A couple of these views are similar to photos I took in my 2009 visit. I am pleased with the way my new camera captures the sky and details in comparison to my previous camera (which I still use).
16 Comments CherryPie on Aug 9th 2011
by William Allingham
Pluck not the wayside flower,
It is the traveller’s dower;
A thousand passers-by
Its beauties may espy,
May win a touch of blessing
From Nature’s mild caressing.
The sad of heart perceives
A violet under leaves
Like sonic fresh-budding hope;
The primrose on the slope
A spot of sunshine dwells,
And cheerful message tells
Of kind renewing power;
The nodding bluebell’s dye
Is drawn from happy sky.
Then spare the wayside flower!
It is the traveller’s dower.
12 Comments CherryPie on Aug 9th 2011
Last Friday I was invited to an evening of board games and curry. I was asked to bring along Pirates Cove which is one of the games in my collection. On arrival we enjoyed pre-dinner drinks outside on the deck of the Titanic. We then moved inside for some rather delicious curry dishes served in the Titanic’s dining room (complete with portholes). I am sure that by now you think I have taken leave of my senses but, no, not on this occasion. A few weeks ago my friend’s house had been decked out (excuse the pun) to resemble the Titanic for a themed party.
After the meal we set up the game. Name cards were produced for the people who were taking part (these can be seen below). I am not at all sure about mine!!!
We play a house rule that makes it more likely to encounter legendary pirates, which are very powerful. This meant that there were quite a few battles, both with the legendary pirates and between the players. After fierce competition, I was pipped at the post by single fame point after lagging behind for most of the game.
A fun evening was had by all 
PS: In the offing is a pirate themed party so I wonder what the house will look like next time I visit…
14 Comments CherryPie on Aug 8th 2011
That men do not learn very much from the lessons of history is the most important of all the lessons that history has to teach.
Aldous Huxley
14 Comments CherryPie on Aug 7th 2011
A couple of weeks ago I mentioned that I had ordered a macro lens. When I went to the shop there was only a display model so I asked for a new one to be ordered.
What should have been simple turned into a saga…
On the day the lens was due in store, I rang up to see if it had arrived because I had arranged for someone to pick it up from the store for me and I didn’t want them to have a wasted journey. The assistant whom I spoke to couldn’t find any trace of the order though it turned out the lens was in the store even though they couldn’t find it. On opening the box at home I found that the lens cap was missing. The lens that had been ordered was obviously another display model.
Next day I phoned the store to explain the problem and was told they couldn’t get any more of that type of lens and the one I had was one of the last two available but if I was unhappy I could have my money back. I made a special trip back to Birmingham to return the lens because I didn’t feel it was right to dump the problem on my local store when it was not their making. On arrival I explained the problem to another assistant who then checked how to proceed with the manager, who was close by. After explaining the problem once again, the manager commented that I must have been given a display model. I was then asked if I wanted a new one ordered…
I explained that I had been told that ordering one wasn’t possible due to lack of central stock. Apparently it was now possible and would take about two weeks to come in. I said no thank you and made alternative arrangements. My ‘new’ lens arrived yesterday. I tested it quickly around the house before the light levels got too low for decent photographs.
The morning in Birmingham wasn’t completely wasted because amongst other things I enjoyed a nice brunch in the open air. I also managed to pick up a useful brochure of all the lenses for my camera which I would have missed if I hadn’t had the trip out.
So here is one of my first test shots.
22 Comments CherryPie on Aug 5th 2011
