Rained Off

Roller Skating Rink, Broadgate

Earlier in the week there was a wonderful story in the local newspaper showing a picture of loads of people roller skating in Broadgate.  'Great', I thought.  So next day I arrived in Broadgate, camera in hand together with my UMBRELLA.  My plans for CDP Theme Day (People Watching) was rained off.  Rats!

What fun trying to hold an umbrella and take a picture at the same time.

Looking For Earl of Denbigh?

This way to Newnham Paddox  

Well, you might find him up this private road just outside Monks Kirby village.  I believe the grounds are opened to the general public once a year.  I would love to see the gardens, designed by Capability Brown.  I have also read something of a rather magnificent gate.  Oh what fun...more exploring.

Clouds and Clouds of Smoke

Monks Kirby, Warwickshire

A farmer I am not.  Nonetheless, this is a common sight at this time of year.  The wheat has been cut and the remaining stubble is burned creating scented clouds of 'smoke'.

London 2012 Paralympic Games Opening Ceremony tonight.  Games start tomorrow.

Meet Max

We bumped into 'young' Max today on a walk in Monks Kirby, 15 minutes from Coventry.  He is so cute.  I had to take a picture. Needless to say, I was inspired by Londonlulu's photo yesterday of 'Lucy' in her Princeton Daily Photo blog and Petrea's photo of 'Boz' on Saturday in her Pasadena Daily Photo blog.  (Oh how I wish the CityDailyPhoto Theme Day next month was 'Family Pets'.)

More on Monks Kirby tomorrow.

More Modern Coventry Architecture

Severn Trent (Water Authority) Head Office, Coventry

By the time I walked from main entrance (above) to the other side of this building which opened late 2010, the sun came out.  It is that big :).

Much Park Street 

Happy Birthday, John!

John has many hobbies. Astronomy is one.  Rather than show off  John's birthday cake, we thought that a tribute to Neil Armstrong would be good for today.

"one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind"
Neil Armstrong

Solihull Town Centre Hanging Baskets

Today we visited Solihull, a wonderful town about 30 minutes from Coventry where you can shop until you drop and enjoy displays like this.  I was amazed at the size of these hanging baskets and the colour.  Really beautiful.  The hanging basket flowers could be begonias and fuchsias....(please feel free to correct me).

Solihull, West Midlands

Public Service Notice to Coventry Citizens & Visitors

Trinity Street, Coventry

Those nifty stainless steel bollards go down and up!  I witnessed a man (possibly a visitor to our fair City) fall over one of these beauties when it was going up after letting a maintenance vehicle pass through.  The man was looking the other way (not at me) and the shock on his face was a real picture.  He was not injured.  I have reported the incident.  So no comment needed today.  I am just being 'helpful'....hopefully.

PS.   Yes, I agree that lawn needs a light cut.

William Cowper's Summer Garden House, Olney

Olney, Buckinghamshire

William Cowper, 18th Century poet and letter writer, lived in Olney, Buckinghamshire. This tiny little building in the garden of his home was described by Cowper as his ‘verse manufacturey’. His home is now The Cowper and Newton Museum. John Newton was a great friend of Cowper and Parish Priest of Olney. Newton is possibly best known as the author of the hymn, Amazing Grace.







The photo above will give you a better perspective of the size of this precious little hideaway. ( I want one!!)


(Note: If you are a follower of author and historian, Douglas Bond, that is Mr. Bond directly in the middle in blue talking to my cousin in red.)

One Hour From Coventry To Olney

The above photo was taken just after I asked these two girls if I could take their picture.  Why were they were sitting in the road? 'To keep cool' was their reply. (It was about 90°F at the time.) Below, composure regained and 'click'.

Olney, Buckinghamshire

More on Olney tomorrow.

I'm Not Complaining...

...because tomorrow it is going to be sunny and warm here in England.

Coventry angry skyline (and a pigeon)

So to celebrate I am going to be a tourist tomorrow, play some golf and take a few days off.  Back on Tuesday.  Have a good weekend.

Ford's Hospital Garden - Past And Present

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Through the gate (which I must find out more about) you can see a little of the re-built half-timbered almshouse founded by merchant William Ford in 1509 to provide accommodation for six elderly people.

I find it quite amazing that in Coventry City Centre you can see a 16th century building with a modern day clothes line through a 1965 gate.  Past and present - it works.

Hey! A Bale Race

Brandon Lane, Just outside Coventry

Do I miss the Olympic?  You betcha!

Have a look at my posting on Saturday, 11th August, of the horses beyond the bridge.  The scene above was taken of the hay fields directly behind me.

Memorial To Animal Rights Activst, Caroline Bray...

....and founder of the 'Coventry Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals' in 1878, and friend of novelist, George Eliot.

Drinking Trough for Horses and Dogs

There is a wonderful story about this memorial, Caroline and her friendship with George Eliot. The memorial had to be moved from its original location not far away, got split up, parts turned up in a flea market and other parts were found in a local park. But here it is now in a place where many pass by. Wonderful. If you would like to read more, I found this article which is not too long and I found interesting: Caroline Bray Memorial Story.


The inscription on the on the plinth at the end of the trough reads: "Coventry Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, erected in memory of Caroline Bray who founded the above society in 1878".


There is a plaque on the other side of the trough which reads: "Caroline (Cara) Bray and her husband Charles were friends of George Eliot the Victorian novelist who attended school in nearby Warwick Row. This memorial trough, formerly in Queens Road was re-sited jointly by CVOne, Coventry City Council and the George Eliot Fellowship in 2002."

Life in Coventry Today

This area between the City Centre and the train station warrants another photograph.  It really is great walking along this path. There is a bit of history that relates to the trough.  Maybe I can home in on that tomorrow.  Have a good day.

Well Done London Olympics 2012.....

...AND Thank You, Coventry for hosting all those football events.  Brilliant!!!!!

City of Coventry Stadium

The London Paralympics Games 2012 start on 29th August.

No Joking...Two Minutes From Coventry

Brandon Lane

These are untouched photographs.  I could not see the horses with my naked eye.  What a delight when I downloaded the photo on my PC.  Oh, (below) that is the mainline to London.  Off to the penultimate day of the Olympics 2012 for some, I expect.

Meet Mark, A Puppeteer

 'Godiva Awakes' Puppeteer

I don't take many photos of people - I am not sure of the protocol.   This chap stood out when I was watching the Godiva Awakes production.   It turns out he is one of the puppeteers that operate the 6 meter high Godiva.  I asked if I could photograph him.  He said, 'Yes'.  But this photo was taken before I asked.  I like it the best.

Women's Football Olympic Bronze Goes To Canada

City of Coventry Stadium

The final Olympic event to be hosted in Coventry today was the Women's Football Bronze Medal match.  Canada beat France in the last minutes - completely against the run of play.  The photo above was taken on Friday when Canada beat Team GB for a place in the semi-finals.  There were hugs all round.  The photo below was taken today of Canada's chief supporter.  She was displaying her flag (with autographs) but needed a little help.  Coventry's finest to the rescue.  Wonderful!!!!!

PS.  Please note:  Sunshine, blazing sunshine!

Photo Blog Homework - Advice Please

At breakfast this morning :)

This was the scene this morning. Not the norm. I am doing my 'homework' - looking at photo blogs, responding to comments and making comments. Normally, I would do this when I am putting together my entry for the day - sitting at the PC (before dinner) for a generous amount of time. I go out taking photos almost every day.




This is my opportunity to 'go home' to Pasadena and see places near to Pasadena I love to visit. So enjoyable when you live so far away. I have also discovered neighbours here in the UK (they are on my blog list) that display wonderful images of places right on my doorstep. And, of course, there is are others with super photos from far and wide...Princeton, Valladolid, Sydney and so the list goes on.




A few month's ago I put my 'bravery' hat on and started commenting on photos and, bingo, I received comments back. Lovely! It is so much fun looking at your photographs, commenting and sometimes participating in an exchange of banter. I have made some friends here. Thank you.




I am glad I am retired....it all takes time. This morning I tried something a little different....hence the photo for today. I always check emails first thing so I responded to and commented on the photo blogs I follow. (These comments seem to generate a lot of emails anyway.) I notice that our blogs layouts are not uniform. Adele's, Sierra Madre blog above has a layout (Google, I think) where you comment and then Adele responds to each individually. Mine, and the majority, seem to list comments and then the author responds en block (possibly easier for me).




Here is the question: How do you manage your blog? Do you post and comment all at the same time? Or, break it up a little?
I am part of a small community which I hope will grow.  Some of you have hundreds of followers...blogging could become a job in itself.  So what is your routine?  I am hoping to keep this as 'hobby'.  A wonderful, fun hobby.  Thanks for your time.

PS.  That is toast with Marmite on it...ha ha! Over here there is an expression about Marmite - 'You either love it or hate it'.  I love it but used to 'hate' it!

Sit Down And Rest A While

Coventry Train Station

What can I say.  These benches look very 'stainless steel' and new.  The planters are stainless steel too and so are some of the lamp post and bins.  Things are changing in Coventry.  I like the look and if it hadn't been raining, I would have tested this seating for comfort.  Another 'thumbs up' from me.

Coventry Goes International

Broadgate, Coventry

Another 'thumbs up' for Coventry.  The Global Market Village is set up and ready for one and all to enjoy food and unusual products from almost every corner of the globe (so they say).  Lady Godiva will have an abundance of company for the next 12 days.

(Apologies for using yet another photograph of Godiva.  Lots is happening around her these days, so I feel compelled to share all.)

Happy Birthday, Rosie

Olympic Theme Here

City Of Coventry Stadium - Women's Quarterfinals

Great Britain vs Canada

I made it to an Olympic 2012 event.  My first visit ever to Coventry's magnificent football stadium.   Canada won by 2 goals. Unfortunately, Great Britian just didn't get into the game.  What an evening.  USA women played in Newcastle and are still in the competition....Go USA!

Another 'Welcome To Coventry'

Under the Ring Road (which circles around the City Centre)

What a delight went I got to this spot walking from the Train Station to the City Centre.  Walking under the Ring Road has never been pretty or interesting.  It has always been a dark, messy and wasted space that you are glad to leave behind you.  Because of the Olympic 2012, I imagine, we have a nice welcome sign and ever-changing lights that brighten up a gloomy space.  Well Done, Coventry.

Coventry In Bloom

Walkway between Coventry Train Station and the City Centre....

These beautiful flowers make up for the lack of sunshine and serve as a lovely greeting to all arriving in Coventry.

August Theme Day - Numbers

My caption is '3'.

This photograph was taken in February long before I joined City Daily Photo group so hopefully I can use it again just this once.

The City Daily Photo website is a tad under the weather and not available (temporarily, I hope). Thanks to Julie Storry of Sydney Eye there is a solution for this month's Theme Day - Numbers.  Follow the link HERE to see more and add your photo if you haven't done so already.