Still working ...

... through editing photographs taken on our week away last week.  May only have been in Norfolk but somehow we managed to take well over 1000 photos ... or I did with a few extra's from the OH *LOL*

While we were away there was a full moon.  On 16th October (our anniversary) there was a Hunter's Moon but it was also a super moon - larger and brighter than normal.  I grabbed the OH's Canon SX60 bridge camera when my new little point and shoot wouldn't focus in on it *sad*  Disappointed that it wouldn't 'cos my Panasonic Lumix would have done - and has in the past.  Anyways, grabbed the camera and did what I could hand held as there was no tripod available.  Have to say I was impressed with the results, even if I say so myself.  Wonder what sort of result I'd get if I were to use a tripod as well ......

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A few ...

... sights and sounds ....

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It's been a while ...

... coming but here's some pics from the holiday in Cyprus back in September/October.  The reason for the holiday in the first place.  Our eldest son's wedding.  The rest of the photos are still being worked on :0)

I produced this book using a selection of photos taken by me and the professional photographer.  I wanted it to tell the story of the day and I have to say I used quite a few of the professional photographs that the photographer didn't like enough to put in their preview album.  A disc of all the professional photos taken that day was purchased so we got all taken, including the ones the photographer himself didn't like.  I'm so glad, as there were some photographs I preferred to those he'd selected.  Just shows how subjective any art form is and, without that disc there would have been pics we'd never have seen.  I also searched Google for the words of the Cypriot marriage vows and I reproduced them within the book.

I've been unwell for the past week and finding it really hard to do anything.  I feel OK in myself now but the old lungs are not really performing for me so, although the mind is willing the body, unfortunately, isn't.   I've  missed an evening out and also 'missed' my 61st birthday on Monday as I wasn't at all well that day so spent most of it wrapped up in a blanket and sleeping!  The 2 little grand-daughter's had their 6th and 10th birthdays last week and we've had another 'first'.  Dad would have been 90 on Sunday, the same day as Emma's 10th birthday.  Such a shame he missed it by just 6 weeks ....

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Felt weary ...

... today.  No idea why and, although I'd planned on doing things I haven't!  Paul has somehow picked up a bug of some sort.  No sign of it before I went out last night but when I got home he was hacking away and complaining of a bad throat.  This morning he could barely talk and it's fair knocked him out all day.  Now I'm feeling a bit 'spacey' and I'm so hoping that I'm not going down with whatever it is.  Mind you, if I've got to have it I'd rather now and get it over with before the end of the month.

I have a Facebook account and one of my 'likes' is the company I had my year book printed by.  They posted this morning about how to share a photo book on-line. Well, having already done it with the year book I thought I'd tell them that I had another book that was printed before they gave the sharing option and asked if it was possible to be able to share that as well or if it was only available for books printed/purchased since they introduced the option.  They replied straight away and said that if I sent them the order reference they would sort it out for me.  Well, good customer service or what? Within ½ an hour I had an email telling me that I could now share that book. The only fault I have with it - well, a couple really - the on-line version has the photos slightly distorted (tall and skinny) to what they actually are in the book and the photos I have on the lappy. This is also the case with the on-line version of my Year Book. Anyways, thought ... nothing ventured, so I mentioned this to them.  They agree that they are distorted compared to my file in their records so they are passing that over to the techie side to look into.  I can't be the only person that has the same problem.  The other problem was the on screen size not being very large, even full screen.  I asked if that could be enlarged slightly but apparently their software won't allow that but they gave a suggestion to help solve that problem to a degree.  Before you open to full screen, right click and 'zoom in'.  Once zoomed in you can pan around to see more detail and it will be even larger if you then select Full Screen.  I've tried it and it does work but the larger the picture the more pixellated it is however .... it is a solution, if not a perfect one - *lol!*  Not sure if to make this one again in Photobox just to share on-line but in the meantime ......

Back in June 2010 several of us that met via the old imag-e-nation forum, have become friends and meet when we can, took a trip . . . . . to Spain - for a week.  A couple actually live in Spain so they hired a villa in their locality which would accommodate 11 of us and 'Oceans 11' came together.  Sadly, 3 couldn't make it for one reason or another so we became 'Oceans 8'.  5 of us flew from Gatwick and 1 from Newcastle.  Unfortunately the weekend we flew the French air traffic controllers decided on industrial action which had a bad delaying effect on the flights. 2 hours after our flight should have left we were called to board.  All on board, doors shut, plane pulled off stand and then the Captain spoke.  We were delayed but he wanted the plane loaded and ready to go so that if a slot came free he could tell them he was ready.  3 hours later we took off.  Total of a 5 hour delay and 3 of those sitting on the tarmac waiting for a slot to become free.  We were delayed so long we got free refreshments except, by the time we got ours (in middle of plane) we were having to stow ready for landing at Murcia airport - *lol*  Poor Lynn and Nita, who were meeting us at the airport to take us to villa, had prepared a meal and had been keeping updated on progress via t'internet. We ate our meal around 10:30pm and waited for Susan who was due to be some while later than us in any case, due to the original time of her flight. She was also late arriving but her delay had not been quite as long as ours (and not spent on the tarmac *lol*) so she wasn't too far behind us. We all arrived safely, eventually. Later than planned but safe we were and the week that followed was full of fun, a lot of laughter, a bit of crafting and loadsa good memories. Plenty of photos taken and the photobook I couldn't share ... until today ... is my record of that week *grin*

OCEAN'S 8 ~ SPAIN ~ 2010

Just as a point of interest - the first page arial shot showing the coast, is showing Brighton's Palace Pier, Marina and my home 'village' just outside of Brighton.  The black aeriel coming from the plane's wing is pointing exactly at my village ....

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Ooops! Slipping ...

... with my posting and I was doing so well - *LOL!*

I've been really busy.  Sunday was spent all day in the kitchen ... cooking!  I decided to cook a 'boeuf bourguignon' properly, from scratch, no jars, nothing!  Took forever to cook.  Around 5 hours but it also took a long time to prep.  The bulk of the prep was done at the start but more had to be done for ingredients that were added about 3 hours into the cooking.  Then I decided to keep to trad French as much as possible and decided to do 'pommes boulangére with rosemary' as a side dish with green beans for the veg.  Let's just say the experiment was an huge success but it's not likely to be repeated any time soon!  It was delicious and actually gave us 2 days dinners but after spending a long time on my feet in the kitchen I knew I'd done it and I ached in places I'd forgotten I had.  The joys of getting older!

Yesterday I was in the kitchen again but this time continuing with the 'spring' clean.  Oh, it's looking so much better!  Can't believe the amount of dirt the steam cleaner is shifting.  Certainly puts all the chemical cleaners to shame so there's gonna be a good few of them confined to the bin!  Hoping to continue there tomorrow and finish everything except the windows and floor, which, if everything goes to plan (oops - there, I said it so it's unlikely to) will be done on Friday and that'll be it ... finished!  

Then it'll be on to the next job but first I've to go shopping for something to wear to a Balinese wedding!  Found 2 long, floaty dresses I've really liked so far but - neither were in my size.  Looks as though I've got to go and foot slog the high street and that will be fun - NOT!  Can't remember the last time I went into the town to the stores but it was certainly 5+ years ago.  Mum was alive and I took her in.  Wasn't even for me or my benefit but she wanted to go 'shopping' so I took her.  All I wanted to do was get home and outa there!  I don't 'do' shopping (unless it's crafty) so the sooner in the sooner out - *lol*

Today it was a Dad visit day.  Had to go earlier than I normally do as his Occupational Therapist rang me yesterday and asked if she could come and talk to him with me there.  She wanted to sort out a 'problem' with a commode chair she'd ordered for him a few weeks back.  There isn't, as far as I'm aware, a problem with the chair at all.  The problem is that Dad doesn't want to use it and is kicking up about it and the carers have refused to force him to use it - which is right.  Don't think he's ever been asked to use it as a commode but more as a  wheelchair (it's wheeled) to get him from the bed to the shower in the morning when he's stiff from laying all night and having problems with mobility.  He would rather walk so walk he does.  He has agreed to use it - under sufferance - a couple of times, as he did today when the OT asked him to sit in it so she could try it and see if it 'worked'.  He really was not happy at all but she agreed it wasn't the best idea and if he wanted to walk then he should.  Outcome?  No idea except the commode is sitting in the hallway where it's been since it was delivered!

We've also now got the funeral details of our friend.  Her body arrived back in the UK on Friday.  The odd thing is, and I'm sure her hubby wouldn't have given this a thought, the funeral is on the day of the next meet that had been arranged and the day we would have seen her again following our last meet and their holiday.  We're all going to the funeral and then going to keep the meet, rather than cancel it, so we will be raising a glass to her in the evening.  I'm pretty sure her hubby won't be joining us but we can have our own 'wake' for her.  It seems right we should.

I'm getting itchy fingers to do something crafty but want to get these jobs done first however, in the evenings ... when I've lost the will to do anything vaguely physical ... I've been sorting photos on my lappy and putting them in order to save to disc.   I'm gonna save all the photos, used in the year book, to disc and make a wallet that I can stick in the back of the book and put the disc in so that's it kept with the book.  As well as doing that I'm trying to make a slideshow of the Spanish trip last year and will do something similar with the photos that I used in that photobook.  I'm considering whether to do the same for the African one.  That's more daunting as there are loads more photos involved.  In all these books there is only really a taster of the photos taken so I really should go through them and see what are worth keeping, what I can get rid of, and then decide what to do with those not used in the books.  Anyway, I guess all this stuff I'm doing with photos is crafting of a sort.  Hoping it'll be worth all the effort when finished :0)

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Funny day ...

... yesterday.  A day where I was still having trouble getting my head round the news of Barbara's passing but having, amongst that, good-ish news from Paul's Oncologist.  

It's really surreal to think that we'll no longer see Barbara, especially as she was healthy, bright, cheerful and looking forward to her holiday in Canada when we last saw her on 22nd February but, as they say, life goes on and it seems that life is going on for Paul *grin*.  The Oncologist discharged him from her care yesterday.  The last MRI showed there was a big reduction in the growth within the lymph node and, because the PSA levels are now so low, it's proof that the hormone therapy is working. The latest MRI confirmed that the cancer had spread into the lymph node so there's no point in radiotherapy as that would only target the prostate however, as the hormone therapy is working he is to stay on that 'indefinitely' and his PSA levels will be checked 6 monthly.  If they start to rise then he will be referred back to the Oncologist otherwise it's just the 3 monthly hormone implants.  Prognosis?  A full life span.  Now it's onto the Urologist next week to find out more about this mass on the kidney.  Paul reckons that if it's completely confined to the kidney, rather than have the worry of it, he's gonna ask to have it out - dependant on what it is, obviously!  His left kidney is perfectly healthy  *grin*

Didn't get to do any more in the kitchen yesterday but spent some time making a condolence card to send to John (or JLD as we more commonly call him).  Light had gone by the time I'd finished so haven't photographed it yet.  Will do so later today and post as soon as convenient.

There was something else good happened yesterday *grin*  My photo Year Book arrived and this time I'm really happy with it.  Got to say that some of the photos have printed a bit dark compared to the way they look on screen but not as dark as with Snapfish.  This is the second book I've had from this particular company and the first one printed a little dark as well so guess I need to allow for that, going forward.  The one good thing about having seen it in print A4 size, I decided to have it printed 8" x 6" instead and much prefer the size the largest photos have come out.  I can add more photos to a page if I do an A4 in future as I don't particularly want  large photos. Anyway, overall I'm more than happy.  I've decided I'm going to save the completed pages, and the individual photographs used, to disc (possibly a few extra as well) and keep that with the book.

Here it is, although on my viewing of this online version some of the perspective in them is a bit odd (squished and tall and skinny in places) but the book and photos are perfectly OK.  Anyway, this gives a taste of what the book is like.  Now I've plans for more ..... :0)

I've now put this book together in Photobox and it's better viewing - *lol*  You can see the book full screen, which is bigger than Albelli's 'full screen' so more detail is available.  You just need to give it time to load.  Ignore the 'selling' bit - I've no control over that.  Click "HERE" to be taken to it or click on the pic below :0)

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Lady June Workshop - part 2

... but not before noting my 5 seconds of fame!  I had one of my photos shown on the TV last night.  It was shown on Meridian TV's weather slot during the 6pm news programme.  Was so shocked.  Heard my name, looked up and there it was .... gone!  Haven't a clue what else was said as it was totally unexpected although, if I'd read my emails before the programme aired I could have been prepared and hubby wouldn't have missed it either - *LOL*  It was a photo I sent in at the beginning of February so certainly didn't expect it to be shown this far on.  Which photo was it?  This one!

Was really tired yesterday after the day at Deb's.  I think a full day of crafting, 180 miles and 4¼ hours on the road for the round trip took it out of me but it was well worth it.  Anyways, as I had another day of crafting booked with Jane at the Glitterpot today I decided to take it easy and spent the day working on my new and improved year book.  Yep, I'm back to that again *grin*  I did have time out to cook dinner  ... no sign of 'im indoors taking up those reins again just yet :0( ... Spanish style baked eggs, and very nice 'twere too!  Perhaps I need to start cooking some rubbish meals to encourage the take over *hehe!*

Here it is ... the final card made last Saturday and my second fave of the day although this one I had to finish at home.

Once again using the Lady June stamp mentioned in yesterday's post.  I think that everything else is pretty  much self-explanatory. This time it was to be used monochromatic but I felt that it needed to have a tiny bit of colour just to lift it so, tiny bit of colour I added!

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Challenge with a Difference - part 2

Digital Doodling has said we can have more than one entry to their challenge so here's my second .... I just can't resist posting this one. The expressions are just tooo cute!

Enjoy!!

Challenge with a Difference.

... with a capital 'D' *LOL* I've had fun with this one. Too much fun I think 'cos I can't decide which to use. What am I on about? Digital Doodling blog has issued their latest challenge which I came upon purely by chance. Pop over and have a look. If it gets to you like it did me you'll be spoilt for choice by the time you've finished playing - derr! As a bonus there's a chance of winning a couple of Sugar Nellie's ...

Anyways, back to the challenge .... funny, cute, romantic. I don't do romantic but funny? Cute? Ooooh yes! Trouble is I played too much and now I can't decide so I'm posting a selection! These are my 3 youngest grandchildren ... real cuties.

However, if I've got to choose just one then I guess it's got to be this one of my dear old Dad on Christmas Day after he'd opened all his pressies ... bless him!   *LOL*

Now it's your turn to go play. Even if you don't take part in the challenge just visit MagMyPic and have fun.

Enjoy!!

Inside the Tube!

Or more amazing photography, with a twist! Clark Little - mad or not? Take a look here and decide for yourself. Certainly absolutely stunning photography and definitely art.

Enjoy!!

Craft - what is it?

Sometimes I think we tend to become blinkered as to what constitutes 'craft'. To me craft is an art form which means, if you widen your sights, it takes in anything that requires some sort of skill. Writing is a 'craft', photography is a 'craft' and even painting and decorating is a 'craft'. I enjoy looking at something that has taken skill to achieve and that I find interesting. I follow blogs that aren't what some people would call 'craft' but I enjoy them as they're well written and give insight into other people's lives, cultures and traditions. I also enjoy looking at great pictures - drawn, photographed or painted.

Today I was sent a link to a PDF slideshow and the pictures were stunning. Within that slideshow there was a website address so off I went to explore. It was amazing as it combines not just brilliant photography but also an incredible imagination. Take a look at the website of Carl Warner. Click on Website and then browse but take particular note of what's behind the orange box once you get through to the site. Would you be able to do this? I certainly wouldn't. Look deeply and see if you can make out the fruit and veg used - LOL!

Slightly different, still landscape but this time the wonder of nature is used. Dan Paris - one time actor (Drew Kirk in Neighbours) turned photographer. Amazing photos .... of stunning scenery.

Not only is all this art but I reckon it's 'craft' as well - and by master craftsmen!!

Enjoy!!