KC & Rowan

Watching Rowan play with KC reminds me of Sarah [my niece] playing with Rowan when she was younger. This is a good thing.

The Three Cousins

Rowan loves having her two cousins around. Liam aged 3 and KC aged 1. They seem pretty pleased to have her there too.

Xmas Day 3

Christmas dinner was very different to how we thought it would be with the missing family. Nevertheless we had a great meal; Rowan is seen here about to cut open the pie she and Danielle made - a treat.

Xmas Day 2

10.26 Presents are opened around the tree. Rowan and Danielle give me a pottery nesting box for birds in the garden. Really nice.

11.02 I put the nest box up outside the kitchen window

11.27 House Sparrow obliges by visiting the box, just like it should

Xmas Day 1

5.22 Rowan comes into our room with her stocking to open it with us. [Next year she will be a teenager so will not get up till 2 in the afternoon]

6.00 Milo gets given his special "indestructible" Christmas Ball

6.11 Milo comes into show us his demolished ball.

Christmas Eve

Every year at Quaker meeting house there is a Christmas Eve meeting for worship with candles, readings, singing, silence and 3 carols with guitar and piano accompaniment.

This year Rowan was doing a reading and her friend Lily sang a solo. It was a good 45 minutes.

This candle is lit the whole time, from it the children pass around the small candles to all participants. The room is then full of light.

Happy Christmas 2010

Christmas Party

We had our annual Christmas drinks last evening. I thought it would be very small, as a lot of people were away, busy, etc, but it turned out busy and really enjoyable. We managed to catch up with plenty of people we hadn't seen for a while. Rowan entertained the juniors and the mulled wine went down smoothly.

This is the Cookie Tower that Danielle makes and Rowan decorates each year. Only trouble is it takes a long time to find someone brave enough to ruin the tower by eating the first cookie, but someone was up to the task.

Ben & Kari are further delayed due to a human/computer snafu error; the 27th should see them here.

Shed

We have replaced the shed in the garden with a new one [insert own joke about mid-life crisis] which 2 Polish blokes from a firm in Garstang put up last week on the one day that wasn't frozen solid like ... well Poland.

So in the shed are the garden stuff, the bee stuff, and the stuff stuff that has nowhere else to go.

Panto

We all had lunch at a pizza place in the magnificent Assembly Rooms in York, then Danielle and Rowan went to the legendary York Pantomime http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theatre_Royal,_York . It was meant to be a trip for the family, but we managed to get a refund. I give pantomime a wide berth.

The photo is of the pantomime villain.

Snow Joke

Ben & Kari's flight from the US was cancelled and they will not now make it here until Boxing Day at the earliest. Big disappointment at this end. Rowan had got the accommodation for her two toddler cousins all sorted out; it now waits forlornly.

Brambling

After the Siskins last week we saw a Brambling http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/b/brambling/index.aspx on the feeder today. This is the first time I have ever knowingly seen one, so very exciting.

The photo is one taken when I lived in Liverpool in 1978; one of my first arty shots that I turned up when I was looking through old albums at the weekend.

Christmas Tree

So here is the tree; moved to a new place to avoid the stove, the dog and the two toddlers expected on Tuesday when Ben [Danielle's brother] and Kari arrive with Liam and KC. Although we have no snow here at all [unique in the UK?] there is much disruption and so we fear that the visitors will be delayed.

Good Wreath

The advent calendar and the advent candle are in full swing this year. Joined today by the Christmas Wreath hand made by Danielle. She went on a course last year and here are the results - using a lot of bits of green stuff from the garden and the moor.

The Post

One of the good things about York is the post. Most of the postmen use bikes to deliver the mail, and often do that bit extra. Yesterday I was on the station getting the train to Doncaster when a postman came up to me "Mr Palmour from Hob Moor Drive?" "Yes" I replied wondering what it was about. "Here is a parcel that I couldn't fit through your door, I saw you and thought I'd save you a journey to the depot". I was equal parts amazed and appreciative.

The photo is from last week in the centre of York. The last remnants of the snow are still with us, and more is promised...

Sign

This sign in the loos might make every sense to a native english speaker but could be confusing to everyone else - the only thing you can put down the toilet is toilet tissue?

Book Group Xmas Party

Each year book group has a Xmas party. It started off as pretty low key, with a game of Ex-Libris. This year though, we had a bring & share meal, plenty of wine and a "life in 5 year slices with photos" event. Fascinating lives were revealed.

We also chose our favorite book from the 6 or 7 years of the group; and our least favorite. William Boyd - Restless [the good] and Niccolo Ammaniti - Steal You Away [the,very, bad]. Great evening.

Siskin

It is five years or so since I saw a Siskin in the garden. So it was a great surprise to see this pair on the feeder today.

Carols

Saturday we went to the chapel in the cemetery where Em had arranged carol singing and a party. We all enjoyed it and all sang [sometimes, but not always, the same tune at the same time]. Rowan then went on to a sleepover.

Solar Day

Yesterday was Solar Panel day. The crew of 3 arrived from Donny and had the whole thing up, running and finished by 3pm. The photo shows the panels on the roof of the extension. This is taken by the fitter on his phone. We are unlikely ever to see them, you can barely see them from the ground. Very exciting; a new pastime will be watching the red light flashing as we harvest the sunshine. This has been a Danielle project but we are all excited by it.

Jamming

Had a jam at the weekend with Alan, a bloke who plays guitar and sings. Good to play again with someone else.

The snow is finally going, much to the relief of all [even Rowan]. I was delivering photos yesterday evening and the temperature soared to 6 degrees.

Another moor photo.

Hob Moor news

Here is how the Moor is looking in the snow.

We had a Friends of Hob Moor meeting yesterday where the Council told us about the Stewardship scheme that they have successfully applied for [European money to conserve the site] http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/farming/funding/es/default.aspx . Someone had made a great igloo on the Moor at the weekend.

53

For my birthday, Danielle and I took the train [free, first class] down to London for the day. Bucks Fizz on the way down, dropping off my Condor bike for a respray at the Condor shop where it was made 20 year ago, then a great meal at Vanilla Black http://www.vanillablack.co.uk/ . This is the vegetarian restaurant that used to be in York, then relocated [somewhat improbably] to Chancery Lane. It was good to talk to the woman who runs it. Just great food too.

Then we came back, collected Rowan from school and had a special birthday apple cake for pudding. Not a bad way to be 53.

The photo is of my pudding at Vanilla Black

Samurai

One of the good things about talking to visiting delegations from Japan is that you know that you will receive a gift at the end of your speech.

For a long time this was a calculator [when they were a desirable consumer item] or something electronic. So I was very pleased to be given a cast iron model Samurai helmet one time. Here it is complete with name plaque [of a famous warrior of old] The cushion that also came with it has long gone, but it has survived repeated attempts by the rest of the family to liberate it.

Snow Journey

Friday I drove Mother back down to Peterborough services where Ro took her back to Suffolk. We set off and it was -11, colder than it ever is in the UK. The journey was Ok apart from the low sun, because the roads had been cleared and the traffic was sparse. Very glad to get back though.

The photo is of the Mayor and Danielle at the ceremony.

Citizen Danny2

The Citizenship ceremony in the Mansion House in York was good fun. An uplifting experience. About 20 people were being accepted as UK citizens including people from:

The Philippines

Turkey

Lithuania

Poland

Colombia

Mexico

India

USA

Bangladesh

China

The formalities were carried out by the Deputy Mayor. Afterwards we went to Betty's for a celebratory lunch.

Snow 2

I spoke too soon. The school is shut today. Danielle is due to become a UK citizen today, so I hope the snow does not lead to the cancellation of the ceremony.

This photo gives you an idea of the depth of snow we have, over 30cm and rising.

Snow

Growing up in the North West we never seemed to have snow. I remember hearing with envy of snowdrifts in Yorkshire and Kent. Today I spoke to someone from Garstang [just up the road from Preston] who has no snow at all. Meanwhile here in the east it is falling again, the most we have ever had here. Very exciting but very disruptive too. I have had to work from home this week, and Danielle is braving the hell that is the re-scheduled train service to London. Luckily Rowan's school is open; which is good news [a view not shared totally by Rowan].

Snow

Back to consultancy today, but the snow meant I am working from home for the next few days. The snow also meant that our solar panels are not now being fitted this week. Even Rowan's Yorkshire Netball has been cancelled. Mother is improving.

Bedern 3

The weather caught up with us today. The numbers coming into the exhibition were low, there was a blizzard going on outside so it's fair enough.

This morning all four of us [that's +Milo, not +Mother] went for a run on the snowy Knavesmire. They all waited for me.

The photo is another from Bedern Hall, I had plenty of time to look at this today...

Bedern Hall 2

Here is how the exhibition looks. Sales have been steady so all is well. Met some good people too. The snow has been hard and cold today so we are all glad to return to our warm home.

Bedern Hall

The first two days of the Inspire exhibition that I am part of has come and gone. I went it with no idea if I would sell - it is a new event for me. Things went pretty well and I had a number of sales - it is always pleasing to meet the people who want your work. The other artists have some good stuff on show, and the venue [a medieval hall] http://www.bedernhall.co.uk/ is fantastic. So far so good.

This shot - Lake Fence - is getting the attention

Sunday

Sunday morning I went a ride with Edward, Dave, Emma, Paul and Ted. Very leisurely including a cafe stop at Tadcaster. Meantime Rowan was doing a film project at Quaker meeting.

Then I drove down to collect Mother from Auntie Alison's. I stayed with Richard and Tonks in their B&B - very swish. Very good to see everyone. Mother has a bad cough but I got her up here to the clear air of Yorkshire.

This photo came up when I was doing a sweep of shots that I had in my pending file.

Grass Swirl

Saturday, Danielle took Rowan to watch the international Fastnet [sexed-up netball] tournament in Liverpool http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12415_6512483,00.html . Meantime I was photographing a wedding [on my terms I hasten to add] at the Merchant Taylors Hall. It went well, I enjoyed it. Then we all met up in the evening to see the new Harry Potter movie with Adrian and Kath. Definitely the best one since HP3.

This photo is from Aberdovey this year.

The Mount

Danielle has finally stood down from being Chair of the Govenors of the Mount [Rowan's school]. She has "saved the school" [quote from one senior teacher] and put in hours and hours of work and helped the new headteacher get settled in. I am glad she has stopped.

This is the glass bowl they gave her to mark her stepping down.

Working Breakfast

So yesterday at 6.45am I found myself in a York hotel lobby with 40 or so buzzing local business people. I was invited to a structured business group as a guest of one of the members. Very impressive, not masonic, but not suitable for my business at the moment. It is always good to experience new things though.

The photo is another one from the glories of Sheffield, this is where I saw the Kingfishers.

Remember the General

General Johnson, one of the soul-music greats has died http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2010/oct/17/general-johnson-obituary. I suppose we better get used to this, they're all going to go over the next 20 years or so. Give Me Just A Little More Time by Chairmen of the Board [his band] is one of the all time great singles. RIP.

The Photo was taken in Doncaster this week. I needed to be quick on the draw to catch the light, the pram and the cross-shadow. What do you think?

Podcasts

At the moment the two podcasts I still listen to regularly are:

NPR All Songs Considered [a great weekly trawl through new music]

Guardian Football Weekly [irreverent enough for me]

with occasional Thinking Allowed [sociology], In Our Time [erudition], Real Peloton [alternative cycling sport], Composer of the Week and Building a Library [Radio 3], Paul Jone [Blues] and Mike Harding [Folk]

I hardly ever listen to the radio in real time anymore.

The photo is another church from the Sheffield trip.

6

The Sustrans route in Sheffield takes you through strange Victorian landscapes. This is some sort of drain under a road in the north of the City.

The blog is six years old. Hard to believe, but it feels good.

More Sheffield

Another day in Sheffield for Rowan. Another explore for me on the mountain bike. This week I headed north on a Sustrans route. Plenty of interest including a couple of typically grim, dour, millstone-grit churches; good stuff.

A Milestone

A busy day today. Rowan had a school netball match [they won] Danielle was getting her hair done [again] then Rowan and I went to a cycle parts sale. The day had finally come for Rowan's beloved helmet [which she has had since she was 4] to be replaced. I have a feeling it will be hoarded as an historic artifact for years to come.

Bramhope

Another shot from the bike ride last week. This is Bramhope viaduct across the Wharfe Valley. Hard to believe it was seen as vandalism at the time of its being built.

Danielle and I met in town for lunch at Loch Fyne today which was a rare treat.

The Daily Mail

Remember the Object interview I did for Radio 4 about the Motorway paperweight? well I forgot [Freudian slip undoubtedly] to say that the Daily Mail [worst most right-wing rabid paper in the UK] had also interviewed me about it. I never bothered to see the article but found this link today [five months late] http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1289012/What-YOUR-treasured-object-does-say-20th-century.html

For some reason the fact that I was married with a child was very important to them [draw your own obvious conclusions] Unfortunately showing the high standard of journalism for which they are renowned they call Danielle, Caroline [an easy mistake to make] and put words into my mouth that were never there.

Par for the course.

Film Noir

Danielle is mending well.

I have always loved Film Noir http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Film_noir and spent many an hour in the Scala watching triple bills of noir classics. I had forgotten too how much I liked the films of Fritz Lang with their great lighting and mise en scene http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mise_en_scène.

I had not seen a Film Noir or a Fritz Lang movie for a good 12 years or so. So it was great to watch Scarlet Street [which is both] on a cheapo boxed set of Noir classics. Just brilliant film-making. Out came all my old Noir reference books and it is like discovering the magic of the genre all over again.

Accident

Waiting in the cold dark rain for Rowan to come out of school yesterday, my phone goes. It is Danielle saying she has come off her bike, the police and ambulance are there, she has to go to hospital. Not good. So I have to wait with the dog until Rowan emerges, then collect Danielle's bike from the scene of the accident [just near school], walk home with daughter dog and bike. Then get Rowan and I over to the hospital to collect Danielle who is now x-rayed, checked up and fine, but with facial wounds [ heavy swelling and a black eye]. So, it could have been a lot worse, all will be fine, and we have a new family rule - if you're on a bike, you wear a helmet.

Artichoke Soufle

Saturday afternoon I harvested the Jerusalem Artichokes from the garden. Bringing their muddy gnarled magnificence into the kitchen I wondered how many litres of artichoke soup we were about to be treated to. I sat down at the table, looked at the paper, and there was a recipe for artichoke and goat cheese soufle. Danielle cooked them and they were delicious.

Leeds

Rowan was triathloning in Leeds yesterday morning. So I took the mountain bike for a two hour ride round Bramhope, Harewood and Eccup. Does any UK city have a more beautiful hinterland? No. It was a perfect cold autumn morning, again. This tree was in Harewood where bridleways take you right through the estate.

Halloween

Over the years Rowan and her next-door friend Rhianna have tried various Halloween trick or treat strategies. And they still do the dressing up; could be the last year I reckon.

Bonfire Night

For Bonfire Night we went round to John & Katy's for a meal with 12 people - really pleasant, and we didn't even have to go to the bonfire this year.

Meantime Rowan was at a Lush party [soap not descriptor] and then I picked her up from Ask the pizza place at 9.30pm. She got a good view of York nightlife in all its glory.

The photo is of the English Institute of Sport [aka my second home] where Rowan does her Netball academy.

Inspired

I am exhibiting with some other York artists in the build up to Christmas. It is in an ancient hall in the middle of the City - it will be interesting to see how it goes.

Five Years

I had my first day working in Stockton this week. A good journey there [car unfortunately, not practical by rail] and good people to work with. Another photo from the Sheffield walks.

My "what I was doing 5, 10, 15 etc years ago" idea proved popular - a few people have sent me theirs, so do yours and send them my way.

More Sheffield

I found this office block near Meadowhall in Sheffield. It would not look out of place in Silicone Valley and does look a bit odd next door to Sheffield Forgemasters.