Venice - March 2010

Back to Venice for a chance to explore the outer islands, back lanes and sights away from the crowds.

On the Vaporetto to Murano as the sun sets

Back lane at midnight

Reflections

Punter waiting for a puntee?

Britannia Coco-nut Dancers of Bacup

Celebrating the traditions of England, these fine old gentlemen from Bacup entertained the crowds with a routine straight from Monty Python. The leader of the group is 83 - but I'd imagine none of them have been near a GP for years, judging by their energetic routine and big smiles all day. There's more of them here

More Morris Dancers!

MayDay 2010 - Black Pig Border Morris

Off to celebrate May Day with various eccentrics in the wilds of Uttoxeter on a very cold Sunday. The Black Pig Border Morris group entertained us with their vigourous dancing, music and dramatic costumes.

Regeneration in Stoke

I pass by this pub every day on the way to and from work, and finally got the opportunity to take some photos when my car was booked in for a service at a near by garage.

Took a walk up the side street to find the canal and much heralded Waters Edge development. What a strange mix of swanky new apartments, boarded up terraces, pot ovens and derelict factories.


 View from the new apartments
















No interest














In needs of some promotion















Living among the condemned















A street in mourning




















Artwork by the canal

Family Party

The McCarthy clan braved the elements to gather at the Alicia Hotel opposite Sefton Park last Saturday lunchtime, to celebrate my Mum's 80th birthday.
Family came from across the country - Gav and Susie up and back to London in a day - and ranged from little Hattie to grand Auntie Hett - a hundred years apart. Friends from her nursing years, cousins, neighbours and all but one of her children, grandchildren and great grand children attended - it is a shame Martin could not be there.

Mum had such a surprise, and was quite touched that so many (60+) had made the effort to come out on such a horrid day. We all had a great time, catching up on family news or helping with pieces of the family tree jigsaw. Francis kicked off the communal 'Happy Birthday', followed by your's truly and his 'This is Your Life' speech, which appeared to go down well - despite a dodgy microphone.
Once the fantastic buffet had been cleared we gathered for a team photograph to mark the occassion.
Happy birthday Mum

Roaches and Hen Cloud

Took a trip up to see why the Buxton Road was closed.

Half way up to Winking Man I realised why - snow was drifting in the high winds.

Managed to get a couple of shots before my fingers froze (click image for larger version).

Hen Cloud

Ramshaw rocks

 

Looking towards the Mermaid

 Meanwhile, the Christmas tree looked very appropriate in the garden

Bleak Leek

We took the opportunity to walk up towards Morridge on Sunday - great views over to the Roaches.

Today brought more snow, closed schools and a cancelled trip to Surrey for yours truly. Will we get to Liverpool for the party?

Leek

This is a shot of my (adopted) home town, taken by Brett Trafford - visit his excellent gallery  for more examples from Leek and surrounding areas.

Brett's photos are my inspiration to get out and do some more photography, and Alice is thinking of taking A Level photography, so she might be able to teach me how to take great shots like this.

Seasonal shot of Rudyard Lake

This was taken a few years ago, but I'm sure it's just as frozen out there now...and it's one of Alice's favourite shots.

STOP PRESS - Last Minute Shocker

Torres scores in 93rd minute to steal vital 3 points - maybe, just maybe, this could be the start on the revival....or another false dawn like the Man Utd win.

Post Christmas meet

A quick trip up to Liverpool today with Rich, to help with the sorting out, now Mum has her new furniture. Big sisters Ann and Chris were in charge (as usual!!) and had everything organised. Dave was busy polishing, while I tried to look like I knew what I was doing, measuring imaginary shelving units and putting up one picture. I managed to borrow another old photo of the McCarthy clan, to use for the party.

We had an unexpected surprise when Carly and Evie arrived, so that was lovely and Evie entertained us with her toy horses, jigsaw and chasing games.
All too soon it was time to leave, and a Sat-Nav directed tour of the back roads of Cheshire, as the M6 was a 3 junction-long car park.

Fun in the snow

Spend a great afternoon up on The Roaches with the in-laws this week.

It was so wild up there; quite dramatic snowscapes and fabulous views back towards Leek and Mow Cop. 

We managed to get to the top, via some very icy steps, and I had my first skate on Doxey Pool, with Andy, Emily and Jon.

My brothers - Pete and Graeme

This is the only photo I have of my two brothers together, taken at my wedding in 1990, and I carried it in my wallet for years. Somehow it got misplaced, and now, just before Christmas, I found it again.
Hoping to see Graeme at my Mum's party, and fingers crossed, Martin will also come - it would be lovely if he could join the family again.

Brrrr!

Minus 7 this morning at Blackshaw Moor, with more severe frost overnight, and a HIGH of +2 tomorrow. 

Kids enjoyed sledging/bodyboarding up at Leek High. Deb and I braved the elements with Molly, but soon returned for Gluevein and mince pies.