The Old Gentleman

The Railway Children event at the NRM had a real-life Old Gentleman to talk you through the old railway coach. This was a big hit with Rowan as you can see. Time has moved on. When I got her to pose with a real-life Fat Controller [from Thomas the Tank engine] five years ago she burst into tears... not anymore.

Danielle's friend Teresa stayed last night, they both went off to see the North Star steel band from Huddersfield http://www.northstars.org.uk/ and had a great time.

Halloween

This is this year's pumpkin - it is a siamese twin one which Danielle got in the market. The plan is for Rowan to go trick-or-treating with Rhianna [her mate next door] tommorow evening.

Tried a new recipe for spinach / parmesan / egg / breadcrumb / nutmeg balls yesterday which worked really well, and is a good way of using up the always plentiful spinach from the garden. Harvested the artechokes today. Some are put back in for next year crop, and the rest are cooked then frozen for putting in soups during the year.

We went to the National Railway Museum today: there was an event to mark 100 years since the publication of The Railway Children by Edith Nesbit http://www.therailwaychildren.dsl.pipex.com/ . Rowan has loved the book, both movies, the radio verison and the play... so we had a good time. There was the old gentleman's carriage to sit in, and some quizes and a play, so we all had a good time. We are really lucky having such a great resource as the museum within walking distance.

Whilst there I took the chance of updating this photo of Rowan. Same place, a few years later.

Rowan's Oak Tree

Two shots of Rowan's new climbing tree. An oak in the middle of nowhere on the York - Selby cycle track.

Guitars in Yorkshire

Living in Yorkshire one starts thinking about strange things to do with the county. Such as. A disproportionate number of great rock guitarists come from the county.
Mick Ronson [Bowie's right hand man]
John McLaughlin [Mahavishnu Orchestra bloke]
Alan Holdsworth [Jazz Rock]
Bill Nelson [Be Bop Deluxe and still going strong]
and some others that I will remember. Given that there are so few good Yorkshire bands, this seems like an impressive list.

RSPB gig

Today we cycled down the Planets Cycle Path to Ricall http://www.cobr.co.uk/e-cobr_information/cycling_initiatives/sections/rail_trails/york_selby/text.shtml on the Tandem for a junior RSPB event that Rowan was invited to as a junior member [Wildlife Explorer] http://www.rspb.org.uk/youth/join_in/wex/index.asp . It was pretty good. Had a beautiful ride back, finding a great tree-climbing oak to climb en-route. The photo is from the Quarry, Rowan in front of her favorite tree.

The Quarry

Rowan and I went down to our favorite haunt - Kirtlington Quarry http://www.english-nature.org.uk/special/geological/protect3j.htm which is a real maze of footpaths and secret corners. When it was private land, before it was developed for leisure use, I used to sneak in past the "Danger Keep Out" signs and sit and think. Now I have no time to do either of those things, but it is always good to visit.

The photo is of Sarah and Rowan yesterday - they are both always very glad to see each other

Oxford

The photo is of Rowan starjumping in the park yesterday

Today Rowan and I drove into Oxford and parked up near Headington Hill [this is a spot on the road that is free to park, and a perfect walk of about a mile into Oxford on footpaths - I can't understand why everyone doesn't do it too...] We then walked through the water meadows into the Parks and so to Oxford. It was a beautiful sunny morning and perfect for walking. It was good to see Cousin Sarah who is doing an MA on religion and science [she really needs to get on and consider bigger issues...] at St Johns college http://www.sjc.ox.ac.uk/ .

Grommit

Had a good journey down last night, Mother had the gin and tonic waiting, Rowan slept for the last hour or so. Today was raining so we took the bus into Oxford [the way they drive the buses this doubles up as a roller-coaster ride, so it is very good value] and saw the Wallace and Grommit movie http://www.wandg.com/ in the Odeon which is a good old-fashioned cinema with a big screen. We both enjoyed it. Rowan's favorite bit was when Victor went head-first into the Candy Floss machine...

Tandem of not to tandem

Danielle took Rowan swimming, I was reading the notices at Meeting for the fourth week - it is hard getting jokes into anything to do with Quakers but I do my best - seems to be appreciated by most. Rowan has Lilly round for a play this afternoon, I am getting ready for driving down to Mother's with Rowan for our half term visit. Have worked out how to get the Tandem on the roof but decide not to take it this time as a lot of rain is forecast.
The photo is of the Tandem - feeling rejected

Rained In

The photo is of the hades-like River Aire flowing underneath Leeds station
A good day. Danielle was off early to the gym, so Rowan and I "played mechanics" in the garage, and fitted the tandem rack to the car. Then we all went off to the gym where Rowan had a trampoline lesson and we did our stuff. Pouring rain meant we had an "inside" afternoon for all three of us, which was rare and pleasant. Rowan and Danielle watched Spongebod Squarepants [aargh...] and I did some photo framing.

Extend Extend

Another picture from ExCel last weekend.

We had the architect come around today to talk about our extension. It went very well, no one mentioned Grand Designs [UK TV program http://www.channel4.com/4homes/ontv/grand-designs/] , and he seemed to understand what we were after. What we are looking at is putting a second floor on half the house, with access to the roof. Seems the best way will be to suspend the new flloor above the house, and connect it via a staircase alongside the house. Very exciting, and probably too expensive, but good so far.

Leeds

I had a good day running my Action Learning Set in Huddersfield. I use my own model but this link gives some information on the topic http://www.bond.org.uk/lte/alsets.htm#aboutal.
On the way back I stopped off in Leeds and had a wander around. It is 30 years since I left home to live in Leeds. It has certainly changed, back then there was just one Italian restraunt and no coffee [at least that is how I remember it] now it is a buzzing city. The Granary Wharf area http://www.vrleeds.co.uk/advertisers/granary_wharf/granary_main.html is underneath the arches beneath the railway station: what makes it unusual is the fact that the river Aire flows through the tunnels, giving it the feel of Hades.
The photo is of Canary Wharf and the Millenium Dome from ExCel

Courgettes

Another photo from ExCel.
The manky old courgette plants in the garden, which look one frost away from instant death, are still producing lovely little courgettes. We had some yesterday with tuna, pesto and pasta. The autumn plantings of broad beans and onions and challotes are showing their heads as well, so the garden is doing OK at the moment. I had a pretty savage prune-fest on the plum trees, hope they survive.

Sayings

I have collected a few "sayings" over the last year or two that I like...
- You can't have the weekend without the week
- American football combines the two worst aspects of modern life, violence and committee meetings
- A wealth of information creates a poverty of attention
- ...the neglected air of a place where there was nothing to do and yet so much to be done...
- If you think you are too small to make a difference, then try sleeping with a mosquito

Ceramics

Rowan had a hard time at swimming [the instructor is very good, and a bit strict] so Danielle took her to the Rainbow cafe in york where you design your own pots, they fire them, then you pick them up later in the week.
All went to the gym this afternoon.
The photo is from ExCel yesterday. The old cranes around the docks have been kept, and look fantastic. I remember when I moved to London in the early 80s I often used to cycle round Silvertown and the old docks. Then it was desolate but impressive, now it is equally impressive but totally regenerated - quite an achievement.

Things Move On

We all headed down to London on our free GNER tickets for the day. First Class and much appreciated. Once in town I headed for Docklands and the Cycle Show at Excel http://www.cycleshow.co.uk/ . Blimey things have changed. It is 10 years since I last went to a cycle show in London - they used to be grim affairs at places like Olympia, cramped, terrible food, queues for everything, and a real feeling of being down way beyond the heel. But this time it was great. Excel [int eh photo] was a fantastic venue, with a perfect light for photography of the transformed docklands all around. The show was much better than it used to be, and I got some good information, and met a few people from the cycling past. Really enjoyed it.
Meanwhile Danielle and Rowan went to London Zoo http://www.tourist-information-uk.com/london-zoo.htm which they loved [I was prepared to make the sacrifice of not going...] then went up to West Hampstead to see Gwen and John's new baby boy [unamed after 2 weeks] brother to William [which rules out Ben for obvious reasons]. Then we all met up at Kings Cross and had a good journey home, travelling back from York station on the tandem and a bike.

Late Autumn

It has been really warm here for the last week or so. Autumn has still not really started, there are plenty of leaves on the ground, but the trees all look full of leaves as well. Even the Lazy Ash [last on / first off] has only just started dropping her leaves all over the trampoline.
The rat seems to have been vanquished [for now] which is a bit of a relief.
When I was in London I learnt from Steve that the Badminton group that I started 15 years ago at Langham sport centre in Tottenham, is still going, 7 1/2 years since I left. This is good news, and I hope to make a visit on Thursday evening before too long. Had a really good game today with Edward, revenging last week's defeat.

BMS

This evening we are off to BMS, http://www.bms-york.org.uk/ which is a series of 6 concerts each winter held at York University. They are great [a lot better than the website] , and by buying season tickets it means we get to go to at least 6 concerts a year. Today it is The Nash Ensemble http://website.lineone.net/~nash_ensemble/ . Rowan is very pleased we are going, as George is babysitting, he is the teenage son of some friends around the corner - one of Rowan's favourites.

It was good to be in London yesterday, shame the weather wasn't like it was when I took this photo last year.

Cardboard Box

Despite all the toys at her disposal, nothing is quite as exciting as an empty cardboard box, and long may it continue.

Had a good day in London, meeting up with some old friends who could send some work my way in future.

Got home and my mother has informed me about John Peel Day http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/johnpeel/johnpeelday/2005/gigs/other/ who would have thought it!

The Romans Are Coming

Rowan had a great time being Roman yesterday at Murton http://www.murtonpark.co.uk/html/brigantium_roman_fort.html . It was part of a school trip to learn about the Romans. The highlight was when she and Oliver had to defend the fort from the Celts...

The photo is of grass on the dunes at Aberdovey. We have already booked again for next year, and persuaded some friends with a daughter of Rowan's age to come with us.

Bee Books

After meeting we had a friend of Danielle's, Fiona, who is a writer http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/1844080455/qid=1128938470/sr=8-1/ref=pd_ka_1/202-0374437-6050250 around for lunch. She is researching bees for her next novel, so Danielle took her up on the roof to look at the hives. Meantime Rowan had her friend Peter round to play.

Rats

The Football was really good fun. Rowan got used to chanting, Mexican waves, and seeing England throw away a one goal lead. All good stuff.
The photo session went amazingly well. I have never known 3 work hours go so quickly. Hopefully the results will please.
The newest, and least welcome, wildlife in the garden is a rat http://www.nature.ca/notebooks/english/brnrat.htm which has set up home in the compost heap. So far I have fed it three loads of poison, which it has eaten. This means either it will be dead, or that it loves the poison and is immune to its effects. We will see.
The photo is from the Textures series. A slate cairn in the Lakes.

Busy Day

I am off to take some photo's of kids at Em's playgroup this afternoon. Somewhat daunting, but it should be a good way of getting my name known.
If I survive that then we are all off to Elland Road to see England v Austria under 21 international. It's a school trip, and several of Rowan's friends are going as well. So should be good.
The photo is of Walmgate Stray which is another common ground [like Hob Moor] in York that has its own cattle grazing on it in the summer. It is part of our route to the University and the Gym, with a great cycle path across it.

One Year Old Today

The Blog is a year old today. It gets 250 unique visitors a month, with about a 100 being returning visitors. The geographical stretch takes in the UK and the east and west of the US. Not sure who it is the Philipines who likes it, but there you go...
Greenfinches http://www.rspb.org.uk/birds/guide/g/greenfinch/index.asp are numerous on the peanuts at the moment, I do not know if it is linked to migration or just a very successful summer, but they are good to watch.
Spotted this Fungus in the garden, anyone know what it is? It tastes a bit odd [only joking, it looks very poisonous]

Carnegie

Danielle is just back from Edinburgh where she attended the Carnegie foundation gig at the Scottish Parliament http://www.eventscotland.org/media_archive_display.htm?newsid=5169. She had a chat with Mary Robinson http://www.unhchr.ch/html/hchr/unhc.htm [ex Irish President] which sounded interesting.

I have finished reading our next bookgroup book "The Line of Beauty" by Andrew Hollinghurst http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/0330483218/qid=1128532039/sr=8-1/ref=pd_ka_1/202-1662036-0653437 which is fantastic. I think this is the first Booker Winner I have ever read [I only lasted to page 6 of Midnight's Children] For once I understand the phrase "beautifully written" - it is. Recommended.

The photo is from Hebden Bridge. It is an old pannier track, for packhorses with panniers [too narrow for carts], that ran all through the Pennines. It looks to me like the backbone of a dinosaur pushing up through the ground.

Hebden Bridge

I had one of my "read work on the train and combine it with a walk days" travelling to Hebden Bridge for a walk up to Hardcastle Crags http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-hardcastlecrags.htm a beautiful National Trust woodland. A very still day. On the way down I walked alongside the fast flowing river, thinking "there's got to be a Dipper on here somewhere" and sure enough one eventually flew low over the water, made me feel good. http://www.rspb.org.uk/birds/guide/d/dipper/index.asp

Train Set

Rowan and I got an invite from John to go and see his train set yesterday afternoon. This is a set he is developing in his retirement. What was a very complex system [that didn't work properly] he has now rationalised into a simple, non integrated system that actually works. [I think there is a message for my work with local authorities there]. Either way we all enjoyed having a go on it. The Mallard is a real steam engine that runs on the track, made by Hornby http://www.worldwideshoppingmall.co.uk/toys/hornby-mallard-set.asp and was working fine.

Circus

We all went to the Chinese Stae Circus this afternoon after meeting. http://www.bbc.co.uk/suffolk/content/articles/2004/10/21/chinese_state_circus_ipswich_feature.shtml it was very good. Rowan was disapointed there were no clowns - this was a bonus for me. The Big Top was on the Knavesmire [ten minutes walk across the moor] and full of an enthusiastic York crowd. It was great being able to stroll over. It is pretty amazing that such an entertainment of a touring company turning up from town to town can still pull in the crowds, despite all the competition.
The picture is of Filey Brigg, which is the cliff at Filey where I ended up yesterday. It was not this stormy yesterday though.

Route 66

Whilst Danielle and Rowan went off on the tandem for a town>swim>reading group day, I headed for Route 66. That's the Sustrans cycle route 66. It heads east from York and goes through suitably desolate landscapes. I left it and went across the Yorkshire Wolds to Filey, which is a seaside town. It was a good ride. The Wolds are a strangely lonely landscape of chalk hills with steep dry valleys and isolated villages with names like Wetwang and Fridaythorpe. In many ways it is the loneliest part of Yorkshire, there is no real tourism here. If the Wolds were within 50 miles of London they would be hugely popular. Here they pale in comparison to the North York Moors and the Dales. That's why I love them.