026/365 On the wire

Another Monday slips by and I managed a quick shot just before the sun went down. I know I shouldn't wish my life away but I can't wait for the lighter evenings.

025/365

Pathetic attempt tonight I am afraid.

024/365

My beautiful daughter Hannah, (fortunately she gets her looks from her mum) in a rare co-operative moment. Possibly because she needed the services of Dad's taxi. If I'd had more time I would have put the flash outside of the window which would have given a much nicer light. The only problem is I have mislaid my flash gels and Marley (the dog) attacks my light stand if it is outside.

This wasn't my intended picture for the day but once it was 'in the bag' it seemed a shame to take anything else.

023/356 Sunset

Looking out of the window I could see the sun setting so I decided to dash out with the camera and try and get a picture. I am fairly disappointed with the result but it will have to do. Don't get me wrong I like sunsets but it's nice to have some sort of point of interest.

022/365 Heads or tails

When it gets to 21:30 and you haven't taken your daily photo it is not good. I don't really like still life so thought I would try moving-still life, or that was the idea. The simple plan was to set the camera to bulb, spin the coin and manually fire the off camera flash multiple times to capture the different angles of the spinning coin. Oh... and this had to happen in a darkened room. It quickly became apparent that two hands were not enough - one brain was struggling with the co-ordination too. First I enlisted the help of Hazel, then when it became obvious that neither of us could spin a coin so we had to request Hannah's assistance. The result is a work in progress - we will have another go when time is on our side.

021/365

I got the old trumpet out today, under the misconception that I might still be able to play it. I got a note out of it but it wasn't promising. The dogs, well Marley in particular was not impressed. I think he hates it - he howls, not sure if he is trying to sing along or is in pain. The saying in band circles was always - if you can't play it, clean it - or invest in a set of expensive mouthpieces. Well I am not going to do either of those because even more of the lacquer would come off and my problem goes way beyond mouthpiece choice. So, the only useful thing I could do was take a picture and to keep with the musical theme I laid it flat and kept the focus sharp...aaahhh - I need to get out more.

020/365 Dad's Taxi

 

Like most other parents I seem to spend a large amount of time chauffeuring the kids. Tonight's picture, another self portrait was taken in between pick-ups.

I need to take more pictures of people but my reclusive lifestyle doesn't given me too much of an opportunity however I have a plan...

019/365 Litter

Walking the dogs has made me realise just how much littter there is around the village. If you walk up the road after the school run, there is a paper trail leading you wrapper by coke bottle by crisp packet to the school gate. My theory is they need this trail so they can find their way 'Hansel and Gretel' style, home. And dogs - or irresponsible dog owners really make me sick - your dog did it, pick it up! I may joke but sadly something as simple as dropping a sweet wrapper just shows a lack of any sort of pride and is sadly indicative of the state our country.

018/365 'Inconclusive'

The dog alarm clock went off again at 05:15. bad enough any day but particularly unpleasant on a windy, wet Sunday morning. Fortunately the weather improved through the morning and we were able to get out of the house. We drove over to Sandwich, parked on the quayside and walked along the river bank towards Sandwich bay. The winter sun was spectacular lighting everything in a warm orange - today's picture is un-photoshopped and I think the colours look like a Turner painting.

Over our meal this evening we chatted about holidays and what we would like to do this year. Thomas is off to America so it just leaves the three of us. Hannah explained that she would like to go on one of those 'inconclusive' holidays - I can only guess that this is the credit crunch version of an all inclusive!!

017/365

There is a fantastic vantage point on the White Cliffs of Dover giving superb views of the docks and across the English Channel to France. Having failed miserably to get a picture during daylight hours plan B was to get a long exposure shot of the docks. The Langdon Cliffs area has now been taken over by the National Trust which I am sure is excellent for preserving the environment but is rubbish when you just want to take a few pictures. Where you used to be able to park freely, the car park is now gated at night. There is room to squeeze your car in front of the gates but there is a polite message telling you not to park there as it blocks access for the emergency services. We decided to risk it and abandoned the car in the shadow of the no parking sign. Camera bag in one hand, tripod and torch in the other we clambered down the grassy bank to get a good view. My assistant tonight would prefer not to be named for legal reasons. She expressed her concern that we would fall over the cliff edge and the ambulance and search party would not be able to rescue us as some idiot had parked in front of the gates.

We made it to our vantage point with no drama. The Gateway to England, the busiest passenger port in Europe was not very busy tonight. I had anticipated hundreds of cars crawling around the dock roads painting their light streams on my picture - it wasn't to be. Also the huge 'street lights' give the whole area a virtual daylight effect meaning no long exposures. Whilst this was a bummer to my creativity my assistant reminded me (constantly) of the wind chill factor and how we could be at home in the warm.

Anyway the long and the short of it, a very average picture but I was thanked for taking out my 'assistant' on a Saturday night...

016/365 Friday night

 

Candle, wine bottle and tastefully lit glass stem - the weekend has arrived.

015/365 Soled out

A busy day at work, the car had to go to the body repair shop, we had a meeting at the school and the dogs went to their first obedience class (they didn't take part - just went to spectate). Sadly little time for a picture...

Fortunately, or not, children leave props all over the house so here we have a pair of shoes. Not mine!!

Not that anyone is likely to be interested but as part of this project I wanted to try and use off camera flash in attempt to make things more interesting. In this picture I used a gridded flash held above the subject - this is what gives the 'spotlight' effect.

014/365

Self portraits - I hate self portraits. Sadly though, if you are doing a picture a day inevitably you will will end up having to do one. I cheated slightly and enlisted the help of a carbon based tripod who was invaluable at getting the angle right. I promise something better tomorrow...

013/365 Go Away

I've noticed how differently we communicate with the kids. There are times when we phone them to turn down their music because it is easier than hollering up the stairs. On occasion we even chat on messenger whilst all in the same house. I even send them nagging emails now - see today's below.

Dear Child A number of things need to happen before you make any further plans..

1. Thank you letters, emails or calls need to be done ASAP - they cannot be put off any longer. Please advise when complete.

2. Bedrooms need sorting - and keeping tidy.

3. Dogs - you both need to walk one of the dogs at least once a week. If you don't they will hate you and think you are horrible nasty children and might eat you as well. No lifts or other niceties will be forthcoming from us (your parents) until you comply.

Dad

So today's picture is reluctant model Thomas having his hair cut - the picture has been processed with Poladroid as mentioned before

012/365 Paper Shredder

Paperwork is not one of my strong points.Anything online I am fine with but if it involves pieces of paper, stamps etc. it gets put it off to the last minute. I was however fairly proud of myself for preparing my latest travel claim, all the necessary receipts in order and in the special envelope ready to post. Now if I'd been super organised I would have photocopied everything ... but I didn't. I left the dogs for minutes - returning to find my carefully prepared returns shredded. I recovered what I could but suspect many VAT numbers are on their way to being digested. The next hour was spent with a reel of sellotape trying to piece together the puzzle. Another argument for the paperless office... or dog less house!!

011/365 Table for two?

Who could have predicted the proliferation of American style coffee shops - the likes of Starcrooks and Costa-lotta? They are everywhere you look, from motorway services to book shops. Perhaps I am old and grumpy but I don't really get it. You queue up to order and pay, then queue to get your drinks - if you are within five miles of home it would be quicker to pop back and make yourself a cuppa! And what do you get - frothy, yucky, overpriced muck. I mean why would you want syrup in you coffee for god's sake. Never fear though, you can have a calorific time bomb of a muffin or even a paninni. Give me a cup of tea and a bacon sandwich any day. Our culture is sliding out of control heading for globalised non-descript, faceless, characterless monotony. My picture reflects the eternal optimism of these coffee outlets. For the past few days the temperature has struggled to get passed freezing and these numpties have rows of chairs and tables outside - unbelievable.

You may have guessed that I have been shopping today - well I walked around behind the two ladies in my life, if that counts.

010/365 Bake me a cake

009/365

Another busy day and sadly the daily picture did not receive much focus - pardon the pun! Apart from normal work Marley had to go to the vets - nothing serious, just to get his nails cut. As the nice vet lady went to grab him I noticed what looked like poo sticking out of his rear end. It was one of those awkward moments where you either pretend not to notice - risking more embarrassment or just say something. So I pointed it out and she politely explained that it goes with job - but then she started to pull on the foreign object. "Has he been eating grass?", well not actually grass but he does like reeds from the pond - about 30 inches of reed actually. Anyway the tenuous connection is obviously, reed, pond, Goldfish. I will try much harder tomorrow - could do with some people pictures.

008/365

Grim weather here today. The temperature made it just above freezing and the moisture from the melting ice and snow left us with a thick fog which lasted all day. I made it out for a quick walk at lunchtime with the dogs. The trees surrounding the recreation ground took on a haunting look - well not exactly but there was nothing else to photograph.

007/365

Very little time today, work and gym tonight. I can see this picture a day will be much harder than I thought!! I needed something quick and simple so I took a snap of a scene that is probably visible in most households at this time of year. Yes it is the obligatory Christmas tin of Quality Street - or what's left anyway. I processed the image through an application called Poladroid which attempts to recreate the old Polaroid look and feel. There seems to be a growing trend to make good pictures look 'retro' - it seems bizarre to take a good picture and degrade it in the name of art.

006/365

Yesterday was a significant day for me. I resigned from the Band I played with just before Christmas but yesterday was the first rehearsal I missed. I have played with the Band for about 30 years apart from a break when my son was born. I agonised over the decision although I still really enjoyed the playing, the commitment, two practices a week plus engagements was just too much. There are of course many other contributory factors, Band politics etc. etc ... but I won't go into those on a public blog. I still have to hand in my uniform and instrument so before before I do I thought I'd take a picture for old times sake. I will miss the fantastic instrument but not the ridiculous jacket....

005/365 Snow

I was really surprised when I looked out of the window this morning - we had a covering of snow. I don't know if it was forecast but it came as a shock to me. I took this picture quickly before it got light setting off a remote flash from a window to the right of the picture. I was hoping to get out and take a few more pictures but it is back to work today so sadly no time.

004/365

Another predictable day for us chores, gym, dog walk more chores. I took my camera on our walk. we went to Kearsney Abbey and I ended up with more dog photos. I really don't want to post a daily dog photo so needed something else. Fortunately for me we have been clearing away some of the Christmas debris which included a couple of cans of bitter which just needed drinking. Hazel of course assisted - not with the bitter but with the dregs of the Baileys. A rubbish photo but a nice pint! Back to work and school for everyone tomorrow :-(

003/365 Kingsdown beach

The weather was great today which meant we could take the dogs to the beach. We drove to Kingsdown and had a nice walk. Marley went and introduced himself to a some fisherman then stole some of their bait - raw squid. I went and apologised but they weren't too bothered - in fact they told me they didn't expect to catch anything anyway. I managed a reasonable picture of Bob but next time I will take my light stand and umbrella.

002/365

Not much time today so I resorted to a picture of the Ivy growing on the garage door. I really should cut it down but I like it, it reminds me of Jack and the Beanstalk - well it is pantomime season!

001/365

I would like to try and take a picture a day for 2009. Easy today as I've taken one already.

It is always great to take pictures of the kids but trying to get teenagers- especially the male variety to pose together is nigh on impossible. Fortunately my brother and family were over for Christmas so there was a rare opportunity to get my kids to pose with their five year old cousin. It did take some negotiation - bribery and threats of physical violence, the normal parental tools. Anyway I managed to mess up the lighting, stupidly believing the display on the back of my camera but we did fortunately end up with some usable results.

Bob

In a previous post I mentioned that we were supposed to be getting a retired sniffer dog 'Bob' but the arrangement had fallen through. We got a call this week and were told that Bob was now looking for a home and we had first refusal. On Saturday morning we took Marley to meet Bob - we needed to know if the two dogs would get on. Bob as ever was very calm and almost timid - Marley displayed his usual psycho Lab puppy tendancies but they seemed to get on. We brought Bob home with us and we will see how they get on. We have had an undisturbed first night and as I type the dogs are charging around the garden in the snow flurries. Hopefully today Marley will be less of a thug and Bob will settle down and come out of his shell a little. Oh, and by the way I feel a real numpty shouting, 'Bob, Marley'

Marley - gardening

Marley Part 2

Well we have had him a week now. That timid, shy little pup that we brought home is gaining confidence minute by minute and developing his own character. At times he is also influencing mine. On our first afternoon we visited the local vets for a check up and injection. I expected him to yelp and whine but he didn't even blink as the needle went in - it hurt me more than him. Well actually it hurt Hazel most as she paid the bill. I have built him a small pen in the corner of my office where we have put his bed and food bowls and he has quickly accepted this as his space. During the day the door is open but I can shut him in at night or when we need him to be safely out of the way. He now collects things, shoes, trainers, sticks and anything else he can carry and takes them back to his lair. He has even attempted to steal Thomas' school rucksack - he can't carry it but drags it along the floor. -- Cheers Alan

Marley

On our return from our holiday we were supposed to have picked up a dog. Bob is a working dog who was no longer required by his owners. After out first meeting we knew that this two year old black Labrador was meant for us. Unfortunately whilst on the ferry back from France we received a call telling us that Bob was no longer available - his owners had changed their mind. Needless to say we were devastated. After a family chat we agreed that we would still get a dog - a black Labrador puppy of course!! We spent the next weekend searching and visiting breeders - nearly buying one from a nasty lady in Sheerness. On our way from her house to the cash machine we decided that something didn't quite seem right - she seemed more interested in the money than the dogs. Anyway we finally found someone with a litter of ten black labs - visited and quickly selected our favourite. We then had a two week wait until 'Marley' - named by Thomas just in case we ever get Bob, was eight weeks old. On Friday 5th September we picked him up and brought him back to his new home. Let the fun begin!! --

France 2008

France 2008 - Time Lapse from Alan Langley on Vimeo.

They lie about the weather...

Friday continued where Thursday left off - dull overcast and not beach weather. In desperation to entertain the now bored kids we decided to go to a place we had seen on our journey in. The place in question had go-carting and jet-skis. On arrival we determined that go-karts were not an option due to the lack of safety precautions so jet-skis it had to be. The children had 8 minutes of fun blasting round a small course, Thomas managing to easily overtake Hannah - women drivers!! On return to base there was a glimmer of sun so we headed to the beach, a short lived visit as the wind was blowing the sand too much for even our industrial strength windbreak. Plan B involved going to the pool which was fine until the sun got lost behind a bloody massive cloud. Saturday - Hannah and I set off early for the water park leaving the others in bed. Unbelievably the park was quiet so we managed to go on all the rides at least once without queuing. We had to leave fairly early as a combination of little sun and cold water spoiled the fun. Continued the day with a trip into Canet for an ice cream. The idiot weather forecasters predict a good day tomorrow but who knows...

Global warming

Wednesday started nicely and we ventured off to the beach - not traveling any lighter in fact we now have two infated lilos. By lunchtime the cloud had moved in and we decided to leave and head for Collioure a little way down the coast. We had been told that parking was not good but thought we would give it a try anyway. After a pleasant drive we approached the medieval port and soon realised that the ancient town planners had failed to allow for the tens of thousands of daily visitors. Cars were abandoned (French style of parking) at the roadside on the entrance and exit road. Fortunately the road did take us right through the centre of the town and passed the picturesque harbour. It was a shame we couldn't actually get out! Not to be put off we headed further south through Port Vendres a working industrial fishing town and onto Banylus another pretty resort town - where we couldn't park either. Thursday we started at the pool but again the cloud drifted off the Pyrenees canceling any sunbathing activities. Thomas had been studying the guidebook and the contingency plan was to head for Ceret - south west of us. After about an hours drive we actually managed to park and spent the afternoon exploring the busy little town. There is a medieval walled old town which spills into the newer more vibrant areas with shops and open air cafes. The town was once inhabited by Picasso and other famous artists so the place is now a haunt for arty-farty types with too much time on their hands. I am only jealous! Anyway I think we have found our new favorite French Town. In the evening there was the annual firework display marking the start of some Catalan festival. Twenty minutes of excellent fireworks only slightly dampened by a light shower of rain. Let's hope the weather improves tomorrow.

Operation bucket and spade

We made it to the beach. It amuses me how the cool French travel so lightly, a small towel each, a miniscule brolly that looks like it should be on a child’s pram, a towel each and maybe a small bag with a drink and a book or newspaper. Not us... In true British spirit we don't just go to the beach we invade. A massive traditional windbreak, not a poncy beach shelter, two big tartan picnic blankets, massive patio umbrella, buckets, spades, cool box, huge beach towels, flask of coffee, a few cold beers, rolls and of course a couple of bags of crisps. Now that's what I call style. The weather wasn't so good on Monday, not raining just a little overcast so we decided to head for Villefranche. This has to be one of my favorite towns - it is a fantastically preserved walled medieval city. Built originally in an attempt to keep the Spanish out it is now a very popular tourist spot. Unfortunately the place had more French tourists than Canterbury on a Saturday afternoon. We also had to queue in the bakers to get our lunch. Tuesday the sun is back out and another day spent around the pool. Whilst trying to keep my eyes open I recognised someone out of the corner of my eye. It was an old friend from school's sister - they arrived here today and had reserved the sun loungers next to us - small world.

Wish you were here..

The last couple of days seem to have drifted away, the weather has been incredible and we have done very little. The most we have managed during the day has been a walk to the pool. On day one Thomas read a whole book - that's how much we moved. Hannah made friends with a girl of about her age yesterday we hoped she had found her holiday buddy. Sadly it was her last day so the friendship was short lived. On Friday night we went to the on site restaurant which was pretty awful - and not cheap. Everything does seem much more expensive this year. I know the French are supposed to be good at food but I don't see too much evidence of it. The raw materials available in the supermarkets and shops are certainly better than ours but what we see in the tourist outlets doesn't reflect this quality. We have been to the pool today and have just had a leisurely lunch. We are off to the beach this afternoon and plan a trip into Canet tonight. We did attempt this last night but the little ferry did not appear to be running - probably on strike in support of the French farmers!!

Are you going to France?

After a smooth trip to the docks - well what else would you expect? - we boarded the ferry and made our way to the Club lounge. A perfect day for a crossing the most difficult decision was tea or coffee - the next major problem was trying to stay awake. Close to us a couple of young girls were starting to strike up a friendship. they stood looking out of the forward facing port holes and one said, "Are you going to France?" it made me smile anyway. On to the French road system, a much beter picture than last year we cautiously approached our first peage booth and headed for the 'reserved' lane. After last year's horrendous trip we had noticed how easily and quickly cars with the toll tokens got through. I made it my mission to try and get hold of one of the Liber-t tokens prior to this years journey. You can order on line for a 30 Euro deposit and a 2 Euro charge for each calendar month that you use the thing. Each toll you pass through then gets billed to your payment card. We drove closer to the barrier and the little plasic box stuck to the inside of the windscreen beeped reassuringly and the barrier lifted. I now look forward to my chace to queue jump!! After a comfortable stop in Clermot-Ferrand we set off again, our intention to stop at the Milau Brige. After a couple of hours driving we followed the signs for the Milau Aire and drove into the car park of the visitor centre. A van was trying to turn around and some other cars were blocking the path. I saw the opportunity to dart passed the jam but sadly ended up on the exit road. Unfortunately this was a single concrete sided carrigeway with opportunity to stop or turn around. Feeling a complete plonker we rejoined the auto-route and will have to visit the bridge on our return. We safely arrived at Canet after a five hour journey and it felt like home from home. Within an hour the car was un-packed the kids had hired bikes (160 Euro!!) and the fridge was stocked with beer and wine.

Canon G9

Untitled from Alan Langley on Vimeo. One of Hazel's birthday presents was a Canon G9 Camera. I am absolutely amazed at it's features and the quality of the output. It has a neat little function that lets you do time lapse photography, basically it just takes a picture every one or two seconds. The example above was my first attemp at putting the camera on the car dashboard. It is certainly no cinematic masterpiece but a great gimmick!! The video clip below was taken by Hazel during the opening concert for the Deal music festival. This was only taken on normal quality but looks very impressive. Bare necessities #1 from Betteshanger Band on Vimeo. For completeness I have also included a still image.

Bewl Water

Circuit Training

We have been going to the gym for a couple of years now and decided it was time to try something different. Our gym has started a circuit training class so we decided to give it a go. We turned up for our assessment not quite knowing what torture was in store. After a class warm up which completely knackered me we were told that there were ten different exercises including sit ups press-ups, and skipping - yes skipping! You had to do each of the stations for one minute followed by a 30 second break then on to the next station. Once you did all ten you then started again, 45 seconds on each with a fifteen second rest. Then on completion another circuit 30 seconds each with no rest. Forty five minutes of sheer hell later we hobbled to the car. Although I am sure the exercise did us good it didn't agree with Hazel's leg - I dropped her at casualty on Monday morning where they diagnosed a 'soft tissue' injury.

I wanted to find the picture above on the PC to add to this post - just as I went to ask Haze where she'd filed it I noticed a file on the desktop called my fat leg.jpg - bless...

Plants

We actually had a nice Bank Holiday Monday!! As the kids were out we decided to pop to the garden centre to get some plants to brighten the garden - in particular the area around the pond. Having potted the plants we sat back with a well earned beer and made the most of the afternoon sun. Our resident black blackbird flew down from his vantage point and hopped around almost inspecting our handiwork - I sometimes wonder whose garden it is anyway!