And Now The End Is Near

Its the last day of the year and its also my penultimate post. Yes, tomorrow is my final post.

I've got a lot on over the next couple of months, so I'm taking a break to concentrate on other things. I'm not sure whether I'll return to Cheltenham Daily Photo. I may start a new photo blog of some sort at some point in the future, but for now I need to stop.

Over the last year on Cheltenham Daily Photo I have achieved posting every single day. It was, at times, a struggle and I think at some points my photography has suffered, but over the last few months I feel I've turned out some good photos. Photos that I am quite proud of. As I've mentioned in the past, the thought of needing a photo for the sake of a post is not always the best inspiration. I am amazed at how Eric (our great leader) and others who post 365 days a year, year in year out, find the creativity to keep on going. Hats off to them. In fact hats off to all of us who keep our blogs going regularly, not necessarily daily, but post a photo most of the time. Its no mean feat.

Tomorrow is Theme Day, time for goodbyes then, but for now enjoy the last day of the year. See it out with a celebration and welcome the new one with open arms.

Life Is Like A Butterfly

I just realised, I've never told you about Cheltenhams illustrious career as a star of a sitcom. Well, maybe more short lived than illustrious! Back in the late 70's and early 80's the TV program Butterflies was filmed in and around Cheltenham. It was about a woman who wanted to change her life but didn't quite manage it. I only ever watched about half an episode. Once I'd seen the Prom, the Municipal Offices and Hatherley Park I'd had enough! Why watch it on telly when you can see it in real life?!

Reduced

I told you the sales had started. I braved them this morning. Town was bursting with shoppers and most of them were in a post-christmas-must-get-a-bargain frame of mind. In other words - they kept getting in my way! The majority of shops I looked in had stuff in the sale that was in extra extra large sizes. No good for me. I did pick up a nice blue cardigan though, to match my eyes!

Green Bloom

As most of you know, I have a thing for green flowers. They just look so cool!

Looking Up

The Caryatids are one Cheltenhams most recognisable features. They run the length of Montpellier, supporting all the buildings. Well its better than boring old columns!

Sunset Steeple

The steeple of St Gregory's church as the sun was going down on another day.

I hope you all had a good Christmas. Mine was great, but it is what you make it. Here in the UK its Boxing Day today, basically a bit more of Christmas Day! The sales start and today is being called Super Saturday, as its the first time in 11 years that Boxing Day has fallen on a Saturday. Retailers are hoping that sales today will be beat those of Christmas Eve, when 1 million pounds was being spent every minute! Recession? What recession?!

Merry Christmas

Have a wonderful Christmas. Enjoy.

'Twas The Night Before Christmas

"Now Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! On, Cupid! on, on Donner and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"

Only one more sleep until the big guy comes and leaves a little something for all the good boys and girls. Yes, its Christmas Eve. All the rushing around, shopping, wrapping and decorating stop tonight, and its time to enjoy Christmas and all the things that it means to you.

As I'm working today, and then off to the pub for the obligatory Christmas Eve drink, I won't get around to you all to say happy Christmas. So I'll take this opportunity to wish and yours a very happy and peaceful Christmas, and I hope it is everything that you dreamed it would be. Merry Christmas everyone.

And here is the poem in full.

Glitter Girl

Not a lot to say. A glittery girl sitting in a shop window. Helping to sell sofas! With the obligatory seasonal attire - a Santa hat!

Only two more sleeps!

A Light Dusting

Nowhere near as much as the East coast of America, and a bit less than most of Britain, but we have had snow. A light icing-sugar dusting but it still snowed. And it is cold. So cold. But after all it is December, so what else should we expect? We may even get a white Christmas. That would be magical.

The Office

I'm one of the lucky ones. I don't work in an office. I'm sure lots of people out there love working in a little cubicle or in an open plan working area, but its just not my thing. I couldn't think of anything worse. But if I did work in an office I'd love to work for Ricky Gervais' David Brent. Now that is a boss! Cringe makingly hilarious! His comedy series The Office was one of the funniest TV shows of the last decade. Brilliant stuff.

Speaking of office based brilliance, I've found a fantastic blog. It was Blog Of Note last week and it is laugh-out-loud funny. Mr London Street is wonderfully observant of all aspects of life and his office sounds hysterical. I've just started reading and playing catch up, but this post, about food descriptions and the staff canteen is so funny my sides were hurting from laughing! I should say that the sensitive amongst you might be offended by some of Mr London Streets tales but it is so well written I'm sure you'll let him off. Anyway, check it out. Very funny! Did I mention I found it funny?!

Inside The Pump Room

Just a quick, and rather late, post today. I've been busy getting into the festive spirit. Basically eating and drinking and visiting!

As the title says, this is a shot from inside Pitville Pump Room.

Normal service resumes tomorrow!

The Queens Trees

Continuing the Christmas theme (sorry, but it is everywhere!) here is The Queens hotel, all bedecked for the festive season.

Have a good weekend. Last one before the big day!

Wreath

I think this Christmas wreath is much cooler than a boring old holly wreath. Modern versus traditional. What's hanging on your front door this Christmas?

Christmas Blues

Look at the pretty lights! Ooo! This tree, surrounded by artificial snow, is outside the front of the Daffodil Restaurant. Its a bit garish for me but it does make a lovely festive scene. Very Christmassy.

Christmas is a strange time of year. It means all sorts of things to different people. To some it is a Religious celebration, to others its about friends and family, to some its about the presents, and to others its the food, drink and all the seasonal trimmings that make Christmas. To most people its a combination of all these things. Christmas is also a time to look forward with optimism to the coming year, but at the same time remember with fondness those people that are no longer with us, those people that have left our lives. We can look back on mistakes made with wise eyes, missed opportunities with sorrow, and things to come with joy. At this time of year its fine to occasionally have the Christmas Blues.

Gallery

The Gardens Gallery, in the Proscenium Building, Montpellier Gardens, is a popular venue for local artists to show their work. The exhibitions always have free admission and are very varied. At the moment an exhibit entitled 'The World Through our Eyes' is on at the gallery. Three local artists - Sara Chardin, Amy Blacker and Gez Browning - are displaying their landscape paintings and photography.

Simples

Meerkats are everywhere at the moment. TV programs, adverts, cuddly toys, garden ornaments, t-shirts. These ones, in the window of the Pied Piper shop in Montpellier, are all dressed ready for the Christmas festivities. Have you got yours?!

If today's title means nothing to you, go here to see what started the Meerkat madness.

Great Dane

This is a 'What The ***?' photo. Nothing particularly unusual about a dog in a window but it is when its a Great Dane in a wedding dress shop! This big beast was almost filling the small shop and was surrounded by dozens of expensive dresses. The shop was closed and completely secure with metal grills across the windows. Very strange!

Charlotte's Web

Just a web today.

Mother Nature is amazing. How do spiders do this? Amazing!

A Foggy Day In Cheltenham Town

Well, the outskirts of Cheltenham town! After what seems like weeks of rain we had a few cold, fine days and then this. Fog and frost. December is here! It is my favourite kind of weather. All cold and crisp. Love it.

I'll not be around much this weekend, working tomorrow and then our works Christmas party in the evening. Needless to say I'll be hungover on Sunday! Catch up with you all soon.

Sky Watch Friday

A Room With A View

A Sky Watch of sorts this week. This is the view from the top floor of Pitville Pump Room, looking out across Pitville Park. The Statue is one of three on the front of the building. This photo was taken back in October, hence the Autumn leaves on the trees.

To join in with SWF, or to see the sky the world over, head across to the Sky Watch Friday Blog.

Have a great weekend.

Santa Baby

I wouldn't mind this coming down my chimney on Christmas Eve! Its not the best photo in the world but I was very aware that I was stood in front of the Ann Summers shop taking photos of the lingerie. So it was a very quick point-and-shoot shot! After all I didn't want another run in with a security guard! And the reason why I was taking a photo of sexy undies? Because it was a good contrast to yesterdays post. Obviously!

Snow Head

I haven't posted any Christmas themed window displays yet and, to be honest, there aren't many in town that really stand out, but this one, in the clothes shop River Island, is an exception. Its a bit of a double-take window. At first glance its just mannequins, but on closer inspection one of the figures has, well, you can see! I'm not sure whether its cool or a bit sinister looking!

Curry Corner

The answer to Saturdays puzzle is Curry Corner. And the TV program that the Indian restaurant featured on is F Word, Gordon Ramsey's Channel 4 food show. Each week the best restaurants in different categories go head to head to be crowd Britain's Best Independent Restaurant, unfortunately Curry Corner just missed out on a place in the final, to be broadcast in a few weeks time. But still good on them for beating so many other great Indian eateries.

And the winner of the Cheltenham postcard? Bob The Bolder of Durham Daily Photo. He named the restaurant but not the TV show, but he was still the closest. Congratulations to him.

Good Looking Builder Seeks

This sign would be made for me if I were a builder! Ha! Nothing else to say apart from its good to see some people still have a sense of humour.

As I'm all behind today the answer and winner of Saturdays competition will be revealed tomorrow.

All White

Its hard not to show Cheltenham's Regency buildings every day. There are so many and they are a big part of the town. This one is quite typical in design and style - four floors, a wrought iron balcony, stones stairs leading to the imposing front door, simple architectural details, crisp white paint. This one also has the benefit of facing onto Imperial Gardens, behind the Town Hall, and is in one of Cheltenham's best locations.

Nellie

This stone elephant is one of a pair that stand either side of the doorway of a restaurant that has recently starred on television. Ooo, I know, lets have a little competition! Name the restaurant and the TV program and win a Cheltenham postcard. Exciting! Answer and more revealed on Monday.

Sky Watch Friday

Winter Branches

Just a quickie for SWF (let the photo do the talking and all that.) I really like the silhouette of the bare branches against the cold blue wintry sky.

To join in with Sky Watch, or to see the sky the world over, head across to the Sky Watch Friday Blog.

Glass Ceiling

Its a sad day at Cheltenham Daily Photo (or a thank-God-for-that day, depending on your point of view!) as I'm going to say this is my last post on the refurbishment of Cheltenham's Regent Arcade. As regular visitors will know, I have posted quite often (too much, some say) on the ongoing transformation of the shopping centre. The main area of change has been the roof, which has been completely replaced. The once arched 80's ceiling is now a modern slopped glass one, and I must say it does look quite good. If you click 'Regent Arcade' in the labels below you can see the progress that brought about the new look. Go on. You know you want to!

And to see the roof before click here. Its quite a difference.

Sardines

More terraced houses in the Fairview area of town. This curved row is on a narrow street but isn't as claustrophobic as it looks. A bit of cropping and a tight angle did that!

Theme Day - Waiting

Its the 1st of the month and here in CDP blogland its Theme Day. The theme for December is Waiting. I wasn't very inspired by this months choice but then it suddenly hit me. What are we all waiting for? Christmas! Whether you are waiting for it to arrive because you love it or are waiting for it to arrive because you want to get it out of the way as you hate it, we are all waiting. And how to capture that waiting? An advent calender of course! Some are a candle that you burn each day, some are traditional calenders and have a religious picture, others are chocolate filled. No surprise as to what mine is! Now I'm going to open the first little door and get my chocolatey reward!

Now, no more waiting. See what other inspired ideas people have come up with for this theme by clicking here.

Terminator!

Not the best looking chap in the world! This larger than life statue is advertising the film Terminator Salvation outside the Sony shop. The film was running on a big screen TV next to him but it was difficult to watch. His red eyes kept scaring people away!

Across The Pond

A view from the bridge across Pitville Park lake. Winter has really arrived now.

Girls Face

Today some more details from the red brick former school that is now apartments. I still haven't found out the name of the school. Sorry! What I do know is that they don't make school buildings like this anymore.

Sky Watch Friday

Across The Roof Tops

A view across the South of Cheltenham, taking in St Andrews Church steeple and the dome and roof of the Ladies College, under an ominous sky.

To join in with Sky Watch, or to view the sky the world over, head across to the Sky Watch Friday Blog.

Back In The Habit

This post is because I wanted to, not because its a good photo. I was doing my paparazzi bit in Imperial Gardens! Well, its not every day you see a nun. Unless you live in a convent. Or are a nun. But then you would be a nun if you lived in a convent! Anyway. I last posted nuns, two for the price of one, here. And check out the comments there too for some nun-related jokes. The main reason for wanting to post this photo? So I could use the title! I'm easily pleased.

How The Other Half Live

As a total contrast to yesterdays terraces here is a house complete with turret, just a stones throw away, in the next street. This house stands right on the corner of Pitville Circus Road and at one time would have been a real landmark standout building. I suppose it still is! I presume the huge building is now divided into flats, but in its heyday it would have been a home to show the standing within society of the owner. And why not? Why have a plain old roof when a turreted tower will do?!

Terraced

Its not all Regency Georgian townhouses in Cheltenham, there are plenty of areas that encapsulate different architectural styles. These terraced houses in the Fairview area of town are typical of the turn of the last century. They were built for the working classes, crammed into the tiny space, giving a high density of affordable housing. Now these same houses are sold as town centre living and are home to all sorts of different classes. How times change.

Parking Problems

Its a long time since I've had a randomly-spotted photo. But is it really random? I mean, where else would you park a bike other than on a garage roof?!

And the seat for the guard to sit in doesn't look that comfy!

Grand Red Door

This very grand entrance to Weston House in Pitville used to be my doctors surgery. It is now flats, the doctors have moved to a posh new purpose built centre. The Regency building is said to be haunted! Spooky!

Spring Chicken

I was very tempted to have a go on this kids toy in Fairview Park! There was no one around, hence the photo in a children's park, but I controlled my child-ish urges and took a grown up photo instead!

Have a playful weekend.

Sky Watch Friday

Red And Blue.

Enough of the green (see previous posts if you have no idea what I'm talking about!) Now its red and blue, well for today. I love the detail of the architecture of this former school building that is now converted to apartments. I can't actually remember the name of the school, need to check that out, and, as I have a few other good photos of this building to post, I will do some research! In the mean time just enjoy SWF!

To join in with, or to check out other skies, head over to the Sky Watch Friday Blog.

Green Roots

Ok, I told you I was in a green mode at the moment, so here is another! A bit different to the others, an all natural green. I like all the moss on the exposed tree roots. I am slightly annoyed with myself that I didn't take a macro of it. You live and learn!

Green House

More green today. This house stands out from all its neighbours in this row of white terraces. How could I not of photographed it?! Anyone out there live in a house painted green?

Being Green

A simple photo for an extra special day at Cheltenham DP. Its my 700th post! I can't believe it! Thanks to everyone who visits, follows and comments, its really appreciated.

I liked all the different elements in this photo. I've got a whole green-vibe-thing going on at the moment. More green tomorrow.