Happy New Year

Happy New Year to you all

I hope you had a fabulous festive holiday.

Now that all the festivities are over and the shortest day has past, I must say that I'm enjoying the prospect of waiting for signs that spring is on its way.

There are actual signs already... snowdrop shoots and daffodil tops are already peeking through the earth.

A few of my Christmas presents will help me capture everything... hopefully creating beautiful images.

My son has been having fun with setting up the night camera in various locations around our property and the first night showed masses of activity!

Woohoo!

It wasn't until we checked the next morning, that we realised that the low hanging branches of a tree and a tarpaulin (covering a pile of logs) flapping in the wind, was the only images captured. 

What a disappointment.  

But look who passed through on night two!

A fox

But then last night's footage has thrown up a mystery... 

we have no idea what the animal image below is? 

Some say it's another Fox, others say a Badger.

There's been talk of Wild Cats and even a Pine Marten

We've even sent the image to the experts, but they haven't replied yet.

So what do you think?

I'll post the answer if we get anything definite from either the experts or more definite footage.

I'm linking up with Mersad link Through My Lens

Have fun and thanks for stopping by my place. 

Emotional Trip Down Memory Lane...

I'm having a rather emotional day today and I have had trouble thinking of posting anything else, so if I run through this one quickly, then I may be able to move on....Why you may ask?

Well, for over the last week my brother (bless) has been sending me photos daily from our childhood.

Let me explain...we had lots of Kodak slides stored in a box. I think probably everyone has a similar box somewhere in their family vaults. The box of slides used to be tucked away in a cupboard, but now they have been reborn. They've come alive and into the light again, thanks to technology and my brother. He's converted all the slides into digital photos and they've converted incredibly well.

I'll also have to explain that I lost my Dad when I was 16 years old and although 'they' say time heals, I'm afraid I don't agree...it doesn't heal it just enables you to cope. Sometimes better than others. 

So as you can imagine to suddenly see my Dad again after all this time in photos that I haven't seen or have totally forgotten is like being visited by him...and it’s both joyful but so sad all at the same time....(big breaths....)

I could say so much more but it’s upsetting and I always try to be positive on my blog. If you're lucky to have your Dad still  ~ go give him a hug, kiss, call him, text him, or do anything you want to do, just because you can ~ he's there : D

So, phewph...lets lighten up....here's one of the photos and I trust you will not laugh, well not too loudly. I can hear you....<(. , .)>

Yep that's me in my beautiful bikini. I know...okay...laugh away :oD

If I told you I was a shy timid girl you wouldn't believe me would you? But I was ~ honestly. I think that's why I find this shot so hilarious. My sister used to have the same cossie (as we used to call them) which might have been very annoying for her, having her little sister dressed the same, but I always thought it was so cool. 

I used to love the way the skirt billowed out when you entered into the water. If you were brave enough to venture into the water that is. I think that's my Dad and brother in the background too. 

I have to confess looking at some of these photos I wish they hadn't been converted ~ but we have had a laugh! Some of the hairstyles and fashions have been incredible. And then there's the different moods captured...some priceless sulks too. Not me of course....

If there's one thing I've learnt from all of this, other than to really appreciate your family and loved ones whilst you have them near, it’s also never to refuse having your photo taken. You may not look your best at the time or wearing the right outfit etc but all that doesn't matter. The photos aren't just for us (you'd probably never feel totally comfortable anyway) They are for those that love us, they are priceless treasure. 

So smile....next time you’re on camera: D

A & E trauma for my Camera.....

Apologies that I never came back with a finished painting yesterday but it wasn't a good day really. Everything I tried to do just either didn't work or was a waste of time. Don't you just hate those kind of days....one step forward, three back!

I've also been very accident prone and suffering from dropsy. You name it I've dropped it over the last week. Imagine my horror in a beautiful kitchen equipment shop I swiped two lovely glass bowls from their display.

Visualise the four shades of red I turned when all the shop assistants and shoppers looked to see what was all the commotion and who caused it!

Thankfully they were so kind saying it was an accident and didn't charge me. {Perhaps they deserve a separate post ~ they have fantastic products}

I even dropped my camera whilst loading the car up after one of my outings. I was stunned and just looked on with horror.

It was like road kill....all its inners spilt across the tarmac. Half of me thought ah ha...now for that new camera but then this little Trojan has served me so well. I wanted to take a photo but dah....obviously couldn't. Carefully I picked up all its parts and rushed to the emergency room back home.

I fiddled and tweaked until it resembled something like it used to....ie bottom hanging out, scraps and scratches but mainly all bits where they should be.....

Then came the test....would it actually work again??? Nervously I ventured out and started to snap away. It was a tricky start but then everything appeared to have recovered from the trauma. Phewph...

Here's some pics after the accident

Banksia Spinulosa

Or more commonly named ' the toilet brush'

Bottle brush plants are evergreen trees with dark green leaves and red or pink flowers. The flowers are elongated at the end of branches and are comprised of short spiky petals. These flowers resemble a brush used to clean bottles with, hence the name bottle brush.

On with the walk....

I love the fact that there are weeping willow trees here.

I think they look so beautiful hanging over the water, gently swaying in the breeze.

It was rather warm so this shaded area was very much appreciated by both myself and Muffin.

Anyway, I'm away today to a creative craft workshop so I hope that I've left all my clumsiness behind. I'll let you know how I get on....

Have a fantastic weekend. Enjoy ; D