spring like mild and so sunny :-)Saw my first bumble bee of the season this afternoon and the birds where rather cherpy. Lovely to see the grass had been cut. I love the smell of fresh cut grass.

Todays Movie Link 1 Uses Quicktime

Todays Move 2

April 4th In View

April 4th In View

Shepards Pie April 4th

Not many photos to post today as got up rather late and by the time I had been to the shops walked the dog tidied up a bit and cooked and visited pets at home the day had gone. When it was time for our evening walk we got to the park it was dusk light levels too low for taking pictures without a tripod. What we saw looked rather nice. Will try a repeat visit. The nice thing is this park in within walking distance about a four mile round trip so we can leave the car at home and save on petrol.

Spent some time cooking today cooked a shepherds pie was told it was delicious and was quickly gobbled up by Jon. Spritz had some too as a little treat which she woofed down. After tea a quick visit to pets at home to get Spritz her food we buy her Nature Diet which she seems to love but is in very short supply at the moment so bought as much as we could. There are not to many places you can buy it from as the business is just in the process from moving from Surrey to Norfolk. I love Pets at home always lots of interesting things to buy a pet owners paradise. Have got my eye set on a new pink collar and some flashing night lights. The pets that they sell there always seem to be in tip top condition and well kept. Also nice as it's the only shop you can take your dog into. The staff are always nice and polite helpful and cheerful.

Winter came back to bite us in the bum today and was glad to get in last night as the temp dropped very quickly to below zero after dusk. I even got caught in a snow shower earlier in the day. All the walking made me tired so had a early night gone full circle and was nice to be up early today. Not a cloud in the Sky today not sure how cold it is yet as not ventured out the door. John's birthday today so just planning a nice tea.

April 3rd In View

Todays Photo Set

Todays Slide Show.

Claybrook Marsh Info Link

Mundane Monday But Not With Out moments

Rather a mundane Monday hard to follow the weekend. Our normal afternoon walk nothing special today just to the shop to get provisions for tea and a quick run around the green. Looked at the pile of washing up over the weekend and thought I better get stuck in before I start and cook. Was glad I got it out the of the way before the good bits. I cooked a lasagne for tea. I don't consider cooking a chore as I really enjoy cooking. Have been told I am a good cook the plates are always left clean and I have quite a big repetoire of recipes in my head now. Talking of lasangne it is a great energy food I assume as one of my claims to fame is I waited on the Manchester United football team and that's what they had for there pre match lunch. Many a football fan envy me getting that close to the players not that I'm a football fan but I like the occasional kick around. Dinner turned out fine tonight only one disaster the plate of food I put out for Jon was stolen by Spritz. I wasn't well pleased with her but luckily enough I had made too much so not a total disaster. We now have a determined food stealer as this evening when I was making a ham sandwich the ham suddenly disappeared.

Not one of our most interesting walks tonight but was enjoyable as we went over to our friends and took their dog storm out with us she's getting on now her and Spritz get on and play really well. Just a walk through the marshes not the prettiest of places but the dogs enjoyed it. It can be interesting in the summer if you like insects and frogs and pond dipping but tonight just looked dull and stark to me. The ground is very black as it was originally a coal mine.

On the weather just as we thought winter had gone it seems to have come back to have another little bite with northerlies and frost forcast overnight. Jon had plants out so he as had to cover them with blankets tonight to protect the later harvest of green beans. On a good note we have had a fair amount of sunshine which is always nice.

Well thats my day not terribly exiting but my day and it did have its moments.

My Picture Of The Day

I love this one. To me Spritz as more of a look of a Mad March Hare about her than a dog.

By the way if you haven't yet discovered you can click on any photos in the blog for a larger view or follow the links on the right to our photos where you will find them all plus the originals.

A Sunday Walk

A Montage Of Images From April 2nd

Todays Slide Show Link
Todays Picture Sets Link




Combe Abbey Link Link

April Showers

Been a tiring but rewarding day. Took a drive to the south side of Coventry to the country park weren't sure what the weather was going to be like as it had been a mixture of sun cloud and showers all morning. We struck lucky and seemed to have picked the best window of the day as it stayed dry and we managed catch a few sun rays. It was very windy but I love the wind on my face lets you know your alive. It was quite a long walk today as we parked quite along way from the wood and park so as to avoid parking charges saving us £2 which is a big deal when things are on the lean side and we are trying to save for a Easter trip either to Somerset or Liverpool. Would be nice to do both but we have our holiday to Spain which is quickly creeping up on us so will see what we can afford.

Was a long but rather a pleasant walk through the park Spritz was bouncy as ever chased a few rabbits and birds and a squirrell up a tree. The herons where flying over head they are such big and clumsy fliers always amazes me how they manage to get off the ground. They are well know for stealing the goldfish out of garden ponds round this way have heard a few stories about that.

One of my favorite places in the park is a walk through the giant red woods I love the colours and in awe of how tall they are they always make me feel so small and humble. If you have not ever touched a redwood they feel very soft and spongy like compared to the more native trees. A nice thing about the red woods being ever green they are splendid what ever time of year you go to see them. Other parts of the park and woods still look a bit spindly not many leaves on the trees yet but in another month or so the woods will take on a whole new look and the long winter dark nights cold and snow soon forgotten.

The crops in the fields are coming along nicely and seemed to have survived all the late frosts.

Managed to grab a glimpse of a rainbow or two which is always nice and pleasing. Seem to get a lot of rainbows especially in a true April of sun and showers so thats another couple to add to the collection.

All the walking made us rather hungry so gave my mum a call as she lives south east side and she quickly made us an impromptu tea of sandwiches and tea and we shared the days photos.

After Mums we visited some friends who we had not seen for awhile as we had let them down a few times on dates. Thought they would be angry with us but they where fine when we got there told us to stop being silly and to stop worrying and that they where glad to see us. We took a present for Teresa as it's her birthday on Friday and a belated birthday present for her husband Max. It looks like we are committed to a party on Saturday and have been promised they will get the chocolate fountain out. We are not much of party animals not keen on drinking but we will make a big effort and go to keep the bond going.

Finally arrived home rather late all the walking and fresh air as made me really tired so guess I will sleep well tonight. Spritz as already been out for the count now for awhile and is lying at the bottom of my bed in the bedroom.

Coombe Country Park

Todays Images

A Montage Of Images From April 1st

Todays Slide Show Link
Todays Picture Sets Link Enjoy

Tree Bunny

Took this photo today have had my eye on it for awhile can you see the creature in the tree ?

A Walk In The Park

Took a nice walk in the park today. We have quite a few City parks and we like to visit them all periodically. Was especially nice today as it was very spring like. Was lovely to see all the spring flowers. The daffodil being one of my favorites. Seems like a lot of people came out of hibernation today. Some people playing golf lots of family's out walking and playing in the park.

We met a nice elderly lady out walking her dog so stopped for awhile for a chat while our dogs had a little spring frolic. We had a little chat about dogs not being allowed on beaches after May in many towns which can make it a bit difficult. An unusual conversation you might think as our nearest beach is about 100 miles away but there you go.

Later in the afternoon took a trip out to the country to visit our close friends Michelle and Dave's. They had been having a big spring clean so we acquired a new mattress and lots of new cloths that Dave no longer had use for so should be fine now for awhile and will be having a fashion parade tonight. We are so very grateful for them.

Thought I'd better have a spring clean myself now just need to summon up the energy I am still a bit manjana man at the moment. Looking forward to Sunday Michelle and Dave have found a nice wood nearby that comes highly recommended so will try that.

Good Friends

Had my couson Janet and her Husband Dave over last night spent a nice evening chatting and drinking tea. She bought us lots of family negatives over some very old and some in black and white so looking forward to getting them developed and digitised.

Spritz always looks forward to her visits as Janet always brings her treats as you can see they are good friends. Infact Spritz is friends with anyone who will rub her belly for five.