Coventry Canal Basin...

...with blue sky!

This is the start of the Coventry Canal.  It is located just outside the Coventry City Centre.  We came here on Thursday to go to a trophy shop behind one of those blue doors on the left.  Just as we were leaving, so was a canal boat.   First task?  To negotiate the narrow Canal Bridge in the distance.

They made it.

Please visit Skywatch Friday and Ein Stück Himmel for photos from around the world featuring the sky.

If you like to see more reflections, follow this link to Weekend Reflections.  I am participating for the first time.

That's me done for the week.  It has been super.  Thank you for all the positive comments I received during the week. Appreciated.  Have a terrific weekend.  Take care!

Thatched Roof Thursday #29 - Stoneleigh

So what did I do yesterday?  You got it - drove around looking for thatched cottages.  In Stoneleigh, I hit the jackpot.  I found 4 cottages and a fifth one being re-thatched.  It was a perfect afternoon and I did so enjoy my walk around this lovely village.

At last a home that has a little bit of open space in front of it.  It is a Circa 1600 timber framed cottage.

What a day this has been.  Glad to be sitting down now.  Hope you are all well.  Cheers!

May Theme Day - The Creative Artisan

A Wattle Fence.  Made by hand weaving thin branches between upright stakes of wood.  An ancient form of fence making dating back to the Bronze Age, so I am told.

Last Sunday, Mr LOL and I went on a walk around Coombe Country Park.  Near the Top Pool (as it is called), there is a building that is to be used for educational purposes.  It sits along side a beautiful small lake.


Just outside 'creative artisans' have designed and are building an outdoor class area for schools.  No metal benches and fences to be found here.....

The fencing is wattle made from natural branches.    If they cover the branches with something like mud, it will be a wattle and daub fence.  The wood chippings are cut and processed from the park and the benches speak for themselves.  It is a beautiful area where design and creativity are well suited for its intended use.

For more photos from great folks who are members of City Daily Photo, please follow this link - CDP Theme Day.

Thank you for visiting Today Around Coventry.  Photos taken at Coombe Country Park, located about 5 minutes drive from Coventry.  Cheers!

P Is For Plane

Amongst those planes is a Gloster Meteor.

Coventry Airport 

Yes, Coventry does have an airport.  No major passenger flights come and go from this airport, but today there was a special departure heading for a museum in Cornwall.  In the photo below is a small jet going to the left (just before lifting off).

It is a Royal Air Force Gloster Meteor T7.  It is described as being the world's oldest twin-engine jet that is still airworthy.  Built in 1949, it has been spending the last 20 years being restored.  

Gloster Meteor  T7 just before take off

Since this might work for a 'P' for ABC Wednesday, I am slipping this in a day early.  For more 'P' photographs, please follow the link to - ABC Wednesday.

Perfect Day For A Wedding

Coombe Country Park with a few clouds, and behind me....

...a wedding at Coombe Abbey Hotel, with a nesting swan nearby.  The wedding photos will be amazing.

I am afraid I got excited and neglected to get the camera straight.  But you get the idea :). All taken today.

Participating in Skywatch Friday and Ein Stück Himmel.

That is it for me this week.  I'll be back on Tuesday.  (Playing golf on Monday.)  I must say I am loving the fluffy clouds appearing between hail showers.  Weather :).

Thatched Roof Thursday #28 - Monks Kirby

The Old Post Office

I took these photos last week.  The down side was that it was raining but on the upside there were no cars parked in front of this 17th Century Thatched Cottage.  The brick work is interesting and I do like the pheasant/peacock on top.  Not sure which it is.

This home really was once the village post office.  No longer.  In the photo below you can see a yellow building which is the local pub, Denbigh Arms.

O Is For Oak

Tree Series - Coombe Country Park

It is almost May and this tree still looks like a silhouette against the morning skies.  When we got up this morning the sun was out.  The plan - to get a shot with the sun shining on the tree.  Sunrise is behind me.  The reality - it clouded over by the time we got there 30 minutes later.  I will not be defeated.  Will try this tactic again next month when I check back to see how this tree looks then.  Here is the view in January.  

Hope your week is going well.  Have a look at more 'O' photos - ABC Wednesday.

CDP National Theme Day - St. George's Day

Ruins of Caludon Castle at Caludon Park, Coventry.

What does Caludon Castle and St. George's Day have to do with each other?  Look at the emblem!  Legend has it that England’s Patron Saint, Saint George, was born at Caludon Castle and possibly died there too.  True?  I could find no hard facts to support this thought. Nevertheless, it is fun to imagine that it could be true.  

This site has been occupied since the 11th Century.  Before 1066 the land was owned by Lady Godiva.  The history is full of intrigue and drama.  For example, Caludon Castle was once owned by Thomas Mowbray.  Mowbray (1st Duke of Norfolk) appears in the first act of Shakespeare's Richard II based on the real life duel that didn't happen between himself and future King Henry IV.

It looks impressive across this small moat.  For a closer look (below) it took 2 grown adults (messing around with the camera timer and no tripod) to give you a reference as to the size of the remaining wall.

I can tell you I got chills walking through those doors/archways.  That is a fireplace in the middle.  If you want a little more history...follow the link here.  Caludon is now a park owned by Coventry City Council.  I am impressed.  There is a play area along side the Castle, with tennis courts and large open spaces.  

Caludon Park (with Caludon Castle just behind the central trees)

England's Flag

Legend, myth, true or false...let me wish you a 
Happy St. George's Day today on Shakespeare's birthday.

Participating in City Daily Photo's National Theme Day, please follow the link for more - CDP National Theme Day.

The Old Forge - Stretton Under Fosse

This home, said to have been built in 1328 when Edward III had only just been crowned King of England, is the perfect backdrop for a hint of Spring colors. 'The Old Forge' was a working farmhouse before becoming a blacksmiths forge. It is a residential property now. Oh, would I love to see the inside.  In the meantime, standing outside and enjoying this beautiful home will do for now.

Have a good week.  Cheers!

Rain Clouds...

...moving away.  Hooray!

This photo was taken yesterday as Mr. LOL and I were driving around looking for thatched cottages.  Withybrook is a very small village with beautiful farmland surrounding it, not far from Coventry.

Have a safe weekend.  It has been a desperately sad week for many in America.

Participating in Skywatch Friday and Ein Stück Himmel.