The Week in Pictures
A pictorial look back at the last few days….
Here’s a selection of photos which I snapped during a bit of time off, mostly not relevent to what I would write about but hopefully they will tell their own story, good or bad.
I am battling the onset of manflu as I type so forgive me if it’s short and sweet…..achoo 
Here’s a chap my brother and I met as we walked through Middle Rasen Plantation, very cheerful despite it being the coldest day of the year and the one who alerted us to the sightings of foxes and deer in the vicinity…..
Walking at Middle Rasen Plantation
My home county is full of fabulous old churches which are steeped in history, many are rarely attended which is sad to say. I am not religeous but I do believe we should respect any buildings which help to make up our rich heritage and churches, for me are an important part of all of our history…..
Lincolnshire Church
Once inside a church you never know what you might come across, we saw these two tombs, the second is a knight effigy which at the time of our visit was bathed in sunlight making photography particularly difficult. These are situated in a small church in the middle of nowhere and how many of the county’s residents are aware of their existence? Such history on our doorstep, such a shame we don’t realise it.
The Unknown Tomb
The Knight’s Tomb
This is something a bit more ‘off the wall’, my brother and I saw a kestrel hovering with great intent over the roadside I was driving down and was totally unfazed as my brother got out of the car to photograph it. I stayed in the car and let my brother have a go before driving on a few yards to see it return. I pulled into the side, car in neutral, handbrake on, me contorted trying to position a zoom lens out of the window and ‘woosh’ down it went. I never stood a chance to capture it properly but there is something about this that I quite like but I don’t know how to explain why I do. It’s something to do with the speed of it, the blurring of the colours in the background and the feeling of ‘well, this is what its prey must see’ as it dives in for the kill….
Diving Kestrel
Another nice selection, Miles.
I especially like the one of the old man walking down the road - I’m hearing strains of Strauss and Im Abendrot (Jesseye Norman singing on the old E. German recording) . . .
Also fabulous is the abstract of the kestrel. The movement of the camera as you were taking the shot accentuates all of the downward momentum of the bird. Its really a wonder of nature that those big legs will transfer all that force onto the neck and back of her unfortunate victim and a coordinated-to-the-second downstroke of the wings will bring both aloft. There is so much energy in a raptorkill that its amazingthat both bird and prey down wind up in a big heap of feathers and fur on the ground.
Nice weekend!
L
January 15, 2010 @ 11:27 pm
Miles,
You have created a photographic Kasuri ikat, very clever. In textiles the strands are tie-dyed first then woven into patterns which gives the classic ‘blurred’ imaged.
Stay warm and rest, man flu is another term for bodily spring cleaning isn’t it?
Cid
January 16, 2010 @ 9:28 am
Miles,
The man in the top photo is not going to be stopped by some snow on the ground. He may no longer be the fittest but he is out there and not sitting at home, giving in.
I, too like the kestral swooping down. Great colours.
Wishing you strength in your fight against the manflu.
Anne
January 16, 2010 @ 10:21 am
All,
Many thanks, achoooo!! cough, splutter, wheez….
Laura, I too am amazed at how these birds do it, quite remarkable really.
Have a great weekend too.
Cid, Kasuri ikat….that’s what I thought
Anne, was taking flu capsules then read the use by date…two years ago!!!
Miles
January 16, 2010 @ 7:59 pm
Miles:
I know it is cruel to ask at this point, but given my profession, WHY didn’t you get your jabs (immunizations)? Please tell me its because they weren’t available in your area - I would be happy with that.
I’ve got both the seasonal flu and the pandemic flu jabs and someone like yourself with contact with changing lots of public persons has to do the same.
Best of luck - keep hydrated and sleep - that’s the best medicine once the grippe has set in.
Laura
January 16, 2010 @ 8:41 pm
Miles,
The Shire is fast turning into flu city! My body told my brain that it wanted chai tea with plenty of spices so that’s what I’m drinking right now and delicious it is.
Judging by the quite wonderful array of creative notions given by your loyal followers, I think you stand an excellent chance of winning any pub quiz…. so do we come to think of it! Life’s a funny old thing sometimes isn’t it… only a couple of years back I read the term ikat, before then the nearest I’d come to it was possibly a kit-kat (never, never mistake the two
)…. now opening books and magazines, I see it all the time.
I found a site today which specializes in African and Indian trips to learn about natural dyes and traditional textile techniques with fair trade in mind no doubt. I’d have to take Laura and Melissa and Anne with me though. On a cold, wet rather dreary day here I can only imagine what wildly fabulous designs we’d create…. I’m sure we’d take in some recipes and photos along the way. All we need then is for you to edit it and ‘tidy’ up the photography and voila, a best seller.
Hope you are taking it easy Miles, flu rampages through the strongest of systems and demands rest, a couple of ibuprofen or paracetamol, plenty of water and warm, fluffy bed socks
Cid
January 16, 2010 @ 8:59 pm
Laura,
I’m too old and too young for jabs here in blighty, manflu is actually a sore throat but don’t tell anyone, I like women making a fuss over me
I know I have to be careful because (given your background) you’ll tell me off but fear not, I am alone and spluttering into a handkerchief. They’ll not pin the next bout on me!
Miles
January 16, 2010 @ 9:25 pm
Cid,
Read Laura’s blog and books and save the money on a trip to India
Miles
ps If you want yellow then use turmeric, if you want blue spots on a white background then leave a pen on a chefs jacket and stick it in the wash..works for me
Miles
January 16, 2010 @ 9:28 pm
Miles,
If I see a ‘chefs special’ ikat or bold turmeric mud cloth design… I’ll know who’s behind it
Cid
January 16, 2010 @ 9:57 pm
Miles,
I’m currently in a small town 150 miles south of where I live (came for a meeting last night) and your photos go hand in hand with what I’m seeing as Colorado’s version of “history” and wildlife. Old mission churches (not nearly as old as yours), eagles and elk herds. I’m in my hotel room awaiting the opening of the cafe for breakfast (6:30 AM) and then I’ll go explore and take some photos before returning home later today. It’s interesting, as I was sitting here waiting, I was hoping to find your “week in review” photos on your blog as it is so enjoyable to see your countryside, your landscape, your people, your wildlife. I find it fascinating. I’ll take some similar photos this morning and share them with you.
Thanks again and take care. Make yourself some healing soup with star anise. It will combat your man-flu.
Melissa
January 19, 2010 @ 1:33 pm
Melissa,
I hope you blog about your visit, that would be great to look at. We don’t see enough of the ‘other’ America over here, it’s a great shame.
Manflu on the mend thank you
Miles
January 19, 2010 @ 6:13 pm