Cool Ouse

Walking routes for the dog have to include plenty of water holes for her to wallow in and keep cool. This is the Ouse just across from the racecourse. Plenty of beaches for those in need.

Wedding 2

Sunday we drove over to Hadfield in the peak district for nephew Will's marriage to Alex. It was a very enjoyable and happy event. As is the custom I agreed to do some photos, which went pretty well. Here are the couple with Will's side of the family (and Hettie the dog).

Wedding 1

Danielle was officiating at a Quaker wedding on Saturday. I got asked to take a photo of the bride and groom, here are Josh and Emma.
 

Hatfield Moors

Back on Hatfield Moors this week, the first time since March. Here my faithful companion awaits as I do camera stuff. We walked a good loop round the moors for just shy of five hours. Saw not a soul. It is the most amazing place.

 

New photo

New shot taken on a bike ride this week, near Cawood. No title necessary.

The Planets

The scale model of the solar system that runs along the dead straight old railway line from York to Selby is one the great things of York. It has recently been resurfaced (a very rare occurrence on a cycle track) and this new sculpture built around an old signal has been erected. Even better now.

Music news

Had a band practice this week, going to play a gig in November all being well. The current line up is Robert on drums and backing vocals, Peter on bass, Adrian on keyboard, me on guitar and harp and vocals. Sounding pretty good.

Here is my favourite guitar, a telecaster that has taken over from the strat. I just love playing it.

Mud Mud

When the becks run dry I can take water for Layla to drink. But she stills needs her Water Buffalo wallow to cool her down. Trouble is, any water she finds is actually mud.

Favourite Things

The chilli plant continues to deliver an endless supply of red hot chilli peppers. It is now well into its second year and shows no sign of slowing down. I dry some, use some in chilli jelly, and use some fresh.

Also in this picture, my best selling photograph and my favourite guitar.

Garden News

The plants in the greenhouse produced their first ripe tomatoes on August 1st this year, which seems a record to me. These two lovely big ones were picked today.

Shame

Another old photo. Taken in 1985 near the Elephant & Castle. The Shame graffiti is what caught my eye, and the pigeon dropping off the roof at top left added to it. Since demolished I think.

Danielle and I watched the Babylon movie last week. I saw this on release in 1981 in London and it made quite an impression, so much so that I remembered specific scenes even though I had not seen it for over 40 years. It portrays the grimness of those times very well.

Heat

Going a 100km ride in highs of 36° was perhaps not the best of ideas. But I loved the ride and slept like a log. Finding a bench in the shade for lunch was essential. This is in the village of Harton.

The rain came last night (for about a half hour) which was great.

Summer Scene

Rowan Tree, Layla Dog, Pocklington Canal

Deadwood

Even in such a summery summer, there are still tree that can project menace. These three dead trees emerge from the verdant wood by the Pocklington Canal.

New Neighbour

Our neighbours take on rescue dogs really in need. The latest, Moose, came round to meet Layla this week. They got on well!

Stairs

I found this shot when I was curating my photos following the Foot Break Incident. I really like it, and was surprised to find it was taken at the flat in Princes Road in Liverpool 8 that Charlie, Joanna and I shared in 1978.

Cardoon Inside

I picked the first Cardoon flower of the year. It should last a good while.

Yapham 2

The inside of Yapham Church is quite a contrast to the fairly austere exterior. A very peaceful place to pass a moment.

Yapham 1

 

I rode with friend Robert across to Bridlington last week. Nice tailwind, train back. This is village church in Yapham nestled beneath the Wolds; it dates from the 12th Century.

Humberhead

First day on Thorne Moors in Humberhead since the spring; dogs have to be on a lead until August 1st. So next day we were down there. A bit humid and drizzly but still great to be back. Saw three cranes flying in front of us, and a red deer as well.

Time for Reflection

Monday morning I drove a neighbour to a hospital appointment. I then walked around a beautiful wood, listening to a podcast on the brilliant Lionesses, before sitting on a bench, looking at this pondscape and doing some admin.

Happy

Danielle and Layla taken by Rowan.