Danielle - Radio Star

Danielle made the cut on Gardeners' Question Time. You can hear her [third question in] on http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0788bc6#play . The advisor referred to is me.

Mother's Funeral

Yesterday was Mother's funeral. It went very well, and was just how she would have wanted it. All the family were there with friends from Oxford and Suffolk. 

Land-art

A few pieces of land-art were commissioned on the Wolds Way several years back. They don't work too well, but are pretty harmless. This swirly one near Thixendale is now well established.

House Guest

Danielle's school friend form New York, Eric, was over in London for work, so he nipped up to stay over at the weekend. Good to see him again, and he got to see the exhibition as well.

It was good weather for Open Studios this weekend, so the bikes were out in force. Another good day yesterday.

Battle Mountain

Friday I went to see a new film about Graeme Obree at the City Screen in York with Dave Dave and Emma. A really good film http://obree.com/obree-news/337-battle-mountain-graeme-obree-s-story.html , and Graeme was there for a Q&A afterwards that he excelled at. There was a real warmth for this true cycling hero with a troubled past and candid appraisal of his present and future. The strange object in the photo is his prone/recumbent HPV that he used in a world record attempt.

Open Studios Update

Open studios was trundling along very nicely today, lots of chat, some sales. Then a really nice family came in, chatted looked around a lot, then bought four big works in one go. That gave me a spring in my feet.

This shot of Frendal Dale was one of them

Gorse

Gorse is present in a number of the Wolds valleys, and this is the best time of year for it.

York Station

Waiting for my train to Birmingham yesterday in the warm afternoon sun I took this shot of relaxed people waiting for their London train.

GQT

Gardeners' Question Time [venerable Radio 4 programme about, well, gardening] came to York last night. Danielle had a question asked [by her] and answered [by the panel]. Not sure if it will make the final edit but I'll keep you informed. It was a lot of fun.

Photo is of the lounge, looking through to the garden; at last spring is in the air.

Bike Racks

The cycle racks by the garage are well-used during Open Studios weekends, many people come by bike. One couple walked with their dogs and used the racks to tie them to. The dogs looked worried.

Moor Wet

The Moor is as wet and sodden as ever I have seen it. Not a great welcome for the cattle which returned last weekend. Everyone is always glad to see them back.

Hildur

After the intense emotion of an Open Studios weekend, what better way to chill down than going to hear an Icelandic avant-garde cellist at the Early Music Centre in York? Answer: there is no better way. Hildur Guonadottir was brilliant. A mix of her voice, cello and loops she created live meant a really great experience.
This photo has gone down really well; someone pointed out that the trees in the foreground are dead, yet the shadows cast onto the canyon wall come from live trees behind me. I love things like that.

YOS update

Open studios going pretty well so far. When I took this photo it resonated with me - I was not quite sure why.
First evening of the show two men [of an age] immediately said separately "Led Zep 4!"
My heart sank: had a band I didn't like managed to infiltrate my subconscious?
I don't think so, but I suppose I know what they mean.

Getting Ready

Jo and I have got the studio ready. Had out first visitors already [6 hours early, but all welcome].

York Open Studios is about to start. Nine years since my first participation. 

Memory

This is one of my favourite photos of Mother with Rowan, taken when we were on holiday together in Wales. The dedicated [repeated] reading of LWW by Mother is matched by the rapt attention of her granddaughter.

Mary Palmour RIP

Mother died in her sleep last night at the home in Framlingham. Seems like it was a peaceful ending.
This photo is from 2000, on one of Mother's much treasured and anticipated trips to York to help out with the baby Rowan.

Bird News

The Wren's are nesting outside the kitchen, the Blue Tits are in two nest boxes, and a pair of Song Thrushes are busy nest-building somewhere secret. So the Birds, at least, think that it is Spring.

The Wren getting busy

Sunday

Whilst I was cycling with Dave and Dan in the Wolds on a beautiful spring day, Danielle was having lunch with four friends at the vegan restaurant in town - El Piano. Everyone happy.

World War 1 Art

Danielle and I walked into town to see the WW1 art exhibition at York Art Gallery http://www.yorkartgallery.org.uk/exhibition/truth-and-memory-british-art-of-the-first-world-war/

It was really incredible. Fantastic work, no punches pulled. My favourite was one by Stanley Spencer which I could look at all day I think.

 The photo is from my walk in the Wolds.

Brubber Dale

I appreciate that I go on about the Wolds a little too much; but I shall try just to explain why I like it. Again.
I walked for three hours up and around Brubber Dale with the dog. It was a lovely bright day [as in the picture] in beautiful dry valleys. In that three hours I saw no one, not a soul. I can't really think of anywhere else that you could do that, it really is a special secret place.

Water

Surface water in the Wolds is a rare commodity. In Millington there is a rare pond and stream. Useful for getting the mud off of the dog.

Guildhall

My days in Northampton are nearing an end. No doubt about it the Guildhall is a beautiful building. The Old Bank is now, naturally, a pub.

Seasonal Adjustments

With two sunny trips in recent months, my brain is expecting winter to be on the way. I look out at the cold damp weather [plenty to choose from lately] and think to myself "winter is on the way". Then I realise we have spring and "summer" still to come. It is a good feeling.
The photo is from the path up Montgo in Spain.

Bedside

Bedside table at home. Pile of books, ipod in the dock, bowl from Santa Fe, cup of herbal tea, pen, post-its, glasses. Time for bed.

New Shoes

Danielle has new trainers. Milo likes to get to know them.

91

Mother was 91 this week. Ro organised a party for her, great grandchildren Rosalind and Felix providing the entertainment.

Good Service

Two years ago I bought a touring bike from Spa Cycles in Harrogate. This is a shop with a national reputation - and not always good. Your welcome can range from excellent to grumpy. Today I took my bike back wanting to buy a clip for my mudguard and for them to cut down the steering tube.
The mechanic took the bike away, did the work on the steering tube, and found a clip and fitted it for me with no fuss [it took about 20 minutes]. Then he charged me nothing. That is good service.

The photo is Valencia indoor market - something to behold.