Year End

One last look at my favorite tree at the close of 2013.  

Wishing YOU a Happy New Year!

Participating in Our World Tuesday

500th

I've seen others reach the accolade of 500 blog postings.

I never thought I would be one of them :).  To mark the occasion I thought 

I would have another go at capturing the white feathers on some swans.

Think I got it.  I tried a macro lens setting.  Both shots were taken at dusk using a flash.

By the way, we have had a lot of rain and wind.  Sadly a beautiful

conifer tree fell victim to the strong winds.

That's Coombe Abbey Hotel with a new water feature. 

Back tomorrow to close the year out with our most favorite tree :).

W Is For Wishing

Wishing You a Merry Christmas and Happy 2014.

No, we haven't had snow (yet).  I used this photograph in January and I thought

it would be fun to use it again for my 499th post since starting this blog. 

So here's WISHING you a Merry Christmas and all the best for the New Year.

I will be taking a short break until after Christmas.

Look forward to seeing you after the holidays.

Stay safe and have fun!

Participating in ABC Wednesday

Happy Anniversary, John :)

Last Of Autumn

This was Coombe Country Park a week ago.  I love this view

but it took me a little while to catch those swans in this nice pose.

Most of the time they were less than cooperative (below).

I'll be back tomorrow with a Christmas photo 

then it is time to take a break...Christmas is coming FAST!

Participating in Our World Tuesday

Thatched Roof Thursday #54 - Wolvey

Bachelor's Rest, Coventry Road

This is a sweet Grade II Listed cottage dating back to mid/late 18th Century.

The name, Bachelor's Rest, is a puzzle to me.  Maybe someone will

know the reason for the name and leave a comment.

Wolvey is located about 9 miles to the north east of Coventry.

It is a place loaded with history.  If you are interested, follow the

link for a summary - HERE.

PS.  Think I'll have a long weekend.  You all have a good one.

V Is For Vacant...

...World War II Pillbox nestled near the beach in Skegness, Lincolnshire (taken in June, 2013).

To be fair, I would be stepping out of my comfort zone

if I were to put in words my knowledge of British defences 

during WW2.  What I can say is that, as a tourist, I get

quite excited when I see one of these scattered along the coastline. 

They are no longer required and well and truly 'vacant'.  

You can see the pillbox almost blends in with the landscape. 

The view it has towards the North Sea is below.

If you would like to read more about 'Pillboxes', please follow the link

HERE.

Participating in ABC Wednesday

Top Pool...

...at Coombe Country Park. 

The bank of reeds that you see in the photo above was home to a family of swans earlier this year.

Remember them?  

In the shot below, you will see tree on left has blown over in recent strong winds.

  I am told the tree will be removed at some point.

If you would like to know more about Coombe Country Park,

please follow the link - HERE.

Participating in Our World Tuesday

Unexpected

This is becoming one of those places I love photographing.  

(Click on the image to enlarge.)

I love this view looking over a farm in Walsgrave, Coventry.

So why the title, 'Unexpected'?

Five swans happily munching away in the field.  It is unexpected to me but

it may not be unusual.  I haven't purchased that zoom lens yet, 

but Mr LOL had his binoculars with him so I can confirm those are swans.

Bet someone will know about grazing swans and leave a comment, hopefully :).

Have a good week.

Stained Glass

Every now and then, I notice small pieces

of stained glass in the Old Coventry Cathedral Ruins.

This is my latest find.  

The top shot was taken a few weeks ago.

The one below was taken last week with much different looking skies.

Cappers' Chapel

Coventry Cathedral Ruins

Participating in Skywatch Friday 

Thatched Roof Thursday #53 - Newbold-on-Avon

Moment of panic - No photos of thatched cottages!

That was yesterday!!!

Well, we went to see a great film,

Saving Mr Banks at a cinema in Rugby.

On the way, passing through the village of Newbold-on-Avon,

what appears on my right...semi-detached cottages dating back to the 17th Century.

Below is a closer view of a home which is for sale.

The charm of both of these homes, I expect, is what I can't see.

The River Avon run along side the garden to the rear.

Here is the link for the estate agent...you can see more for a short time

HERE.

U Is For Undercover

Taken from inside the Bird Hide at Coombe Country Park.

It is a great retreat from the rain and wind as well as a perfect

observation spot to enjoy local nature.

For you real photographers out there...I did my best to get

something of the scenery.  Shooting in a dark room with bright

light outside is not part of my skill set just yet (as demonstrated more so below).

 I love visiting here :).

Participating in ABC Wednesday

Here We Are Again

It has almost been a month since I posted a

photo of  this oak tree at Coombe Country Park.  The leaves are changing

color finally and I expect they will all drop off soon.

For more of the changing look of this view

from Coombe Country Park looking towards Coventry

click on 'Tree Series' label below.

Participating in Our World Tuesday

Happy Birthday, Peter!

The National Flag

St Edith's Church tower

dominates the skyline here in Monks Kirby.

Seeing the Union Jack (and blue sky)

meant I just had to stop and take a picture.  

I still enjoy being a tourist :).

City Daily Photo Theme Day - Looking Out

From inside the Coventry Cathedral looking out of

The Great West Window
to the Cathedral ruins beyond.

The Screen of Saints and Angels window was created by John Hutton.

(The link is excellent if you are interested in reading more.)

The photo on the left (below) is taken from inside the new Cathedral 

and the one on the right is taken from inside the Cathedral ruins toward the new Cathedral.

The shot below is my favorite.  Every time I 

turned around there were groups of children having

a school day out to see and learn about Coventry's history.

The only thing missing here for me is a bit of sunshine.

I'm sure you will find plenty of that if you 

have a look at other participants in

City Daily Photo Theme Day - Looking Out.