The beauty of nature

Even in our humble garden, the beauty of nature is there for all to see. Click on the picture for a full-sized view.

The Seaside comes to Nottingham

If you can't get away to the seaside for a day, then let the seaside come to you. They have created a seaside in the Market Square. There's a beach, swimming pool, helter-skelter, carousel and lots of eating places. I think they've done a rather good job, all in all.

It's not a place I would choose to eat at but they got into the spirit of the occasion well. I've never seen so many folks gathering on the Market Square without a fight breaking out.
Can you imaging people riding on the buses of Nottingham carrying their buckets and spades and telling people they are going to the beach?

I thought there was an irony about this shot. Was the ambulance was there to bring the sick and wounded or to carry away those who had been healed?

A day out in Skeggy

There's nothing like a good sunny day in Skeggy to cheer the spirit and put colour back in your cheeks.

This day couldn't have been hotter. We were really pleased that back here in Nottingham it was tippling it down nearly all day. As for us - not a drop of rain. We particularly enjoyed the putting green. Both of us had a hole in 1.

I can't imagine going without fish and chips.
The reflection of the table made an interesting shot.
No, we didn't go on this ride - not after fish and chips!
Reflecting on wind power. Click on photos for a larger shot.

Littleover Methodist Church

Littleover Methodist Church recently completed their redevelopment scheme and here is the view of the newly designed church. There are also many other rooms and a cafe area equally as well designed.

Nottingham Transport Heritage Centre

Great Nottinghamshire Bike Ride

Here we are at around the half-way point in Stoke Bardolf at the Ferry Boat Inn.






And then at the end of the ride, relaxing with a smoothie.

Here we are about to cross the finishing line.

A Grand Day Out - in Matlock

We (I to be precise) decided to jump on a train and head for the hills. The black and white photo was taken at Nottingham Midland Station as we waited for the train.

The weather was far better than predicted so we had a great time. We jumped off at Matlock Bath, had a regulation cappuccino and then walked over High Tor to Matlock. High up on the hills, we were presented with some stunning views of Matlock Bath. I spotted a buzzard flying in the valley below and we crept to the side of the cliff (sheer drop) to admire the views.

Once we got to Matlock itself, we went straight to the Fish Bar where we tucked into fish and chips (Margaret) and Steak and Kidney pudding (me - it's my favoutite).

We sat in the park watching the skateboarders and tennis players (not exactly Andy Murray standard) and then indulged in a home made 99.

Staff Retreat

We had a great staff retreat day on Monday last. 11 of us went on board this narrow boat at Sileby and meandered along the river on a leisurely day of relaxation and fellowship.

Life and Death

Life is full of opposites. Here we have a tree which has died and has fallen into the Grantham canal. But the coots don't mind the fact that it has died, they make the most of it and build their nest in the shade of one of its branches (click on the picture and it will appear full-sized).

This reminds me of the death and resurrection of Jesus. His death on the 'tree' (if I may refer to the cross in this way) may seem like a tragic loss but it actually brings life to all. 'By his wounds we are healed', say the prophet Isaiah and it's true - his dying brings us to life spiritually because we are freed from all that separates us from the love of God.

I'm sure these coots don't have a theology degree but they are wise enough to make this dead tree a place of new life.

I took this photo as I cycled to Cotgrave to a business appointment in the beautiful sunshine which we have all enjoyed recently.

Enjoy it while you can

As I look out of the window today and reflect upon the beautiful sunshine and colourful garden outside, I only wish I could be out there instead of in here working away.

Do we appreciate the beauty of what is all around us or do we focus too much on the mundane and trivial? Is the credit crunch weighing us down? Are we still fuming over MP's expenses? Or do we take time to sit still and appreciate the beauty of life all around us. Why not take 10 minutes out of your day today to walk around your garden and really look at its beauty - or to sit on a park bench and watch people as they pass by.

To discover the reality of God in the world takes a determined effort of listening and watching - only we need to use our spiritual ears and eyes and ask God's Spirit to reveal to us His truths.

A friend was recently diagnosed with cancer and said, "you never know what's around the corner". True - but the only reality is the here and now - enjoy it!

Morning in Bulwell

It was a sunny Saturday morning so we thought we would take the tram over to Bulwell. It's not a place we have been to in order to look around. There is a quaint little market and a nice cheap cafe in the alleyway behind.

Watson Fothergill

Watson Fothergill is one of the leading architects in Nottingham and many of his designs can be seen dotted around the city. This one is at the bottom of King Street.

Easter Arrangement 2009

This is our Easter Arrangement. All items are taken from our garden.