bowledover

Gardening Folk Lore

2009-12-17T09:47:00.002Z

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

2009-12-15T19:36:00.001Z

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

2009-12-06T15:58:00.005Z

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.

2009-12-06T15:44:00.000Z

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

Holiday time in Wales

2009-11-29T10:39:00.000Z

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

2009-11-29T10:32:00.000Z

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

2009-09-20T09:35:00.002+01:00

"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

2009-08-06T16:39:00.001+01:00

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

2009-07-30T19:34:00.000+01:00

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

2009-07-23T19:28:00.000+01:00

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 38

2009-06-25T19:51:00.000+01:00

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 41

2009-07-14T19:13:00.001+01:00

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.

Sky Watch Friday 40

2009-07-09T19:45:00.001+01:00

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

2009-07-02T19:36:00.001+01:00

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.

Daily Literary Quote

2009-07-13T09:10:00.002+01:00

" 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 37

2009-06-17T19:09:00.000+01:00

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

2009-06-17T18:28:00.000+01:00

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

2009-06-04T08:45:00.000+01:00

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 over Morecombe Bay

2008-07-28T10:39:00.000+01:00

We were in Lancashire and saw this sky. It was strange watching the clouds break up like this and worthy of a couple of photographs. The third photograph is of a storm approaching over Pine Lake.

Wall.e

2009-02-17T19:43:00.001Z

Meet Wall.e
I saw this toy pre Christmas and thought that he would
become a popular gift.
That is in fact so he was a top seller.
He was given to me by dancin' over at In the Pink.
Last weekend dancin and her guy, brought the DVD over
for us to watch.
What a great film full of morals, with the right amount of humor too.
If you have not seen the film already then I can recommend it to you.

Wall.e

2009-02-17T19:53:00.001Z

Lord L's birthday.

2009-02-25T16:36:00.005Z

Lord L had a landmark birthday this month.
Everyone spoiled him, rightly so.

For Lord L's birthday, Mac's Niece and our grandson came over for the day. Besides having a wonderful meal ( a requirement in this family for a get together) He received with other gifts two tickets to see Madam Butterfly showing in Leicester next month and this will be followed by another family get together. It was a lovely day.

I think the second ticket is for me. I wait with baited breath.

Dancin' and her guy came over for a stay with the pups, with more wonderful gifts and of course a big hug. A wonderful meal and equally wonderful evening was had by all.

I have to wonder if I also had a second birthday as I was spoilt with gifts.

I do not know if telling family that you love and appreciate them, is enough for them to know just how much you mean it.
Appreciation of time, given by working members of the family.
Time management for those with other family commitments.
Loving us enough to make such lovely surprises also.

May I say here and now THANK YOU and we love and appreciate you all.

Harmony Day

2009-03-20T07:58:00.002Z

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 24

2009-02-25T20:00:00.000Z

I have been off line for a time, while I am not sure what caused the problem.
I thank Dancin' from In The Pink for getting me back on line.

At the end of last week, we had a lovely show of colour for a sun set. Lord L took these pictures.
After so many cloud laden and light absorbing skies, this was a most welcome break.
To see many more views from around the world, just click on the Sky Watch Banner in my side bar.

Many thanks to all the team monitoring Sky Watch.

Sky Watch Friday 29

2009-04-09T10:04:00.001+01:00

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.