Catch up.

I can't believe that it has been so long since my last entry.
I have been so distracted the past few months, range of things going through my head. Certainly my photography has taken a set back. I really haven't been out and about much so everything suffers. I'm at work as I write this, don't tell the boss! I am so unhappy and unsatisfied with work that I am actively looking at alternatives. If anyone knows of any jobs going in the Ballymena area please let me know.
I am heading away to Galway, Ireland from tomorrow for a few days. I hope to take in the Galway Oyster Festival, grab some candid street/feast and festival shots. I will share some of these with you at a later date. Depending on the time available I may also get some coastal work.

Achievement

Well I did become productive. I managed to get the wall painted, I even managed to remove silicon sealant in the shower cubicle and replace with nice fresh stuff. Three walks with the dog and we have now been warned of severe weather coming into Northern Ireland over the next few days. Now praying that Belfast City Airport doesn't become a victim of the snow.

The end of another day..

Give me an hour and I'm on my way home. Today was one of those days that seemed never to come to an end. Good news is that I'm off until next Monday with a trip over to Southampton in between to visit my son and his wife. It's been so long I can't wait. We have exchanged a few emails over the last couple of days, talking of Christmas gifts. He is a lot like me when it comes to buying gifts for others, what would you like dad? pick something why don't you? Yes it would be great to give an unrestricted answer but sure who wants to come across as needy or greedy? I'm of the notion that cash is good, what about a gift voucher? What's wrong with that? I would love to have a few pounds in my pocket to spend frivolously but guilt then takes me. I would end up putting the cash towards the servicing costs I am due to fork out tomorrow. There's a plan, I would love someone to pay my servicing bill tomorrow, any offers?

The whole of tomorrow with no car. What to do? I'm sure there are a dozen jobs I could do. If I can muster the interest there's a wall that needs a lick of emulsion. A big lab that likes to lie close to your feet rubs occasionally on the wall and it does need freshened up, might be nice before Christmas.

Well, an answer to a prayer would be for all the items I've ordered online for Christmas to arrive tomorrow. The post is so unpredictable. Things that normally arrive quickly from China now take three weeks+ and things that should take a while longer arrive next day! How are things categorised at the post office? I will never know or understand.

A week into December -

I can't believe we are already a week into the dreary month of December. Is there actually anyone out there that honestly enjoys this month. Maybe the thought of a party encourages some but the morning after always reinstates the need and indeed the craving for normality, whatever that is.

Like most people of a certain age we battle with the middle age spread, some more than others. Myself and the wife have been on the Slimming World diet (please don't spread that around). With so much going on both in our own home and other close family homes it is difficult to stay focussed on anything. Kizzy and I are really trying hard and finally this week Kizzy has had a great result. Probably slimmer of the week don't you know! It has been a great boost for her and I hope that this carries forward into next week giving her loads of hope. It looks like I've only lost a couple of pounds, I will have to wait until tomorrow morning for the official weigh in.

Spent the most horrible time getting home from work yesterday, probably the worst conditions on the motorways that I've witnessed during daylight hours. The heavy traffic just couldn't move the snow and everything ground to a halt bringing a lot of towns in Northern Ireland to a standstill. More snow to come tonight and tomorrow, I will be looking forward to that - Not!

The Big Freeze continues...

It's the end of November - why are people honestly shocked and miffed that it's cold, ice cold? I love this time of year, alright I may not be up to my knees in snow, but I still enjoy the fresh, crisp clean air. I love the early mornings walking the dog in the countryside watching from a lonely high vantage point as the sun slowly rises in the sky turning everything a crimson tone. The sky on Sunday morning was clear and the most beautiful deep azure blue colour. Of course I had no camera, I always have a camera!
I am working 12 hour shifts yesterday and today so I don't see a lot of anything, busy shoppers in a new found frenzy looking to get the Christmas shopping underway. I took a stroll through Belfast city centre at lunch and am always surprised at the attitude of women, yes women pedestrians who walk the pavements on a mission. That mission doesn't include giving way to other pedestrians, they would walk over the top of you. I always seem to be the one who bobs and weaves and does everything possible so that they can walk in the most direct route to their destination. I've often threatened to be stubborn and adopt the same attitude but I know it would result in a collision and of course I would be the bad guy, probably get a slap as well, that's the sort of luck I have. Gripe over. I don't want to take the bah humbug emotion through to December.
I have no photos to share today, it's so difficult findng fresh ideas in the city centre. I have walked through the Continental market so many times that I wouldn't care if it never returned to Belfast. Food seems to be the biggest attraction, that and alcohol. With me on my healthy eating plan I walked through the market looking for healthy fast foods - in short - it doesn't exist. Fatty meats, deli meats, cheeses, chocolate, cakes, fudge everything you need to avoid like a plague. I hoped to find a baked potato with a healthy filling but no chance, an opening their for the budding entrepreneur.
I'm back to work now and my heels are killing me. NEW SHOES!! I can hardly take a step without crying. It will get better, when the bleeding has stopped!

Supper time.

There are times when a compact camera and the playfulness of two dogs can create a moment to remember. This little Westie, about 4 months old, and my 18 month old lab are enjoying the warmth of the fire on a bitterly freezing night. The playing combined with the glow from the fire and a bit of red eye produced this little gem.