Grand Scrolls

Want a word for the day? How about 'volute'. For those that don't know what it means (and I didn't) its the posh name given to the scrolls at the top of Ionic columns, like the ones shown. These grand pillars are helping to hold up the roof of one of the Regency houses that surround Pitville Park. I also like the tiles with the fancy details, I've not seen these before in Cheltenham. I wonder if they are original?

Don't forget its Theme Day tomorrow across the CDPB community and the theme for July is 'Empty.' There's no need to sign up any more, just copy and paste the code and you're in!

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Twit Twoo

These magnificent birds were on show in the High Street, helping raise money for The Barn Owl Centre. The charity, based on the edge of Gloucester, has the following aim - "To advance public education in Owl & Raptor welfare & husbandry."

The first owl is a Long Eared Owl, the second photo shows a Little Owl (original!) and the last owl is the most common in the UK, the Barn Owl.


The owl is a magnificently handsome bird of prey. Below are some interesting Owl Facts to impressive your friends and family with -

• Owls belong to the Order Strigiformes, which contains over 200 different species.
• Owls are nocturnal and hunt small mammals, small birds and some hunt fish.
• Their eyes are fixed in the sockets. They rotate their head 270 degrees to see back over there shoulders.
• Many breeds have special flight feathers for silent flying.
• They are long sighted and use feathers similar to whiskers to sense the prey in their beaks.
• The largest owl has a wing span of 2 meters.
• The Twit Twoo sound they make is actually Ke-wick Hoo-hoo-oooo.
  

Marley In Rhodes

Last day of photos from our Rhodes holiday, back to Cheltenham photos tomorrow.

Old blue doors and shutters.

The obligatory cocktails! No photos of the free shots, they didn't last long enough!

One of the amazing floors in Lindos. These floors are made out of pebbles and stones and are used to create the steps and streets as well as doorsteps and shop floors. It must take a great deal of skill and patience to create them.

End of the day.

Back to business tomorrow.
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Marley In Rhodes

I'm back! First things first - once again many thanks to my fellow CDP bloggers who lent photos to appear here in my absence, and thanks to those who continued to visit and comment while I was away. Now, on to the holiday snaps!

We had a fantastic week in Rhodes, staying in the village of Pefkos. Lots of lazing by the pool, eating and, of course, drinking! Today and tomorrow I'll share with you a few photos.

The view from our balcony of the bay towards Lardos.

Colourful beach balls and buckets.

Night time view of Enigma restaurant. We ate here a couple of times and sat on the open roof terraces. Lovely.

Bell tower in the neighbouring village of Lindos.

The Greek sense of humour shines through everywhere, like on this sign outside a bar. Who could resist an offer like this?!

More snaps tomorrow.
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While Marley's Away...

The final photo in the guest photographers series comes from Mo at Fresh Eyes On London. She took this photo the other Saturday at Trooping The Colour and, as you can see, it shows The Queen and Prince Phillip. At last the Royal Seal Of Approval!

Thanks to all my fellow CDP bloggers who kindly lent photos to appear here over the last fortnight, its very much appreciated. Over the weekend I'll show you some of my holiday snaps from our trip to Rhodes, then its back to Cheltenham photos on Monday.

Enjoy your weekend.

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While Marley's Away...

Spotted in the crowd, a bride and groom! I love the way Tash, at Palos Verdes Daily Photo, captured the happy couple amongst all the tourists and sightseers by the Tower Of London. Great shot Tash!

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While Marley's Away...

Another photo today from Kate at Visual St Paul. She says that Mickey's Diner is a legendary icon in downtown St Paul, Minnesota. To me it looks like a classic American Diner, I can see why it has legend status.

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While Marley's Away...

Todays photo comes to you thanks to Kate at Visual St Paul. She is sharing with us Como Park Conservatory, and what a conservatory it is! Really grand. When Kate posted on this place in the past she wrote -

"Half an acre under glass, the elegant conservatory is a celebration of the living earth. Plentiful collections of orchids, bromeliads, palms, ferns and bonsai overflow from the six indoor garden rooms into two outdoor gardens. In winter, its steamy glass dome is a perfect escape from Minnesota's rigorous climate. May through September, enjoy the Como Ordway Memorial Japanese Garden."

Sounds like the perfect place to visit on a snowy day!
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While Marley's Away...

One last photo from Tash at Palos Verdes Daily Photo. Today we are still at Osborne House, on the Isle of Wight, and this is The Queens Boar. Its a really impressive piece of carving. I haven't found out much more about it. Tash, perhaps you know more? Gives us the info in the comments!

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While Marley's Away...

Thanks to Tash at Palos Verdes Daily Photo we have arrived on the Isle of Wight. As I mentioned yesterday, the island is situated of off the South coast of England and one of the main tourist attractions there is Osborne House, with its impressive Flagtower. Here is some info on the house -

"Osborne House is a former royal residence in East Cowes, Isle of Wight, UK. The house was built between 1845 and 1851 for Queen Victoria and Prince Albert as a summer home and rural retreat.

Prince Albert designed the house himself in the style of an Italian Renaissance palazzo. The builder was Thomas Cubitt, the London architect and builder whose company built the main façade of Buckingham Palace for the royal couple in 1847. An earlier smaller house on the site was demolished to make way for a new and far larger house.

Following Queen Victoria's death, the house became surplus to royal requirements and was given to the state with a few rooms retained as a private royal museum dedicated to Queen Victoria. From 1903 until 1921 it was used as a junior officer training college for the Royal Navy known as the Royal Naval College, Osborne. Today, it is a tourist attraction and fully open to the public."
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While Marley's Away...

We're off to the Isle of Wight thanks to Tash at Palos Verdes Daily Photo. She took this photo on her visit to the island off of the British South coast in September 2007. The place is reached by ferry and the stretch of water is renowned for its sailing.

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While Marley's Away...

I really like the light and shadows in this photo that comes courtesy of Babzy at Babzy Photos Blog. Babzy really likes the natural stone keyring - so do I!
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While Marley's Away...

Todays photo is courtesy of Bibi at A Yankee-In-Belgrade. Bibi sent along this photo of a Greek looking restaurant in Zemun, a municipality of Belgrade. On the menu is written: fish soup, river fish, squid, fried sardines, crepes and pizza! Prijatno! (Bon appetite!) A perfect photo for the start of my trip! I hope we are enjoying some delicious food like this!

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While Marley's Away...

Todays guest photo is courtesy of Dusty Lens at North Metro and Beyond. He said this Goose in flight is taking off for his holidays - as are we today (me and Phoebe not me and DL!) All being well tomorrow we will be on the Greek Island of Rhodes!

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While Marley's Away...

Todays photo comes to you thanks to Mo at Fresh Eyes On London. Just look at the power of all that water rushing through Hambleden Lock and Weir. Impressive.

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While Marley's Away...

Here it is then. Cheltenham DP is all about you. Over the next couple of weeks that I'm away the photos are all on loan from other bloggers. Today's photo comes courtesy of Kate at Visual St Paul, although this photo was taken in Mazatlan, Mexico, Kates winter retreat.

As you can see it shows a graffiti drawn nurse. I really like the contrast with the art work and the red brick wall.

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The Old Bill

How about an action shot today? Well, that's what I attempted with this one! I tried focusing on the police car and following it, hoping for a blurred background. I think a bit more practise is needed!

As of tomorrow Cheltenham DP is handed over to you, as I'm off on my travels. If you want one of your photos to appear here then email me (details in my profile.) You'll get full credit and a link. Be sure to come back tomorrow to see who's in charge! I'll catch up with you all in a couple of weeks.

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Banking On Black And White

I asked yesterday what you wanted to see today and the consensus of opinion was a bank in black and white. I always give you what you want, so here it is! I'm glad that was the choice, as these photos are the result of my first attempt at playing around with the manual settings on my camera. And I took them in black and white. I'm quite pleased with them.

This is Lloyds bank on the High Street.

It has some wonderful architectural details.

To read about the buildings history see my past post.

As I've mentioned several times this week I'm off on holiday next week and I'm handing Cheltenham DP over to you. If you'd like one of your photos to appear here then email me (address in my profile.) You'll get full credit and a link.
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Born Free

At last, I've finished work for my holidays! Yesterday was my last day for 18 whole days and next Wednesday we are off to the Greek Island of Rhodes. I can't wait! What better way to illustrate the fact than this shop sign?!

As of next Monday I'm handing Cheltenham DP over to you, my dedicated visitors. If you'd like one of your photos to feature here then send me an email (details in my profile.) Thanks so much to those of you who have sent me some fantastic images so far. You know who you are. As I'm in holiday mode you can tell me what you want to see here tomorrow - either a bank in black and white or a shoppers starry sky. Let me know!

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St Michael Memories

Marks & Sparks, M & S, St Michael or Marks & Spencer. Whatever you call it this retail institution has been a feature on British High Streets for decades. The store started out life as a penny market stall in a Leeds market hall 125 years ago and over the years has grown into one of the most recognisable brands in the UK. To celebrate their birthday M & S held a Penny Bazaar in their stores, with twenty items costing just a penny. Peopled queued on the High Street, waiting for the doors to open, hoping to grab a bargain. The stock was limited (unsurprisingly) and many shoppers left empty handed, but it was a good publicity stunt! Anyway, today's photos show their retrospective window displays. Bright, colourful and full of memories.

As I mentioned yesterday I'm off on holiday next week and I'm planning to do a series of other peoples photos. If you'd like to loan a photo to appear on Cheltenham DP send me an email (address in my profile.) You'll get full credit and a link.

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Caravan Club

I've not shown you my favourite Cheltenham shop window for a while - so here it is. The display at White Stuff, on the Prom, is geared up for the summer holidays that are rapidly approaching. They are highlighting a great British institution - caravanning.

What makes perfectly normal people take loads of stuff from their house, cram it in a giant tin can on wheels, tow it behind their car for miles and miles, and then live in it for a week, normally in the rain?! I'm not adverse to a caravan holiday myself, but its got to be one of those permanent ones on a holiday site, near the sea. All mod-cons, spacious living, built in toilet and no towing hassle. When we were kids most of our family holidays were spent down in Devon and Cornwall in caravans, and I've had a few holidays in them as a grown up. But with lots more alcohol!

All this brings me nicely to asking a favour of you, my dedicated visitors. I'm off on my holidays next week (Greece. No caravan!) and I wonder if any of you would like to lend me a photo. I'm planning to do a series of posts of other places. You'll get full credit and a link. My email is in my profile. I look forward to hearing from you!

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Undercover

What can I say about this guy? Not a very subtle outfit for undercover operations, but at least he's got his camouflage trousers on!

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Marley In Birmingham

As you may have noticed I've been AWOL over the weekend. One of the reason being our trip to Birmingham (about 50 miles North of Cheltenham) to surprise AJC for her birthday. Phoebe and BFF had been plotting and planning, the result was me and Phoebe sitting in the bar of the hotel where AJC and BFF were staying. Surprise AJC! We went to a great restaurant, Metro, but due to me working yesterday and rubbish transport links (no trains or buses after 9.15pm from Birmingham to Chelt!) we had a fleeting visit, but we enjoyed ourselves none the less. Here are a few photos of our whistle stop tour.

The Council House building in Victoria Square

Mirrors in the Metro Bar and Grill

'Iron: Man' statue by Anthony Gormley in Victoria Square.

The Town Hall all lit up

BFF - thanks for inviting us, it was great to see you both.
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Three More

Yes, more chimneys! As I said yesterday - short and sweet posts this weekend. To answer some questions - No, I haven't been scrambling about on the roof tops of Cheltenham! All the chimney photos were taken from the roof top car park of the Regent Arcade. The car park looks down on to all the smaller surrounding buildings.

Enjoy your Sunday.
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Three's A Crowd

Not another chimney photo?! I'm afraid so. I've got a busy weekend so I'm going for quick and easy.

Have a guess at what tomorrows photo will be...
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Curved Chimneys

Unusual chimney pots as viewed from the Regent Arcade car park. I don't think I've ever seen any that look like this before. That's it today, enjoy your weekend.

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At The Foot Of Neptune

This photo was my other choice for theme day. I don't normally drag the theme out but I really liked how this shot turned out. Its a close up of Neptune's Fountain at the end of The Prom. I've posted on the fountain a couple of times before, click here for a full view and Neptune's history.

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Dancing In the Street

As I mentioned the other day, the weather here has been wonderful and on Saturday the town centre was buzzing. These guys were promoting the bar behind them by taking to the street for a bit of salsa dancing. The music was loud and quite a few people had stopped to watch. The dancers seemed to be enjoying themselves which in turn put a smile on the faces of the passing shoppers.

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Changing View - June

The second day of the month can mean only one thing at Cheltenham DP - Changing View! This photo is the tenth in a series that record the changes that take place in exactly the same spot every month. And this month I can finally show you green leaves and sun! Summer has at last arrived. Notice the bloke leaning against the bollard. He obviously wanted to get in on the act!

To see how the view has changed click on 'changing view' in the labels below.

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Theme Day - Feet

Another first of the month and another Theme Day across the CDPB community. This months theme is Feet (in case you hadn't guessed!) Don't ask me who these feet belong to, as I took this photo on the sly! I was taking a photo of the feet of the Holst statue, in Imperial Gardens, when a woman sat on the edge of the fountain and dipped her feet in the water. Perfect, I thought, so I surreptitiously snapped a shot! I'm really pleased with the result, all the elements came together - the light, the water droplets and, of course, the feet! Not very original, but that's me.

Put your best foot forward and check out the other bloggers taking part this month by clicking here to view the thumbnails.
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