Swans of Wells - Swan Song

"Swan song" is a metaphorical phrase for a final gesture, effort, or performance given just before death or retirement.
 The Swans of Wells gave their final performance on 15th and 16th September when they were all gathered in the Bishop's Palace for a special public viewing prior to being auctioned on 29th September.
The auction will be live online, and you can bid on the Swans at this website. 


 

Apology to SmugMug!

A couple of days ago I received a small package in the post from the US which, much to my surprise, had come from SmugMug.  It contained some rather nice goodies which are quite useful to me.

Also now that I've had a really good opportunity to evaluate the alternatives to SmugMug I know I wont be leaving them after all!  So I'm sorry for my previous post, I know the owners of SmugMug are real people who do care about their customers and SmugMug still is the best place to host photos on the net despite their changes to the pricing structure.

Me with my Smuggy hat!

SmugMug, I'm really pissed off with you

For 6 years I've hosted my photos with a company called SmugMug - not something that would probably interest most people who view them, after all they're just enjoying the piccies. But from January 2013 that will change because a massive price increase has been imposed on users of the Pro Account and I don't intend to pay it.

If you want to read about it you can do so here

And then watch the update video here if you can put up with all the ' we die a little inside' stuff.

I've always promoted and recommended SmugMug to everyone I know who has asked about where to host their photos but I can't do this any more. Sorry folks and Goodbye SmugMug.

Sidmouth Folk Week

Overnight and early morning there was some heavy squally rain, but my early morning walk was mostly in the dry. I took photos of the sea crashing against the Prom, still red from the recent cliff falls, and in the Byes of the wildflower meadow.

Eventually played a few tunes in the Radway Inn and saw lots of familiar faces and old friends. I'm enjoying having time to be sociable and chat with people and walk the dogs properly.

I watched the traditional procession of invited dance sides at 2.30 with Mike, Jenny and Eileen, then as the tide was low walked the dogs down on the beach.

There were just too many people in the Radway when I eventually managed to get there at around 8.30 after having an evening meal with Jane and Paul, but the music was wonderful.

Another good day, nothing outstanding to report other than enjoying the festival atmosphere and relaxing.

Well the week just flew by, I walked miles played tunes, chatted with friends and relaxed, what more could I ask for:)

When is a Dew Pond not a Dew Pond?

Answer:-

When it has been restored like this - what an eyesore!

A massive fence way beyond the edge of the pond, barbed wire and railway sleepers - very in keeping with an AONB!

A Perfect Day

Woke up early and saw the sun rising, mist lying on the fields.

Sheep still snoozing in the field across the road as the sun rises, The warmth must feel good now they been shorn.

Walked the dogs near Deer Leap. Saw a Roe buck grazing about 50 yards away from me, dogs oblivious to him and vice versa.

Tiny calves still sleeping, wake and scramble up for the protection of their mothers.



There wasn't a cloud n the sky from sunrise to sunset and the mid afternoon was blisteringly hot. Not my kind of weather for photography but a beautiful summer's day to be enjoyed.

At dusk as I walked home from bell ringing the air was filled with the sweet smell of freshly cut fields, and hay from those cut the day before. In the distance I could hear the sound of tractors and mowing machines taking advantage of the dry weather, and the feeling of contentment with life was overwhelming.

The Not So Great British Summer

This is what the summer looks like here at Priddy - dismal, day after day. Not much different to November except that is humid and relatively mild, though not remotely summery.

This photo was taken around 9am and things still looked the same at 5.30pm!