Thatched Roof Thursday #22 - Brandon

This thatch roof cottage has the curious name of Everton Manor. It is so tiny.  The sight of it always turns my head when we drive by.  I found a conservation report for Brandon Village and it describes this cottage, as follows:

'The building with the oldest origins in the village is Everton Manor, which dates back to 1550, now with a brick skin covering the original wattle and daub exterior.' 

Oh, 'wattle and daub'....??? Good old Wikipedia has can enlighten us here. So it looks like that brickwork is actually covering some rather old building material. Surprise!

The photos I have used for the last 3 days have all come from walking distance of each other. 

I mentioned last week that I was going to show you the home next door to last week's thatch.  I seem to have run out of time. I haven't forgotten :).  Better do that Monday.  Cheers!

I Is For Inquisitive

...and, please note the 'Ice' (ok, snow) on this sweetheart's coat.

Day before yesterday, I was taking pictures and couldn't help noticed some horses sheltering from the wind and snow in a field between Brandon and Wolston villages.  The minute I started snapping away, this one came straight over.

Obviously, I am supposed to produce an apple.  I wonder if that would be okay?  I will find out, because this is another horse that deserves a treat.

Aw....!  I know this isn't quite straight.  It would have been an interesting photo of me trying to take this shot in gusty, cold wind.  Totally amazed I didn't fall over :).

For more letter 'I' photos, just click on this link - ABC Wednesday.

Brandon Castle - What Remains

When I took this photo I was not sure if I was in Brandon or Wolston.  To my surprise I discovered that beyond that group of trees once stood medieval Brandon Castle.   Oh my goodness.  How exciting.  I will be doing a little reading about this site.  I wonder if I can get a closer look.

The photo was taken yesterday just after a very light dusting (as they call it here) of snow in below freezing temperatures. Horses live in this field and they are just out of sight to my left - sheltering.  The microscopic  speck on the horizon to the right is a sparrow hawk (says Mr. LOL).  I thought it was a helicopter.  But then I would have noticed that for sure when I was taking the photo.  A train was going pass just then too.  If you click on the photo you will see it.  

Tomorrow, I will swing around a little to the left to see those horses - one in particular.  I must say, I feel rather excited.  All in one day having snow and discovering a castle.  Fabulous!

Taking part, with pleasure, in Our World Tuesday.  Click this link for more photos from around the world.

Am I complaining?

Not a chance.  I have been rattling on that 'we might have snow' for ages in hopes (but don't tell anyone) that we might get just a little bit more.   Finally!

So here is how it looked in our back garden when we got up this morning.  The plan - go into town and takes loads of photos.  I got into the car and only managed a short trip around the block, so to speak.  They don't really have 'blocks' in Coventry, more 'curves and shapes'.  Roads were slippery so back home it was for me.

This photo is for our friends and family in Oz who are suffering with the heat.  Hope you all had a good weekend.  No golf yesterday, it was too cold.   Time to put my boots on and go for a walk.  Mr. LOL has twisted his back, so he is grounded until tomorrow.

Cheers for now!

Skywatch Friday - Open Air

This was taken in late September, 2012, inside Coventry Cathedral ruins.  It was as still as it looks and seeing that moon, well, just incredible.

For more photos featuring the sky follow the link to - Skywatch Friday.

The 'weather' is definitely on top of the conversation list.  Seems rather dramatic worldwide.  For us in Coventry, England, more RAIN and just maybe a little snow on Sunday.  Oh dear, what about our golf?  Have a lovely weekend all...see you next week. Well, that is the plan :).

Thatched Roof Thursday #21 - Brinklow

And, Fosse Cottage (on the left) is for rent, or at least it was.

This timber frame building with white painted brick infill is actually two homes.  The building is Grade II Listed, dating from the seventeenth century.  It is described as one storey, plus an attic. You won't believe the house next door.  I'll show it to you next week. 

Broad Street, Brinklow, is a little wider than many of the 'main streets' I have seen and this one is full of a variety of homes in all shapes and sizes and shops too. 

These photos were taken last Saturday when the sun was out.  That didn't last long.  I haven't seen it since :).

H Is For Hidden...

...the sunshine, that is!  

I have been searching for a tree to photograph throughout the year.  This oak tree was 'C is for Contender' and is my choice for this little project.  It sits along side what was a medieval road known as Coombe Lane (main route between Coombe Abbey and Coventry City Centre).  I am counting on some sunshine to appear (eventually)!

Have a look at other photographs featuring 'H' by following the link to ABC Wednesday.

Went to the cinema today to see Broken City.  Filmed in New York City.  I found the story a bit complicated in places but I enjoyed it.  Good acting and interesting plot.

Cheers for now.

New for Old

In recent months a lot of restoration work has been carried out in Coventry Cathedral ruins.  Not too long ago I asked this young stonemason if I could photograph him working on some replacement masonry to be used at the main entrance.   Lucky for him it wasn't raining that day!  

I think I know where this piece will go but I couldn't get close enough to get a photo.  Too much scaffolding.   I will have to wait until the work is completed.  (It's on the list.)

It amazes me how craftsman can just set up shop almost anywhere and get the job done! Well done!!

Another Angle

If you joined me last Friday on City Daily Photo's Theme Day, you saw some cafe chairs just outside this door to the left with a view looking to the right.  If you didn't stop by, have a look here.

I think this is going to be an eclectic week.  I normally have a plan by Monday.  But this week I haven't.  So, who knows what I will be posting tomorrow.  For today, here is an untouched look straight out the main door of the Information Centre at Coombe.  Guess this is my favourite hangout at this time of year.

It did not rain yesterday AND we did have some sunshine AND it was cold AND I did not play my best ever game of golf.  No worries, we had a good day.  Happy Monday...see you tomorrow.

March Theme Day - Cafe Chairs

Can it be March already?

This is where we sit and have hot chocolate after a nice walk around Coombe Country Park.  My favourite tree (not the one leaning precariously in the distance) is hidden behind those pillars.  The agile young lady just passing by?  No idea who she is.  She just appeared.  So glad.  She adds something to a photo of rather uninteresting (but functional) cafe chairs :).

Have a look HERE for more City Daily Photo theme day photos.

No rain in the forecast so that means a chance to play some golf.  Enjoy your weekend.