Sad Demise of a small Bird

It was the sharp tap at the window that alerted me to the fact that all was not well. I went outside and discovered a small bird lying dead on the path. It had flown into the window and was dead. Close scrutiny revealed the delicate nature of its feathers. I was struck by two things. One, the frost that gathered on its feathers and, two, the prehistoric looking 'armour' plates that protected its claws.

If you want to know more about the Blue Tit, click here.

Ahh! Factor

The Victorians loved mawkish or sentimental postcards. Here is one with a high Ahh! factor. I wonder how long it took to get the puppies into position!

Photographed from Behind!

For a number of years, I have held a small collection of black and white negatives that belonged to my late parents. When I got a decent scanner in the summer, I paid more attention to them and found there were a couple of hundred of negatives. Some were taken in 1950 in Benghazi around the time of my birth, others were difficult to identify.

I scanned a representative dozen or so negatives and was stunned by what I saw. My mother as a young woman cuddling a boyfriend on the local recreation ground, my maternal grandfather on a day out at the coast (he died in 1940) and a photograph that has troubled me. It is of woman pushing a pram, walking alongside a much older woman and an elderly man. To the side is what appears to be a chicken house. I couldn't recognise who they were as they were photographed from behind which was very frustrating.

Tonight, I looked at the photograph again and suddenly recognised two of them - my mother and my grandmother. The unseen child in the pram must be my much older brother who was born in 1938.

I still have to identify the old man. My heart says it is my grandfather, but I have only ever seen him photographed from the front. An ex-soldier, he always stood upright and had a military style waxed moustache! Perhaps if I compare his ears with photographs of grandfather I might be able to link the two. I'll let you know how I get on.

Autumn Tree

Autumn sees the leaves fall from the trees. The wooden skeleton left behind can sometimes be very striking. I was particularly struck by this maginificent tree. Enjoy!

Just up the Road!

The other day, we went for a walk up the road. It doesn't take long to reach the countryside and really good views - very nice! I also crept up on a large cloud and caught it by surprise.

Blue skies and rolling hills - lovely!

Note the surprised look on this cloud which raises it eyebrows!

Super Hearing!

You may remember Minnie who appeared in some of this blog's earlier post. She who has 'Communed with Gnomes' has certain super-powers. The ability to hear distant conversations is one of them and Minnie , here, demonstrates how she achieves it!

Sinking Feeling!

Abandoned Buildings Are Dangerous
Originally uploaded by BACKYard Woods Explorer

I found this on Flickr and thought it worth sharing here. The photographer gave it the title 'Abandoned Buildings Are Dangerous.' Read his caption and take care!

RAF Harrier Aircraft in Diamond Nine Formation

RAF Harrier Aircraft in Diamond Nine Formation
Originally uploaded by Defence Images

I saw this award-winning photograph recently and liked its unusual perspective.