Six Word Saturday

Six word Saturday

A few random images of Poland

The spires of the Mariacki Church will always say Krakow to me

The spires of the Mariacki Church will always spell Krakow to me

Little Barteusz looks at the world

Such a pretty restaurant!

Pumpkin season already!

Sunflower heads on the market

A gallery from Ogrod Botanyczny (the Botanic Gardens) for Jude– click any photo for a close-up

An adorable ball of fluff!

Pinkness!

And prettiness

Meg- a translation, please?

Yellowness!

Zingy!

Attach a label to this plant

Was it this one?

King sized crocuses!

No idea!

And a few more wedding memories

Basia and Zygmunt, Ma and Pa, looking great!

Przemek and Magda, dancing up a storm

A happy bride

Unveiling!

The back of the dress

Returning to our hotel

Ending with cake, of course!

I expect you can see, we had a good time in Poland! If you missed The joy of a wedding you might want to take a closer look at the celebrations. I will be rounding off my Polish excitement with a monastery in my Monday walks. Till then, have a great weekend, and don’t forget to pop in on Cate with your six words.

Six word Saturday

Hello, and how are you all?

The ‘tents’ return to Tavira

What a fortnight, but what to select to show you what I’ve been up to? In brief, of course. More by luck than planning, the Mediterranean Diet Fair took place whilst I was in Tavira, which accounts for those little white tents and the variety of goodies within. It marked the end of an extremely hot Summer, in which the evenings were soothed by riverside entertainment.

The floodlit castle walls took on a magic of their own

And the churches opened their doors to show everyone the beauty inside

Including the incomparable beauty of the Misericordia Church

With its wonderful azulejo panels

The days were spent mostly wandering beaches. I discovered a new obsession with buoys. And I continued my exploration along the west coast of Portugal, up into the beautiful Alentejo.

Zambueira do Mar in the Alentejo

There was just something about them

That kept catching my eye

Along with a shell or two

Then there was the excitement that was the Medieval Fair at Castro Marim, with both castelo and mighty fortress an arena for combat, and an array of stalls and distractions. Plus an evening of sand sculptures at FIESA.

Adding colour to Beethoven at FIESA

I even managed to combine Morning Glory for Gilly with a hint of metal bench for Jude! Yes, it was a fine holiday, and there are many tales to tell. Gilly is going to the Algarve soon herself, and Jude always extends a warm welcome, so pop in and say ‘hi’ to them both.

A bench at Cacela Velha

I have to decide where to take you walking on Monday, and then I have a wedding in Poland, so I’ll miss Six word Saturday again next week. I hope you’ve all had a great Summer, and if you’d like to share it with Cate I’m sure she’d be pleased. See you soon!

Six word Saturday

Let’s count ‘Shauns’ in the City!

‘Jarsberry Ram’, at The Pump House

In my Monday walk this week we had a smile at ‘Wish ewe were here’. Throughout the city of Bristol, for the rest of this month, 70 endearing sheep sculptures are to be found. The Shaun in the City trail, in aid of the Bristol Children’s Hospital Charity, has brought joy to young and old alike. The detail and humour in the sculptures raises many a smile, if not a giggle!

Let me introduce you to a few more Shauns. Just click on a photo to open the galleries.

‘Baa-lloon’

With Clifton Suspension Bridge in the background

‘Isambaaard’ on the other side of the bridge

‘A sheep’s eye view’

At Clifton Observatory

I had gone to Bristol to watch the hot air balloon festival, in the grounds of the Ashton Court estate. Naturally there was a Shaun overseeing the restaurant, but I had more of an eye for the lovely gardens.

Meet ‘Buttercup’

Looking back to the house

I wish now that I’d carried my ‘Shauns’ map around with me, like many of the eager-eyed children (and grandparents!) I saw. Looking back I find that I’ve blithely walked within metres of a few of them in all ignorance. Never mind- the show must go on!

‘Baack to the Drawing Board’, at Bristol Museum

‘From dusk till Shaun’ on Brandon Hill

‘Green poems for a Blue Planet’

‘Knitwit’

‘Shaun on the Cob’

‘Beach Boy’

After I left my lovely friend Viveka, I went strolling canalside. Boats, bridges… the lure is always the same for me. And sheep, of course.

Valentine’s Bridge- isn’t this a nice one?

‘Rosie’

Seems quite appropriate!

‘Great West Shaun’

‘The Bristol Express’

Temple Meads Station was a great venue.

I borrowed a child!

‘Alright me Babber’

Ever watchful!

‘Lamb Chop’ at the Bus Station

Theatre tickets, anyone? ‘Baa-wulf’ is showing!

‘King Arthur of Lambelot and Excalibaaar’

It was raining by now

But this little feller didn’t seem to mind

Are you starting to feel a little sleepy? Not long now! The cathedral was beautiful but I haven’t time to take you inside or we’ll never get there. I did feel sheepish when I put my donation in the collecting box for children’s drawings of Shaun by mistake! I expect it’ll find a good home.

‘Air Fleece’- still raining a bit, but brighter

‘On the Waterfront’ I was in my element

The artistry of this is simply beautiful

Seen from both sides

I have shown you only a taster of what is available to see and do in Bristol. So what are you waiting for? Grab a map and go! If by any chance you can’t make it by the end of this month, Shaun will be gathering a few more friends and meeting at The Mall at Cribbs Causeway in Bristol from 12-20th September.

Don’t feel hard done by if you live in our capital! There’s a ewe-nique opportunity to see the whole flock together at Covent Garden in London, from 24-27th September. And if all else fails, perhaps you’d like to bid for a Shaun at auction? Go on- you know you want to! Register here.

It’s a bit grey in Hartlepool today but looking at these has made me smile. I hope it’s done the same for you. Don’t forget your Saturday visit to Cate with your ‘six words’. I hope to see you on Monday, when I will be taking one more walk in Bristol before I disappear off to the Algarve for a week or two. (it will be SO peaceful while I’m gone)

Six word Saturday

Saving the best till the last?

Most of you will know that I had the most amazing time at Bristol Hot Air Balloon Festival last weekend. I shared my best photos in The time of my life but I did want to give you a little flavour of the spectacular Nightglow and fireworks that ended the show.

My little digital really wasn’t up to the task but to my surprise my smartphone was capable, despite the wobbly, excited hands of the photographer. Trouble is, I haven’t found a way to upload it to share with you. Well, there’s always a way, isn’t there, so I spent some time this morning searching through YouTube. I don’t think that this video fully captures the electric atmosphere, but maybe that was just me getting over excited. It starts slowly and is quite long, so I would suggest you fast forward and watch snippets. You do get to see the fireworks at the end, though, which is more than I managed. I was taking a long walk home! Hopefully next time I’ll be a little wiser. Still I was lucky- the event was so popular that some people were stuck in traffic and didn’t even make it.

It just remains for me to say ‘thank you Bristol’ and hope to see you again.

Have a great Saturday and don’t forget to visit Cate with your six words.

Six word Saturday

What to do when seeking inspiration?

For me, it usually means a trip to my photo files

On a recent visit to Durham, I decided to seek out Old Durham Gardens. I had known of the existence of these 350 year old gardens for a long time, but they’re a little off the beaten track. When I arrived, on a warm and sunny Wednesday morning, I discovered that the gardens only open between 2 and 4pm on Thursdays and Saturdays in Summer. After initial disappointment (and a peer through the gates), I discovered that there was more than enough to keep me happy from the outside.

Fragments of colour were everywhere

The old walls themselves are full of characterful whirls and sworls, causing the eye to drift from the gentle planting. The place has a past and the walls reflect that. In the 12th century this was a rectory. The walls were added in the 1700s to enable the cultivation of south facing fruit trees, and in the 1750s music concerts were held within. Glamorous times were ahead when the gardens were owned by an artist and icecream maker, Victor Mazzini Walton. The gardens were described in 1921 as having tennis courts, putting green, running track and a tea garden, and dances were held at weekends.

After the Second World War, Mr. Walton sold up and the gardens fell into decline. Happily, in 1985, Durham City Council purchased Old Durham and began a programme of restoration. When this lapsed, Friends of Old Durham was born and the gardens today are run by this group of volunteers.

After wandering the boundaries, it’s down the steps, and a gentle meander back to the river.

One last bloom!

Looking back up to the walls

Always a source of inspiration!

I hope you enjoyed my Saturday amble. Next weekend I’ll be in Bristol for the Hot Air Balloon festival and I suspect I’ll be too busy to join you. I hope so, anyway!

Meantime, there’s Cate at Show My Face to visit with your six words. I was browsing my photos wondering what to show you today and looking for inspiration. I think I found it.

Six word Saturday

Hareshaw Linn on a Summer day

Linn or waterfall

Teaming down the weathered rock

Captive in the pool

For Viv, now in France, who knows this part of the world, and who most of you know for her poetry. Hareshaw Linn is described as one of the best walks in Northumberland.

I hope the weekend brings you a little sunshine. Not too much! And that you’ll share it with Cate at Show My Face. My walk on Monday takes me back down to Yorkshire. See you then!

Six word Saturday

Alice in… Saltburn-by-the-Sea

Just hanging about on Saltburn pier!

I could have chosen a better day to visit Saltburn, but the sun was shining when I left home. At least I didn’t have to elbow my way through the crowds, but the wind had Alice and her friends bobbing about a bit! Still good fun, though. See how many characters you can recognise?

Of course, there was tea!

And cake

Or jam tarts?

Even a slice of Battenberg!

The house kept falling over

So I had to enlist a hand!

By invitation only

But at least there’s plenty of time!

Not the Ugly Bug Ball!

Don’t forget to click on the smaller photos for details!

This cat has an evil grin

And somebody’s been painting the roses red

Maybe these guys?

Surely not?

Tears before supper?

Ready to tackle the shell food!

Oh dear!

Looks like hard work

What’s going on here?

Do be careful!

I don’t want to miss anything!

Are you talking to me?

I’m feeling just a little cross!

It’s been delightful so far

We’re just hangers on, dear!

It’ll end in tears!

I had such fun playing with these guys! Each year Saltburn comes up trumps with its yarn bombing, whatever the weather. I hope you enjoyed it too. Thanks to Elaine for reminding me, because I almost forgot.

Have a happy weekend, won’t you, and don’t forget to pop in on Cate at Show My Face with your ‘six’ words. See you Monday!

Six word Saturday

Summertime…. and the livin’ is easy

For Meg, who finds pansies cranky!

For Gilly- who loves crafts

And beautiful things

For Viveka- who loves peonies

For Debbie- who travels

For Cathy- who wants to come home

For Pomme, who’s a Pal

For Poppy- because she is!

And for Sonel- because she isn’t!

For Sherri- because she’s an English rose

And for Madhu- who isn’t

For Ann- who’s a long way away

And for Lynne- who shines brightly

And Sylvia, in paradise

For the Sues- who’re young at heart

And for Viv- who’s a sweet pea

And Jude- because what’s more beautiful than a rose?

Please click on a photo to view the gallery

And for Paula- who’s sometimes special

My gallery this morning is to say a big thank you to all of you who keep appearing in my Comments, whether it rains or shines. And also to apologise to the many others who sit patiently in my Inbox, awaiting a turn. Blame it on the Summer or Wimbledon, I’m not sure which, but I just can’t manage to keep up at the minute. Hoping normal service will be resumed at close of play.

As I walked through the park this morning it struck me that flowers are, for me, so often a symbol of friendship, and so I’m adding this post to the Weekly Photo Challenge. Why not?

In the meantime, have a wonderful weekend, and I’ll see you on Monday for a walk. After you visit Cate, to share your six words.

Six word Saturday

Do you write poetry, or prose?

Orchids, wild and free

Waving through the longest grass

Come and play with me

Sweetest princesses

Blushing tenderly in pink

Or virginal, white

Perfect peony

Unfurling, day after day

Swirling in beauty

It’s funny how this blogging world changes you, and opens your eyes to new things. I never used to carry a camera, except on holiday (with pretty dire results). But, needing to liven up my dull pages, I started taking photographs. Now I find it hard to walk past a blade of grass without wondering if it will make a good composition! I exaggerate- but it’s not far from the truth.

It’s good to know that I have an imagination, and that with just a little persuasion from friends, I can learn to use it. So now I’m tiptoeing into the world of Haiku, to see what I can find.

Sultry, smiling poppy

Teasing with her flirty skirt

Stamping a tango!

The storm clouds have descended this morning. What better time to practise a new skill? There’s so much inspiration out there.

I’m linking this morning to Lucile de Godoy at Bridging Lacunas. If you don’t know her, you’re in for a treat. And, of course, you’ll find me on Six Word Saturday. It’s my Saturday morning home.

Six word Saturday

A Bench challenge and an orchid

A gentle day, on the north east coast of England. My friends and I amble along, in search of a bench where we can sit for a while, admiring the view.

A good-looking bench, but facing the wrong way

Ah, here it is! Spotlit so we can’t miss it

It’s not a perfect day, but pleasant, in a very English way. The kind of day when it’s good to be on a cliff top bench, gazing out to sea. After a while we ease ourselves up and carry on.

These posts frame the bay beautifully

And they tell a story

Of the rocks and shells

Which make up this coastline

At this time of year small orchids radiate out from the grass. Careful not to tread on them, I kneel down for a closer look. Pretty, aren’t they?

I’m astonished at the colour!

I don’t think I’ve seen this shade before

Though its paler friend is prolific

Blending with the golden trefoil around the quarry

When our walk is done I carry on down to the small marina at Seaham, looking for a sheltered spot where I can read. There must be a bench or two?

This one might do- no back rest, though

But this one's much more fun, though maybe not so comfortable

This one’s much more fun, but maybe not very comfortable!

Careful not to upset Judge Jude by breaking any rules, I’ve been quite subtle with my post processing of Benches. But I just had to give Lunapic one more whirl. What do you think? All of the images except for the last one were done in Ulead Photo Express, in quite an old version.

It’s Saturday again so it must be time to find your six words. Pop along and share them with Cate at Show My Face. Have a great weekend and I’ll see you on Monday for a walk.

restlessjo

Roaming, at home and abroad

Six Word Saturday

Six word Saturday

A few random images of Poland

Six word Saturday

Hello, and how are you all?

Six word Saturday

Let’s count ‘Shauns’ in the City!

Six word Saturday

Saving the best till the last?

Six word Saturday

What to do when seeking inspiration?

Six word Saturday

Hareshaw Linn on a Summer day

Six word Saturday

Alice in… Saltburn-by-the-Sea

Six word Saturday

Summertime…. and the livin’ is easy

Six word Saturday

Do you write poetry, or prose?

Six word Saturday

A Bench challenge and an orchid

A few random images of Poland

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Hello, and how are you all?

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Let’s count ‘Shauns’ in the City!

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Saving the best till the last?

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What to do when seeking inspiration?

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Hareshaw Linn on a Summer day

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Alice in… Saltburn-by-the-Sea

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Summertime…. and the livin’ is easy

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Do you write poetry, or prose?

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A Bench challenge and an orchid

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