Christmas Greetings

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas
and a Happy New Year.

Gardening Folk Lore

Having listened to many years of "wives tales" comments.
I came across this write up seasonal tips from elder garden statesmen.
Thanks to Michael Clark for these gems.

If a single man pulls up a sage bush from the garden at midnight on Christmas Eve, a storm will arise and the man's future wife will appear.

If the sun shines on Christmas day for however short a time the following year will be a good one for Fruit.

Never start anything in the garden on on December 28. Called "Dyzemass Day" it is considered very unlucky to do so on this day.

When a cat lies with its tail turned to the fire its a sign of hard weather to come and plants will need protection.

All evergreens used for Christmas decoration should be burnt on Candlemas Day and care that every holly berry is burnt, each berry missed means a token of bad luck.

Do not say you have not been warned.

Rain and Rainbow

We were on our way to East Anglia on Sunday.
It was raining heavily and there were a lot of rainbows.
This picture caught my eye.
You can see the rain fall as well as the lower part of the rainbow.

A little thought as to how children recall things

The following lines are taken from our village newsletter. It is of various quotes from the children.

Jesus enunciated the golden rule, which says do unto others before they do it to you. He also explained a man doth not live by sweat along.

The people who followed the Lord were called the 12 Decibels.

The Epistles were the wives of the Apostles.

St Paul cavorted to Christianity, he preached Holy Acrimony which is another name for Marriage.

Christians only have one spouse. This is called Monotony.

We have a lot to learn from children.

Christmas gift time.

This is a cover for our grandson's Nintendo game he is getting for Christmas.

Holiday time in Wales

This part of Wales is renouned for its name.
The translation is under the name plate.
We had a lovely restful time there this October.

Fun things

Hi I am always working on something.
My hands do not know the meaning of being still.
These little fellows have left home here and taken up residence with new owners.
I will show more next time.

Quote of the day

"By recollecting the pleasures formerly,
I renew them,
I enjoy them a second time,
while I laugh at the rememberance of
troubles now past,and which I no longer feel."

Giacomo Gasanova
(Venetian Writer )

Sky Watch Friday 44

The Church that is Shrinking their Carbon Footprint.


This is a picture of St Denys Church in Sleaford , taken from the third floor of the hub.
The reason you are seeing this view is because the church has had 54 Solar Photovoltaic panels installed on to the church roof.

If you click on the picture you can see the sunshine glinting on the panels, under the top eight arch windows, over the first roof.

The installation was not without difficulty as being a listed building, installation needed to meet several requirements. One of these was that the panels must not interfere or alter the church structure in any way or be visible from the ground.

This is the biggest installation on a church in the country and the first church in Lincolnshire to take this step in environmental concerns.
The aim is to reduce the locations carbon footprint by 40% by 2050 by using the created electricity to supply the National Grid.

Credit is given to the Curate Rev Cullimore who headed the campaign and applied for 95% external funding from two Grant Sources.
The total cost was £56,000.

A television visit has been made to record the project.
While a programme of Songs of Praise, recorded in St Denys church,led by Aled Jones will be broad caste on 30 August to mark this occasion.

To see many more Skies from around the world just click on the Sky Watch Banner in my side bar on the right.

To enjoy many other strange and wonderful cloud pictures, just click on the Cloud Appreciation Society banner in the right side bar.

Sky Watch was brought to us by Dot and Tom.
It has had millions of participants and viewers over the years, tuning in each week to share the wonders in the skies from all around the world.
Dot and Tom have moved on and leave the running and maintenance in the careful hands of a team of volunteers. Thanks are there for Dot and Tom and also given to the dedicated team of volunteers.

Sky Watch Friday 43

Good evening everyone.

A while ago I showed you our church surrounded and supported by scaffolding, due to the
damage to the spire in the quake we experienced.

The vane was taken to be re gilded while the spires repairs were being made and then into the local junior
school so that all the children could jump over it.
A tale to tell their own children, that they had jumped over the church vane.
Each child was assisted to jump by two teachers, while a third held the vane to the school floor.
The repairs have now been completed and Lord L ,(my other half) took the above church photos for tonight post.

Today has been unusual weather wise, we started with brilliant sunshine, followed by heavy rain, then back to the
sunshine, then rain and hail stones. No matter as you can see we are left with lovely skies this evening.

The apple tree in our garden.

To enlarge the picture just click on it.

To see many more Sky Watch Pictures from around the world, click on the Sky Watch Banner in my side bar on the right.

Sky Watch Friday, a meme designed by Dot and Tom, for like minded people around the world to freely share the pleasures
of each other skies. Dot and Tom have since retired from the theme.
There are more volunteers now who weekly monitor and supervise the seam free running of the meme.
When you see the number of participants in Sky Watch, do reflect on the fact that these people visit every blog posted.
Thanks are sent to them all for their time and work.

Sky Watch friday 42

Red Sky at night sailors delight.

Lower left is the sun set on Wednesday night.

Today Thursday has been so nice, we travelled to Heckington to see one of the few remaining eight sailed windmills, in Lincolnshire.
It is a Tower Mill dated to 1830, see top left picture and lower right, to designs by Michael Ingeldew.
It was repaired in 1890 and ceased working in 1942. A huge amount of money has been spent bringing it to the standard
you see today. It is a tourist centre and part of the Heritage trail.

Top right is a cloud over our home later this evening.

To enlarge the picture just click on it.

To see more Sky Watch Pictures from around the world, click on the Sky Watch Banner in my side bar on the right.

There are many volunteers taken over from Dot and Tom the founders of this meme. Thanks to them all fpr their time and energies in maintaining a smooth running this weekly event.

Sky Watch Friday 41

Welcome to the City of Lincoln.

We went to Lincoln to see what the Cathedral would look like, second top right picture,
to the left in the same picture with the square rampart is Lincoln Castle.
You can enlarge the picture by clicking your mouse on it.

The first picture is of The Glory Hole, a bridge spanning the river, which leads to
Brayford Wharf in the city its self.
The Tudor fronted shop, which dates back years is The Old Coffee shop.
In winter its lovely to walk past when the coffee beans are being roasted.
A requirement is a detour in for a cuppa.

The day started sunny and clear. Two hours later there was a marked change and
I took the cloud shots.
There was a small shower enough to use you car wipers to clear the
screen then it was over, for us at least.

To see many more Sky Watch pictures from around the world just click on the Sky Watch Banner
in my side bar on the right.

Dot and Tom had the inspiration for forming Sky Watch as a meme, bringing people from around
the world together to share the wonders of the skies.
They have both moved to pastures new and a team of volunteers now monitor and assist the seam free
running of sky watch.
It takes many hours of their time. Thank you all your work is much appreciated.

Daily Literary Quote

" Remember that happiness is as contagious as gloom.
It should be the first duty of those who are happy to
let others know of their gladness".
By Maurice Maeterlinck
Belgian Writer


This was such a lovely quote that I wanted to share it with you.

Sky Watch Friday 40

On Monday

The day started fine with wispy clouds in a bright blue sky.
However in the space of one hour clouds started rolling in, travelling south easterly.

I expected the works, rain, hail, thunder and lightening. (smog, family joke from Bugs Bunny Does Opera)
The sky though, while showing its potential just moved on to another part of the country.
It was still a sight to see.
Happy Sky Watching to you all.

To enlarge the picture just click on it.

To see many more pictures from around the world click on the Sky Watch Banner,
in my side bar on the right.

Sky Watch is the brain child of Dot and Tom. They have given countless hours of pleasure,
to thousands of people from all around the world.

Both have moved on to pastures new and a team of volunteers continue to monitor and assist
in the running of this meme.

Thank you for your unstinting work.

Sky Watch Friday 39

Under false pretences.

The weather here for the last week has been lovely, dry and hot with clear blue skies.
While great to look at hardly inspiring Sky Watching.
However the week before I saw these clouds at 6pm and thought that the wind had done
a good job on fluffing them up.
I hope you enjoy them as much as I did.

To enlarge just click on the picture.

To see many more Sky Watch pictures from around the world just click on the Sky Watch
Banner in my side bar on the right.

To view The Cloud Appreciation Society there is a link in the right side bar also.

Thanks go to Dot and Tom for the inspiration in creating Sky Watch and to the many other volunteers for their
ongoing support and assistance in maintaining the meme.

Sky Watch Friday 38

Scotland.

Same holiday as last week.



When we first started visiting Perthshire, the trees in the garden of third picture top right, were only saplings.
The property owner used to leave the front door open on mild evenings and the light from the house shone down
the garden where the sheep grazed.
The sheep are no longer in sight and the garden has matured considerably.
It is one of my favourite views.

These are general photos of Lock Tay, taken by Lord L ( also known as my other half )
The Ram stood like this for about 3 minutes. Bet there is a fair amount of wool waiting to be gathered on him.
We both enjoy holidaying in this part of Scotland. I read a report that life expectancy is longer in Scotland.
Not surprising when there is so much wonderful scenery and fresh air.

To see many more Sky Watch pictures from around the world, click on the Sky Watch banner in my side bar on the right.

If you read about the Asperatus Cloud two entries back. You may recall some of the information was quoted from staff at The Cloud Appreciation Society. You may like to click on the Cloud Appreciation Society link in the side bar on the right.
Dancin' from In The Pink kindly has enrolled us both as members, which I thank her for .

Sky Watch was initiated by Dot and Tom. The success of the meme speaks for its self.
Thanks to them for the concept and design of the programme.
Many more volunteers have since joined in the running and monitoring of Sky Watch and give their time and support freely.
Thank you .

Sky Watch Friday 37

Welcome to Scotland


As you will see we were in Scotland last week.

The views can be enlarged by clicking on the picture and I promise is worth doing.

1) Lock Tay from under the bridge at Kenmore, Perthshire.

2) This is where you need to enlarge the picture,
Ben Nevis the highest mountain in Scotland with snow on and as close as I could get .

3) Evening mists roll in.

4) Speedboat on the Tay.

5)Reflections.

6) The end of Lock Tay.


Pictures 4 &5 were taken by Lord L ( my other half)
The remainder I took. We had a fantastic holiday
Wall to wall nature and lots of photographs to remind us of the views.

To see more Sky Watch pictures from around the world just click on the Sky Watch Banner
in my side bar on the right.

Sky Watch is a meme created and designed by Dot and Tom.
Many more people have joined them over the years, to assist in the seam free running of the programme.
Time is given freely and all sites are monitored.
Thanks to all these people for their time and energies.

Health and Safty Cuts

Pictures top left and lower right are of a tree in Scotland, taken two years ago.
We visited again last week to find the Health and Safty team had chosen their cuts.
I wondered just how long it had taken those branches to grow.
On a positve note however there is an increase in regeneration of trees in the area.

Sky Watch Friday 36

Time flies, not as quickly as these clouds though.
This was the sunset over home last Monday.



In the Sunday Telegraph May 31, there were newly published pictures of spectacular skies,
visit telegraph.co.uk/pictures.

The Science Correspondent Richard Gray, I quote, wrote about the apparent discovery of a previously
undocumented phenomenon.
An unusual storm formation spotted across the world by a collection of enthusiastic amateurs
could be the first new cloud type officially identified in more than half a century.

It was noticed only because of the efforts of the Cloud Appreciation Society,
whose Cloudspotter's Guide became a surprise bestseller three years ago.
Forming a dark lumpy blanket across the sky, the cloud form has been sighted above the Scottish
Highlands and Snowdonia in Wales, on the American prairies, over the mountains of New Zealand
and the Arctic seas off Greenland.

"Its a bit like looking at the surface of a choppy sea from below," said Gavin Pretor-Pinney, founder of
the society.
He first identified the cloud, named "asperatus"from the Latin for rough, from photographs that
were being sent in by society members.
"We try to identify and classify all the images of clouds we get in, but there were some that just didn't
seem to fit in any of the other categories, so I began to think it might be a unique type of cloud" he said.

Experts at the Royal Meteorological Society are now attempting to have the aspertus officially added to the
International Cloud Atlas,the recognised system of names used by forecasters to identify clouds.
If they succeed, it will be the first new variety classified since 1953.

The spectacular pictures of asperatus clouds shown in the paper were taken above
Hanmer Springs in New Zealand, Schiehallion in Perthshire Scotland and Cedar Rapids,Iowa USA.

To enlarge my picture just click on it.

To see many more Sky Watch pictures just click on the Sky Watch Banner in my side bar on the right.

Dot and Tom founded Sky Watch Friday.
Thanks to them for making us take note of what wonderful things are going on around us.

There are a team of volunteers who monitor and assist in the running of Sky Watch.
Thanks are given to them all for their long hours and dedication.

Sky Watch Friday 35

It seems like five minutes since I last joined all the participants posting for Sky Watch.

These are the afternoon skies over Lincolnshire today.
First view is the river Slea which is all shades of green .
Just in case you did not recognise the view, its just out side my bowls club.
It has been warm and sunny with lots of clouds racing past today.
The second picture is the swing bridge which I included, as is was raised for maintenance work today.
I understand that the drive is on to prepare the river to accept canal boats.

To enlarge any picture, just click on it.

To see many more Sky Watch views from around the world, click on the Sky Watch Banner in my side bar on the right.


Sky Watch, a meme originating from Dot and Tom, is a place where people share their sky views from around the world.
Dot and Tom have moved on to pastures new.
There are however a dedicated team of volunteers, who visit each post and monitor the integrity of the meme.
My thanks to all of you.

Sky Watch Friday 34

Its that time of the week again when we all share the pleasures of Sky Watching from around the world.

This weeks entry has been provided by Lord L.
This is because I have spent time getting my computer mended and operational again.
Thank you Lord L, also known as my other half.

We had our daughter and her two pups( pups=affectionate name) staying with us for the week.
The pups were so well behaved and we accompanied them on various walks about our village.

To see more Sky Watch pictures around the world just click on the banner in my side bar on the right.

To enlarge the picture, just click on it.

Sky Watch a meme originating with Dot and Tom has entertained hundreds of people across the world.
It has dedicated team members who give their time, monitoring and running a seam free theme.
Thank You all.

Sky Watch Friday 33

Today's sky watch comes from my guest Lord L and his memories of a photographic Safari he took, while living in Kenya.

Mount Kilimanjaro lies in the borders of Tanzania and eastern Africa, with Kenya to the North.

The Mount consists of consists of three inactive volcanic cones ( peaks) rising to 15100 feet, above the
plains of the Serengeti.

In the foreground are Thompson's gazelle.

In 2007 is was noted that the Ice glaciers which cap Mount Kilimanjaro were slowly retreating due
to a reduction in snow fall.

For once global warming was not attributed as the cause.

To enlarge the picture just click on it.

To visit many more Sky Watch sites, just click on the Sky Watch Friday Banner, in my side bar on the right.

This meme was the concept of Dot and Tom. It has given many people lots of pleasure.
There are a team of people monitoring and assisting the smooth running of Sky Watch Friday.
Thanks are given to them for their hard work.

Sky Watch Friday 32

Skies while Traveling about my County.

It is worth while clicking on the picture to enlarge it.

1) Royal Air Force Officer Training Flying School at Cranwell. Hangers and airfields.
Prince's Charles and William trained to fly here.

2 and 3) Crows queue up to mob gardens for bird food. Bowledover's birds diner
had just opened.

4 and 6) Oil Seed Rape crops in the Lincoln City environs. The county is full of this crop.
Some times Flax is grown in the fields next to the Rape.
As Flax has a wonderful blue flower , the contrast is lovely and cooling against the
fierce yellow of rape.

5) Apple Blossom. The birds raid this tree and some times I see them staggering around
as the fermented apple catches up with them.



To see more Sky Watch pictures from around the world, just click on the
Sky Watch Banner in my side bar on the right.


Sky Watch has been running for some time now.
Dot and Tom were the people who founded this meme.
Since then many volunteers have continued its success.
My thanks to them all for their unstinting work.

Sky Watch Friday 31

The first four of tonight's pictures were taken in Felixstowe, Suffolk on Sunday.

Martello Tower
There were more than a 100 Martello Towers built along England's
South and Eastern coast line in the early 19 century, as defence against the
Napoleonic War,only 40 remain.
This one is used for safety observations on sea and beach.
In December 2002 one such tower in Felixstowe, went on the market for £500,000.
Having been sold it has been converted over a three year period, into a luxury home.

The next three pictures are of Felixtowe Docks.
Huge container ships come in from all over the world, either to be loaded or unloaded.
It is a work of art in unloading them.
High stacks of the containers are standing about the dock yards awaiting dispatch.


The last two pictures are of Culverthorpe lakes a popular walking place near where I live.

To enlarge the picture just click on it.

To see many more great Sky Watch Pictures from around the world,
just click on the Sky Watch Banner in my side bar on the right.

Thanks to dot Sky Watch was born.
Many people have volunteered to assist and monitor the running of the programme.
Thanks go to them for their unstinting work.

Sky Watch Friday 30

I am surprised that I am at number 30 in Sky Watch Friday.
Time flies when you are enjoying yourself.
Here are two sun sets taken today at 7.00pm.
We have birds using the garden and some become quite tame.
This is one of the blackbirds, in the plum tree.
In the late afternoon he sits in the apple tree, just behind the plum tree and sings.
I could not resist some flowers.

To enlarge the picture just click on it.

To see many more Sky Watch Friday pictures from around the world, just click on the
Sky Watch Banner in my side bar on the right.

Sky watch has been running for a considerable time now. Originally it was the concept of Dot,
it was carried forward by many other willing volunteers.
Times move on and some of the staffing has changed.
However the dedication of other volunteers remains constant.
Thank you to all.

Sky Watch Friday 29

How time flies. Good evening everyone.
You will see in the above pictures that we went to the Lincolnshire East Coast for a day yesterday.
It was sunny ,with a cold wind blowing.
Alford Mill is a working five sail mill, their very good products can be bought on line.
Grandson was introduced to speed, I think he will want more of this pursuit.
Mablethorpe beach, the sea was reminiscent of Newcastle brown ale,
as the winds and approaching full moon stirred up the sea.
Star Fish high and dry.
The fields are again being clothed in Lincoln Green.
Lord L, daughter and grandson make their way back home from the beach.
Sand dunes.
Rescued seals at the Mablethorpe Sea Life Sanctuary.

We had a lovely day out.

To enlarge the picture just click on it.

To see many more Sky Watch Pictures from around the world.
Just click on the Sky Watch Banner in my side bar on the right.

Sky Watch was the concept of Dot. There are a team of people who assist in this meme.
They visit sites, monitor and assist in the seam free running of the meme.
Thanks go to them all for their time consuming and unpaid work.

Sky Watch Friday 28

We have had mixed weather here, yesterday was sunny and warm with blue skies.
Today it has been overcast and depressing.

I thought that some pictures from December 2008 would fit the bill, far
more interesting than what is outside today.

Just click on the picture to enlarge it.

To see many fantastic pictures from around the world just click on the Sky Watch
banner in my side bar on the right.

Thanks are given to all the people who monitor SWF and assist in problem solving.

Sky Watch Friday 27

The sun deserted us today and we had threatening weather.
These pictures were taken while I dodged outbreaks of rain.

The first is Hanley Monument, dedicated to a local, influential family many years ago.

The second is a town residence with a retail business on the ground floor.
Can you see the terracotta dragon on the roof apex.

The last you have seen before. It is the Mill in Moneys Yard, and marks the centre of town.

To enlarge the picture just click on it.

To see many more Sky Watch Pictures from around the world, click on the Sky Watch Banner in my side bar, on the right.

The concept for Sky Watch was originated by Dot and a team of like minded people joined the meme which flourished.

There have been many other people who dedicate time and energy to maintaining a seam free running of the programme.
Thank you all for your unstinting work.

Harmony Day

In Australia on Saturday 21 March, the first day of Spring is observed as Harmony Day.

Slogan for the day is, Everyone Belongs.

It is a day to celebrate harmony among people of all cultures, races and religions.

Bobbie brought this day to my attention and such a worthy day I feel should be brought to the attention of as many people as possible.

Please pass the word about Harmony Day as far and as wide as you can. Thank you.

Sky Watch Friday 26

1.2.3.12) I wanted to show you that Spring is here at last, the ducklings are out on the river. When they flap
their tiny wings to catch up with the clutch, they appear to be running on the water surface.

4) The Swing bridge opened while we were on holiday.On the top right of the bridge is a counter balance,
for when the bridge is lifted from left to right. I am glad to say the ducks have returned to that part of the
river, after the closure for the bridge installation.

5.6) Flowers are appearing everywhere.

7. 10) Remember the rooks nests I mentioned a while back. To see how high they have built click on the picture.
A good summer is on its way, I am sure.

8.9) Our Church steeple was damaged in the earthquake last year. The top three sections have been removed for
repairs to be made. The weather vane has been taken to the village school for the children to jump over, this is said
to bring good fortune.

11) An apple tree in flower.

It happened too quickly for me to capture today, however, a skein of Canada Geese flew over our home, honking as they
made their way to Lincoln.

As said click on the picture to enlarge.
Happy sky watch to you all.

To see more Sky Watch pictures from around the world, click on the Sky Watch banner in my side bar.

There are a dedicated team of people who enable Sky Watch to run each week. They not only monitor the entries to this meme,
but assist in seamless running and problem solving. This is for many, along side their daily work and family commitments.
Sky Watch gives me great pleasure each week, thanks to you.