Thatched Roof Thursday #18 - Almost Done

Cruck House thatched roof is nearly done.  I am doing an update now even though this Coventry thatched roof it isn't completely finished.  It is possible that the whole roof might be covered with a wire mesh (I am not sure) which might hide some of the detail.

When I was taking photos today, a man stopped to talk to me.  He had been living in the area for 38 years. He said that this is the third roof this house has had since he lived there.  So that gives you an idea of how long they last.

At some point I will show you the finished article in bright sunshine and hopefully I can get some technical details from the thatcher.  Well, that is the plan.

That is certainly a very thick and protective layer on top of this home.  Impressive.

PS -  Happy Valentine's Day to you ALL :)

E Is For Evidence....

...that England has some good size Redwood Trees too.

The last time I saw a Redwood Tree was in California at what is now known as Redwood National Park. To my delight I found a forest of Redwood Trees here in Coventry (Coombe Country Park) and there are more trees scattered around the City.  In California some Redwoods are so big that you can drive through them. Not the one in this photo. That's me, by the way, on a really cold and wet day.  I am 5' 6''.  So here is my Evidence that the trunk of this tree is pretty BIG.

For more photos sharing the letter 'E', please follow this link - ABC Wednesday.

PS.  I hope you don't mind that there have been a substantial number of photos from Coombe of late.  It is all to do with the weather.  Coombe is near where I live and a great place to go for a walk with a camera and, of course, Mr. LOL too :).

Guildhall Gateway Entrance

The best part is the ceiling.

This is the entrance to St. Mary's Guildhall.  I used to work here soon after I moved to England.  I was always in awe of my surroundings but I don't ever recall appreciating the detail here as much as I do now.  Across the street is Coventry Cathedral.

The central portion of the sculpture, known as the Coronation of the Virgin, is easily missed in this passage between Bayley Lane and the courtyard entrance to St. Mary's Guildhall.  (And, it is hard to photograph too.  Must bring a tripod.)

Construction of the Guildhall started around 1342.  From what I can gather, the sculptures possibly date back to the late 1300s.   

Join me by visiting other places worldwide - Our World Tuesday.

Name That Bird, Duck or Goose

The one in the front (I think) is a Greylag Goose but I am struggling to figure out what the bird at the back is.  Any ideas??? (Taken about 2 weeks ago.)

Here is another picture which isn't very clear - I guess this unknown goose or duck is camera shy :).  (Taken yesterday.)

I have seen this bird twice now and it is so unusual looking with a ring around its neck and eye.  Now to find out what it is.

(Addition:  12th February, 2013 - Read the comments for bird's identity.)

Movie update:  The British Academy Awards show was fun last night and there were some nice surprises, but no Adele.  She was at the Grammy Awards.  (Can't blame her!)  So everything is all set now for the Academy Award show on the 24th.  Still time to see a couple more films.

Happy Birthday, Lisa!

Completely Exposed...

...those trees.  There is a lot of farmland around the perimeter of Coventry.  The trees you see here are on the top of a ridge and completely exposed to the rain, wind and (possibly on Sunday) snow that comes from any direction.

Have a look at more skies worldwide by following this link - Skywatch Friday.

Have a wonderful weekend all.  I am looking forward to our British Academy Awards show on Sunday night.  I feel totally prepared :).  Wonder if Adele will be singing the theme song from 'Skyfall' live on the show.

Thatched Roof Thursday #17 - Easenhall

When you drive through the village of Easenhall you can't help but notice this large thatched roof home.

It is really difficult to see because of all the trees around it.  Yesterday, I asked Mr LOL to stop the car so I could try and get a closer look.  Success:

I found a small road which goes to the front of house, just off the main road.  My research has failed to glean any info about this huge place.  My guess is that it is relatively new.  Only the very top of the roof is covered with chicken wire so you can see more of the detail of the entire roof.

Off to have a look at the cottage that is being re-thatched.  They are working on the ridge now and it seems to be a long job.

D Is For Distance

In the Distance is Coombe Lake.

This photo was taken last Sunday at Coombe Country Park.  Taking this was challenging -  sort of a game between me and my camera's auto focus.  Success, eventually!

All around the park are these clever displays designed to give some information about the various views and to encourage visitors to look and explore.

It works and I expect I will finding more of these in the weeks ahead.  Here is an unobstructed view (noting the lack of blue sky sadly).

For more photographs featuring the letter 'D', please follow this link - ABC Wednesday.

We went to another movie today. (I know - 3 days in a row.  Now you know what our family give us for Christmas presents - cinema vouchers.)  Today it was 'Flight'.  Good with super acting.  Yesterday we saw 'Silver Linings Playbook' and that was excellent as was 'Argo' the day before.

Cathedral Ruins In White

I have shared many photos from inside the Old Coventry Cathedral.  This is the first one to include snow (taken 10 days ago).

That was my world not long ago.  The snow is gone now.  For more photos from around the world follow the link to Our World Tuesday.

Yesterday we went to see the film 'Argo'.  It was excellent.  Off to see 'Silver Linings Playbook' today.  It's going to be raining this afternoon and this is our chance to prep for the British Academy Awards on Sunday.

London Taxi - Made In Coventry

Did you know that these iconic taxi cabs were built here in Coventry?  Long may that continue!

It was announced on Friday that future of the London 'Black Cab' is secure.  By chance, I was in the neighbourhood of the factory (Mr LOL had a dentist appointment nearby).  So I got this photo through the front gate.

The factory is behind a BMW dealership.  Interesting that their BMW sign is strategically placed.

British motor industry has changed significantly.  It wasn't that many years ago when Coventry was to England what Detroit is to America.  I found this list of manufacturers in Coventry on the internet which suggests that the London Taxi Company (LTI) is the only one left.

Well, time to go to the cinema yet again.  'Argo' is back.  Missed it the first time.  Have a good day!

February Theme Day - Umbrellas

Fancy of drink or lunch?  Turn around and go through the doors.

This is The Holyhead, Coventry.

So why am I here today?  You got it!  That Umbrella (and a coffee too).  Today is City Daily Photo's Theme Day.  Our topic for today is 'Umbrellas'.  Have fun by following the CDP link for photos from Cities around the world.


I am also participating in Skywatch Friday.  I just managed to squeeze in a bit of blue sky.  For more photos featuring the sky, please click this Skywatch Friday Link.


Have a good weekend all.  More sunshine tomorrow then rain.  How many times have I said that!