Happy New Year

On walking across Hampstead Heath my eye was caught by the frost glistening on the fallen leaves.  
Here's to a good New Year…...

Happy Hanukah….

Sufganiyot (Doughnuts) will be eaten by the score during the 8 days of Hanukah.  I'll be on the lookout for those infused with creme patisserie instead of jam. Delicious!!!

2014 UCI World Track Cycling - Velodrome, Stratford

On Sunday,  at the Olympic Velodrome in Stratford, the 2014 UCI World Track Cycling championship was in full swing.  We are lucky to have such a great venue on our doorstep.

Early Evening Rush Hour - A406

Although on a shopping trip to Waitrose at South Woodford, I had taken my camera with me.  Took this long exposure photo at dusk from the bridge over the A406 when the evening rush hour was just underway.  

Couldn't resist taking a 'light picture' abstract photo (see below) from the same point.

Also, brought back memories from my youth of when this was known as Gates Corner.

Autumn leaves………and house eaves

I like how the eaves of Wanstead House are reflected in the puddle which is in turn framed by the autumn leaves.  Had to take the photo……...

Over The Top…..Armistice Day

This art installation was originally a part of the Wanstead Art Trail.  It has been on display in the front garden of the artist in Redbridge Lane West.  I decided to visit it today - on Armistice Day.

Rainy Monday

I enjoyed every minute of the warm summer.  I guess we need the rain but it sure deflates the mood.

Website

Noticed this spider's web when gardening and grabbed a shot in the early evening light.

'Blood Swept Lands and Sea of Red'

Visited the exceptional art installation, 'Blood Swept Lands and Sea of Red' at the Tower of London.

Marking 100 years since the start of the First World War, this installation was created by ceramic artist Paul Cummins.  888,246 ceramic poppies will progressively fill the Tower's moat.  Each poppy represents a British military fatality during the war.

Volunteers still hard at work 'planting' the poppies.

Bumper crop

The last of this year's bumper crop of home-grown tomatoes.   

Tall Ships Festival

The Tall Ships Festival took place last weekend in London.   There was plenty to see and do - I went to the Greenwich Peninsula (near the O2) on Saturday where some of the largest Class A ships were berthed; returning on Tuesday to watch the 'Parade of Sail' as the ships departed.

Great air show starring the Red Arrows…….

Went to see a brilliant and courageous aeronautical display by the fabulous Red Arrows.  I was hoping for blue skies but was nevertheless fairly happy with the results.  This is just a small selection of the many shots I took that day!

Somewhere in Redbridge ……..

Do you recognise these boulders?  Although it looks like some semi-desert landscape they can be found somewhere in Redbridge.

Taking the Waters of Fairlop

Fairlop Waters Activity Centre is a great local amenity (sailing, walking, golf, etc).  Provides me with a breathing space on a hot summer's afternoon.

Hanging Basket survives the storm….

This hanging basket was still looking good after last night's storm.

Red sky at night ….dull and damp next morning

Yesterday's continuous rain stopped in the evening to make way for  a beautiful sunset.  Worth taking this shot from our bedroom window.  However, today is dull and grey.  Hopefully we will get some sunshine soon.

More Cycling...

Thinking back to Monday's 3rd stage of the Tour de France I was reminded of some great cycle racing to be seen at the annual Smithfield Nocturne races in London.  I found these photos taken by me a few years ago.  The main race (as shown in the photos) was won by a young rider called Alex Dowsett who is now on the Movistar professional team.  Unfortunately he just missed out on being selected to take part in this year's Tour de France.

Tour de France comes to Woodford

I joined the crowds along Woodford New Road to view Stage 3 of this year's Tour.   Good to see the race come to our 'neck of the woods'

There is an awful lot of waiting around to see the riders come through in just a few seconds.  Oh well…at least I can say 'I was there...'

Valentines Mansion & Gardens

Valentines Mansion in Valentines Park is a favourite local destination of mine since it was refurbished several years ago.  The walled gardens nearby are also well worth a visit.

Poser…...

Is this my best side?  The wildlife in Valentines Park are quite used to having their photograph taken!

Anyone for Pitch & Pitch?

Brings back fond memories of playing 'pitch and putt' with friends and family in Valentines Park.  Shame it is now closed.

Still, had to smile at the sign ……….. I've never heard of 'pitch & pitch'!

Hay Fever

The wild flower border at Clayhall Park is in bloom - not as good as last year (IMHO) but still adds a touch of colour to my morning walk.

Comes with own parking space...

This golden three-wheeler is certainly eye-catching as you walk or drive along the Woodford Avenue.

Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park - Take 2

Certainly a great place to capture shapes and colours…………

Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park

Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park - More of a Sunday morning stroll than a photo shoot.  However took a compact camera (without a view finder) and snapped away although difficult to see images on screen.  Nevertheless some pleasing shots were captured……

My fellow walkers may just spot themselves in this photo……

Colourful and busy Blue Tits

The blue tits have been a source of colour and activity in our back garden this spring.  I have been impressed by their fantastic work rate as they bring food to their young chicks.  I took these photos on Friday but today, Sunday, they appear to have gone.  I will miss them.

Connaught Water and a Treat at the Retreat

Felt the need to get some fresh air yesterday but didn't want to go too far afield.  Connaught Water in Epping Forest fitted the bill.  

We added to the walk by heading off along Queen Victoria's path.  However, we got slightly lost and ended up doing a long loop back to the Royal Hunting Lodge.  I just wish they would put some more meaningful signs at each junction.  There are many wooden posts with arrows painted on them but what about adding some wording indicating the place of interest which can be reached along the path.

I'm not too keen on the churning-up of the paths by the horse riders either!

Anyway, the day was definitely improved by having our lunch at the recently refurbished and under new ownership, 'Butler's Retreat'.

Wet and Windy May

I've been indoors for most of the day sheltering from the strong and unseasonal winds.  Took this photo a couple of days ago in my back garden.