Wiggers World

Resting

2010-06-24T09:32:00.003+01:00

Wiggers World Is Now On Hold

I am still blogging about my home town of

...

Hyde Cheshire

...

Feel Free To Stop By There

Header Challenge and Goodbye for now

2010-06-23T16:08:00.003+01:00

Header Challenge

"What Is That Bug?"

Green Shield Bug

Palomena prasina

This flat, shield-shaped bug is common throughout England and Wales, but less so in Scotland.
It is bright green and stippled with tiny black dots in spring and summer, but changes to greeny-bronze in autumn. Its wing tips are dark brown.

Adult shield bugs hibernate in grass tussocks or leaf litter and emerge in May.
Females lay clusters of small, barrel-shaped eggs on the undersides of leaves. These hatch into wingless nymphs, which crawl between plants to feed, and become the new generation of adults in September. These bugs can often be seen basking in the sun during late summer before they hibernate. Both adults and nymphs suck plant sap.
It is sometimes called a green stink bug as it produces a pungent odour from special glands if handled or disturbed.

As if by magic this bug stopped by to say hello and ended up the subject of the theme... isn't it a ugly brute.... ha!

Join the Head Bangers again as we go 'Head 2 Head' in this weeks Header Challenge. The theme this week was picked by Fishing Guy and is "What Is That Bug"

Darla
Fishing Guy
Gailsman
Imac

This will be my last Header Challenge as Wiggers World is now going on hold for a while... I would like to thank you all for stopping by.. not just for the fun of the Header Challenge but to all who visit blogs... I don't think any of us blog for the number of visitors we get.... it only takes one comment now and then to give encouragement to another blogger, it lets one know your pictures and writing are appreciated.. Keep visiting others, drop a comment there now and then and enjoy yourselves..

Once again thank you all.

Tom Wigley

Hyde,

Cheshire

England.

Setting Sun

2010-06-22T09:36:00.001+01:00

I took these this weekend as the sun was setting.... the sun caught the leaves of this Bay Tree and lit up the leaves bright orange.... I had to go get the camera. The sun will be setting over Wiggers World for a while after this weeks Header Challenge.... see post below for why.. in the mean time enjoy the views

Weekend Moon

2010-06-21T10:24:00.003+01:00

As of the end of this week Wiggers World will be taking a rest for a while.... this is to give me chance to renew my picture folders and to concentrate on a new project about my town of Hyde in Cheshire. Thank you all for stopping by and visiting, comments and 'online' friendship.

Fathers Day

2010-06-20T01:38:00.003+01:00

Gone But Not Forgotten

Harold Wigley

1912-1970

It is not flesh and blood but the heart which makes us fathers and sons.

Greedy Squirrel

2010-06-18T08:54:00.003+01:00

Thanks to my old school friend David Gee for this shot of a resent visitor to his garden... this reminds me of the saying 'Bitten off more then you can chew'... I have to say that I like the light in this shot... thanks for sharing this Dave.

Header Challenge 36

2010-06-16T18:00:00.000+01:00

Communication

-.-. --- -- -- ..- -. .. -.-. .- - .. --- -.

Join the Head Bangers as we go 'Head 2 Head' in this weeks Header Challenge. The theme this week was picked by Gailsman and is Communication. My header shows Jodrell Bank's stunning Lovell Radio Telescope.

Check out the other Head Bangers who are more than will to communicate with you :O)

Around The Block

2010-06-14T10:05:00.004+01:00

Talbot Road

Ashton Road

Victoria Road

War Memorial

Cartwright Street

The old I.C.I. Factory

Taken From

Victoria Road/Talbot Road

Junction

Below

The Bay Horse

Same Junction

I had a walk around the 'block' the other day.... this used to be a 20 minute walk for me... it took me just over 2 hours. I made use of 2 benches to sit and rest awhile, and when I got home I was asleep within an hour...... it took me 2 days to get over this walk but it was worth it to get out and about...

SIGHT SEEING

2010-06-13T06:43:00.004+01:00

These are places I like to visit locally, each place looks better for what as been added there by man.... and with the wildlife I see in these parts all seems to fit together well enough.... if only this could be said about everything man as a hand in.

Jays

2010-06-12T12:08:00.001+01:00

.o.

A very colourful crow about the same size as a jackdaw, mostly pinkish brown under parts slightly lighter. The head has a black and white stripped marking with a black moustache and a white throat. A white rump and black tail,The eye is a pale blue, a black bill and pinky brown legs. Wings mostly black with white patches. A striking blue feather very noticeable as they fly off as they are very shy birds. prefers wooded areas.

Mandrin Duck

2010-06-10T23:30:00.000+01:00

I liked the reflections these ducks produced... double the beauty

Dragonfly Egg Laying

2010-06-10T09:58:00.003+01:00

Dragons Reflections

Header Challenge 35

2010-06-09T20:06:00.005+01:00

Tick Tocking Good Theme

The dandelion clock is a very strange clock.

It doesn't say tick, and it doesn't say tock.

It hasn't a cuckoo. It hasn't a chime.

I don't think it can really tell me the time

Join the Head Bangers as we go 'Head 2 Head' in this weeks Header Challenge. The theme this week was picked by Fishing Guy and is Tick Tock - Did you see that clock?". . what a great theme this is going to be. My header shows Hyde's town hall clock, and the clock that stands in our old picture house... now shut and uncertain of its future.

Darla
Fishing Guy
Gailsman
Imac

Early Bank Views

2010-06-08T05:40:00.000+01:00

This area is the nearest bit of counrtyside to my house.... and a place I should visit more often.

Golden Gorse

2010-06-07T10:19:00.000+01:00

Gorse

Gorse is a native shrub with dense, dark green shoots with very sharp spines . It can flower all year round.... but most around here seem to flower in either March to May or late summer. The blooms are fragrant pea-like bright yellow flowers.

Its habit makes it a great refuge for small birds and mammals, and its flowers are a good source of nectar for bees and butterflies. It is also a food plant for several moth and butterfly larvae.

This group of Gorse was alive with bird life when I stopped here and rested... I saw Gold Finches, Green Finches... Sparrows, Blue Tits, Long Tailed Tits, Robins, and some kind of Warbler. It is also home to a Rabbit Warren... which over the last few years seem to be doing well.

I love seeing this in bloom, it can really light the hillside up when in flower, this is a shrub that as been used in hedgerows in the past... now it is not in favour. Luckily a lot of farmers leave it to grow as in winter it offers a wind break and shelter.

Not the kind of plant you would like to fall in, those spikes are why many birds choose to nest in it as it helps to keep predators from getting at their eggs and young.

Ringa Ding Ding

2010-06-06T06:15:00.000+01:00

Resting With The Bluebells

Can you see the Greenfly?

Tree Trunk & Bells

2010-06-05T13:15:00.000+01:00

Enjoy

Common Daisy

2010-06-04T12:18:00.000+01:00

Daisy Daisy, give me your answer do

I'm half crazy, crazy in love with you

The daisy flower is considered a friendly one. It has white petals with yellow centers. Sometimes, the flowers are a rose or pink color. The daisy symbolizes purity and innocence, and it can also stand for new beginnings. The meaning of the flower is "loyal love."

Despite their appearance, daisies are not one flower. They have two types of flowers--petal-like white ray florets and disc florets. The disc florets are located at the flower's center and the ray florets are on the outside, coming from the disc. Together, they look like one flower.

Daisy chains should always have their ends joined when finished as they represent the sun, the earth, and the circle of life. It was once believed that dressing a child in a daisy chain would protect them from being stolen by the fairies, and in the Middle Ages the daisy was used to treat battle wounds; bandages containing crushed daisies were thought to give relief from pain and aid healing. The young leaves, flowerbuds and petals can be added to salads.

Peaceful Pathways

2010-06-03T06:35:00.000+01:00

Early Bank Hillside

My all your Pathways be as Peaceful as these.

Header Challenge 34

2010-06-02T10:08:00.006+01:00

Up in the Sky

Face

Hands

Join the Head Bangers as we go 'Head 2 Head' in this weeks Header Challenge. The theme this week was picked by Darla and is Up In The Sky.

Darla
Fishing Guy
Gailsman
Imac

Big Peter & The Swallows

2010-06-01T05:50:00.001+01:00

All the pictures here are taken not by me but Big Pete, regular visitors to here might have seen his pictures before. He did have is own blog for a while as well.

He was out walking the tracks and out of the way trails of Derbyshire when he came across a number of Swallows collecting mud from these puddles.

To see them land on the ground is a rare sight, but to see them collecting mud for the nest and having a camera on hand to capture it is rarer still... Great pictures again Peter... thanks for sharing.

Juvenile

2010-05-31T01:40:00.000+01:00

Juvenile

Goldfinch

This youngster is just showing it's colouring, the marking and colouring are just about there. The give away about it's age is the beak, it will soon loose the dark patches and have a translucent pink beak with a small tip of black. I'm lucky enough to have Goldfinch visit the garden for the last 2 years.

Blossoming Hedgerow

2010-05-29T13:57:00.000+01:00

The Blackthorn

Blackthorn - is technically a shrub but frequently grows to small tree height. It is native throughout Britain and is commonly planted in hedgerows and if like these left unchecked will grow prolifically

Blackthorn produces a high yield of blue-black fruits, known as sloes which can be used in jams or wine as well as flavouring gin which is very nice. The fruit is too bitter to eat on its own though, it is thought that the blackthorn is one of the parents to the domestic damson and other plums.

The flowers, bark, leaves and sloes can be used to treat a variety of ailments as they are aperients, astringent, depurative, diaphoretic, diuretic, febrifuge, laxative and stomachic. By infusing the flowers it becomes an especially usefully treatment for diarrhoea, bladder and kidney disorders and other stomach problems. The sloe berries make a very bitter tonic it helps to stimulate the metabolism, clean the blood and can be used as a laxative and a diuretic. They also help with indigestion, skin conditions such as eczema, as well as herpes, allergies, colds, catarrh, neurosis, bladder and prostate problems. The sloe berry is rich in vitamin C and can be traced to the 17th and 18th Century as a brewed sloe tonic to treat ‘fluxes in the belly’.

Macro Miniatures

2010-05-27T15:57:00.000+01:00

Who lives in a house like this?

Tree Trunk

New Sycamore Leaves

Header Challenge 33

2010-05-26T17:29:00.001+01:00

TREES

Join the Head Bangers as we go 'Head 2 Head' in this weeks Header Challenge. The theme this week was picked by myself and is 'Trees'.

Seed Heads 2

2010-05-25T09:24:00.003+01:00

There is a bit of Dandelion magic

Within us all

These seed head stand for wishes coming true.

Close your eyes, blow the seeds and make a wish

The seeds released represent fertility and abundance.

A symbol of letting go, of starting something new

Dandelion Seed Heads 1

2010-05-24T08:05:00.001+01:00

I can't help blowing these.. ha!

More of them tomorrow

Dandelion 'Wet The Beds' 2

2010-05-23T07:53:00.002+01:00

What a shame these beauties are so intrusive and hard to get rid of. Pop back tomorrow I will post some pictures of the seed heads.

Dandelion or 'Wet The Beds'

2010-05-22T01:14:00.002+01:00

The dandelions name is a derivation of Old French, 'dent-de-lion' which means "lion's tooth" on account of the sharply lobed leaves the plant as. In modern French the plant is called pissenlit, "urinate in bed", referring to its diuretic properties. In England some know it as "Pissabeds" or 'Wet The Bed'

More Wet The Beds Tomorrow

Wild Flower

2010-05-21T06:22:00.000+01:00

ID Please

I'm always happy to be put right on stuff. There was a few of these in a local meadow... the ground was moist and rarely dries up completely. The closer you get to it the more beautiful it gets

Butterfly

2010-05-20T11:03:00.001+01:00

Speckled Wood

Female

Picture took by Jane

This butterfly is normally seen in more sheltered places than our back garden. It is often the only species seen in dappled shade, or in overcast conditions. When a male encounters a friendly female, (who has a more laboured flight than the male) she will fall to the ground or a nearby leaf where, after a brief kiss and a cuddle, the pair mate. Both sexes feed from honeydew, but also take nectar from a variety of plants when honeydew is scarce. We are seeing many more butterflies since the field at the back of our house was left to go wild.

Header Challenge 32

2010-05-19T20:06:00.001+01:00

Silhouette

Join in the Head Bangers as we go 'Head 2 Head' in this weeks Header Challenge. The theme this week was picked by Imac on behalf of Fishing Guy and is 'Silhouette'.

Darla Fishing Guy Gailsman Imac

Beauty Of Bluebells

2010-05-18T09:26:00.008+01:00

Bluebells on Early Bank hill

Lower Matley Views

2010-05-17T09:25:00.000+01:00

“The soul that sees beauty may sometimes walk alone”

Apple Blossom

2010-05-16T11:12:00.000+01:00

What a treat to come across this on a woodland walk... I will be back in the Autumn for some of the crop. If I don't eat it myself the birds will benefit if I store some for the winter.

Fledglings No.1

2010-05-15T10:03:00.001+01:00

Fledgling Coal Tit

Views From Lower Matley Lane

2010-05-14T12:14:00.001+01:00

The stroll was tiring but worth it

River Side Views

2010-05-13T10:29:00.004+01:00

It's A Bugs Life ;o)

Magpie With No Tail

2010-05-12T03:57:00.001+01:00

The Magpie

(Pica pica)

We have quite a few of these around our area, I was asked yesterday if they were friendly. To answer that I would have to say the are more scared of humans that many other birds... they try to keep their distance, I'm sure this is in bred in them as the are very often shot or trapped.I Magpies earned a poor reputation from game keepers due to their taste for eggs and young of nest birds, yet they benefit farmers and gardeners by eating mice, rats, voles, snails and slugs.

The large nest is made of thorny sticks, mingled with roots and turf, and lined with clay and mud. Normally built high in a tall tree but I have known them to have built and reader chicks in a nest that was only about 6-7 foot up a tree. Both the male and female are black and white in colour at a glance. male tend to be a wee bit larger than the female.

They are opportunistic scavengers and will eat anything once they have discovered it is edible. They do raid the nests of other birds for the eggs and will eat their fledglings. I have seen them do this often, it is not a nice sight to see at all.... the parent birds and the fledgling scream but to no avail.. it is a noisy, brutal thing to witness and is another reason Magpies are not liked in town and gardens.

In the spring, large numbers of Magpies often gather to resolve territorial conflicts and social standing. These gatherings, called parliaments, probably gave rise to the many nursery rhymes and poems about Magpies, yet many other crows do the same.... and around here it can be a mix of Magpies and Jackdaws. It is a very strange thing to see when birds come flying from all directions to one tree.... the noise is loud with much chattering and squawking. It can go on for quite awhile with birds coming and going.... some birds will be chased off by both Jackdaws and Magpies as if they are working together.

One for sorrow, two for joy.

Three for a girl, four for a boy.

Five for silver, six for gold.

Seven for a secret, never to be told.

Eight for a wish, nine for a kiss.

Ten for a bird that's best to miss.

The hen lays and incubates eggs that are smooth, glossy and pale blue with olive-brown or grey spots. The eggs are about 35 mm by 24 mm. During the breeding season, the hen can often be identified by having bent or damaged tail feathers, on none at all like this girl who calls daily to see hat food I've put out for her. Both parents will feed the young after they have hatched.

Magpie At Reddish Vale

2010-05-11T09:25:00.000+01:00

I, unlike most folks like these and think they get a bad press, Magpies are jacks of all trades and can be all of the following.... scavengers, predators and destroyers of pest. Some can be arrogant and cocky.... tormenting the local cats. almost challenging them to come near. Some think these are the main reason our song birds and sparrows have declined.. yes I've seen these raiding nests for eggs and young.... but I see far more cats killing birds than these.

When seen close-up its black plumage takes on a far more colourful hue with a purplish-blue iridescent sheen to the wing feathers, and a green glossy to tail... these colours, plus the black and white make for a stunning looking bird. There is a pair of these nesting just up the road from me... I watch them daily going about their business.. and can sit and watch them and their antics all day. Stop by tomorrow and I'll show you the female Magpie that as taken to stopping by my garden of late

Reddish Vale
HERE

Resting A While

2010-05-10T19:11:00.002+01:00

My Brain Hurts

I seem to be suffering from a mental blockage at the moment... which is effecting how I blog. I have lost the umph for it at the moment..... I think it is times like this when a change or a rest is in order, hopefully it will just be a case of recharging the batteries. In the mean time I will post daily and join in with the Header Challenge but thats about it. Look out for my name popping up in your comments now and then. Keep well.. Keep safe.

Muscovy Duck At Reddish Vale

2010-05-10T08:57:00.005+01:00

What they lack in the looks department they make up in character. These are strange ducks.. they don't swim as often as other duck as their oil glands are under developed compared to most ducks.

They will also eat small animals, mice, baby rats and such like.... even baby rabbits are taken. If their diet lacks food such as this they tend to suffer from anaemia.

These feathered freaky ducks are kept for the table.... they are larger than other duck and taste good...... and if you are wondering ... 'Yes' I have and enjoyed it very much.

Reddish Vale

HERE

Feathers A Flutter

2010-05-07T20:45:00.003+01:00

Reddish Vale

May 2010

Header Challeng 30

2010-05-05T19:56:00.006+01:00

Umbrella

I was at a loss this week as to what I could come up with, but England being England came up with the goods at weekend. We had a severe down-pour of rain and hailstones.... and luckily for me a bit of a wind got up as well...

I was stood at the front door watching the hailstones bounce about when an umbrella came blowing up the street, it got tangled up in a neighbours hedge which was very handy. Ha! I lost no time in retrieving it and recycling it for this weeks header challenge.

Join in with all the Head Bangers as we go 'Head 2 Head' in this weeks Header Challenge. The theme this week was picked by Martha and is Umbrella.

Darla
Fishing Guy
Gailsman
Imac
Martha

Imac is still sailing the seven seas and as left Jane to step in once again to cast a vote for him.. good luck one and all... ;o)

Natures Beauty

2010-05-03T11:40:00.000+01:00

Cheshire / Lanchasire Border

2010-05-02T18:14:00.003+01:00

This first picture shows Jane leading the way on a resent walk through town to my brother house.

His house is the next to last at the far end, these terraced houses were built in the 1800s, the one nearest were added later and are much smaller.

When we get to the front door a quick look back towards Hyde before we enter for a much needed cup of tea.

This is taken across the road fron John's house, looking towards Denton... The horses are coming from a bridleway that runs along the riverside. Just past the horses is the river bridge... the river Tame acts as a border between Hyde and Denton, and Cheshire and Lancashire... as I stand here I'm in Hyde Cheshire.

Tentative Mr Blue Tit

2010-04-29T20:20:00.002+01:00

Meet Mr Blue Tit.... he as been very busy going backwards and forwards feeding his mate who is sitting on a clutch of eggs.

Header Challenge 29 'Tools Of The Trade'

2010-04-28T17:55:00.011+01:00

Join in with all the Head Bangers as we go 'Head 2 Head' in this weeks Header Challenge. The theme this week was picked by Imac and is 'Tools Of The Trade'.

Darla
Fishing Guy
Gailsman
Imac
Martha

My header this week shows Knitting Needles.. strange tools indeed for a 6ft. 17st. chap from a northern mill town on the outskirts of Manchester. They are however the only tools of sort I use now. I took up knitting years ago to help stop smoking and found out I enjoyed it... I only knit for family and close friends now and mostly for the young ones as the pictures above show.

Imac is away this week sailing the high seas with his dear wife... and poor Darla as a family illness to contend with this week but would welcome your prays for her father.

Storm Brewing

2010-04-27T17:55:00.002+01:00

I was stood at the back door watching the skies for signs of the Swallows returning from Africa... they are late this year... I can normally depend on them flying about over head on the 22-23 of April. The small brown Sand Martins are the first to show up, followed by House Martins and then the bigger Swallows... I will keep a look out after this April Storm blows over.

Blue and Purple

2010-04-26T11:07:00.003+01:00

No idea what these are... the Purple one come up each year

The Blue one is new to me.

Beauty Of The Dandelion

2010-04-23T15:36:00.003+01:00

I'm sure these sprung up over night.... we have about 10-15 on the grass this year... I like the flowers and seed heads but not the way they take over.

Flowering Current Blooms

2010-04-22T15:51:00.003+01:00

This blooms every year without fail in my front garden

... the bees love the tiny blooms

Header Challenge 28

2010-04-21T16:37:00.003+01:00

The Theme This Week Is

People

Cara Jade

Malakai

The Weasles

Join in with all the Head Bangers as we go 'Head 2 Head' in this weeks Header Challenge. The theme this week was picked by Darla and is 'People'.
Darla

My header this week shows mine and Janes favourit little people... the four weasles above are Monique, Layton, and Kayne and their cousin Kodie and our grandson Malakai, and granddaughter Care-Jade.

The Wellington

2010-04-21T09:11:00.000+01:00

Another One Bites The Dust

To be honest it as been shut for a while

I have had a drink or two here and I recall playing pool one night for a local team but it was not one I visited often. There's another pub facing this one that is still going I'm glad to say. No matter if I show it in colour or black and white it is a sad sight to see.

Blue Tit Aerobics

2010-04-19T18:41:00.002+01:00

Watching this Blue Tit brightened up a very dull morning. I am lucky enough to see a breeding pair of these throughout the day as they visit the Silver Birch trees at the bottom of our garden.

Old & New

2010-04-18T19:56:00.004+01:00

Woodend Lane

Hyde

Cheshire

The original of this was from an old post card of bygone Hyde, this view shows St Georges Church and beneath the terrace homes on Woodend Lane. I treated this picture to a texture and drawing effect and I've shown it both here and on my Paintbox Pictures blog before.

This is Woodend Lane now, a 100 years or so later, the church is just visible behind the trees where the car is parked. The terraced homes are all still there and in very good repair. I notice the street light as changed from one side of the road to the other... and of course it is now electric and not gas as the original one. The road is now tarmac in in reasonable repair and to the left flats have been built. To the right are allotments.... but not all are now in use. Most have no livestock.... and few are well kept. A lot of the allotments have suffered vandalism, some have had the sheds burnt down which must have been heart rendering to the owners. A very sad sight it makes of what I have always known and found to be a nice part of Hyde.

Print Works Roof

2010-04-16T10:16:00.002+01:00

I have often looked down on these roofs, at the amount of slates and lead work. I had a friend who worked on these roofs replacing the lead work.... it was a job well done for sure. It as to be over 30 years I stood on the bridge shouting across to him.

Parts of this factory are now being pulled down just like many of the 'big' employers from this area it seems this one is winding down now.

I've grown up with the sights and smell of the mills and their chimney's... the smells such as the bone works, and tobacco works have now gone. This mill had its vats of dye that were as bad as the others mentioned. I know the jobs will be missed, but the smells certainly will not.

Malakai In Movement

2010-04-15T09:09:00.002+01:00

Header Challenge 27

2010-04-14T08:56:00.008+01:00

THREE

Three Stags Heads Inn

I first visited the Three Stags Heads in Wardlow Derbyshire around 20-25 years ago. Back then it was just the front room of a farm house that you could stop at for a drink. A small room with a stone flagged floor and a really old cast iron range complete with white-washed walls. There was a small bar with a couple of old tables and chairs. It was easy to imagine you had stepped back in time 200 years to a farmhouse. The only ornament I can remember was a glass display case containing the mummified carcass of a cat! The pub has since changed hands, but was pleased to see the interior had not changed at all and even the cat is still there on show. As you walk through the small front door, and step down into the room it goes quiet and you get the sense that strangers are not exactly welcomed by the locals and their dogs. Treat the place as you find it and you realise what a great little pub you have stumbled across, and the locals are friendly. It's quite an experience, especially as the ale is very good and well kept, but be warned... it is very strong. There's a sign on the wall next to the bar which say this: 'Please do not ask for lager as a smack in the gob often offends'.

Join in with all the Head Bangers as we go 'Head 2 Head' in this weeks Header Challenge. The theme this week was picked by Fishing Guy and is '3'.

Darla
Fishing Guy
Gailsman
Imac
Martha

My header this week shows 3 old boots being recycled as planters.... I saw these a while back on a narrow boat. I had to smile at them..

Eyelashes

2010-04-14T08:44:00.002+01:00

Both of our grandchildren have long eyelashes

Malakai

Cara-Jade

They must get their looks from Grandma and not me ha!

Small Roof Top Statue

2010-04-12T20:16:00.003+01:00

I first became aware of this statue when I was around 11 or 12, it is on the corner of a roof on a building in Hyde town center. I do not know the story about why it is there, or what the shop was originally. I do not even know who this chap with the club might be. Feel free to offer any information or thoughts. The building is now a restaurant but it is a part of the town that as the oldest building in it. I was in Hyde on Sunday having an eye test... seems I need stronger glasses... all this staring at blogs is taking its toll. :O)

The Horses Field

2010-04-11T21:07:00.003+01:00

The is the view from my brothers front door, what you can't see is the very very busy main road to Manchester in front of this view. Still I would not mind opening my curtains to this in the morning. It beats looking across my road to the house there.

Froggy Goes A Courting

2010-04-10T19:53:00.002+01:00

Better Late than Never

I have seen frogs doing what frogs do as early as January, this year the breeding season is the latest I've ever know.

I wonder if it is just our local Frogs that have hung on for better weather, or this as happened all over the UK.

All the above pictures were taken in the middle of March, it was still cold then and frosty in the mornings. Now we have warm sun just when the tiny frogs will be out and about. I wonder what else in nature will be later this year.

Canal Views 15

2010-04-09T19:57:00.002+01:00

More Narrow Boats

Last of the Canal Views for now... not sure what to post next but I'm sure I'll come up with something. Start of the weekend so I wish you all well... have a good weekend and keep well.

Canal Views 14

2010-04-08T22:00:00.002+01:00

Homes in view of the canal

This was crying out for a family to make it a home..

If only ;o)

Canal Views 13

2010-04-08T11:55:00.004+01:00

Parked Up & Almost Forgotten

While traveling along the canal system it gives you chance to see what would be missed from the road... all these caught me eye and when I got home I had a look on Ebay for what they were selling at. I have added the prices as a rough guide.

1960's Massey Ferguson Tractor

Would bring between £800 + on Ebay

1950's -60s Grey Fergie Tractor

Would bring £1000 + on Ebay

Road Roller £500+

Ah! Whats this beauty I spy?

Series 1 Land Rover 1948-58

Would bring anything from £1000 - £2000

Very early chassis numbers sell for more

One of these tastefully restored.

Would bring between to £7,000 - £10, 000

Now this really caught my eye, I had a good look at this and took quite a few pictures... This is a Series 1 Land Rover 80", although when it was introduced in 1948 it was just called "The Land Rover". The first Land Rover built like this date from between 1948 -58 .. finding one that as not been 'messed' with is a rare find. These can bring good money even in a state like this.

Canal Views 12

2010-04-07T21:55:00.000+01:00

Part Of The

Peak Forest Canal

Around The Manchester Road Bridge

Hyde

Cheshire

Not the most beautiful of views of any canal, but an area that has seen changes for the better in the last 30 years.

Header Challenge 26 Theme: ( Sport )

2010-04-07T19:11:00.007+01:00

I can not let the theme of sport go by without showing both football teams that play out of Manchester. It is the norm in these parts to be either 'Red' or 'Blue' but for some reason our family have always supported both...

I have always like football... my oldest brother 'Harold' (R.I.P.) taught me to play and explained to me the rules... he was very much a United fan, my sister however was a Blue and supported City. I just enjoy watching the game for what it is... and enjoy doing so.

Lets not forget golf.. this weekend sees the Masters being played... I know Fishing guy likes his golf... I'm hoping Lee Westwoods comes close this year..

But my header shows a very different sport, the sport of sailing... it really looks peaceful to watch on a nice sunny day.

Join in with all the Head Bangers as we go 'Head 2 Head' in this weeks Header Challenge. The theme this week was picked by myself on behalf of Fishing Guy and is Sport. We have had a few hard themes of late and I thought this might be a bit less of a challenge for our challenge.. ha!

Canal Views 11

2010-04-05T19:26:00.001+01:00

A selection of Narrow Boats

Canal Views 10

2010-04-04T17:45:00.002+01:00

Just enjoy the views

Canal Views 9

2010-04-02T14:04:00.003+01:00

Lift Bridges

Movable bridges were usually cheaper to build than fixed bridges because they didn't require the same heavy foundations and structure.

These Lift bridges are counter-weighted and usually operated manually or by using a windlass like these are..

The bridge above was a bit different from most..... it as its own traffic light system... one press of a button and the lights change an d the traffic stops. Once through another press and the bridge lowers, the lights change to green and off gose the boat and any traffic on their way.

For this bridge the boats windlass came into play

A windlass is an apparatus for moving heavy weights. Typically, a windlass consists of a horizontal cylinder (barrel), which is rotated by the turn of a crank or belt. It was just a matter of a few turns before the counter balance comes into play and the bridge opened

Canal Views 8

2010-04-01T06:10:00.000+01:00

Cows and Kingfisher

Can you spot the Kingfisher?

Thirsty work making milk

This beauty caught my eye before the cows came into view..... but each time I was about to take a shot it flew further up the canal as the barge got nearer. The cows were just a bonus... if you look carefully at the first picture this Kingfisher is on the right, slightly above the cows heads on a over hanging branch... now can you see it?

Header Challenge & Canal Views 7

2010-03-31T18:40:00.008+01:00

...

Urban Decay

My header this week shows the result of what we call 'Fly Tipping'..... for what ever reason some folks think it is perfectly acceptable to blight our towns and countryside with their discarded rubbish. This is not just unsightly but a danger to man and beast.

Our town came about through the cotton boom, large mills went up all over the place and folks moved here to work in them.

The mill workers needed homes, and the mill owners provided basic housing, most of this was cleared in the 1960s and 70s... as most of these homes had outside loo's and no bathrooms.

Now the mills are going to, as cheep imports have put paid to these once great industries. Some mills have been left to rot and have been empty for years, while others are rented out to lots of small company's... either way they soon show signs of decay.

I myself worked here in the 1980s, as well as another long gone mill further down the canal. I can remember lots of the mills that were about when I grew up..... and I recall watching them being slowly wreaked by vandals and the weather once closed. Some would be set alight by arsonist, others became 'drug dens' all were stripped of any metal and things that could be sold. Windows smashed, slates ripped off and sold.

I am happy to report that the above mill known as Throstle Bank as now been demolished after many years of being a blot on the landscape. The area is in the process of renewal... which hopefully is what will eventually happen to all our country's Urban Decay.

Join in with all the Head Bangers as we go 'Head 2 Head' in this weeks Header Challenge. This week sees Fishing Guy on his travels, Darla busy busy busy with family matters, and Imac is visiting his dear Mother In Law who is not to well at the moment. Imac as posted for the theme and as also asked my dear Jane to use vote on his behalf, and help to pick this weeks winner. The theme this week was picked by Gailsman and is Urban Decay.

Darla

Fishing Guy

Gailsman

Imac

Martha

Canal Views 6

2010-03-29T02:01:00.008+01:00

Tunnel Vision

This was going to be the first tunnel for us to go through, we had read all about doing so...... it was just a matter of putting it into practice. We could see from a distance it was a tunnel that would only allow single file traffic.

We first checked the tunnel was empty, and then switched on our headlight and some interior lights. It is advised to turn on some interior lights to help a following boat to see you. If your boat was just showing one stern light it may be confused with a headlight by the helmsman of any boat following behind.

As we went in, we sounded the horn with one long blast to warn any boats we had started coming through the tunnel. As can be seen it was very narrow in there and a bit damp. We steered by looking at one side of the tunnel and at slow speed.

Everything we did worked perfectly, and as we came to the end of the tunnel a boat coming the other way had pulled to one side and was waiting for us to clear the tunnel and one behind was waiting at a safe distance ready to follow us through.. As this was the first time we had done it we felt quite relieved when it was over.

The taller one is my brother who was the helmsman which meant he was steering, and the younger lad is our friends son who came on the trip with us and became quite an expert at opening and closing the locks... more about the locks in another posting.

Canal Views 5

2010-03-28T20:54:00.006+01:00

Canal Art Work

Barge Ware Art or Canal Ware Art is a traditional British folk art. This highly decorative form of folk art once adorned the working narrow boats on the waterways of Britain

Canal ware, Barge ware, is used to describe decorated items and household utensil's, rather than the painting that can be found on the Barges themselves.

Traditionally these items are highly decorated designs. I can not find out how this British folk art began, but think it seems to be in the late 1700s when Britain's canals were at their busiest.

I can imagine on some journeys there would be a lot of down time, such as waiting to be loaded and unloaded.. and queues at the locks or between jobs. To pass time and maybe to earn extra income art work like this could have been done at these times.

Roses and flowers seem to be popular, and landscapes of distant hill and castles.. all these views can be seen around our inland waterways

Today Barge ware is very collectible, in fact on eBay at the moment is a teapot... which says 'Home Sweet Home' admittedly this seems to be an old one ... but the price... yours for £345.00. I wish I'd collected this stuff a few years back when prices were much lower. More tomorrow for the canal.

Canal Views 4

2010-03-28T15:23:00.002+01:00

Lock Keepers Cottage

Lock keepers are responsible for operating and sometimes maintaining the lock mechanisms that allow boats to pass from one level to another on the canal. Locks overseen by British Waterways are operated manually, either by a lock keeper or by barge users to the canals.

A lock keeper's day starts with checking that the lock chambers and any life-saving equipment are in working order.

Some Lock Keepers are lucky enough to get use of these houses as part of their job... as you can imagine these jobs have lots of applicants....

Canal Views 3

2010-03-27T10:03:00.002Z

Barge Names

Snowgoose

Cape Weaver

Lark

Just as it should be.. I'll leave you with Peace

Canal Views 2

2010-03-26T19:32:00.003Z

Dusk

Dawn

Once the sun sets it really goes dark on the canal side. The sound of owls and the odd duck can be heard and in the distance sounds of far off traffic. Perfect peace and quiet... but Dawn is completely different, I was awoke with the sound of the best dawn chorus ever. It was as if every bird for miles around wanted to let the world know thant morning was here. Just beautiful.

Canal Views 1

2010-03-25T16:19:00.006Z

While looking through my folders for a suitable picture for my header challenge post I came across the above pictures... and more of the same. I will show Canal Views for a few days I hope you enjoy them.

Header Challenge 24 ( Dolphins )

2010-03-24T14:24:00.008Z

Dolphin Head Challenge 24

I found this very hard to do this week, which is good as I had to use my brain to come up with not just a header, but a post to go with it. Dolphins are such stunning creatures and I have enjoyed looking for ideas for this weeks challenge. My header this week shows a family of 'Fresh Water' Dolphin on our local canal..... these Dolphins are very rare and not a lot is known about them... in fact I think this is the first time anyone as seen them before..... what a scoop for the header challenge. Do you know why dolphins prefer salt water?.... it is because 'Pepper' water stings their eyes. ;o)

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Join in with all the Head Bangers as we go 'Head 2 Head' in this weeks Header Challenge. The theme this week was picked by Martha.

Long Tailed Tit

2010-03-22T12:58:00.002Z

LONG TAILED TIT

Aegithalos caudatus

The Long Tailed Tit is easily recognisable with its distinctive colouring, and a tail that is bigger than its body. Like most of our Tits, they rove our woodland and hedgerows. This last few years I have been seeing more of these each year.

I have 2 Silver Birtch trees at the bottom of my back garden... these little fellow arrive most days chattering away in groups of upto 30 birds.

Both males and females are black, white and pale pink, with distinctive white crowns. These are one of my favorite birds to see in our garden.

Heads You Win

2010-03-21T09:12:00.008Z

Hard Times Farm

Malakai's Lashes

2010-03-20T17:00:00.002Z

While rocking Malakai to sleep yesterday Jane took this picture. I noticed the light catching his lashes..... never one to miss the chance of a shot I got Jane to change to the Macro setting.

These are just 2 of the excellent pictures she took.....

Signs Of Spring No.2

2010-03-19T11:10:00.003Z

Signs of spring in my front garden

Signs of Spring No.1

2010-03-18T06:50:00.006Z

Magpie

Nest Building

Both birds build the large nest, which can take several weeks to complete, from small branches and twigs, and line it with mud and vegetation. The nest is usually in a large tree and domed to prevent predation by other crows.

The hen lays and incubates eggs that are smooth, glossy, pale blue with olive-brown - grey spots. The eggs are about 35 mm by 24 mm. During the breeding season, the hen can often be identified by having bent or damaged tail feathers.

Breeding Starts early April - Number of clutches = 1, - Number of eggs = 5-8,

Incubation = 21-23 days, - Young Fledge after 22-28 days.

I became aware of this nest building a few week ago.... a single Magpie flew overhead with a small twig in its beak.... within the day a platform was built... and over the last three weeks the nest as steadily grown. If I look out of my front window this nest is in view...... and another can be seen from my back door.

More signs of spring tomorrow

Header Challenge 23 ( Snowdrops )

2010-03-17T18:11:00.001Z

Header Challenge Week 23

Theme

Snowdrops

Join in with all the Head Bangers as we go 'Head 2 Head' in this week Header Challenge. The theme this week was picked by Imac and is Snowdrops

Darla
Fishing Guy
Gailsman
Imac
Martha

As it is St Patricks day today I wish you all the luck of the Irish..... in the past I have had some very good days and nights on this special day with our local Irish community. Many of the ones I knew have long gone now but today have been in my thoughts.

Horse

2010-03-16T20:48:00.002Z

Happy St. Patricks to all

This youngster had no need for a fancy blanket...... it had a heavy coat of it's own.

Out & About With Ben & Becca

2010-03-15T12:16:00.002Z

Ben & Becca outside 'Hardtimes Farm'

Ben The Horse Whisperer

Ben, Becca & The 'Kissing Gate'

Thanks to my son Ben and his young lady Becca for taking me out and about last Friday, I thoroughly enjoyed the walk and just being out. Ha! it took me 3 days to get over it but it was worth it........

Whats all this about then

2010-03-14T20:49:00.004Z

This is a little project to do with an old fireplace in need of a make over... to see how this was done have a look on my Paintbox Pictures blog.

Hopefully when done this is how there might look.

Garden On Rabbit Lane

2010-03-13T11:39:00.003Z

My son Ben and his girlfriend Becca called around yesterday and had a hour or two to spare. I got him to take me out for a much needed walk..... I have not felt up to one for ages and was starting to get cabin fever.

I went with the intention of getting a picture or two for the Header Challenge I take part in.... I had a nice steady walk but found it very hard going..... a walk I used to do in half an hour took over two hours as I had to keep resting.

I led the way and took Ben and Becca along Hobson Moor Road, and down a farm track past 'Hard Times Farm'. I then went down Rabbit lane as I had an idea that the pictures I was seeking could be found around there... and I was right.

The pictures in this post are of a stunning garden I have seen being worked on for over 3 years now.... I recall this ground as a soggy mess, a natural spring bubbled up here and it just made the mud worse... nothing was ever grown here, it had become overgrown and disused.

Now the garden as been transformed, the spring as been made a feature of and the waterfall in the first picture is a good example of the planning that as gone into this patch of lost ground. Statues, rocks and a large amount of shrubs, trees and plants have been added and it really is a pleasure to walk past now. The sound of the water echo's from the few cottages that line Rabbit Lane making for a beautiful sight and sound walk. Darla who takes part in the Header Challenge came to my mind as I walked by here... I'm sure she would fully appreciate all the hard work and planning that has produced this. Just a few pictures but I hope you enjoy the views as much as I did..... as for the walk.... I really enjoyed it.... but boy was I tired last night.... and still am this morning... ha!

It Rained Today

2010-03-12T20:20:00.002Z

I saw Big Peter yesterday, he called by with a homemade made a 'photo-card' for my son. I told him I had shown the wet spider web pictures and that he was asked about.. he was very pleased to hear it. Pete had his trusty dog Defor ( as in D for Dog ) with him and he looked fit as a fiddle. Peter is still taking pictures and showed me a beautiful 'Little Owl' in a tree.... Red Grouse, and White Hares. He is still doing his art work as as a place to live for a while. All in all he seemed well and in good health...

Canal Bridge

2010-03-11T21:49:00.005Z

Manchester Road Bridge

Hyde

Yesterdays Header Theme was Under Water

Today I thought I'd show you something opposite... Over Water

Header Challenge 22 ( Under Water )

2010-03-10T18:07:00.006Z

o0o

Beautiful Brown Trout

Swimming in the crystal clear water of the river Wye

Derbyshire

Join the Head Bangers as we go 'Head 2 Head' in this week Header Challenge. The theme this week was picked by Darla and is Under Water

Feel free to say what you think of our headers
Who would get 'Your' vote?

Coloured Sunsets

2010-03-08T20:28:00.004Z

All these were taken late Feb, early March last year. For quite a few nights running the sky put on such a show. I have shown one of two or these before but thought I'd give them a second airing.

Just as it was.. no added colouring

WET WEBS

2010-03-07T08:53:00.008Z

I would love to take the credit for this set of pictures but alas I can't as these were taken by my mate Peter Parrott, or 'Big Pete' as he's known. People who have known Peter for years do not realise what a good photographer he is... he always draws and paints to a high standard as well. I do not see as much of Peter as I used to, but my son sees him now and then and says's that he seems to be doing well...Peter worries me as at times he will set up a tent and live rough for a while... it could be winter or summer it dose not matter, if Pete feels pressure he retreats to the woods.

Most can be enlarged by clicking

I hope you enjoyed these, I did

Remembering Hazel

2010-03-06T15:06:00.002Z

This Grey Squirrel found its way into our garden over 3 years ago now, withing a week I had it tamed, and named her Hazel. She would sit on my chair or knee and take food from my hand.

As friendly and tame as it was I kept in mind it was a wild creature that had very sharp teeth, and was feeding from me because food was thin on the ground in late winter.

Hazel would turn up for food and knock on the window to be let in or fed.... visitors to the house would find this very amusing. She went on to have a litter of young that first year. and the same the year after. Last year she was looking in very poor condition and started to lose her fur..

I have not seen her since and know that she would have died last spring. Today I was in the kitchen washing up ( I hope you read this Jane ) when I caught sight of another squirrel eating currents and chopped nuts I had put out. I will not be trying to tame this one, but will try to encourage it to feed around here as they make a good subject to take pictures of.

Enjoy The Weekend

Malakai

2010-03-05T16:42:00.002Z

Took these this morning while he was sat on his mothers knee..... what a happy little chap he is. He's now 7 month, and teething.

Twice As Nice With Ice

2010-03-04T18:16:00.002Z

On a twig

On Moss

On Fungi

My favourite, ice formed on a spiders web

Header Challenge 21 ( Yellow )

2010-03-02T23:16:00.012Z

A Celebration Of Yellow

Yellow the colour of spring flowers

The flash of Yellow on a Goldfinches wings

Yellow means beware, take warning

Yellow the soft downy hair on a Bumble Bee

Yellow Tipped Lichen

These Great Tits have a yellow breast split by black

Yellow Buttercups in a meadow

The bright, sunny color of yellow roses evokes a feeling of warmth and happiness. The warm feelings associated with the yellow rose are often akin to those shared with a true friend. The yellow rose is an ideal symbol for joy and friendship which I share with all my blog friends far and wide.

Join the Head Bangers as we go 'Head 2 Head' in this week Header Challenge. The theme this week was picked by myself.... and is YELLOW

Darla
Fishing Guy
Gailsman
Imac
Martha

Feel free to say what you think of our headers

Who would get 'Your' vote?

Last springs youngsters

2010-03-02T07:40:00.004Z

Last springs young Coots

Last springs young Mallards

Bottom Up!

Join me tomorrow at 9pm GMT for the weekly header challenge

This weeks header theme is

Yellow