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Washed out

Monday, May 26, 2008

Well it's safe to say this weekend has been as predictable as any other British Bank Holiday - the weather for the majority of the time has been appalling.

We drove to Hampton Court Palace in atrocious conditions yesterday but thankfully it cleared up while we were in the house.

Unusually I didn't take many photographs this weekend (which was a shame considering it was Robs birthday yesterday). I am very proud of some of the shots from the palace though. Please feel free to have a browse and leave a comment or two.

I was lovely to see Andy and Rob and as ever it's been far too long between visits. Richard and I will make every effort to see them again as soon as we can.

I am sure we all had a nice weekend regardless of the weather. The decision to have dinner in Richmond by the Thames yesterday was inspired - we all returned home very fat and full following our hearty meals.

We need a couple days to recover but sadly I am staring a week of work chaos straight in the face :(

Labels: Friends, holiday, Photography, UK, Weather

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What a week!

Thursday, May 22, 2008

I have not had any time to think or barely breath this week - it's been f*****g chaos! Thankfully tomorrow is Friday. That said it will be a chaotic day as I am spending the day with a film crew.

I did manage to record a series of Releases which I am most grateful for - it means I can produce Release 4 without worrying about having to record something! This Release features the last video pod cast from our recent trip to Spain. I hope you enjoy joining us on the drive along the coast.

There has been the odd bit of news I wanted to cover this week but I have come home so tired I simply haven't had the energy. I'll break it down to a digest.

Janet is touring (should put Grandma-donna in the shade), I feel the natural catastrophes in Burma and China are shocking and upsetting, we want to visit Pompeii, people updating their Facebook profiles with inane crap annoy me oh and it's Eurovision this weekend (not sure whether that's a good think or not!).

Anyway it'll probably quiet over the weekend as it's a public holiday here in the UK and Andy and Rob are visiting so I doubt there will be time for blogging etc - please let there be some nice weather so we can get out and about!

Adios amigos - until the next five minutes when I have a breather to write something!

Labels: Facebook, Friends, holiday, Janet, Release, Weather, Work

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Update to photos

Sunday, May 18, 2008

I have now updated the original set of holiday photos with the shots featured in Release 3.

These will give you a clear view of the local wildlife we captured in Spain ;0)

Labels: holiday, Hunks, Release, Travel

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Release the men!

Thursday, May 15, 2008

Yes Release 3 has been let out and it is a very special video edition.

Whilst on holiday Richard and I spent some time admiring the local view, the Men of Torrox (well the cute ones at least).

Download this release to see what we managed to capture - I promise you will not be dissappointed!

Labels: holiday, Hunks, Release, Travel

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Ola!

Sunday, May 11, 2008

Well I think it's safe to say that Richard and I have had a thoroughly relaxing holiday (except for a minor problem with our car which meant we had to get earlier return flights...)

We had promised ourselves a week of relaxing and that's exactly what we did. The weather was very nice and warm and I think I did an excellent job to control my tan without burning!

I have uploaded a selection of photographs from our time on the Torrox Costa - more will follow, as will a couple of Releases. The first of which will transport you to a day in El Morche with us, enjoy the the sights and relaxing on the beach.

There is enough footage for a couple video pod casts (I am working on a special Men of Torrox edition ;0) )

Enjoy the photos and download the first video pod cast from Spain here.

Labels: holiday, Hunks, My World, Photography, Travel, Weather

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Adios Amigos!

Sunday, May 04, 2008

As we prepare to head off to sunnier climbs I am reminded about an image people from my neck of the woods have. It's an image that people from Plymouth (and or Devon I am not clear how far this thought extends), don't travel too far. They don't drive too far and they certainly don't leave the country.

It's a really old fashioned stereo type but nonetheless one I grew up with. It has a lot to do with it's location and the road infrastructure but I am sure as time goes by the image may have been somewhat diluted. I cannot guarantee this either way as I have not been living in Devon for the best part of ten years.

I moved that long ago and as it would appear so did a high proportion of the people I went to school with. There are a number of them left in Plymouth, Facebook is testament to that. I am not criticizing them I am simply noting my observations.

I like to think I buck the trend either with the amount of travel I achieve annual through work (believe me though it could be much more if I were in a different position) or the holidays Richard and I take as often as we can.

Anyway I digress, we're out to El Morche for our annual week of switching off, enjoying nothing but one anothers company, the sun, the sea, the sand, the pool and the odd siesta. It really is a great time away and we both feel we are really in need of some down time.

Sadly I have been unable to find anything to take to read as all the book shops stock the same commercial rubbish - I just hope I might find some hidden gem at the airport tomorrow (although I don't hold out too much hope).

Adios for now - see you on the other side!

P.S. I promise not to come back this year and scare you with images of me in my Aussiebums!

Labels: holiday, Plymouth, Travel

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St Pancras to Paris

Saturday, December 15, 2007

Labels: holiday, London, Paris, Trunk Cast

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Ah Paris

Thursday, December 13, 2007

We had a lovely day in Paris. We managed to check lunch off our list by 1 in our favourite venue, le cafe de commerce.

The Eurostar really does make the journey easy and effortless. The new terminal at St Pancras is wonderful. To go there simply to shop would be a waste.

~~Keep an eye out for a special Parisian edition of Trunk Cast this weekend.~~

Trunk Cast 115 - the Parisian video podcast is now online.

Labels: holiday, Hunks, London, Paris

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Brought something back

Wednesday, August 22, 2007

Well we are back from Brittany and although it's a lovely part of the world, we had to see it through heavy rain and high winds.

We still had a great time though. It was lovely to spend time with Maria, David and the boys. It's just a shame it's over already.

Heading back to the bloody day job with a head full of cold :(

~~I will write more and upload some photos tonight.~~

I have uploaded a sample of the photos taken whilst away but as there were three cameras, there are mnay more to follow!

Labels: holiday

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Out of aktchun!

Wednesday, August 15, 2007

Off to Brittany (France) - see ya'll in a week!

Labels: Cheezburger, holiday

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Aacabado!

Friday, July 06, 2007

At last I have managed to upload all of the photo's from Madrid.

New collections include random snapshots, the photo's taken on Richard's birthday and Madrid's Barajas Airport.

I will write and pod cast about the trip when I have more time...

This is another taster - click here to view the complete collection!

Labels: 365, holiday, Photography

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Palacio Real de Madrid

The next installment of Madrid photo's are here...

Labels: 365, holiday, Photography

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Plaza Mayor

Thursday, July 05, 2007

OK part two of our series of photographs from Madrid.

This set includes lots of photos from Plaza Mayor (there is also another set of snaps from my camera phone here).

There are more to come..!

Labels: 365, holiday, Photography

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Madrid - in bite sized (c)hunks

Wednesday, July 04, 2007

As I am dog tired and I have hundreds of photo's to go through I have decided to break down the task and release sets of photos to make it easier to digest.

Luckily for you the first set happens to be all the beautiful bodies we snapped at Euro Pride ;0)

Labels: holiday, Hunks, Photography

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Adios Madrid

We had a wonderful time in Madrid. The people were friendly, the weather got and the sights interesting and varied (and yes I do mean the buildings and the hot guys at Euro Pride!)

Sadly we're back to the grindstone and we're back in a country once again gripped by terror alerts.

I will post a better entry and photos tonight.

Labels: holiday

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Big Surprises

Friday, June 29, 2007

For those of you who haven't yet listened to Trunk Cast 95, you may have missed our big news.

Monday 2nd July is Richard's 40th birthday and I wanted to do something special to mark the occasion. Richard has long since mentioned that he would like to go to Madrid as it's a part of Spain that he has never visited but would love to.

At breakfast on Wednesday I presented Richard with a selection of guidebooks for Madrid as we are spending this weekend in the Spanish capital. :0D

I decided to let Richard know about his birthday treat early so that he had plenty of time to prepare - judging by his reaction and his plans for our holiday I think this was the correct decision.

So we have literally just gotten over our trip to Paris and here we are on our way to Spain ;0)

Thanks to EnergyMuscles over at Flickr for the pic

Thanks to EnergyMuscles over at Flickr for the pic

The added bonus for us is that it is Madrid Pride this weekend and we both looking forward to seeing how the Spaniards celebrate.

I have no doubt it'll be a hundred times happier, more colourful and fun than London Pride which also takes place this weekend (be under no illusion that this is a good thing to attend if visiting London. London Pride is awful, depressing and expensive).

On a more somber note I had a feeling when Gordon Brown was sworn in as the new Prime Minister on Wednesday that there may be some unrest. I don't know why I felt this but it seems to be a global pattern these days. Sure enough this morning the BBC announced breaking news that a "potentially viable explosive device" had been found in the heart of London.

Loosely translated a suspect vehicle was found in the theatre district which contained a bomb in transit or potentially for use in that location.

This morning central London has been cordoned off and once again we have memories of July 7th.

I just hope and pray that this is a one off and that we don't have to go back to watching our every move (believe me commuting in the capital can make you paranoid enough as it is).

OK I am not going to dwell on this I have a holiday to enjoy and other things to worry about (listen to my pod cast to find out more)...

Here comes the sun...

Hasta Luego

Labels: holiday, London, Politics, Richard, UK

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Tres Bien!

Wednesday, June 27, 2007

Our trip to Paris was Tres Bien.

Richard and I had a wonderfully relaxing, enlightening and romantic weekend in Paris.

Of course there was also the odd large aircraft to view!

You can browse the photo's at a more leisurely pace here!

We had a lovely time in Paris. Richard and I ended up going on our own but that was fine as we did everything at our own leisure.

We didn't give ourselves long to settle into the hotel before we got out and about. We visited a number of our favorite haunts and the location of the hotel was excellent.

Le Borgeut was as big and interesting as ever. Of course this being Paris there was more than one Airbus A380 on display. This again got the most attention from the visiting public. It was nice to see the show was much better organised than last time, and thankfully nowhere near as hot! That said we both caught the sun while watching the air displays.

For once I didn't come back with new clothes, mainly as we only took rucksacks so there was no room!

I do love Paris and once again cannot wait to go back.

You can also hear all about the trip by downloading Trunk Cast 95.

Labels: holiday, Richard, Trunk Cast, Weather

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What a weekend!

Tuesday, May 22, 2007

This weekend in Cheshire with Andy and Rob was lovely.

We had such a lovely relaxing time, I am really glad we paid them a visit.

From the moment we arrived they made us feel very welcome and we all took ther weekend as it came, relaxing and laid back.

There were no grand plans for the weekend but we did end up at Jodrell Bank and Tatton Park. Rob even let us play with his Raclette Set ;0)

Watch my video of the main astronomic radio telescope moving to line up with the Earth's Axis (this is the third largest telescope in the world).

A bevvy of photo's are on Flickr (in three separate sets... Cheshire, Jodrell Bank and Tatton Park).

It's been a while since I have uploaded anything, find out all about the last two weeks in Trunk Cast 92.

Labels: Friends, holiday, Photography, Pic-a-Day, Trunk Cast, UK, Weather, You Tube

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I'm a Speedy Boarder! (not)

Friday, May 11, 2007

First evening, looking very relaxed already (64)

Written on holiday as my daily journal

What is it about airports and holidays that really brings out the worst in people?

At the airport we all queued in a patient and english manner for our turn to board the plane but this calm was punctuated by an arrogant so and so who thought his speedy boarding ticket allowed him to jump the queue in front of everyone else (including other speedy boarders).

I find it bizarre that Sleazy Jet can charge upwards of £3.50 per person per flight just to put 20 people in a queue ahead of other passengers. Especially when these people treat it as Sleazy's equivalent First Class.

Let's face it, everyone has to queue and you all get as much chance as the next person at a seat (and it's not as if anyone will have to stand). And yet there is still this chaos.

This even spilled over to the plane where the two Spanish gents in question (both speedy boarders, both wanting to get on first)), had an altercation. It's not worth it!

Monday We spent the rest of the day relaxing at the apartment before heading out for dinner in the evening. The weather is crisp, warm and sunny - the exact opposite of what we left behind (yes after all this time the nice weather has finally decided to move on from the South East of England).

We soon fell into our Spanish holiday routine and found ourselves in our favourtie restaurant in the evening.

Usually our evenings are punctuated with the odd German vocal but oddly this week there appears to be more Brits here than Germans.

We wouldn't have minded except for the family from hell who decided to sit behind us. With four adults and equal number of children you would expect there to be order but as seems to be the case at home, parents seem completely unable to control their children.

So our peace was broken by hearing this horrible Essex shrill from the mother asking the waiter for E-g-g AND C-h-i-p-s for each of her darling children.

We found this rather amusing, especially as here father and the waiter were trying to explain what the Spanish was (and any English equivalent).

Of course the darling children got their food and ate it with gusto - not! It was too hot, it was too runny, it was anything but edible! And what did the adults in the party do about it? Nothing? They let them sit there, complain, whinge and kick up a fuss. Richard and I commented to one another that when we were that age we ate it when it was served or went without...

Tuesday Today was much more relaxed affair, we got to do what we enjoy on these holidays; lay in till late, have a relaxing (and filling) breakfast on the balcony, shop, lunch, a couple hours on the beach, a shag or two, siesta and then out for dinner :) (Not necessarily in that order).

The beach was quite quiet yesterday but this didn't matter as it meant Rich and I could snooze as much as we wanted in the sun - I think it must have been around 30 yesterday so it was hot enough to bronze out lilly white skin. I think I have managed to catch some sun but I don't like to go too mad... (Until the bevy of German prunes wandering around).

Mickey came with us to the beach too - he had his usually holiday snap taken as well as the swarm of ladybirds that appeared to be occupying the beach.

We both bought some new clothes, something I try to do on every trip - if I don't I end up having to look like all the other clones at home. My only concern is fitting it all into an already packed suitcase!

Lasts nights meal was at a different restaurant as our favourite closes on Tuesday but at least there wasn't enough room for the family from hell to accompany us!

Wednesday Tonight we plan to have the cameras at the ready - for two nights we have been passed by two particularly hot young Spanish guys jogging. Clothed on Monday and topless last night. Believe me, they are well worth the odd digital snap! Hopefully we will see them again tonight!

Surprisingly we didn't spend any time on the beach today, instead we decided to use our time walking along the headland, taking in the sights. This was a great opportunity to use the new camcorder although I am conscious that carrying a video camera really does make you look like a tourist.

Still it was worth the walk especially as there were a couple of Spanish hotties larking about on the rocks (see Trunk Cast 91).

All in all though it was a very calm and relaxing day which culminated in our usual siesta and trip to the beach front restaurant for dinner. Of course we have to fit some sangria into at least one trip so tonight was the night. I don't know if it's the recipe, the restaurant or the location but you cannot beat sangria made by the Spanish in Spain.

Unfortunately the two hot Spanish joggers were not spotted on the prom - only one of them jogging solo. I did capture him on my Olympus (he's in the video for Trunk Cast 91), nor was he topless I am afraid but you'll still get the general idea!

It's been a hot break (in more ways than one), and the weather seems to be getting hotter. It was a balmy 28 yesterday and the report for Thursday is hotter still.

Thursday I can see why birds migrate and take the routes they do - we have had a lot of swifts flying overhead since we have been here and they really do have a fantastic life. They may spend it all on the wing but they do tend to be in the right place at the right time... In a couple of weeks they'll be flying over our house in England - isn't it amazing how they navigate?

So it's Thursday and we need to think about getting the apartment tided up for when we leave. It's nice having access to such a place but that's the difference from a hotel - you have to make you own bed and tidy your own mess! (Not that we are at all messy!).

We had a text from Liz this morning explaining that Brandy has become very needy since we have been away. I think this is true testament to how much she is missing Jerry. I am sure we'll be in no end of trouble when we return tonight!

I had some great news from home today as Ness and Liz have worked Liz crazy to acquire tickets for Prince's forthcoming concerts in London. Thanks to their tanacity, Vanessa and I will be attending two nights in August :)

So I am going to make the most of the warm weather, the birds chirping and the sea view... When you read this we will be home. The photo's should be uploaded to Flickr and Trunk Cast (Video) 91 will be available for download.

Enjoy viewing them, at least as much as we have had taking them.

Labels: 365, Cats, Friends, holiday, Pic-a-Day, Prince, Weather

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Holiday Eve

Sunday, May 06, 2007

It's the day before our holiday so today is the day to dig out everything to pack... and of course my last day to blog before I go.

Do I have much to talk ab out since my last entry? Not really but I have found some cool things online I'd like to share before I go.

1) Magnetosphere. I do tend to think that the Visualiser function in iTunes is underused and forgotten. Unlike the Windows Media Player version which is shoved in your face whenever you play anything. The iTunes visualiser has a number of neat tricks up it's sleeve and I just discovered Magnetosphere which is a rather fab plugin. Check out the link to see a grab from the animation. It's worth a download.

2) Facebook I know there are hundreds of social web sites and groups out there and it's hard to keep up. This is probably why I am only just discovering Facebook. There is a large following in my company so I decided to join up and take a look. I have since created a Trunk Guy Group which you are all welcome to join. Why join Facebook? Well it's neat, tidy, you can navigate and read things with ease and you are not bombarded with garish background images, forced to listen to crap camp or rock music and video. Or in other words this is everything My Space isn't - which in my book is a good thing!

3) BrandyCam We received our new video camera yesterday, a Hard Disc Drive Sony Handy Cam. So what was there to test it on? Brandy of course! It's a great model and the touchscreen makes it very intuitive and easy to use... Check out my upload to You Tube (with commentary from Brandy).

4) Trunk Cast 90 went live yesterday - enjoy!

That's it for now - Adios! I'll see you on the flip side of our holiday. (Yes I could blog whilst abroad but it'll cost a fortune, therefore it can wait til we get back).

Labels: 365, Cats, Digital Media, holiday, Music, Pic-a-Day, Trunk Cast, You Tube

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Sent Packing

Friday, May 04, 2007

I may not have started packing yet but at least I have acquired my holiday read!

Labels: 365, holiday, Photography

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Berlin Wall(paper)

Sunday, February 11, 2007

I have received a lot of really nice comments about the photographs I took whilst in Berlin. As you have been so kind I thought I would edit some of them for distribution as wall paper.

I have selected four favourite shots and placed them in my Wallpaper set on Flickr in 1024 x 768 resolution.

I hope you have as much enjoyment looking at them as I did exploring Berlin to take them.

Labels: holiday, Wallpaper

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Trio of Trouble

Wednesday, February 07, 2007

OK so today we had David Beckham, Tony Blair and George W Bush in the office.

Just an average day at the office for me.

I am so glad to be back at work!

Please don't ask me to explain...

I said don't ask!

Don't forget to pop by Flickr and leave plenty of comments about my Berlin photos ;)

Labels: holiday, Politics, Work

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Berlin, take my breath away!

Tuesday, February 06, 2007

Berlin: Photograph collection here, Trunk Cast here :)

Labels: Birthday, holiday

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De mazzel, Auf Wiedersehen, Goodbye!

Monday, January 29, 2007

Well not for good, only for a few days!

I doubt I will get any time to blog whilst away in the Netherlands for work nor do I plan to be online when I am in Germany for my birthday this weekend so this is my last post for while.

I may try to post the odd photo to Flickr but I don't promise anything as I am not sure I can connect my phone to my work PC! (And I don't want to do it over the air in case my tariff shoots up!).

Anyway, be safe, have a good week and I'll speak you all again soon!

P.S Don't forget to have a browse around my fab new geo tagged photo map on Flickr.

Labels: holiday, Work

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Cold and frosty?

Saturday, January 27, 2007

No it's no actually; it's chilly but it's nothing like the frost and snow we have had this week. Anyway I digress...

I am making the most of my weekend at home as the forthcoming week will see me away from our abode for a week. Sadly not all of it will be on holiday or with my baby.

I am in Amsterdam from Tuesday as I have a conference to attend for work, I wouldn't mind but it's my birthday on Thursday and I'd rather spend it at home!

I'm back next Friday and then Richard and I are off to Berlin for a long weekend. I can't wait but I have to be honest I have not focused any (or rather little) attention on what I want to do when I get there. Mainly because work and the Amsterdam trip have taken up all my time, energy and focus.

In fact I had to purchase a digital camera for the conference today and bought an Olympus Miju. I have long since trusted these cameras and cannot fault their quality or functionality.

I captured this video with it this morning just to see how clear it was and I am very impressed.

All this of course means that I won't be around to blog or cast for a while. Of course listeners to my Trunk cast will know this already as I mentioned it in show 75.

I would blog from my European destinations but as I am not clear how much 3 would charge I don't think I'll bother. I am sure I can catch up on events when I return.

If I could it would give me the opportunity to use the fab new Geo Tag facility on Flickr ;)

Do you have a web cam? If so, pop over to the Trunk Cast page, follow the right hand menu about half way down and you'll see a photo box. This is a great little utility weher you can share your photo's/mug shots with me! Why not check it out and capture that moment!

Labels: Cats, holiday, Richard, Trunk Cast

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Placid Monday

Monday, January 01, 2007

The New Year has started on a Monday and that to me is a good thing. Why? Well it's one less Monday to work isn't it!

I am not going to give any words of wisdom or let you know about my New Years Resolutions because I never make any. If I resolve to do anything then I do it on the 1st February which is my birthday.

I doubt there will be much time to resolve anything this year (or rather to make any resolutions) as I will be away for my birthday and this year it won't be New York :( Although oddly it's kind of connected as I'll be in Amsterdam (those of you who know your American history will understand what I am on about!).

My rule of not working on my birthday will be broken this year as I fly out to Amsterdam on the 31st January and return on the 2nd. I'll be there for a conference which should be interesting. I could however think of better ways to spend my birthday!

Richard and I have planned a break but it now meets the Amsterdam trip. This means I will be home from Holland on the Friday evening and fly out to Berlin on the Saturday morning! I hope I am awake enough to enjoy the break!

Still that's a good 30 days away and there's a whole new month ahead - I just hope it all runs smoothly.

2006 was truly a fantastic year for us and at this point last year neither of us knew what the year held, I wonder what will bestow us this year. Hopefully it'll all be good.

If you have a web cam pop by the Trunk Cast page and press the "Capture your photo" button in the right menu. This is a great little applet that lets you share your photos with me - why not take a snap shot so I can see who is browsing around the site... Go on, you know you want to.

Happy New Year!

Labels: Happy New Year, holiday

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