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.

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.

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.

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!

Last To Leaf

Not actually the last leaf but one of a very few on this tree, and there aren't many left on others. It won't be long until they'll all be naked for winter. The very windy weekend helped a lot of the trees shed their autumn clothes. Is it spring yet?!

In The Red

I know you've seen it all before but Autumn is in full swing (we even had a frost last night) and the trees are looking at there absolute best. This red maple was just crying out to be featured on Cheltenham Daily Photo. Its actually the only decent photo I've taken of leaves with the light behind them. I'm quietly pleased with this one. Over the next few days I'll share some more Autumn photos with you. I know, I know but its not here for very long! Humour me!

From Small Acorns

Actually, I'm not sure this is an acorn! Anyway, for the purpose of the title, it is! How long until this small acorn grows into a might oak I wonder?

I'm away for a few days. I'll catch up with your blogs next week.

Sky Watch Friday

Out Of Africa.

OK. OK. Its not actually Africa but it has that feel. Its actually out of the back of my local community centre! I had to stand on the top of the railings to get high enough above the hedge to take this tree in the distance. The things we do...

To join in with Sky Watch, or to see who is in this week, head over to the Sky Watch Friday Blog.

Can You Tell What It Is?

Any ideas what this is lurking behind the trees? Answer next week.

I've got loads on this coming week so posts will be short and sweet and comments few.

Have a great weekend.

Sky Watch Friday

Union Jack

I just liked the different elements in this scene - the grey/blue sky, the flag, the roof tops, the green splash of colour from the tree and the little pigeon (can you spot him?)

Flags are difficult to photograph, aren't they? I took about five different shots of this scene and this was the best flag one. I really wanted a photo with a fully flying flag. Better luck next time.

To join in with Sky Watch, or to see the sky from all around the world, head over to the Sky Watch Blog.

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Peek-A-Boo Post Box

Or how about the title - 'Penfold Peeking'?

"Why the Penfold?" I here you ask. This hexagonal designed letter box is called a Penfold and is one of eight in Cheltenham. Apparently Cheltenham has the highest number of Victorian post boxes in the country - eight of these ones and six round ones, all with the VR insignia (Victoria Regina.) In the UK letter boxes are inscribed this way in relation to the reigning monarch at the time of installation (most now have ER on them.) This letter box on Lansdown Road used to have the finial on the top missing but it has been replaced with a replica one, tomorrows post box is the original version (yes, the start of a mini-series!)

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Water Tree

A tree reaching for the lake in Pitville Park.
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Old Tree

Just on the outskirts of the town centre is Clarence Square - a little square of grass, fenced of from the world and accessed by a wrought iron gate. It's surrounded by the Regency town houses that Cheltenham is famous for. As I wandered through the small park I spotted this tree, or rather what is left of this tree. At first I thought it was just a carved sculpture, then I realised its a carved sculpture created from a tree that is still rooted. Tree conservationists in Cheltenham aren't in the habit of letting trees be carved up. I guess the tree was in need of felling and someone with a creative mind came up with this. It looks good, better than it being chipped or used as firewood, and it felt so smooth.

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Wild Flowers

Today - just wild flowers in the long grass under a tree.

Some of you might be interested by this new BBC blog - Viewfinder.
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Sky Watch Friday

Peach Sky

We have been treated to some lovely spring weather over the last few days and last nights sunset created this wonderful pastel coloured sky. What more can I say? Mother Nature is good.

If you want to join in with Sky Watch, or to see all the other views of the sky, head over to the Sky Watch Friday Blog.

The winner of yesterdays sheep related pun/joke challenge is...drum roll please..."Ewe down there - must grin & bear it!" from Tash at Palos Verdes Daily Photo. Pun-tastic winner!

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Tree Trunks

I think I'll just let the photograph do the talking today. I'll just add that I love the light and shadow in this photo.

I've got a lot on this week, and its not work - its fun! Anyway, I'm scheduling posts and will comment when I can.
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Spring Time

At last - Spring! This is the first blossom I've seen this year. The weather has been milder over the last few days and life is starting to creep back into the parks and gardens around town. We've had a really long and cold winter by our standards so this sight is a very welcome one. Soon the daffodils will be flowering and then spring really will have sprung.

I've got a lot on this week, and its not work - its fun! Anyway, I'm scheduling posts and will comment when I can.

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A Branch Of The Museum

I've managed to get one of my photos displayed in a museum! What do you think?

OK, its not real but it looks good, and that couple seem to be enjoying the my snow covered branches! I wasn't feeling very inspired for a post today, then I checked out Bibi's blog and my problem was solved. She had posted a similar photo, created with the help of Dumpr, the other day and I did the very original thing - I copied her! (I'm feeling lazy today, let me off.) Anyway, that's it really apart from the branches belong to the cherry tree, in front of my flat, covered in snow last week.

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Tunnel Vision

If you saw my update on yesterdays post then you'll know it snowed. Here in Cheltenham we had a couple of inches, which was nothing compared to the South East of the UK, especially London which saw about a foot of snow and brought the capital to a grinding halt. Actually most of the country ground to a halt. It was a snow day!

I made the effort yesterday to head into town to take some more snowy photos. We don't often get snow in Cheltenham and we've had snow twice this year, which is nice. I wanted to capture the scene in the Prom, as I might use the images for Christmas cards this year - always think ahead!

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Mind Play

Cheltenham DP is back after a little break for the festivities. I hope you all had a great Christmas, I did, and I hope Santa brought you everything that you wanted. Its a bit of a struggle getting back into the routine of life after all the fun of Christmas. I'm back at work tomorrow and then we get a day off for New Year. All this partying is taking its toll!

I thought I'd test you all with today's photo, to help get your Christmas addled brains back into gear. Who can spot what is going on in this shot?

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