These are my three orchids (all commercial Phalaenopsis hybrids) which I wanted to get as a group. This was best done after they’d been watered (a weekly soak) so they’re in the shower. The lighting is a mix of natural (grey, evening) daylight and the bathroom “white” fluorescent. Not the best of pictures, but at least something more cheerful than the greyness outside.
Another in my occasional series documenting some of the underbelly of Britain. Britain which we wouldn’t like visitors to see and which we wish wasn’t there. The trash, abused, decaying, destitute and otherwise buggered parts of our environment. Those parts which symbolise the current economic malaise; parts which, were the country flourishing, wouldn’t be there, would be better cared for, or made less inconvenient.
These two closed and uncared for shops are at Greenford Broadway, although in fairness the pet shop has moved to better placed premises 100 yards round the corner.
Another in my occasional series documenting some of the underbelly of Britain. Britain which we wouldn’t like visitors to see and which we wish wasn’t there. The trash, abused, decaying, destitute and otherwise buggered parts of our environment. Those parts which symbolise the current economic malaise; parts which, were the country flourishing, wouldn’t be there, would be better cared for, or made less inconvenient.
This decrepit gateway is on the North Circular (A406) just south of the Hanger Lane Gyratory. Such a shame as it could look so imposing.
This is the original orchid I had which has now been in bloom for four weeks. Currently there are 8 flowers open (each getting on for 10cm wide!) and at least another 6 to come. It is absolutely magnificent.
See here for my first picture taken on 25 March.
Just a little something I took on the way back from the supermarket this morning …
Noreen happened to be in our local M&S yesterday and spotted that they had some smallish orchids at half price (like £6 instead of £12!). So she bought me one.
It is currently sitting on my desk awaiting a saucer to sit in. And it definitely cheers up a dull wet day.
Predictable this week’s subject from The Gallery is Easter. And of course Easter means daffodils, so here’s one I prepared a couple of years ago …
No there’s no story behind this, just some flowers.
Something for a damp Spring day … another picture of our orchid.
There are now 5 flowers open and another 8 buds in various stages. What is really nice is that slight pinky-mauve blush on the backs of the flowers.
Another in my occasional series documenting some of the underbelly of Britain. Britain which we wouldn’t like visitors to see and which we wish wasn’t there. The trash, abused, decaying, destitute and otherwise buggered parts of our environment. Those parts which symbolise the current economic malaise; parts which, were the country flourishing, wouldn’t be there, would be better cared for, or made less inconvenient.
This is the Greenwood pub in Northolt, about a mile from where I live. It’s no surprise it closed as a pub because although often used for filming it also had a reputation (how justified I don’t know) for regular drugs raids. It has been in this state for a couple of years. I’m told that there is (or was) a potential buyer interested in rejuvenating it as a restaurant, although what business they’ll find at this location is an open question. What makes things more interesting is that the building is Grade II listed by English Heritage, so the exterior, and reading the listing maybe also the interior, are protected and so can’t have too much done to them. Such a shame because it is a good building which ought to be able to be reused and could look quite stunning. Let’s just hope McDonald’s don’t get their hands on it!
This week’s theme over at The Gallery is At Peace.
Now this can be interpreted, as Tara did when announcing the theme, as personal peace and quiet (“a quiet corner with a book, or sitting in the bath by candlelight”) or in the sense of beyond the grave. I’ve chosen the latter interpretation.
Click the image for a larger version
This is the grave in churchyard of St Nicholas, New Romney, Kent of David Masey (10 October to 28 July 1882) who was my great-great-grandfather and his wife Mary. Also commemorated are a number of their family members (none in my direct line). We know from the census returns that David Masey was a fisherman, but I’ve been told that he was also variously a greengrocer, fishmonger, boatman and a lifeboatman at Littlestone.
St Nicholas, New Romney is an interesting church in a small country town and has the usual peaceful and rather idyllic churchyard. When I searched there last I was unable to find any other Masey graves, although sadly very many of the headstones are so weathered as to be unreadable.