Dog with Webbed Feet!

Now that I live in the North, I have started to miss the Somerset-based Art Group I so enjoyed. A succession of events organisers would produce a programme of outdoor painting days that must have been the envy of other art societies. Every Friday, throughout the Summer, we would go to a different location - often Manor Houses that were not open to the public - and paint and draw to our content. Sadly, I have yet to find an art group in my part of Lancashire, but live in hope.

It was at once such property that I got the shock of my life. I was sat in my camping chair painting a watercolour of a shallow channel of water and its strikingly green bank. I heard a splashing noise behind me and nearly fell out of my seat. Racing through the water in my direction was what looked, at first glance, like a small bear!

Much to my relief, it turned out to be an Irish Water Spaniel. They are a water-loving breed and, I understand, a devil of a job to keep the coat clean and unknotted. They are web-footed to make them stronger swimmers and are one of a number of breeds that have webbed feet. Not a lot of people know that, as Michael Caine was fond of saying!

Abandoned Factory

I saw this great image on REDDIT. The remains of the factory is almost cathedral like!

Abandoned Iron Works and Smelting Production Plant. History Frozen in Metal. Nizhny Tagil, Russia

Turquoise Trail

Three images from a trip along the Turquoise Trail in New Mexico. The first three, I believe, were taken at the Madrid Old Coal Town Musuem. The fourth is of a ghost town or abandoned mine I saw along the way. For more about the Trail, click HERE.

Mounted Infantry

These men are serving in the 20th Company Mounted Infantry which saw service in South Africa during the Boer War. This Company was furnished by men of the 4th Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers, numbering 5 officers and 130 men, only 23 of whom received 5 clasp medals. I am presuming these photographs were taken somewhere in England on pre-deployment manouevres.

Nature in Art!

Just a few random snaps from my visit to the wonderful Nature in Art attraction in Gloucestershire. I particular like the painting of the logs piled up to attract insects to make their homes, there, and the tortoise! I have previously posted about the metal insect sculptures that are 'fluttering' about the garden.

Nature in Art is the world's first museum and art gallery dedicated fine, decorative and applied art inspired by nature. You can find out more about Nature in Art HERE.

More on Eric!

As kitten Eric settles in, he is starting to become a bit of a poser. Here he is joining in with a Mexican Wave while watching the Paralympics on TV! Yeaa! So far, he hasn't caught sight of a football match, otherwise he would probably start wearing a bobble hat and scarf in team colours. Good grief!

Trees and Things!

There is a eucalyptus tree just down the road. I noticed this creature in the bark. His white paw was rubbing his tummy to indicate that he was hungry!