All posts by Keith

I’m a controversialist and catalyst, quietly enabling others to develop by providing different ideas and views of the world. Born in London in the early 1950s and initially trained as a research chemist I retired as a senior project manager after 35 years in the IT industry. Retirement is about community give-back and finding some equilibrium. Founder and Honorary Secretary of the Anthony Powell Society. Chairman of my GP's patient group.
personal, photography, pleasures

Advent Calendar 11

#0000ff; text-align: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> Images by Japanese Cult Street Photographer
Nobuyoshi Araki

Click the image for a larger view

Note: These images are all hosted elsewhere on the internet;
you should follow the link to each for further information

amusements, memes

Ten Things: December

This year our Ten Things series – which surprisingly appears on the tenth of each month – continues concentrating on the amusing, both real and fictional. So this month we have …

Ten Odd Names from My Family History
(direct relationship where known)

  1. John Crotehole (my 12th great-grandfather)
  2. Thomas Cuckow
  3. Brothers Absalom, Israel & Jabez Hicks, and their grandfather Farclay Hicks (Jabez Hicks was my great-great-grandfather, and Farclay my 4th great-grandfather)
  4. Spicer Marshall
  5. Turner Marshall
  6. Emma Mouser
  7. Langman Murfet (my 6th great-grandfather)
  8. Willson Gates Nowers (my 3rd great-uncle; right)
  9. Marrianna Odeyarne (my 9th great-grandmother)
  10. Philip Wildboar
personal, photography, pleasures

Advent Calendar 10

#0000ff; text-align: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> Images by Japanese Cult Street Photographer
Nobuyoshi Araki

Click the image for a larger view

Note: These images are all hosted elsewhere on the internet;
you should follow the link to each for further information

personal, photography, pleasures

Advent Calendar 9

#0000ff; text-align: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> Images by Japanese Cult Street Photographer
Nobuyoshi Araki

Click the image for a larger view

Note: These images are all hosted elsewhere on the internet;
you should follow the link to each for further information

ramblings

Things to Bring Joy

Over on her blog the other day my friend Katy said …

This morning I chanced upon a short thread on Twitter in which Emma Wayland writes a list of things she would gift to someone who was struggling and needed cheer.

… and asked us to say what would be on our list.

Maby TavelSo here are some immediate thoughts from me, in no particular order.

  • A box of Earl Grey tea (loose tea or bags).
  • Almost any of the Discworld novels by Terry Pratchett.
  • Bottle (or better a case) of Domaine Maby Tavel Rosé.
  • Part 1 of Bach’s Christmas Oratorio.
  • White chocolate Toblerone.
  • Hot crusty bread with lots of butter.
  • An hour on a summer’s day at Dungeness.
  • A large and stylish bouquet of top class flowers.
  • Warm purring cat.
  • Sitting nude in the garden in warm sunshine.
  • Adnams Dry Hopped Lager or Ghost Ship (preferably on draught).
  • A large measure (it’s usually called a bottle!) of Adnams Copper House Gin, with Schweppes Tonic.
  • Really good fish & chips.
  • A hot shower and a bed with crisp clean sheets.
  • A night of really good deep peaceful sleep.

Like Katy, I’ll ask what’s on your list?

personal, photography, pleasures

Advent Calendar 8

#0000ff; text-align: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> Images by Japanese Cult Street Photographer
Nobuyoshi Araki

Click the image for a larger view

Note: These images are all hosted elsewhere on the internet;
you should follow the link to each for further information

personal, photography, pleasures

Advent Calendar 7

#0000ff; text-align: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> Images by Japanese Cult Street Photographer
Nobuyoshi Araki

Click the image for a larger view

Note: These images are all hosted elsewhere on the internet;
you should follow the link to each for further information

personal, photography, pleasures

Advent Calendar 6

#0000ff; text-align: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> Images by Japanese Cult Street Photographer
Nobuyoshi Araki

Click the image for a larger view

Note: These images are all hosted elsewhere on the internet;
you should follow the link to each for further information

personal, photography, pleasures

Advent Calendar 5

#0000ff; text-align: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> Images by Japanese Cult Street Photographer
Nobuyoshi Araki

Click the image for a larger view

Note: These images are all hosted elsewhere on the internet;
you should follow the link to each for further information

personal, photography, pleasures

Advent Calendar 4

#0000ff; text-align: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> Images by Japanese Cult Street Photographer
Nobuyoshi Araki

Click the image for a larger view

Note: These images are all hosted elsewhere on the internet;
you should follow the link to each for further information