![\"cheese1\"](\"//images.ctfassets.net/uvlx0f9w0mlv/6VCSAV2iiTdVybXkZOYnXU/ae89c47ed3604eb97e09c7e8c4b4846a/cheese1.jpg\")
While visiting my local art supply shop Cass Art, one of the employees GingerDan asked me if I would be participating in Inktober, which prompted me to ask ‘What is Inktober?’
\nI did a quick Google search and found the Inktober website. I looked over the rules and searched for some artwork from previous years on Instagram, I decided to give it a bash.
\nI had a full month with the list of prompts because I registered to the mailing list, so I started to plan a few of the pieces.
\nThen October hit…
\nThe first couple of day went smoothly, then I started to feel the pressure. I was only able to commit two hours in the evenings for that days prompt. So was also cramming a few in during the weekends to give myself a break in the evenings.
\nI do feel that this was a difficult challenge but I am proud that I was able to do this, and believe I will attempt it again in the future.
\nSee all 31 pieces in My Inktober Instagram Story
","excerpt":"While visiting my local art supply shop Cass Art, one of the employees GingerDan asked me if I would be participating in Inktober, which prompted me to ask ‘What is Inktober?’ I did a quick Google search and found the Inktober website. I looked over…"}}}},{"node":{"id":"cfcf7c20-a931-5fa7-8517-0def230b5f69","title":"Love a bit of cheese","slug":"love-a-bit-of-cheese","date":"January 15th, 2017","featuredImage":{"fixed":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/uvlx0f9w0mlv/3nIEc0owanBXQQQp7UAt6w/f1b5ddbe393442d21201a2a6c787dd7a/cheese_thumb.jpg?w=300&q=50"}},"body":{"childMarkdownRemark":{"html":"I was pleasantly surprised when my girlfriend bought me ‘The ULTIMATE Cheese Making Kit’ for Christmas. We’re very partial to a wedge of cheddar on a cracker, so why not push the boat out and make something a bit more exotic ourselves?
\n
The kit contains ingredients and moulds to make eight types of cheese: Mozzarella, Ricotta, Halloumi, Goats Cheese, Scottish Crowdie, Queso Blanco, Labner, and Paneer.
\nFor my first attempt I chose to try to make Goats Cheese, mainly because it’s one I particularly like so i know how the finished product should look and taste.
\n![\"cheese2\"](\"//images.ctfassets.net/uvlx0f9w0mlv/59ZpOXIw8o0zs4Ua79wUbb/0a8afef79ec945f3b2222ba2f683e7e9/cheese2.jpg\")
![\"cheese3\"](\"//images.ctfassets.net/uvlx0f9w0mlv/1TvbxgcS8xM7OTwLXy9XRk/c6d2f9dbbba594838cb82a61b169969c/cheese3.jpg\")
![\"cheese4\"](\"//images.ctfassets.net/uvlx0f9w0mlv/fbtP5QeIPz4l1DmYagFEz/c0da324d38849c08bd7428631a0bb15c/cheese4.jpg\")
Now to enjoy the finished product with some crackers - yum!
","excerpt":"I was pleasantly surprised when my girlfriend bought me ‘The ULTIMATE Cheese Making Kit’ for Christmas. We’re very partial to a wedge of cheddar on a cracker, so why not push the boat out and make something a bit more exotic ourselves? cheese1 The…"}}}},{"node":{"id":"1fea4b9a-1743-55f8-9330-fd5a0a22d5e6","title":"Liverpool Dayout","slug":"liverpool-dayout","date":"November 16th, 2016","featuredImage":{"fixed":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/uvlx0f9w0mlv/27dmsSSF3iD6k7a9rYkdho/508194d8bb90d93ed99c8758a68d10b5/noimage.png?w=300&q=50"}},"body":{"childMarkdownRemark":{"html":"For my birthday this year Francesca had suggested we go to Liverpool.
\nFirst thing we went to was The Beatle Story, as a Beatles fan this was a must. We checked out some modern art at Tate Liverpool, some history at the Museum of Liverpool and found some interesting books in the Nation Museums Liverpool and the Central Library.
\n[map center="-2.985900,53.404660" zoom="14" type="streets"]
![\"guitar\"](\"//images.ctfassets.net/uvlx0f9w0mlv/6JQF8rNxSt0ckyTu6MMJXL/2ef08af624143b856bd8c16a697137cb/guitar.jpg\")
Back in something like 2004, I purchased an acoustic guitar from Argos, a cheap one, mainly because I wasn’t sure that I would stick to practicing. After a short while I realised that I wanted an electric guitar because the sounds that I was creating were not the face-melting sounds from my favorite rock songs, so I gave it away to a friend, then went to a music store and bought a starter pack, that included a black Fender Showmaster and amp.
\nNow with an instrument that gave me the sound I wanted, I was starting to pick up a few riffs. I found it tricky to work out the strumming patterns, and as a beginner my fingers were not ready for some of the chords. I slowly became bored of finding simple tab sheets and only learning a tiny part of a song. So the guitar got packed in its case and put aside.
\nA few years later an Xbox 360 game was release Rocksmith, it allows the user to plug in a real guitar and play along to songs in a guitar hero fashion, along with learning exercises and games to help speed up the learning process. I couldn’t wait I thought that this was it I was finally going to learn to play better, so I bought the game.
\nThe game was really good, I was playing (badly) along with some songs, however it is a game, and I have many games, new ones are always being released, and so I stopped playing Rocksmith to play more anticipated games, the guitar got packed away again. Every once in a while I would have nothing to do and remember that I have a guitar, start playing some riffs and remember I suck then store it away again.
\nDuring a clear out I decided enough is enough I’m never going to play this stupid guitar, I’m throwing it away… I didn’t, instead I found it a new home with an enthusiastic guitar friend of mine.
\nRecently while looking through charity shops searching for vinyl’s I noticed some cheap acoustic guitars, which prompted me to think about learning for the third time. I asked my friend to pick out a few acoustics in a price range that I wouldn’t miss if I failed again.
\nAfter a few hours in a music store I bought my third guitar, for slightly more that I was expecting to pay. I found that the Ibanez AEG10II-BK Black was the best guitar for me as it has a thinner body than most acoustics, which makes me feel more comfortable playing it which I’m hoping will mean I will be willing to play more often.
\nI’m still planning on using Rocksmith to help me learn, and I have already started learning a few easy songs. However one of the songs that I want to learn is not included on the game: ‘Here Comes the Sun’ by The Beatles, I’ll have to pick that up from an online tab…
\n![\"recordstoreday\"](\"//images.ctfassets.net/uvlx0f9w0mlv/6iGLWfksfkOkfCONaF838l/211164e6faf73bfebf435e63ed93d448/recordstoreday.jpg\")
Record Store Day started in America in 2007. It wasn’t long before the record stores in the UK adopted the day. On this day every year some artists release unique, limited editions or re-releases, most on Vinyl occasionally on Cassette Tape.
\nThis time last year my girlfriend and I had decided to attend our first Record Store Day, we were hoping to get our hands on the 10” glow in the dark single of Ghostbusters. Sadly my car broken-down which resulted in us missing the day – later that year my girlfriend gave me the vinyl as a present.
\nThis year we had our sights on a few of the limited releases, however not all of them were in stock, we still managed to pick up a good haul:
\nSome of the records we missed out on:
\n![\"college-music\"](\"//images.ctfassets.net/uvlx0f9w0mlv/43NW58zlbDA3D2VhDgzKnN/913bc302f788f4690a0480e59e2a47a5/college-music.jpg\")
Today I remembered a band Lit that I first heard when I was in college between 2000-2002, and this inspired me to take a trip down memory lane.
\nBack then I didn’t really own many CDs (I was still using cassette tapes).
\nIt was during this time that I started to fine-tune my music tastes, preferring Rock, Metal and Punk over the Pop and Dance music I favoured during my secondary school years.
\nThe group of people that I was socialising with at college had different tastes to the group of friends I had grown up with. My college friends were always happy to share their CDs and introduce me to new/old bands I had never heard of.
\nI remember spending most of my time and money in shops like HMV and MVC, both went into administration, however HMV managed to claw its way out.
\nSome of the albums I remember owning during my college years:
\nI never did build up an impressive CD collection. I quickly moved to the digital format of Apple’s iTunes, and I’ve now started collecting vinyl records - check out my ever-growing LP hoard.
","excerpt":"college-music Today I remembered a band Lit that I first heard when I was in college between 2000-2002, and this inspired me to take a trip down memory lane. Back then I didn’t really own many CDs (I was still using cassette tapes). It was during…"}}}},{"node":{"id":"a3dec8de-936c-512c-9b70-1f3fa0906518","title":"A Tale as Old as Time","slug":"a-tale-as-old-as-time","date":"October 3rd, 2014","featuredImage":{"fixed":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/uvlx0f9w0mlv/1eEC69ONcbIkVyyZDLozcq/ebd35f6f42ee57be8043e8045fa8056d/beauty_and_the_beast.jpg?w=300&q=50"}},"body":{"childMarkdownRemark":{"html":"![\"beauty](\"//images.ctfassets.net/uvlx0f9w0mlv/1eEC69ONcbIkVyyZDLozcq/ebd35f6f42ee57be8043e8045fa8056d/beauty_and_the_beast.jpg\")
The Birmingham Royal Ballet version of Beauty And The Beasty is a little different from the Disney interpretation.
\nI really enjoyed this production: magical transformations, wild waltzes and soaring formations of birds.
\nI was expecting this production to be something like the Disney version, however I was pleased to see a completely different take on the story.
\nMy favourite parts were the humorous scene with the grumpy grandmother and the scene with the birds dancing/flying.
\nBallet had never been appealing to me, until my girlfriend suggested going to see the Matthew Bourne production of Cinderella, which was really good. At first I didn’t believe I would be able to follow a dialogue-free production, however the scenes and music guide you beautifully.
\nSince then we have seen Sleeping Beauty and Swan Lake — it would seem that we have caught the ‘ballet bug’.
\nI can’t wait for the our next visit to the ballet.
","excerpt":"beauty and the beast The Birmingham Royal Ballet version of Beauty And The Beasty is a little different from the Disney interpretation. I really enjoyed this production: magical transformations, wild waltzes and soaring formations of birds. I was…"}}}},{"node":{"id":"261132a3-168a-53e2-b7e0-1e3ef530c24f","title":"Mini Adventure","slug":"mini-adventure","date":"July 19th, 2014","featuredImage":{"fixed":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/uvlx0f9w0mlv/3vHVlksueLw0SIOEKtSFCq/ea9182ef597a56b6607dbb9a6a4f5f24/mini_cooper.jpg?w=300&q=50"}},"body":{"childMarkdownRemark":{"html":"![\"Peugeot-206\"](\"//images.ctfassets.net/uvlx0f9w0mlv/3DagsVo8A2Ap0BpiRkvFQt/4935dce1725ddc1a5acf5912b07891f0/Peugeot-206.jpg\")
\nPhoto is not of my Peugeot 206
Back in 2010 I bought a Peugeot 206, it has lasted me a good many years and I have put a large amount of mileage on the clock. Sadly it is time for the car to go the motoring heaven, it will not pass it’s next MOT and would be too expensive to push it through another year.
\nI promised myself when I bought the Peugeot 206 that I was going to use this car a lot more than my last car (which was only really used to get to work and back home). I have traveled a lot in my Peugeot 206, proof can be seen from a lot of the pins in the Locations section of my site.
\nAs you may have already guessed, I’ve just brought a Mini Cooper, lets hope that this car lasts just as long if not longer, I still have lots of new places I want to visit and a lot of places I am sure to visit again.
\n![\"mini](\"//images.ctfassets.net/uvlx0f9w0mlv/3vHVlksueLw0SIOEKtSFCq/ea9182ef597a56b6607dbb9a6a4f5f24/mini_cooper.jpg\")
![\"hawkstone](\"//images.ctfassets.net/uvlx0f9w0mlv/291iUzL0MA2KVEI1YSsZmz/ff22a94efbb9b8568dda14e3e63f7f02/hawkstone_park_follies.png\")
During our latest break in Wales my girlfriend and I picked up a few tourist leaflets, showing attraction around the area that would be interesting to visit. One of those leaflets was for Hawkstone Park Follies.
\nRealising that Hawkstone Park is in Shropshire, not too far from where we live. We decided that this would be a great place to visit during a weekend.
\nHawkstone Park Follies is a historic woodland, in the Shropshire landscape of cliffs and crags. Within the park are several extraordinary monuments, some of which were built over 200 years ago.
\nWalking around the park you would start believing that you were in a fantasy world of winding tree and magical creatures, So it’s not too hard to imagining why in 1988, the BBC filmed an adaptation of The Chronicles of Narnia by CS Lewis.
\nLocation of Hawkstone Park Follies\n[map center="-2.631540,52.855800" zoom="15" type="satellite"]
![\"West](\"//images.ctfassets.net/uvlx0f9w0mlv/60x85sqEeu0KiXWwgmLh5H/f5dcf01134c30068ca1a664721b11514/wmsp.jpg\")
My girlfriend and I have been meaning to visit West Midlands Safari Park for about a year now, and last Sunday we finally went.
\nI’m not the best person to be driving around a safari park, as I will often get annoyed with other drivers taking their time or hogging an ideal location for a perfect snapshot of the animals.
\nThe park has a wide selection of animals to see as you drive through:
\nWe bought a packet of deer and goat feed, as Francesca wanted to feed the deer, which attracted a lot of attention to my car. There was one ostrich that had chosen to sit on the edge of the road on a bend, so I pulled up right alongs side it to say hello.
\nAfter the drive around the safari park, we ventured into the wildlife and entertainment park to see a few of the animal talks and shows. Francesca was very interested in the bat enclosure (she happened to be wearing a batman hoodie). Feeding the penguins was fun, watching them jumping up and swimming around by the glass to get at the fish.
\nThe most entertaining moments for me were the few rides that we when on; Wild River Rafting, Zambezi Water Splash, Dr Umboto’s Catacombs and the Pirate Ship (which Francesca did not like one bit).
\nOverall we both had a great day out, and we have a 2nd visit ticket, which we will be using in the summer.
","excerpt":"West Midland Safari Park My girlfriend and I have been meaning to visit West Midlands Safari Park for about a year now, and last Sunday we finally went. I’m not the best person to be driving around a safari park, as I will often get annoyed with…"}}}},{"node":{"id":"f8668500-3b19-5db3-9999-c293605998fa","title":"Geocaching","slug":"geocaching","date":"January 16th, 2014","featuredImage":{"fixed":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/uvlx0f9w0mlv/5NqtifOQbKwHnX0vTAj2Jb/a9f872f3005f1f3ce8189e94f0eead90/geocaching.jpg?w=300&q=50"}},"body":{"childMarkdownRemark":{"html":"Geocaching is an outdoor activity a lot like orienteering. It’s basically a treasure hunt use GPS coordinates to hide and seek containers (known as caches).
\n![\"geocaching\"](\"//images.ctfassets.net/uvlx0f9w0mlv/5NqtifOQbKwHnX0vTAj2Jb/a9f872f3005f1f3ce8189e94f0eead90/geocaching.jpg\")
I have known about Geocaching for a while now, but never thought much of going hunting for any cache. While doing a Google search for places of interest in the area where my girlfriend lives (a lovely little village in the countryside), I found a reference to a Geocache location.
\nI enjoy walking around the countryside, finding public right of way paths that take me through fields and to lovely areas (water and mud proof walk boots required).
\nSo I downloaded the official Geocaching app for my iPhone, and surprise my girlfriend with a little Geocaching hunt around her village.
\nWe found all three we aimed to find. The app is great; it gave us a pin on a map for the rough area of where the cache is hidden and then hints to its hiding place. Once we found them we wrote our names on the log contained within the cache and posted that we found it using the app.
\nIts a very interesting way to explorer a new area that we may visit, with some Geocaches having puzzles and quests to discover the hidden item.
\nThe next time we go for a day out anywhere we will definitely fit in a bit of Geocaching.
","excerpt":"Geocaching is an outdoor activity a lot like orienteering. It’s basically a treasure hunt use GPS coordinates to hide and seek containers (known as caches). geocaching I have known about Geocaching for a while now, but never thought much of going…"}}}},{"node":{"id":"6cd00435-843b-50ae-9db9-ad8ca1aceda3","title":"You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)","slug":"you-spin-me-round-like-record","date":"December 19th, 2013","featuredImage":{"fixed":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/uvlx0f9w0mlv/LKxbwbymSM0ywSU8hoWsD/a2e1f5e438ba7e092f3f9e505be21113/thumb.png?w=300&q=50"}},"body":{"childMarkdownRemark":{"html":"Inspired by a christmas present for my parents (and the movie High Fidelity), I have started my journey to becoming an Audio Snob (more commonly known as an Audiophile).
\nI recently purchased my very 1st turntable: Denon DP-200USB Turntable. I also purchased some new headphones: Sennheiser HD 439.
\nif you would like to see my collection it can be found here: vinyl.serith.com
\nMy next purchases will be to complete a Hi-Fi system: Amplifier, CD player, iPod Dock / Airplay and not to forget Speakers (I have added a few items to my Amazon Wish list).
\n![\"harlech](\"//images.ctfassets.net/uvlx0f9w0mlv/4Nc5RjD9PubMpd48VPtwzE/2dd660657c3a170ee6b55b361c6ebdd4/harlech-birthday-weekend.jpg\")
Well this birthday wasn’t going to go by without being noticed…
\nAs it was my birthday I had booked the afternoon off work. This allowed me to met up with my girlfriend - Francesca, for a meal in Birmingham before we went see 30 Seconds To Mars (a birthday present from Francesca)
\nWe had chosen to go for the meal at Del Villaggio, we had been previously and loved it. I ordered the Spaghetti Carbonara - Cured pancetta pork lardons cooked in a cream, egg yolk & parmesan sauce. I’m not really a champage drinker but as it’s was my birthday I gave the Peach Bilinis as try.
\nAfter the meal we had a few hours to kill before the gig started so we decide to take a walk through the Frankfurt Christmas Market.
\nI had spotted a stall that sold ‘honeywine’ which sounded interesting, upon tasting it, I found it to be disgusting (it tasted like Lemsip).
\nAs we progressed up the market we found a stall that sold ink stamps, there were lots of interesting designs to choose from. I chose 2 different styles of the letter M and a spider on a cobweb. Francesca choose a letter F and a magpie.
\nFrancesca then brought me a white chocolate skull from one of the the chocolate stalls.
\nThe doors opened at 18:00 and the gig started at 19:30, we had seated tickets so we didn’t need to arrive super early. That said we got to the NIA at about 18:40 to see a very large queue at the doors for seated tickets holders. The supporting act was You Me at Six, I had never heard of them before but Francesca had, and seemed to enjoy them.
\nThe Setlist:
\nWe drove to Harlech and arrived at Maelgwyn House Bed and Breakfast at about 16:00, it had just started to go dark. After we had unpacked the car, we decided to go for a walk around Harlech then find some food. We found that the place where we wanted to eat would not be open until 19:00, so we went for a little walk down to the beach. The path to the beach takes you through the Royal St Davids Golf Club and the sand dunes (which are very large - watch out for the Shai-Hulud). As we got on to the beach the tide seemed to be coming in and it was very dark. We turned around trying to spot Harlech Castle, failing to see it we thought it was a shame that they didn’t illuminated it at night.
\nThe 1st night we chose to eat at Castle Cottage Restaurant, only serving a 3 course meal this was a slight concern but we went in anyway.
\n(did I say 3 courses?)
\nThe walk back to the B&B was very cold, but thankfully our room was very warm. While we were out the owners had slipped a lovely birthday card under our door which was very nice of them. The room had an amazing view of the beach and sand dunes (which was the reason we had wanted to return to Harlech) and to our surprise the Castle had been illuminated making it look very impressive.
\nTime for breakfast, we both opted for the ‘Full Welsh Breakfast’ - 2 pieces of bacon, 1 sausage, half a fried tomato, mushrooms, black pudding, beans, fried bread and a fried egg. I managed to eat most of it but there was way too much food for me, putting me to shame Francesca managed to finish all of hers. We then started to chat with one of the owners, he told us that he had working in advertising and worked at a very well known advertising agency.
\nWith our bellies full, we ventured out. While planning this weekend break, Francesca had found Llechwedd Slate Caverns. There are many abandoned slate quarries in wales, this one has to be the biggest caverns system I have been in so far. The attraction has 2 ways to explore the mines: The Deep Mine and The Miners’ Tramway. We did both tours, bumping my head on some very low ceilings, I was glad of the required hard-hat I was wearing. During The Deep Mine tour we stopped by a very beautiful underground lake.
\nWhen then drove back to Harlech we stopped at the car park close to the beach, as we wanted to visit the beach during daylight. As we walked toward the sea (the tide was out), Francesca spotted a small shell, that had a resident (hermit crab), she then torment every one she found, by flipping them over forcing them roll themselves back over and burrow into the sand to hide.
\nWhile driving back to the B&B, Francesca spotted the St. David’s Hotel - a eerie looking abandoned hotel. After parking the car at the B&B, we walked down to the the abandoned hotel. It looked like in it’s hey-day it would have been a very impressive building with amazing views, but now it is covered in overgrown plants and tree, and all the doors and windows are boarded up.
\nThe 2nd night we chose to eat at Harlech Tandoori. I’m not a big fan of curries but the restaurant pickings were pretty slim (a few had closed during the winter season).
\nToo much food, I’m not sure if it was down to the large breakfast or that I had ate all the mango chutney, but I only managed to finish about half of the curry.
\nSo we come the our last day of the long weekend. After yesterday’s very large breakfast I politely asked for a few slight amendments to my order - hold the sausage and black pudding, please. With those items removed I managed to clean the plate, yum yum.
\nAfter paying for the nights spent and saying goodbye to the lovely owners, we headed down to Harlech Castle. Having visited before, I pretty much knew what I wanted to see. I climbed the steps to the top of the north-east tower, and then sat down looking out from the top of the castle wall to the sea and sand dunes. This has to be one of the highlights of the trip, the castle offers such an amazing view of sea, sand and mountains.
\nFrancesca’s last surprise for my birthday weekend, was to visit a little village known as Portmeirion, made famous for being a filming location in the 1960s television show The Prisoner. Walking around the village, I was reminded of my 23rd birthday holiday in Rome, when I was walking around the Roman Forum back in 2006. The village was designed and built by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis in the style of an Italian village.
\nDuring the drive back we drove past Llyn Celyn - a large reservoir in the valley of the River Tryweryn. We stopped even though it was raining, to take a few photos (some of which Francesca decide to spoil). As we continued our journey back we noticed that we would be passing through Bala, and decide that this would be a nice place to stop for a rest. We spotted a little cafe called Y Cyfnod which is on the high street, where had some hot chocolate and a cake before continue on our way home.
\n[map center="-3.856201,52.960221" zoom="9" type="streets"]
![\"the-mistletoe-bride\"](\"//images.ctfassets.net/uvlx0f9w0mlv/709X8szposo29qRsD3vNaa/5f1d4185154fbb70cee54927785947e2/the-mistletoe-bride.jpg\")
For Halloween this year, I thought it would be a nice idea to take my girlfriend on a ghost hunt.
\nAfter searching a few websites, I came across an interesting ‘paranormal evening’ in an intriguing place. Marwell Hall was previously owned by the Seymour family, and was frequently visited by Henry VIII. It is also rumoured that Henry VIII and Jane Seymour were secretly married here.
\nHaving recently published an article titled ’The Line of Henry VIII’, it’s no surprise that visiting a house with strong links to the Tudors would interest me.
\nThe story goes:
\nOn a young woman’s wedding day, a game of hide and seek was played and the bride chose to conceal herself within a large oak chest. Unaware that the chest was self-locking, she became trapped inside. Her groom and guests frantically searched the property trying to find her, but her screams were never heard and her body was only disvovered years later. The sound of the guests searching is said by some to still echo the halls today.
\nI believe that the name ‘Mistletoe Bride’ came about because the wedding was supposedly close to Christmas, and as such the bride may well have worn a wreath on her head made from mistletoe – but this is just my best guess.
\nThe ghost hunt ran from 18:00 to midnight, with about 15 guests. During our time there I shivered on at least five occasions in different areas of the house. While I can’t really rule out the cold, my shivering felt more like what people commonly attribute to ‘someone walking over my grave’. While in one particular location – the Hospitality Room – we heard a distinct knocking sound. Later, during the group séance, the knocking returned when members of the group called out for a sign of any spirits present.
\nIn another room the entire group attempted to make contact with spirits using pendulums - simple, small weights hanging from a piece of string. My girlfriend and I didn’t really pick up on any spirits (maybe we just don’t seem that interesting to the undead…), however a few other people claimed to have communicated with people in the afterlife. One of these was described as a woman who lived in the house, was married, and had three children – two boys and a girl. Later this was said to be Elizabeth Seymour, the mother of Jane Seymour. Another spirit was apparently named Anne or Annie, and was said to have communicated a pain in the left side of her neck and holding a secret that she would never divulge.
\nThe guest who told of this encounter later attempted to reconnect with this spirit and mentioned another name – Henry.
\nI personally believe that these accounts are way too obvious to be believable. We all knew that the property belonged to the Seymour family and that Henry VIII had visited the house, so it’s no surprise that a number of people in the group seemingly took ‘inspiration’ from this.
\nThe ghost hunt was hosted by Fright Nights, the UK’s original paranormal tour company.
\nLocation of Marwell Hall\n[map center="-1.27685,50.993126" zoom="8" type="streets"]
[map center="-0.802002,54.236340" zoom="8" type="streets"]
A family holiday to Yorkshire.
\nI was hoping for a calm and relaxing holiday with very few outings, as I am currently working on a few stories. I also had two new batman graphic novels that I wanted to read.
\nWe had found a very large cottage just on the outskirts of the North York moors. It included:
\nDuring breakfast on our second day we decided to drive to Scarborough. The sat-nav had predicted it would take about 1hour 30mins and on the way we had to deal with a 25% grade incline which was a bit scary (It’s located just before Sutton Bank National Park Centre).
\nWhen we arrived in Scarborough we had no clue where we were going to park the cars. We eventually found a small car park close to a fish and chip cafe. I had never tried battered haddock before so I thought I’d give it try; I didn’t know then that this would lead me to have a fish meal at every pub we visited during the holiday. After we had eaten our fish and chips - with two members of the family accidentally confusing sugar for salt - we headed back to the cottage.
\nAs the first trip to Scarborough was a flying visit (no, we didn’t fly there, that would be silly…), we got up early and headed for a car park that we spotted as we left the town the day before. My brother and I decided to head up to Scarborough Castle while the rest of the family went on a bit of a mooch through the shops on the seafront.
\nThe Castle is situated on top of a hill by the coast. We had to climb a snaking walkway to get to the castle’s entrance (kind-of almost falling over after about the fifth step), and upon entering we were not impressed (we discovered, to our disappointment, that 2/3 of the ‘castle’ consists of a crumbling ruin).
\nI had to explain to my brother that during the Civil War, Oliver Cromwell ordered all strongholds or fortifications to be partly destroyed so that they could not be occupied by the royalists. This is why many older castles are in ruins.
\nAfter having a look around the remains of the castle, we went back down to the seafront to have a look around some shops.
\nAs we pulled off the main road to continue to the parking area of Lightwater Valley, we realised that this was a ‘theme park’ that had a bird show on the side - not what we had expected. However, we quickly found that the park was closed as the summer season was ending, meaning the bird show was also a no-show.
\nFortunately, we had an alternative location to visit that had a birds of prey show, so all was not lost:
\nThis was more like what we were looking for - a very large estate with really nice gardens and a stream running into a small lake (big pond). The gardens were so large that we didn’t actually make it all the way to the birds of prey, however I did enjoy walking through the trees and around the small lake (big pond).
\nIf I ever head back to the area, I will be visiting again.
\nOn our last full day, we chose to go for a drive to Bridlington.
\nI wasn’t sure where the best place to stop would be, so i set my sat-nav destination to a randomly selected road along the seafront. When we arrived, we quickly found a place to park the cars and take a look around.
\nUnfortunately, the coast here was not to our liking to so we decided to head up to Filey.
\nAgain, I took a gamble by setting the sat-nav to take me to a road that runs beside the seafront. As we drove along we didn’t spot any shops or any other reason to stop.
\nWe were on the way back to the cottage, about to write off the day, when I thought it would be no bad thing to just head back up to Scarborough.
\nThis visit was a lot better than the previous two, particularly as I had by this time spotted a convenient car park that was very close to a few coffee shops and amusements.
\nWe had a mooch within a discount ‘pound-stretching’ shop, then stopped for a coffee and a bit of cake. After our fill of refreshments, we tried our luck at some of the arcade games (I don’t like leaving a beach without winning a toy from a claw machine), before heading off back to the cottage.
\nWe left the cottage at about 9am. The weather was horrible, raining all the way home. At some points I could barely see the white lines dividing the lanes on the motorway. The spray from the cars and HGV’s that we passed made things even worse.
\nI’m not a big fan of family holidays, mainly because everyone wants to spend a holiday doing different things and compromises need to be made.
\nI did enjoy the peaceful weekend, driving through narrow county roads, seeing the wonderful scenery that Yorkshire has to offer and I did get to read my two batman graphic novels.
","excerpt":"A family holiday to Yorkshire. I was hoping for a calm and relaxing holiday with very few outings, as I am currently working on a few stories. I also had two new batman graphic novels that I wanted to read. We had found a very large cottage just on…"}}}},{"node":{"id":"8688cf81-5d69-5882-bb51-2df67d127be4","title":"Violin Practice","slug":"violin-practice","date":"August 15th, 2013","featuredImage":{"fixed":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/uvlx0f9w0mlv/4uuTJwoXuSOSlAXfU3PAnm/6ffde83e0e3217996f5bd95d6006ca50/violin-practice.jpg?w=300&q=50"}},"body":{"childMarkdownRemark":{"html":"![\"violin](\"//images.ctfassets.net/uvlx0f9w0mlv/4uuTJwoXuSOSlAXfU3PAnm/6ffde83e0e3217996f5bd95d6006ca50/violin-practice.jpg\")
I have decided to learn how to play the violin.
\nI was listening to Vivaldi - Four Seasons performed by Sarah Chang, this is not the only album that I have that focuses on the violin.
\nI started thinking about learning the violin about 5 years ago, but didn’t follow it through. This time I have bought a Violin (not a very expensive model), so I can at least have a go and see if it is something I could pick up.
\nI have my eye on a few bits of music I would like to actually play, they are pretty short so hopefully they may be easier to pickup and remember.
\nThe first bit of music is the theme song to the TV Show ’Angel’, I found a tab version of this that was converted to violin from guitar.
\nThe second piece of music I would like to learn is from a scene in the movie ’Queen of the Damned‘.
\nI don’t think I will ever get anywhere near a professional grade. As I am only learning this just for fun. I am more likely to play folk style music then classical, as I find that the classical style is very rigid were folk is more relaxed.
\nAfter the first week of owning a violin, I must of played it about twice (I say ‘played’ it was more like ‘made noise with’).
\nI am trying the “learn via YouTube” approach, the only down side to this is that the YouTube video can’t interact with me and correct my mistakes. I found an online tutor that posts videos to YouTube, The Online Piano & Violin Tutor. She is down to earth and gives useful tips, while teaching the viewer the best way to learn from the start.
\nAfter a lot more practice I may post a recording here…
","excerpt":"violin practice I have decided to learn how to play the violin. Inspiration I was listening to Vivaldi - Four Seasons performed by Sarah Chang, this is not the only album that I have that focuses on the violin. The Essential Joshua Bell - Joshua Bell…"}}}},{"node":{"id":"99c3f2d8-5f64-5767-9c9f-aaf52532a111","title":"Destination Paris","slug":"destination-paris","date":"June 18th, 2013","featuredImage":{"fixed":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/uvlx0f9w0mlv/27dmsSSF3iD6k7a9rYkdho/508194d8bb90d93ed99c8758a68d10b5/noimage.png?w=300&q=50"}},"body":{"childMarkdownRemark":{"html":"[map center="2.352222,48.861614" zoom="12" type="streets"]
![\"the-phantom-of-the-opera\"](\"//images.ctfassets.net/uvlx0f9w0mlv/46PlMRy9CNWW0iQTsQKmqD/68fcae50bec6eccb4ae894337b622533/the-phantom-of-the-opera.png\")
Up until March 2013 I had not really given The Phantom of the Opera much thought. I had once started to watch the 2004 film starring Gerard Butler and Emmy Rossum but did not manage to get to the end of the film (I must have fallen asleep).
\nI knew of the famous ‘Duuuuun Dun Dun Dun Dun Duuuuuuun’ in the ‘Overture’ and ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ as it’s been used to introduce Andrew Lloyd Webber, I also knew that he had decided to make a sequel ‘Love Never Dies’ in 2010.
\nI had noticed that the Birmingham Hippodrome was currently showing The Phantom of the Opera. As I had recently been to see a fair few musicals, I thought that it was about time that I see this one.
\nSince seeing the current production, I have become slightly obsessed with the musical. I have listened to the 2003 soundtrack performed by the London Cast, watched the DVD of the 25th anniversary at the Royal Albert Hall, watched the 2004 film starring Gerard Butler and also listened to its soundtrack.
\nThe live performance has to be my favourite, as it was the first time I had seen it. I was totally blown away by it, the cast and set were amazing. I had wondered how the boat scene would play out on stage, that along with the descent has to be my favourite scenes.
\nThe 25th anniversary at the Royal Albert Hall has to be my second favourite – the production was immense. The lead actors were totally convincing and sang the songs extremely well. I also really enjoyed the end of the production, Andrew Lloyd Webber walked on to the stage to introduce the original cast. However the thing that gave it that extra bit of magic was when Sarah Brightman joined by some of the past Phantom’s sang ‘The Phantom of the Opera’.
\nThe Phantom of the Opera has now become my favourite musical.
","excerpt":"the-phantom-of-the-opera Up until March 2013 I had not really given The Phantom of the Opera much thought. I had once started to watch the 2004 film starring Gerard Butler and Emmy Rossum but did not manage to get to the end of the film (I must have…"}}}},{"node":{"id":"b2c81463-a6c0-5fae-ab34-5714dbd11c39","title":"Long Weekend in Snowdonia","slug":"long-weekend-in-snowdonia","date":"March 30th, 2013","featuredImage":{"fixed":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/uvlx0f9w0mlv/27dmsSSF3iD6k7a9rYkdho/508194d8bb90d93ed99c8758a68d10b5/noimage.png?w=300&q=50"}},"body":{"childMarkdownRemark":{"html":"A friend had decided to take a short break to Snowdonia, she kindly offered to allow me to tag along. At first I was slightly worried about the amount of snow that was forecast in the Snowdonia area before the weekend and during. However the area we were staying in only got a few light flurry’s of snow.
\nUnfortunately, the castle was closed due to the snow, causing a few of the access paths to become slippy. So we did not get to see the castle from inside. However, Conwy is a walled town so just entering the town felt like I was already inside the castle. There is a walk along the impressive outer wall that leads from the coast to the castle. This walk gives you a good look at the castle from slightly afar.
\nThere is a statue of Llywelyn the Great. Who founded the Cistercian abbey of Aberconwy, which is at the center of Conwy.
\nConwy is also the home of The smallest house in Britain.
\nOnce we arrived at the cottage we decided to take a walk to the nearest beach with was a 1.6 mile walk. We past through the small village of Llandwrog which has a very good looking church (St Twrogs) and cemetery which we stopped to have a wonder around. One of the tombs was slightly ajar which was a bit creepy. After passing a few fields with some noisy sheep and lambs, we came upon the beach we were looking for.
\nWe didn’t stay too long at the beach, as the tide was slightly high. Heading back we looked at the menu of the pub in Llandwrog, The Harp Inn. We decided that we would go in for a few drinks another night.
\nThis impressive castle sits right on the coast and offers stunning views of Anglesey.
\nIf you want to learn a bit of history you can certainly do that here.
\nIn 1911, Caernarfon Castle was used for the investiture of the Prince of Wales, and in 1969 it was used by Queen Elizabeth II to formally invests her son Charles with the Prince of Wales coronet.\nThere is a tower devoted to the history of the Princes of Wales.
\nThe Castle also hosts the Royal Welch Fusiliers Museum within 2 towers. With some stunning displays and exhibitions you will learn the history of Wales’ oldest infantry regiment.
\nOn my OS map I noticed a label that was very close to where we were staying. All that was written was ’Standing Stone’. We decided to go for another walk to the beach but this time via the Standing Stone. We followed the road and then a public footpath, which lead us through a field. This field was currently being occupied by sheep with lambs, I’m just glad that none of them decided to get all territorial and charge us. After a short trek through this field and then one more, we came to a road that we followed a short way. According to the GPS on my phone the Standing Stone was in a field which appeared to be private land. As we had walked a bit of a way now, we wasn’t about to turn back because of that small fact.
\nTurns out that this Standing Stone is a bit of a let down, its in no way impressive and has no information about it at the site. It might as well not even be on the OS map.
\nDedicated to Saint Peter in Chains, this church sits in the middle of the small village of Pennal. The thing that puts this church on the map is its association with Owain Glyndŵr the last Welsh Pendragon. It was during Lent in 1406 that Prince Owain Glyndŵr presided over the last Assembly of an independent Wales, which made Pennal church Prince Owain Glyndwr’s Chapel Royal.
\nSail underground, through the great waterfall, and deep inside the spectacular caverns and far back in time.
\nGreeted at the mouth of a cave by a hooded robed figure, our guide through the labyrinth. We are taken into the cave to a boat on an underground river. As we pass through a magical waterfall we are transported back in time to the time of King Arthur.
\nThrough-out the journey we were told of the Walsh myths of the legendary King. Most of these stories were completely new to me. It was definitely worth going just for those stories.
\nSitting upon a mound, above the town, Harlech Castle is one of my favourites. With an impressive views of the sea, rolling sand dunes and the mountains of Snowdonia, you almost forget the history this castle has had. Commissioned by Edward I of England in 1283, captured by Owain Glyndŵr, and later the stronghold of Henry V.
\nI will almost certainly be re-visiting again in the summer.
\nOn our last day we decided to drive back to Conwy Castle. Good news this time it was open.
\nSitting at a crossing point on the river, this castle has an impressive bridged entrance that is now sealed. We climbed the turrets and walked along the walkways, the views across the walled town to the coast were amazing. The Castle has a recently installation of art, depicting some of the local Welsh history.
\nWhile standing looking down on the town we spotted a bird of prey demonstration just at the foot of the castle, which we decided to checkout.
\n[map center="-3.8238269090652466,52.90103010318243" zoom="7" type="streets"]
![\"paris](\"//images.ctfassets.net/uvlx0f9w0mlv/6K7UJbmuI5mhWFqxXIOLxV/fbcf82be64450d4152cd58d62d26689e/paris_venice.jpg\")
Which to choose?
\nI want to go on a long weekend city break sometime within the next few months. At the moment I’m torn between Paris and Venice the reasons you can probably guess but here is a short list of things I would like to do in both cities.
\nPlease let me know in the comment section of any suggested places or reasons to visit either city.
","excerpt":"paris venice Which to choose? I want to go on a long weekend city break sometime within the next few months. At the moment I’m torn between Paris and Venice the reasons you can probably guess but here is a short list of things I would like to do in…"}}}},{"node":{"id":"6c4d8ebd-cfdb-55fb-84c6-e01c6db4b2a6","title":"Introduction to Singing","slug":"introduction-to-singing","date":"March 2nd, 2013","featuredImage":{"fixed":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/uvlx0f9w0mlv/27dmsSSF3iD6k7a9rYkdho/508194d8bb90d93ed99c8758a68d10b5/noimage.png?w=300&q=50"}},"body":{"childMarkdownRemark":{"html":"Just want to point out, in no way do I consider myself a singing. I will never be appearing on X-Factor or any of those other talent show.
\nWhen I was in primary school, the whole school would assemble in one of the halls. At the end of these assembles we would unusually sing a song. I have listed the ones that I can remember below with the lyrics.
\nMorning has broken, like the first morning.
\nBlackbird has spoken, like the first bird.
\nPraise for the singing, praise for the morning,
\nPraise for them springing fresh from the Word.
Sweet the rain’s new fall, sunlight from heaven.
\nLike the first dewfall, on the first grass.
\nPraise for the sweetness of the wet garden,
\nSprung in completeness where His feet pass.
Mine is the sunlight, mine is the morning.
\nBorn of the one light Eden saw play.
\nPraise with elation, praise every morning;
\nGod’s recreation of the new day.
Morning has broken, like the first morning.
\nBlackbird has spoken, like the first bird.
\nPraise for the singing, praise for the morning,
\nPraise for them springing fresh from the Word.
I danced in the morning when the world was begun
\nI danced in the Moon & the Stars & the Sun
\nI came down from Heaven & I danced on Earth
\nAt Bethlehem I had my birth:
Dance then, wherever you may be
\nI am the Lord of the Dance, said He!
\nAnd I’ll lead you all, wherever you may be
\nAnd I’ll lead you all in the Dance, said He!
\n(…lead you all in the Dance, said He!)
I danced for the scribe & the pharisee
\nBut they would not dance & they wouldn’t follow me
\nI danced for fishermen, for James & John
\nThey came with me & the Dance went on:
Dance then, wherever you may be
\nI am the Lord of the Dance, said He!
\nAnd I’ll lead you all, wherever you may be
\nAnd I’ll lead you all in the Dance, said He!
\n(…lead you all in the Dance, said He!)
I danced on the Sabbath & I cured the lame
\nThe holy people said it was a shame!
\nThey whipped & they stripped & they hung me high
\nAnd they left me there on a cross to die!
Dance then, wherever you may be
\nI am the Lord of the Dance, said He!
\nAnd I’ll lead you all, wherever you may be
\nAnd I’ll lead you all in the Dance, said He!
\n(…lead you all in the Dance, said He!)
I danced on a Friday when the sky turned black
\nIt’s hard to dance with the devil on your back
\nThey buried my body & they thought I’d gone
\nBut I am the Dance & I still go on!
Dance then, wherever you may be
\nI am the Lord of the Dance, said He!
\nAnd I’ll lead you all, wherever you may be
\nAnd I’ll lead you all in the Dance, said He!
\n(…lead you all in the Dance, said He!)
They cut me down and I leapt up high
\nI am the Life that’ll never, never die!
\nI’ll live in you if you’ll live in Me -
\nI am the Lord of the Dance, said He!
Dance then, wherever you may be
\nI am the Lord of the Dance, said He!
\nAnd I’ll lead you all, wherever you may be
\nAnd I’ll lead you all in the Dance, said He!
Cauliflowers fluffy and cabbages green, Strawberries sweeter than any I’ve seen. Beetroot purple and onions white,
\nAll grow steadily day and night.
\nThe apples are ripe, and the plums are red,
\nThe broadbeans are sleeping in the blankety bed.
\nBlackberries are juicy and rhubarb sour, Marrows fatt’ning, hour by hour. Gooseberries hairy and lettuces fat, Radishes round and runner beans flat.
\nThe apples are ripe, and the plums are red,
\nThe broadbeans are sleeping in the blankety bed.
\nOrangey carrots and turnips cream, Reddening tomatoes that used to be green. Brown potatoes in little heaps,
\nDown in the darkness where the celery sleeps.
\nThe apples are ripe, and the plums are red,
\nThe broadbeans are sleeping in the blankety bed, yeah!
He’s got the whole world in his hands,
\nHe’s got the whole wide world in his hands, He’s got the whole world in his hands,
\nHe’s got the whole world in his hands.
\nHe’s got the wind and the rain in his hands, He’s got the wind and the rain in his hands, He’s got the wind and the rain in his hands, He’s got the whole world in his hands.
\nHe’s got the sun and the moon in his hands, He’s got the sun and the moon in his hands, He’s got the sun and the moon in his hands, He’s got the whole world in his hands.
\nHe’s got ev’rybody here in his hands, He’s got ev’rybody here in his hands, He’s got ev’rybody here in his hands, He’s got the whole world in his hands.
\nHe’s got the whole world in his hands,
\nHe’s got the whole wide world in his hands, He’s got the whole world in his hands,
\nHe’s got the whole world in his hands.
With tuppence for paper and strings
\nYou can have your own set of wings
\nWith your feet on the ground
\nYou’re a bird in a flight
\nWith your fist holding tight
\nTo the string of your kite
Oh, oh, oh!
\nLet’s go fly a kite
\nUp to the highest height!
\nLet’s go fly a kite and send it soaring
\nUp through the atmosphere
\nUp where the air is clear
\nOh, let’s go fly a kite!
When you send it flyin’ up there
\nAll at once you’re lighter than air
\nYou can dance on the breeze
\nOver ‘ouses and trees
\nWith your first ‘olding tight
\nTo the string of your kite
Oh, oh, oh!
\nLet’s go fly a kite
\nUp to the highest height!
\nLet’s go fly a kite and send it soaring
\nUp through the atmosphere
\nUp where the air is clear
\nLet’s go fly a kite!
I’m not exactly sure what triggered my deep memory banks but it was enjoyable remembering some of the past. I remembered an old TV show that I used to watch when I was a child, then proceeded to remember a few more…
\nI often find myself filling empty moment’s humming, singing or whistling a theme tune of a show I used to watch.
\nEveryone has their own favourites, feel free to list them in the comments section below.I have listed a few (it was a few when I started) of the shows I used to watch:
\nBroadcasted: 1986
\n\nBroadcasted: 1981 - 1992
\n\nBroadcasted: 1985 - 1986
\n\nBroadcasted: 1982 - 1986
\n\nBroadcasted: 1985-1992
\nBroadcasted: 1997 - 1999
\n\nBroadcasted: 1985 - 1989
\nBroadcasted: 1980 - 1988
\n\nBroadcasted: 1984 - 1985
\n\nBroadcasted: 1991 - 1993
\n\nBroadcasted: 1990 – 1992
\n\nBroadcasted: 1985 - 1991
\n\nBroadcasted: 1986 - 1994
\n\nBroadcasted: 1983 - 1985
\n\nBroadcasted: 1987 - 1996
\n\nBroadcasted: 1964 - 1966
\n\nBroadcasted: 1989 - 1999
\n\nBroadcasted: 1983 - 1986
\n\nBroadcasted: 1978 - 2008
\n\nBroadcasted: 1982 - 1986
\n\nBroadcasted: 1991 - 2006
\n\nBroadcasted: 1983 - 1990
\n\nBroadcasted: 1983 - 2001
\n\nBroadcasted: 1969 – present
\n\nBroadcasted: 1973 – 1975
\n\nBroadcasted: 1940 - present
\n\nBroadcasted: 1990 - 1994
\n\nBroadcasted: 1989 - 1990
\n\nBroadcasted: 1987 - 1994
\n\nBroadcasted: 1975 – 1987
\n\nBroadcasted: 1989 - 2006
\n\nBroadcasted: 1987 - 1990
\n\nBroadcasted: 1986 - 2006
\n\nBroadcasted: 1992 - 1997
\n\nBroadcasted: 1968 - 1970
\n\nBroadcasted: 1988 - 1993
\n\nBroadcasted: 1984-1986
\n\nBroadcasted: 1981 - 2008
\n\nBroadcasted: 1993 - 1995
\n\nBroadcasted: 1989 - 1993
\n\nBroadcasted: 1992 - 1995
\n\nBroadcasted: 1990 - present
\n\nBroadcasted: 1989 - 2001
\n\nBroadcasted: 1993 - 1998
\n\nBroadcasted: 1972 - 1992
\n\nBroadcasted: 1955 – 1992
\n\nBroadcasted: 1988 – 1992
\n","excerpt":"I’m not exactly sure what triggered my deep memory banks but it was enjoyable remembering some of the past. I remembered an old TV show that I used to watch when I was a child, then proceeded to remember a few more… I often find myself filling empty…"}}}},{"node":{"id":"eb987876-fedd-55e7-854f-37fd40002236","title":"Dayout in Pembrokeshire","slug":"dayout-in-pembrokeshire","date":"February 3rd, 2013","featuredImage":{"fixed":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/uvlx0f9w0mlv/27dmsSSF3iD6k7a9rYkdho/508194d8bb90d93ed99c8758a68d10b5/noimage.png?w=300&q=50"}},"body":{"childMarkdownRemark":{"html":"A friend told me about a place in wales that she would like to visit. I did not need much persuading to take a trip to wales. The place she wanted to visit was a ruined monastery at Monk Haven near St Ishmaels.
\nAfter about 30mins of looking around the area on Google Maps, I found two more places that I could include in our trip.
\nDriving through Wales was not very exciting before sunrise, however we arrived in St Ishmaels at about 11:00. I had found a interesting coastal walk that would take us very close to the monastery.
\nDuring the walk we spotted a lighthouse, some amazing views and a pillbox complex that I would have like to investigate but I didn’t have a flashlight.
\nThe monastery was pretty impressive, it really looked like nature and time and given it a good beating.
\nThe next place that we visited was Manorbier Castle which is situated very close to a beach. Unfortunately the castle is closed during the winter season, so we could only see the exterior. We then took a brief walk on the beach and sent a few sand messages to our friends.
\nWe then drove into Tenby where we had a meal, then when for another walk on the beach in the dark.
\nAfter a long day, the drive home was not easy. This was because at about 19:00 we encountered snow. I hadn’t really driven at night while it was snowing, but I did find it funny when I noticed that it looked like the starship USS Enterprise had engaged its warp speed reactors.
\nMap of Locations\n[map center="-4.2022705078125,51.80351990955801" zoom="8" type="streets"]
![\"rocky-horror-show\"](\"//images.ctfassets.net/uvlx0f9w0mlv/6qxOGPOtOD03IwCSG24L67/c03c9d6feadc3d2d22a2c66c10216261/rocky-horror-show.png\")
The first time I remember watching The Rocky Horror Picture Show must have been 2003 when a friend loaned me his DVD. I instantly loved it, I believe I watched the film about 3 times that night. I even had most of the songs memorise that night.
\nMoving on, since that night I have watched the film an un-nameable amount of times. I own the movie soundtrack, two versions of the stage show and a karaoke version of the movie soundtrack.
\nA few years back I was going to go see a showing of the films audience participation version, however my plans changed. So this year when I found out that the stage show was on at Birmingham’s New Alexander Theatre, I had to have a ticket.
\nSadly being a Rocky Horror Virgin (first time at the show), I did not dress up as one of the characters - maybe next time.
\nI have to tell you the production was amazing. I didn’t think that the audience participation would be a major part in the stage show, but I have to say it really made the show special. It added an extra element of laugher and I was surprised to see that the cast re-acted to it. I have read that the stage show changed over the years to keep itself fresh, but when I spotted that a bit of Gangnam Style had been thrown into the Time Warp it did make me giggle.
\n![\"Reading](\"//images.ctfassets.net/uvlx0f9w0mlv/273IOsFZUkcJOyr4VOncBz/a5ee7493e49045e897f5412c9de17441/reading-list.jpg\")
During my day outs I had falling into an odd habit, I would often stop at a motorway service station to stretch my legs. While there I would have a look around the convenience store, where I would end up buying a book.
\nI have now acquired a large pile of books that I have not read. So this year I’m going to read them.
\nBelow is a list of books that I have either bought or have been given, I will mark them off as I have read them.
\nI do have a lot more books but these are my priority.
","excerpt":"Reading List During my day outs I had falling into an odd habit, I would often stop at a motorway service station to stretch my legs. While there I would have a look around the convenience store, where I would end up buying a book. I have now…"}}}},{"node":{"id":"febefaea-b4e1-5be4-bdf4-be73e42c4367","title":"Not Another Remake","slug":"not-another-remake","date":"December 23rd, 2012","featuredImage":{"fixed":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/uvlx0f9w0mlv/27dmsSSF3iD6k7a9rYkdho/508194d8bb90d93ed99c8758a68d10b5/noimage.png?w=300&q=50"}},"body":{"childMarkdownRemark":{"html":"It seems like the movie industry has learnt a new trick…
\nThe Power of ‘Re’
\nYes we have already had a few remakes / re-imaginations, whether good or bad the movie industry is making money from them.
\nBelow is a list of a few that I have heard of:
\n![\"80s](\"//images.ctfassets.net/uvlx0f9w0mlv/1GvtPo3GOlVzMW6fK0rcqK/bd478f6343c651d98b615ce0650b1cae/80s_movies.jpg\")
I was born in the early 80’s.
\nThere have been a lot of great films (in my opinion) that came out of that decade.
\nIt was the time when a lot of stars started to make big hits that propelled there careers i.e.
\nBelow is a list of few of my favourites:
\nThe night had been long. I had just returned The Joker back to his cell at Arkhem Asylum. He had escaped just over a month ago with the help of Harley Quinn. The two of them had turned Gotham City streets into some kind of sadistic circus. I had eventually tracked them both to an abandoned steel mill in the outskirts of the city limits. A battle of cunning, nerve and ultimately strength ensued, ensuring that justice would be dealt. When it was clear the advantage tipped in my favour, Harley Quinn abandoned The Joker.
\nAs dawn is quickly approaching I am hastily making my way back to The BatCave, I intend to have a well deserved rest after a quick bite to eat. I can only hope that during my absence that Alfred has not done something silly like opening my parents home Wayne Manor up to the public.
\nLocation below:\n[map center="-1.2091827392578125,52.94656921039767" zoom="8" type="streets"]\nPlease note that I have an arrangement with authorities so that the location of the BatCave entrance will never be displays on any map…
![\"capital-fm\"](\"//images.ctfassets.net/uvlx0f9w0mlv/584YyztwSnYWXEAxN5sCOq/380c622af36b2584e954d74d8107442f/capital-fm.jpg\")
I really don’t know how much more of this I can take. It’s enough to send a person insane, luckily for me I’m halfway there…
\nThe radio station preference at my place of work is Capital FM. So far in my opinion it is leading the way in destroying music…
\nAll radio stations repeat songs every now and then, as they all have there own individual style and selection of music to please its demographic.
\nWith the ever increasing decades of music to select from, I’m sure that a station can manage to play at least a weeks with of music with out repeating a single song.
\nI understand that the main purpose of radio stations are to let the public know what is current and make them want to buy the single/album so that the money cycle continues to flow.
\nWith the demand on YouTube and Spotify, the radio stations need to change or will soon find themselves obsolete.
\nBelow is a list of songs that Capital FM played today in the order I heard them. I did miss a few as I do have work to do…\n(Notice the repeated songs)
\nRant over…
","excerpt":"capital-fm I really don’t know how much more of this I can take. It’s enough to send a person insane, luckily for me I’m halfway there… The radio station preference at my place of work is Capital FM. So far in my opinion it is leading the way in…"}}}},{"node":{"id":"29744c03-a7f6-55eb-a850-63d1032d6850","title":"Movember 2012","slug":"movember-2012","date":"October 30th, 2012","featuredImage":{"fixed":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/uvlx0f9w0mlv/27dmsSSF3iD6k7a9rYkdho/508194d8bb90d93ed99c8758a68d10b5/noimage.png?w=300&q=50"}},"body":{"childMarkdownRemark":{"html":"Yes I’m participating for a second year (I really just can’t be bothered to shave).
\nEach November, thousands of men of in the UK and around the world grow moustaches. This is done to raise awareness and funds for men’s health, specifically prostate cancer and testicular cancer.
\nAs a Mo Bro, I must start the 1st of Movember clean shaven. During the month I will be keeping my facial hair in check and doing what I can to attain a specific style. I am not allowed to create a beard or goatee as these done not count.
\nIf you interested in reading more about Movember follow this link:
\n\nLast year I got persuaded to take part, by a few work colleagues. This year it looks like I will be doing it solo.
\nI haven’t got a clue how much money I raised last year. however if you do feel like donating some money then please follow the link below, and thanks for the donation.
\nhttps://www.movember.com/uk/donate/payment/member_id/1436634/
","excerpt":"Yes I’m participating for a second year (I really just can’t be bothered to shave). Each November, thousands of men of in the UK and around the world grow moustaches. This is done to raise awareness and funds for men’s health, specifically prostate…"}}}},{"node":{"id":"e112d376-f58d-5f65-a2f9-e0a9ae5639e0","title":"Penrhyn Castle","slug":"penrhyn-castle","date":"October 4th, 2012","featuredImage":{"fixed":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/uvlx0f9w0mlv/27dmsSSF3iD6k7a9rYkdho/508194d8bb90d93ed99c8758a68d10b5/noimage.png?w=300&q=50"}},"body":{"childMarkdownRemark":{"html":"I cannot remember how I found this castle (must of been a Google search or looking through a National Trust handbook), but once I had seen a few photos of it I decided that the next available weekend I would drive there.
\nAs the last castle I visited was recommended by a friend (Powis Castle), I decide to ask that friend if she would like to see Penrhyn Castle.
\nThe drive didn’t take that long, about 3 hours. The route took us on a road that ran very close to the north Welsh coast, where we spotted another castle (still unknown) that I’ll save for another trip.
\nAfter we had walked around the castle, we were going to drive to the beach. Instead I asked my friend if she would like to see a waterfall, as she has never been to one before. I know of an impressive waterfall that would not be to far off our return route; Pistyll Rhaeadr. This route took us along the A5 through Snowdonia National Park.
\nI have to say if you have never driven that part of Wales you need to, it is breath taking.
\n[map center="-3.5211181640625,53.07422751310222" zoom="8" type="streets"]
Powis Castle is one of the more attractive castles I have visited. It sits on a mound overlooking it’s rolling gardens that is home to a small peacock family.
\nInside the castle there are many portraits and painting as you would except to see, however castle has many wall painted murals that are very extravagant. Unfortunately I was not able to take any photos inside the castle. This did frustrate me, so much so I asked if there was any way I could take photos. The reply I got was only partly agreeable; Flash photography may damage the delicate pieces of art (to this i replied, i would not need to use flash) and the National Trust do not own all of the pieces of art (i can argee with this as the ower/artist may not be willing to have the art spread around the internet).
\nApart from the photography issue, Powis Castle & Garnden is a very nice place to visit (even though it was raining).
\n[map center="-3.160285,52.648924" zoom="15" type="satellite"]
[map center="-2.362060546875,50.86664473085768" zoom="8" type="streets"]
![\"spider\"](\"//images.ctfassets.net/uvlx0f9w0mlv/8IejzTP2IU0IR1aTLXJJK/1bb26bfb11b3e01cc5d45193c7825826/spider.jpg\")
I am not afraid of spiders unless they are harmful. The only thing I don’t particularly like about spiders are their webs.
\nWeb in the face is never nice. As you can see from my places page I like to explore, whenever I visit parks or forests I tend to go looking for place to take some good photos, this means I end up trudging through lots of tree filled areas and I get covered in spider web (and who knows maybe a spider or two).
\nSo does anyone want to share a spider tale?
","excerpt":"spider I am not afraid of spiders unless they are harmful. The only thing I don’t particularly like about spiders are their webs. Web in the face is never nice. As you can see from my places page I like to explore, whenever I visit parks or forests I…"}}}},{"node":{"id":"4cc94448-543d-5746-ba67-36e9192ca1ae","title":"City of Birmingham Triathlon","slug":"city-of-birmingham-triathlon","date":"July 15th, 2012","featuredImage":{"fixed":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/uvlx0f9w0mlv/27dmsSSF3iD6k7a9rYkdho/508194d8bb90d93ed99c8758a68d10b5/noimage.png?w=300&q=50"}},"body":{"childMarkdownRemark":{"html":"And yet again I am going to find myself in Sutton park, during a sporting event.
\nThis time it’s the City of Birmingham Triathlon. A friend of mine will be taking part and I am going to show up to show a bit of support.
\nAs I will be in the park and the weather is meant to be nice. I am planning to take a walk around with my camera, in hopes to find something interesting to take photos of.
\nFor information about the triathlon view the link below\nhttp://www.fun2tri.co.uk/birmingham/index.htm
","excerpt":"And yet again I am going to find myself in Sutton park, during a sporting event. This time it’s the City of Birmingham Triathlon. A friend of mine will be taking part and I am going to show up to show a bit of support. As I will be in the park and…"}}}},{"node":{"id":"17cc157d-ba57-5faa-8e9b-f3cd6a2907ce","title":"Weekend Around Exmoor","slug":"weekend-around-exmoor","date":"July 3rd, 2012","featuredImage":{"fixed":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/uvlx0f9w0mlv/27dmsSSF3iD6k7a9rYkdho/508194d8bb90d93ed99c8758a68d10b5/noimage.png?w=300&q=50"}},"body":{"childMarkdownRemark":{"html":"[map center="-3.429107666015625,51.24558425850244" zoom="8" type="streets"]
![\"Jaws\"](\"//images.ctfassets.net/uvlx0f9w0mlv/52phbbxT1I7wmv1YRBPAIR/77354e4e245f422ba95633dd9768dbaf/Jaws.jpg\")
Just when you think it’s safe to go back into the water… They re-release the film…
\nThe original summer blockbuster has made its return to the big screen digitally remastered. When I heard that this film was to be re-released, I knew I had to see it. The picture quality was amazing and the sound blow me away.
\nThe film has one of the most well known shock moments. Which even after all the times I have watched it at home, it caught me by surprise.
\nIf you have never seen it on the big screen it’s definitely worthy catching, but make sure you take a bigger boat…
","excerpt":"Jaws Just when you think it’s safe to go back into the water… They re-release the film… The original summer blockbuster has made its return to the big screen digitally remastered. When I heard that this film was to be re-released, I knew I had to see…"}}}},{"node":{"id":"5a1370c8-d3cb-5852-b716-4b24ec59cc6a","title":"My New Digital Camera","slug":"my-new-digital-camera","date":"June 18th, 2012","featuredImage":{"fixed":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/uvlx0f9w0mlv/2zu5WVmGx1zQVhg2T7DGV9/cd67ce998c7a2092630a0f91f564b604/my-new-camera.jpg?w=300&q=50"}},"body":{"childMarkdownRemark":{"html":"![\"my](\"//images.ctfassets.net/uvlx0f9w0mlv/2zu5WVmGx1zQVhg2T7DGV9/cd67ce998c7a2092630a0f91f564b604/my-new-camera.jpg\")
I have recently acquired a new camera. Well its new to me, it was previously owned by my grandfather.
\nI have been interested in photography for a while, but in the past I have only owned compact point and click cameras.
\nHopefully this camera will now inspire me to take more photos of stunning vistas and will encourage me to eventually upgrade to a full on Digital SLR with interchangeable lenses.
\nThe next thing I have to do is setup a flickr account to share my photos.
","excerpt":"my new camera I have recently acquired a new camera. Well its new to me, it was previously owned by my grandfather. I have been interested in photography for a while, but in the past I have only owned compact point and click cameras. Hopefully this…"}}}},{"node":{"id":"f6a0e06d-cf31-56d8-9641-48e4436e5e84","title":"The Great Midlands Fun Run","slug":"the-great-midlands-fun-run","date":"June 9th, 2012","featuredImage":{"fixed":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/uvlx0f9w0mlv/27dmsSSF3iD6k7a9rYkdho/508194d8bb90d93ed99c8758a68d10b5/noimage.png?w=300&q=50"}},"body":{"childMarkdownRemark":{"html":"This time last year I was taking part in the Sutton Fun Run, this year I’m not.
\nLast year was the first time I took part in the fun run. I had decide to walk the route as I know I’m not much of a runner. My time was 2 hours 22 minutes 55 seconds, which placed me in an overall position of 4562.
\nThis year I will be there as the company I work for will be having a BBQ after the Fun Run, which I am helping to organise. I will also be taking photos of the company team during their run.
\nIm just hoping for nice weather…
\n[map center="-1.8231019,52.563806" zoom="15" type="streets" route="true"]
For more information about the Fun Run, have a look at the website http://www.greatmidlandsfunrun.com/
","excerpt":"This time last year I was taking part in the Sutton Fun Run, this year I’m not. Last year was the first time I took part in the fun run. I had decide to walk the route as I know I’m not much of a runner. My time was 2 hours 22 minutes 55 seconds…"}}}},{"node":{"id":"f1fcd67c-b9a9-5f86-9991-dad1f19d5a58","title":"Dayout 27th May 2012","slug":"dayout-27th-may-2012","date":"May 27th, 2012","featuredImage":{"fixed":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/uvlx0f9w0mlv/27dmsSSF3iD6k7a9rYkdho/508194d8bb90d93ed99c8758a68d10b5/noimage.png?w=300&q=50"}},"body":{"childMarkdownRemark":{"html":"We (my family and myself) decide to visit my great grandparents grave. I used to go along with my family once every 2 years, however its been a long time since I have been there.
\nWhile helping clear up the dead flowers and replacing them with fresh ones, I noticed a lot of drumsticks placed next to a tombstone.
\nI stepped over for a closer look to find that it belonged to John Henry Bonham, the drummer of Led Zeppelin.
\n![\"John](\"//images.ctfassets.net/uvlx0f9w0mlv/6wx7OpHLBYObfypRFnPl35/c538d2203aafe40b68f482917959b5f0/John-Henry-Bonham-Tombstone.jpg\")
After a short stay at the graveyard we decide to go for a drive to find a pub for our lunch. We had only been driving for about 30 minutes until we found The Red Lion Pub and Restaurant.
\nI found it to be a very nice place, the staff we’re very friendly. The menu had a wide array of chooses (which can be found on the website). I was tempted to select the Mixed fish platter, but after hearing that it had 4 different fillets of fish (I can’t remember which) I choose something I could manage to eat.
\nI ordered:\nBeer battered cod, garden peas, fries & a pickled onion\nIt was very good and I did not have to wait too long for it to arrive in front of me. The fish was a lot larger than I had expected but I still managed to finish it off.
\n[map center="-2.21099853515625,52.31939264728712" zoom="10" type="streets"]
While the sun is shining, I am going to make the most of it.
\nI’m going to go for a drive down to Somerset and relax by a few beaches, check-out a harbour and go have a look around a castle.
\n[map center="-3.357696533203125,51.169872159530186" zoom="10" type="streets"]
About two months before my 23rd birthday, I had the idea to go on a holiday to Italy.
\nI was torn between Rome and Venice, and started to plan a two week hoilday that included both locations. A few days in Rome, a train to Venice, stay for 5 days, then return to Rome for the last few days.
\nHowever as I was planning to traveling alone, I changed it to a single week in Rome.
\nWhile planning the trip, I found that British Airways had tailorable city break packages. So I booked my flights, hotel, taxi transfers and excursions.
\nI booked three excursions:
\nThe flight was from London, Heathrow to Rome, Leonardo da Vinci International Airport, my family had offered to drop me off at Heathrow.
\nThe flight was early as I wanted to make the most of my time in Rome. While waiting in the departure lounge, I had a look through the shops. While looking a books I found Angels and Demons by Dan Brown, it jumped out because had enjoyed reading The Da Vinci Code. Angels and Demons is the first in the Robert Langdon series. It also features a lot of places in Rome that I intended to visit. So this was a prefect hoilday read.
\nWhen I landing at the airport, a driver was waiting with a card with my name on. After checking into the hotel and unpacking a few things, I had to go find where I joined the first of my pre-paid excursions.
\nA walking tour of some of Rome’s monument’s:
\nThe next day was my second excursion, a tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel.
\nOn the third day, which was my Birthday I had to get up early as I was going to get on a coach for my final excursion, Pompeii tour.
\nThe coach trip was very long and stopped to unload a few passagenr for a diffent tour at Naples. I could clearly see Mount Vesuvious on the drive towards Pompii.
\nIt was a very long day, when I got back to my hotel room I found that the mangement had left me a small bottle of champange as a birthday gift.
\nThe fourth day, I wanted to see the Colosseum. I found it on one of those little tourist map and set off walking, as I got to the end of the street I looked right (nothing too interesting), looked left, and there is was, even though I knew it would be somewhere here, because the buildings obsucted it, I was taken aback when I saw the Colosseum. I found a tour guide and paid to join a combination tour: the Colosseum and the Roman Forum.
\nThe rest of my time in Rome was spent reading my book and enjoying the food and drink that Italy is famous for.
\n[map center="13.743665,41.550985" zoom="7" type="streets"]