View allAll Photos Tagged Refinement
During the winter season, the Bedford Channel undergoes a serene transformation, with the Jacob Haldi Bridge assuming a prominent role in this seasonal evolution. As temperatures decline, the tranquil waters intermittently give way to a striking display of ice delicately ensconced between the robust bridge pillars. This natural phenomenon imparts an additional layer of allure to the surroundings, casting the bridge as a frozen masterpiece and elevating the familiar scene with a sense of refinement. The nuanced interplay of ice between the pillars not only enhances the bridge's aesthetic appeal but also introduces a renewed and captivating essence to the customary vista.
Fort Langley, British Columbia, Canada.
Fujifilm XT3
Website: www.sollows.ca
Contact and links: linktr.ee/jsollows
For my video; youtu.be/Wwvwa9a-Fjw?si=QBfKQpfa1crt_HA-
Entrance to the 40th annual,
All British Field Meet is an Annual event held in Vancouver's Van Dusen Botanical Garden,
Oakridge, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
The longest-running and most significant annual display of British vehicles in Western Canada.
11 C, and raining
Half-ton commercial models based on the A55 were introduced in 1957. The van was released in February and was followed in May by pick-up, chassis and cab and chassis and scuttle models. Contemporary sales literature used the term "Austin ½ ton van and pick-up".
In October 1962, new models were introduced with a restyled front end and bumper, chrome side mouldings, 14" wheels, and various interior refinements. Morris-badged van and pick-up models also were now offered. From September 1963, the commercial models were fitted with the 1,622 cc (99.0 cu in) engine from the Austin A60 saloon, with the Austins still marketed under the "Austin ½ ton" name. They remained in production to 1973.
Northridge is a neighborhood of Los Angeles, California in the San Fernando Valley. It is the home of California State University, Northridge, as well as eleven public and eight private schools.
Originally named Zelzah, the community was renamed North Los Angeles in 1929 to emphasize its closeness to the booming city. This created confusion with Los Angeles and North Hollywood. At the suggestion of a civic leader, the community was renamed Northridge in 1938. Northridge can trace its history back to the Gabrielino (or Tongva) people and to Spanish explorers. Its territory was later sold by the Mexican governor to Eulogio de Celis, whose heirs divided it for sale.
The area has been the home of notable people, and it has notable attractions and points of interest. Residents have access to a municipal recreation center and a public swimming pool.
The 2000 U.S. census counted 57,561 residents in the 9.47-square-mile Northridge neighborhood—or 6,080 people per square mile, among the lowest population densities for the city. In 2008, the city estimated that the population had increased to 61,993. In 2000 the median age for residents was 32, about average for city and county neighborhoods; the percentage of residents aged 19 to 34 was among the county's highest.
The 1994 Northridge earthquake was named for Northridge based on early estimates of the location of the quake's epicenter; however, further refinements showed it to be technically in neighboring Reseda. The earthquake, which occurred on a blind thrust fault, was one of the strongest ground motions ever recorded in North America. Freeways collapsed, and many buildings suffered irreparable damages. Vertical and horizontal accelerations lifted structures off their foundations. During the 1994 quake, the Northridge Hospital Medical Center remained open and treated more than 1,000 patients who came to the facility during the first few days after the 6.7-magnitude quake.
This was the second time in 23 years that the area had been affected by a strong earthquake. On February 9, 1971 the San Fernando earthquake (also known as the Sylmar earthquake) struck, having a magnitude of 6.5.
Crystal fragility is not weakness but refinement.
La fragilità del cristallo non è una debolezza ma una raffinatezza.
Play behavior in bears represents millions of years of evolutionary refinement. Scientists believe play evolved as a low-risk method for developing essential survival skills—a way to practice hunting, fighting, and escaping without the life-threatening consequences of real situations. For bears, which typically live solitary lives but need complex skill sets to survive in challenging environments, play serves as nature’s training program.
Step into unparalleled elegance with the Sylphish LaceUp Gown & Stole by Aura Design. This stunning creation is designed to captivate, combining a timeless silhouette with modern sophistication. Perfect for formal occasions or glamorous evenings, this ensemble ensures you’ll always make an unforgettable entrance.
The gown boasts a sleek, form-fitting silhouette that gracefully accentuates your curves, while the intricate lace-up detailing at the back adds a sensual touch. Paired with a luxurious stole, this outfit exudes refinement and versatility, allowing you to elevate your look effortlessly.
Custom Fit for Perfection:
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With the included FATPACK HUD controller, unleash your creativity and choose from 20 color textures for the gown, lace, and stole. Whether you prefer bold jewel tones, delicate pastels, or timeless neutrals, you can effortlessly tailor the look to suit your mood and occasion.
The Sylphish LaceUp Gown & Stole by Aura Design is exclusively available at the January Swank "Renew Yourself" Event. Don’t miss your chance to own this dazzling masterpiece!
Taxi to Swank Event:
maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Swank%20Events/128/124/38
Elevate your virtual wardrobe today with the Sylphish LaceUp Gown & Stole by Aura Design—where elegance meets versatility. Make a statement and celebrate your unique style with every step you take.
youtu.be/jdYBQO0KMpU?si=-1mzG9heIdNjxAz5
Cornflower: symbol of hope. Representing positive HOPE for the future, the Cornflower is a humble reminder of nature's simple beauty and the fullness of life's cycle.
The cornflower also came to symbolize love, fertility, anticipation, patience, elegance, delicacy, refinement and single blessedness.
A Symphony of Elegance – The Multani Collection by Heartsdale Jewellery
Step into a world where opulence meets heritage, where each gemstone tells a story, and where the past entwines with the present in a breathtaking display of artistry. The Multani Collection by Heartsdale Jewellery is more than an accessory—it is a masterpiece of refinement, an ode to ancient craftsmanship reimagined for the modern muse.
A Jewel of Timeless Craftsmanship:
At the heart of this exquisite collection lies the Multani Necklace, a regal adornment inspired by the mesmerizing artistry of Multan, the “City of Saints,” where vibrant hues of lapis, gold, and sapphire once adorned the noble courts of South Asia. The intricate hand-tooled silver and enamelwork, reminiscent of Mughal royal jewelry, brings a rich, historical depth to its design. Delicately sculpted filigree work, framed in fine silver plating, cradles each meticulously placed gemstone, forming an intricate tapestry of elegance.
Deep sapphire and amethyst-hued gemstones, kissed with a subtle shimmer of PBR materials, reflect the artistry of bygone eras, evoking the mystical allure of the Silk Road’s finest treasures. The accompanying earrings, featuring delicate silver dangles and ornate detailing, lend a graceful movement, catching the light with every turn—an enchanting dance of brilliance and sophistication.
The Influence of History in High Fashion:
Drawing upon the grandeur of Persian, Mughal, and Central Asian jewelry traditions, the Multani Collection embodies a fusion of heritage and haute couture. This collection pays homage to the intricate Jadau techniques and Kundan-style embellishments that once graced the necks of royalty, bringing forth a contemporary interpretation of historical elegance. It is a tribute to the timeless allure of bespoke, hand-crafted treasures, curated for those who appreciate jewelry as an art form.
Designed for the Modern Avatar:
Exclusively rigged for Legacy Classic and Reborn mesh bodies, the Multani Necklace is precision-fitted to ensure a flawless silhouette that enhances any ensemble. Whether adorning a regal evening gown, a contemporary cocktail dress, or an avant-garde couture piece, this statement necklace and earring set elevates your style to unparalleled sophistication.
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Drape yourself in legacy, luxury, and luminescence—experience the Multani Collection by Heartsdale Jewellery.
Miss Calline in car. "The Maltese Bichon originates from the Mediterranean basin, more precisely from Sicily in Italy, and not from the island of Malta as its name might suggest. This breed of dog dates back to Antiquity, where it was revered as a symbol luxury and refinement.
Taken last night, using 2 x Off Cam flash, one placed to the side and the other behind for backlit effect....needs a bit more refinement though.
No sign of the male but I could hear him, so was probably hunting around the adjacent freshly ploughed field.
Thanks for looking.
1938 Chevrolet Master Deluxe Coupe.
The 1938 Chevrolet Master and Master DeLuxe were saddled with the unimaginative advertising slogan "The Car that is Complete." It was a year of refinement, for only minor modifications differentiated the 1938 Chevys from their 1937 counterparts. The 1938 Chevrolet Master and Master DeLuxe did get a smart new grille designed by Franklin Q. Hershey, a recent arrival from Pontiac. It featured horizontal, rather than vertical bars. Otherwise, styling was unchanged.
Westport (Irish: Cathair na Mart, meaning "stone fort of the beeves", historically anglicised as Cahernamart) is a town in County Mayo in Ireland. It is at the south-east corner of Clew Bay, an inlet of the Atlantic Ocean on the west coast of Ireland. Westport is a popular tourist destination and scores highly for quality of life. It won the Irish Tidy Towns Competition three times in 2001, 2006 and 2008. In 2012 it won the Best Place to Live in Ireland competition run by The Irish Times.
The design for the town was commissioned in the 1780s by the John Browne of the nearby stately home, Westport House, as a place for his workers and tenants to live. John Browne cleared the original village of Cahernamart, that had 700 inhabitants, to make way for his gardens at Westport House.
The current town centre was originally designed by William Leeson in 1780, in the Georgian architectural style. Its layout follows the medieval principles of urban design introduced by the Normans in the 13th century. A particular feature is the incorporation of the river into the composition, contained for two blocks by low stone walls producing, on each side of the river, tree lined promenades (The Mall) with several stone bridges over the river Carrow Beg. The layout further includes several tree lined streets, addressed by the narrow fronted commercial buildings typical of Irish towns, though with many here remaining of a singular refinement and charm. Some modern interventions, such as the Garda station, are less successful in maintaining the original continuity of the urban fabric.
The famous pilgrimage mountain of Croagh Patrick, known locally as "the Reek", lies some 10 km west of the town near the villages of Murrisk and Lecanvey. The mountain forms the backdrop to the town.
The last of three images I'm posting from my new favourite place in Wales!
To be fair, it's only about a mile from my previous favourite place in Wales, but hey, with age comes wisdom and refinement, right ? ;-)
I was taken to this location one afternoon in October by Greg Whitton and Lee Acaster on a (superb) workshop they ran. We went up to try to get some good evening light, but arrived nice and early with hours to spare. So I got a chance for quite a bit of roaming-around-handheld-snapping, just exploring and scouting spots for sunset. In the end I didn't get images I was pleased with from the evening , but looking back I actually quite like these earlier afternoon snaps... which give a sense of the place in all its wild, rocky grandeur.
If you want to see some proper, deeply classy landscapes from this neck of the woods, check out the quite brilliant Nicholas Livesey's stream!!
Mekhet are a clan in Vampire: the Requiem with an affinity to darkness. The hallmarks of the clan are stealth, finesse and wisdom.
There is often a certain amount of finesse and refinement in whatever Mekhet do. Mekhet can appear as stealthy information-gatherers, spies, assassins or scholars; but just as well they can be aristocrats making their mark in the societies of the damned. A Mekhet bodyguard for example is unlikely to rely on brute force, but rather know an ornate fighting style. A Mekhet thief is gracious or invisible, not a sloppy vandal. To the others, Mekhet appear to be the most ordinary of the kindred, the ones who seem to have the least to distinguish them from other vampires. They watch and hide, and the other clans don't seem to take much notice of them. Because Mekhet alone from the major clans have no powers of control over animals or people, they prefer to work in secret behind the scenes, via conspiracies and shadow cults. (Source: whitewolf.fandom.com/wiki/Mekhet_(VTR) )
We visited some historical sites in the San Pedro River area.
We hiked the Millville and Petroglyph Discovery Trails in the San Pedro Riparian Conservation Area. This is the view looking southwest across the San Pedro Riparian area with the Huachuca Mountains in the distance.
www.destination4x4.com/millville-arizona-cochse-county-gh...
Millville, Arizona, is a ghost town in Cochise County, located along the San Pedro River, approximately nine miles southwest of Tombstone. Established in the late 1870s during the Arizona Territory's silver mining boom, Millville served as a milling hub for processing silver ore from Tombstone's mines. Closely tied to the nearby town of Charleston, Millville's history reflects the rapid rise and fall of mining communities in the American West. This report explores Millville's origins, economic significance, social dynamics, decline, and current status, drawing on historical accounts and archaeological insights.
Millville emerged in 1878 following Ed Schieffelin's discovery of silver in the Tombstone area. Schieffelin, along with his brother Al and partner Richard Gird, recognized the need for a milling operation to process the raw silver ore into bullion. The San Pedro River's water supply made it an ideal location, as water was essential for ore refinement, unlike the water-scarce Tombstone. Gird selected a site on the east bank of the San Pedro River, where two stamp mills, the Gird Mill and the Corbin Mill, were constructed to crush and process ore. Millville was formally established as the industrial heart of the region, with Charleston, on the west bank, serving as the residential and commercial settlement for mill workers and their families.
Today, Millville is part of the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area, managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The site is accessible via a 1.8-mile loop trail, the Millville Historic Townsite and Rock Art Discovery Trail, which features interpretive signs about the area's history and petroglyphs. The trail, rated as easy, takes about 38 minutes to complete and offers views of the San Pedro River, ghost town ruins, and natural features. Visitors report informative signage but note the lack of shade and occasional hazards like rattlesnakes.
The BLM and organizations like the Friends of the San Pedro River work to preserve the sites, though no official signage marks Millville along Charleston Road. The ruins consist of stone walls, adobe foundations, and remnants of the Gird and Corbin Mills, visible from the trail. The nearby Clanton Ranch, Fairbanks ghost town, and Presidio Santa Cruz de Terranate add to the region's historical attractions.
Millville, Arizona, encapsulates the fleeting prosperity of the Wild West's mining boom. From its founding in 1878 to its abandonment by 1889, the town played a critical role in processing Tombstone's silver, driving economic growth in the San Pedro Valley. Its industrial focus, contrasted with Charleston's lively social scene, highlights the diverse dynamics of frontier life. Though reduced to ruins, Millville's legacy endures through preserved trails and historical narratives, offering a glimpse into Arizona's rugged past. The San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area ensures that Millville's story, alongside its natural and cultural surroundings, remains accessible to future generations.
Some rock art petroglyphs in the area.
Kartchner 2025
Southern Arizona Adventure 2025
Happy Bench Monday, HBM,
The queen of cars, the car of queens
A Brief History of Rolls-Royce
Rolls-Royce is one of the most iconic and prestigious brands in the automotive industry, known for its luxurious and high-performance vehicles. The company has a long and fascinating history, dating back to the early 20th century.
The company was founded in 1904 by Charles Rolls and Henry Royce, two British entrepreneurs who shared a passion for engineering and innovation. Rolls was a successful car dealer and Royce was an accomplished engineer, and together they set out to create a new kind of automobile that would combine performance, comfort, and luxury.
The first Rolls-Royce car, the 10 horsepower, was unveiled at the Paris Salon in December 1904. The car was an instant success, praised for its smooth handling, refined design, and powerful engine. Over the next few years, Rolls-Royce continued to produce a range of high-quality cars, including the Silver Ghost, which became one of the most popular and enduring models in the company's history.
During World War I, Rolls-Royce shifted its focus to producing aircraft engines, playing a key role in the development of aviation technology. The company's Merlin engine, which powered the famous Spitfire and Hurricane fighters during World War II, was a major technological breakthrough and helped the Allies gain an advantage in the air.
After the war, Rolls-Royce returned to producing cars, with a focus on luxury and refinement. The company continued to innovate and introduce new models, including the iconic Phantom, which has become a symbol of luxury and exclusivity.
In the 1960s, Rolls-Royce expanded its product line to include the Bentley brand, which was known for its sportier and more performance-oriented vehicles. The company continued to produce a range of high-quality cars throughout the 20th century, introducing new models and features to stay ahead of the competition.
In 1998, Rolls-Royce was acquired by BMW, which introduced a range of new technologies and innovations to the brand. Today, Rolls-Royce continues to produce some of the most luxurious and high-performance vehicles on the market, with a commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and innovation.
Despite the challenges it has faced over the years, including economic downturns and changing consumer preferences, Rolls-Royce has remained a symbol of luxury and exclusivity, known for its exceptional quality and performance. The company's rich history and commitment to innovation ensure that it will continue to be a major player in the global automotive industry for years to come.
@https://clixauto.com/blogs/history/a-brief-history-of-rolls-royce
The St. Andrew's Church is one of the most famous Orthodox temples in the Ukrainian capital. It is currently one of four architectural landmarks of Ukraine, which were put down on the List of Mankind Treasures of Five Continents by the world society. It is sometimes referred to as a cathedral. The church is part of the National Sanctuary "Sophia of Kiev" as a landmark of cultural heritage.
The church was constructed in 1747–1754, to a design by the Italian architect Bartolomeo Rastrelli. Famous architect designed this five-domed church with one cupola in baroque style. It is still called Rastelli’s "swan song." The temple is in the form of a cross, and its edges are decorated with fancy ornamental towers.
As any baroque object, the St. Andrew's Church is notable for its unusual elegance, luxurious decor, exquisite refinement, and airiness of form. But even more impressive is the church’s interior – suited for a luxurious palace – which was also designed by the great Rastrelli. Its key decoration is the original bright-red iconostasis, made of linden wood and covered with gold.
Today, the St. Andrew's Church is a working temple, and services are conducted here. It also houses a museum, whose collection tells the difficult history of this architectural masterpiece.
When Brass Ruled, the 1909 Thomas Model K 6-70 Flyabout
With the spare tire located against the right front seat—the Flyabout has right-hand drive—the driver enters through the passenger’s seat. A small brass hand pump at the base of the driver’s seat must be worked to make sure the car’s lubrication system has sufficient pressure before starting the engine. This is confirmed by watching a row of tiny brass faucets set on a ledge under the cowl, each representing a lubrication point in the chassis, drip oil.
This 6-cylinder Thomas is reportedly, the only original 1909 Thomas 6-70 Flyabout in existence.
1909 was poised to be a great year for E.R. Thomas Motor Co. of Buffalo, New York. The firm’s interest in racing competitions culminated in winning the 1908 New York-to-Paris endurance run, making Thomas the most talked-about auto in the world. Individual sales became news—in spring 1909 newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst took his new Thomas Flyabout touring car to Europe.
Like so many of his pioneering contemporaries, Erwin Ross (E. R.) Thomas was in the bicycle business prior to manufacturing automobiles. During the 1890s, E. R. was the managing director for H. A. Lozier & Co. who produced the famous Cleveland bicycle. However, he recognized the huge potential in the newly evolving automobile business and left Lozier to take over the Buffalo Automobile and Auto-Bi company, which was known for its production of bicycles and motorcycle engines. In 1900 E. R. changed the company name to Thomas Auto-Bi, and by 1901 Thomas claimed to build more air-cooled motors than anyone else.
E. R. had bigger things in mind however, and the first Thomas automobiles were introduced in 1903; small runabouts described in the catalog as the happy medium between the cheaper and more expensive cars. By 1905 the Thomas Company was building bigger four-cylinder cars dubbed 'Thomas Flyers'. Thomas Flyers soon gained notoriety among the faster and more flamboyant Touring cars of their day. E. R. had an eye for flair and his huge powerful cars showed it – they were often finished in bright colors and loaded with many ornate brass accessories. The 1907 sales catalogue boasted "You can't go by a Thomas Flyer, so go buy one!"
The Thomas name endures and is most readily remembered for its most astounding victory in one the greatest automotive competition events of the time, the 1908 Le Matin sponsored 'The Great Race'. The route went from New York (in the dead of winter) across the U.S. to San Francisco, then by ship to Alaska, and across the Bering Strait, either by ship or by ice to Siberia. To be certain that the Yukon and the Bering Strait would be covered in ice, the race purposely began in the winter. Many of the dirt covered trails had never been traveled by a motorcar.
E. R. Thomas made a last-minute decision to enter a car and three days prior to the start, a stock 1907 model was selected from the factory lot. 13,341 miles and 171 days later, the victorious Thomas rolled into Paris and forever cemented its place in history.
The following year Thomas moved into 'six-cylinderism', the territory which luxury manufacturers were now pushing as the ultimate in performance and refinement, Napier, Pierce-Arrow, Rolls Royce to name but a few. For Thomas, they simply extended their existing four with two extra cylinders, but owing to their mammoth 5½ inch bore, this pushed the engine size out to 12.9 liters and provided more than 70 horsepower. At this point, this was by far the largest engine available and remains one of the largest engine ever to be fitted to an American production automobile.
The new 'six' commanded the designation Model K or 6-70 for logical reasons and Thomas priced it at $6000 in Touring form, with options of Seven Passenger Touring, 'Tourabout' or 'Flyabout'. Of the handful of options for these chassis, the Flyabout was by far the most sporting and effectively a Thomas branding for a 'Toy Tonneau'. Sitting on a 140 inch wheelbase, it was a gargantuan car even among its peers. Yet, despite its scale, the 'square' engine dimensions of 5½ by 5½ inches and with four speed transmission provided a very tractable and lively engine performance, the engine revving higher and with a broader power band than many of its longer stroked contemporaries.
Double click on image to enlarge for details
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Il convento venne costruito assieme alla chiesa di San Bernardino per disposizione di Federico da Montefeltro.
Il progetto e la successiva realizzazione dell'opera vengono oggi attribuiti all'architetto ducale Francesco di Giorgio Martini (con l'aiuto nella direzione dei lavori del giovane e promettente Donato Bramante).
Il convento, dei Frati Minori, pare contrastare la raffinatezza della chiesa con l'austerità e la semplicità dei tradizionali edifici francescani.
L'edificio ha il suo fulcro nel chiostro a pilastri architravati.
The convent was built together with the church of San Bernardino by order of Federico da Montefeltro.
The project and the subsequent realization of the work are today attributed to the ducal architect Francesco di Giorgio Martini (with the help in the direction of the works of the young and promising Donato Bramante).
The convent, belonging to the Friars Minor, seems to contrast the refinement of the church with the austerity and simplicity of the traditional Franciscan buildings.
The building has its fulcrum in the cloister with architraved pillars.
IMG_1224m
The wine has a golden-green color. The rich, harmonious aroma of the wine is enhanced by hints of white fruits, peach, acacia, linden, and citrus. The taste of refinement and harmony. Light, refreshing, balanced wine with good structure and a pleasantly soft aftertaste. Chudove wine, like an aperitif. I enjoy it most when it is cooled down to 6-8 degrees Celsius.
Вино прозоре золотисто-зеленого кольору. Багатий гармонійний аромат вина увібрав відтінки білих квітів, персика, акації, липи, цитрусових. Смак витончений та гармонійний. Легке, освіжаюче, збалансоване вино з гарною структурою та приємним м'яким після смаком. Вино чудове, як аперитив. Найкраще смакую, будучи охлажденим до 6-8 градусів за Цельсієм.
The vineyards of Piedmont Langhe, Roero and Monteferato were included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2014.
Interestingly, the soils of these vineyards are not particularly fertile, and vegetables and grains are not grown there at all. But they are excellent for growing grapes, from which high-quality wines are then made, including the “wine of kings” - Barolo, one of the most famous Italian wines.
Виноградники П'ємонта Ланге, Роеро та Монтеферато у 2014 році були включені до списку Всесвітньої спадщини Юнеско.
Що цікаво, ґрунти цих виноградників не відрізняються особливою родючістю, і там взагалі не вирощуються овочі та злаки. Але вони чудово підходять для вирощування винограду, з якого потім роблять високоякісні вина, серед яких "вино королів" - Бароло, одне з найвідоміших італійських вин.
Одного разу, будучи шанувальником червоного вина, я необачливо висловився відносно білого (щось на кшталт «червоне більш до вподоби тому що.. « і далі про кислотність, відчуття після смаку і його тривалость). На моє щастя візаві, як потім з’ясувалося, був справжнім поціновувачем білих вин. Він не став заперечувати, а через деякий час подарував нам Vietti Roero Arneis 2021 року.
Досить велика вартість пляшки цього вина, в моєму уявленні, вже передбачала неабияку якість, але реальні смакові відчуття від цього вина набагато перевищили очікувані.
І я почав шукати і читати про все, що мало відношення до Arneis - чи всі вина з цього сорту винограду так само гарно смакують, чи є ще хтось, крім родини Vietti, хто створює настільки якісне вино з сорту Arneis, чи можливо їх придбати в Україні, тощо. І головне, чи можна придбати таке саме якісне, але за більш бюджетну ціну.
І мені пощастило знайти таке вино. На світлині Marrone “Arneis” DOC Langhe 2018, за ціною майже вдвічі меншою, якість якого можна сміливо порівняти з якістю Vietti Roero Arneis. Тому що воно того варте. Якщо можете придбати, - не сумнівайтесь. Так званих «любителів міцного», прохання не турбуватись.
At least half a dozen Baltimore Oriole pairs are currently in town, stopping for refreshments on their way north, or - in some cases - building their nests here. Among our most beautiful migratory songbirds, they arrive depleted and seem to crave oranges above all. Obviously they are birds of refinement and good taste. This one is at Laureen's feeder, down the street a couple of blocks from my home. What a pleasure to see their bright orange plumage flashing between the newly green trees of the village!
Photographed in Val Marie, Saskatchewan (Canada). Don't use this image on websites, blogs, or other media without explicit permission © 2019 James R. Page - all rights reserved.
Rishton is one of the most famous and oldest centers of ceramics in Uzbekistan. Legend claims that the art is over 800 years old, passed down from generation to generation.
A fine quality reddish-yellow clay deposit 1-1.5 meters deep and 0.5-1.5 meters thick underlies almost the whole Rishton area. The clay can be used without refinement or addition of other types of clay from other regions. Besides clay, the potters of Rishton extracted various dyes, quartz sand, and fire clay from the surrounding the mountains.
The history of producing ceramics here goes back to the seventh century. In the late 19th – early 20th centuries, almost all the population of Rishton were potters. Its clay is suitable for making the whole variety of ceramic goods and the repertoire of ornamental patterns in the Rishton ceramics is one of the richest. Today, over 2000 craftsmen use both traditional techniques and modern machinery to produce over 5 million items per year. The traditional design has a blue-green glaze, called “iskor”. In the 1960s, this technique had almost died out, but has now recovered, thanks to the efforts of the artisans themselves.
Main languages spoken in this area are Tajik and Uzbek.
This was an un-numbered Scale Trains SD40T-2 that I "did up" in 2020. I also made improvements/refinements to some of the details, such as A-Line wipers, and enhanced the cab interior. Look closely, and you'll notice the fireman reading a newspaper.
Le quai Président-Wilson est un ancien quai industriel sur la Loire, d’une longueur totale de 1,5 km, situé au sud-ouest de l’île de Nantes, le long d'un des bras de la Loire baptisé « bras de Pirmil », de part et d’autre du pont des 3 Continents. Construit pendant la « Grande guerre » sur la rive sud de l'ancienne île Sainte-Anne puis agrandi pendant les années 1920 pour atteindre une longueur d'un kilomètre, il est considéré comme un des plus grands quais de France à l'époque. Les ouvrages ont été construits à des périodes différentes s’étalant sur la première moitié du XXème siècle, et certains ont subi des dommages importants au cours de la Deuxième Guerre Mondiale, ayant entraîné une reconstruction partielle de la partie sur voûtes ainsi qu’une reconstruction totale de la partie massive sur pieux. Il était utilisé pour la circulation de grues roulantes et de convois de marchandises. Jusqu'à l'arrêt définitif de son activité en 2007, il permet d'importer les matières premières approvisionnant les industries implantées sur place, à savoir du sucre de canne brut destiné à être raffiné dans l'usine de Béghin-Say, des engrais chimiques Timac), du fer-blanc destiné à la fabrication d'ustensiles de cuisine et de boîtes de conserves et d'exporter de la ferraille. Avec l’arrêt des activités portuaires du quai, au début des années 2000, les cinq grues Mofag, de 158 tonnes chacune, qui s'y trouvaient ont été déménagé vers d'autres sites du grand port maritime de Nantes-Saint-Nazaire.
The President-Wilson quay is a former industrial quay on the Loire, with a total length of 1.5 km, located to the south-west of the Ile de Nantes, along one of the arms of the Loire called "arms de Pirmil ”, on either side of the 3 Continents Bridge. Built during the “Great War” on the south shore of the former Île Sainte-Anne then enlarged during the 1920s to reach a length of one kilometer, it was considered to be one of the largest docks in France at the time. The structures were built at different times spanning the first half of the twentieth century, and some suffered significant damage during World War II, leading to a partial reconstruction of the vaulted part as well as a reconstruction. total of the massive part on piles. It was used for the movement of rolling cranes and freight convoys. Until the final cessation of its activity in 2007, it allows the import of raw materials supplying industries established on site, namely raw cane sugar intended for refinement in the Béghin-Say plant, fertilizers Timac chemicals), tinplate for the manufacture of kitchen utensils and cans and for the export of scrap metal. With the cessation of port activities at the quay in the early 2000s, the five Mofag cranes, each weighing 158 tonnes, were moved to other sites in the large seaport of Nantes-Saint-Nazaire.
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Please do not use my images on websites, blogs or other media without my written permission. If you want to use my images on websites, blogs or other media contact me by message or on my website!
"I think art is not an ornament or refinement
at the fringes of human intelligence,
I think it's at the center.
It's at the core."
~ Robert Pinsky ~
The Falcon's Scepter was developed and manufactured just before the start of a the Martian civil wars, and came to represent the oppression and removal of civil liberties under the rule of the monarch tyrant "Steve". A true fighter and bomber hybrid - this fast and deadly vessel could successfully defend its payload deep into enemy territory and strike at the heart of the resistance.
Reminds me of a slightly more refined version of my "Boom wing.
m.flickr.com/#/photos/53458657@N04/19885267328/
m.flickr.com/#/photos/53458657@N04/14408471310/
Another shot on black with some mild refinements so unoticable that you probably won't even notice.
Also, I should mention it fits a fig, and the wings are slightly adjustable to form different configurations.
“to live content with small means; to seek elegance rather than luxury, and refinement rather than fashion; to be worthy, not respectable, and wealthy, not, rich; to listen to stars and birds, babes and sages, with open heart; to study hard; to think quietly, act frankly, talk gently, await occasions, hurry never; in a word, to let the spiritual, unbidden and unconscious, grow up through the common - this is my symphony...."
~ william ellery channing
We visited some historical sites in the San Pedro River area.
We hiked the Millville and Petroglyph Discovery Trails in the San Pedro Riparian Conservation Area.
www.destination4x4.com/millville-arizona-cochse-county-gh...
Millville, Arizona, is a ghost town in Cochise County, located along the San Pedro River, approximately nine miles southwest of Tombstone. Established in the late 1870s during the Arizona Territory’s silver mining boom, Millville served as a milling hub for processing silver ore from Tombstone’s mines. Closely tied to the nearby town of Charleston, Millville’s history reflects the rapid rise and fall of mining communities in the American West. This report explores Millville’s origins, economic significance, social dynamics, decline, and current status, drawing on historical accounts and archaeological insights.
Millville emerged in 1878 following Ed Schieffelin’s discovery of silver in the Tombstone area. Schieffelin, along with his brother Al and partner Richard Gird, recognized the need for a milling operation to process the raw silver ore into bullion. The San Pedro River’s water supply made it an ideal location, as water was essential for ore refinement, unlike the water-scarce Tombstone. Gird selected a site on the east bank of the San Pedro River, where two stamp mills—the Gird Mill and the Corbin Mill—were constructed to crush and process ore. Millville was formally established as the industrial heart of the region, with Charleston, on the west bank, serving as the residential and commercial settlement for mill workers and their families.
Today, Millville is part of the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area, managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The site is accessible via a 1.8-mile loop trail, the Millville Historic Townsite and Rock Art Discovery Trail, which features interpretive signs about the area’s history and petroglyphs. The trail, rated as easy, takes about 38 minutes to complete and offers views of the San Pedro River, ghost town ruins, and natural features. Visitors report informative signage but note the lack of shade and occasional hazards like rattlesnakes.
The BLM and organizations like the Friends of the San Pedro River work to preserve the sites, though no official signage marks Millville along Charleston Road. The ruins consist of stone walls, adobe foundations, and remnants of the Gird and Corbin Mills, visible from the trail. The nearby Clanton Ranch, Fairbanks ghost town, and Presidio Santa Cruz de Terranate add to the region’s historical attractions.
Millville, Arizona, encapsulates the fleeting prosperity of the Wild West’s mining boom. From its founding in 1878 to its abandonment by 1889, the town played a critical role in processing Tombstone’s silver, driving economic growth in the San Pedro Valley. Its industrial focus, contrasted with Charleston’s lively social scene, highlights the diverse dynamics of frontier life. Though reduced to ruins, Millville’s legacy endures through preserved trails and historical narratives, offering a glimpse into Arizona’s rugged past. The San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area ensures that Millville’s story, alongside its natural and cultural surroundings, remains accessible to future generations.
Some rock art petroglyphs in the area.
Kartchner 2025
Southern Arizona Adventure 2025
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Canon EF100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM lens. Single shot, refinement and 7:5 crop in Affinity Photo.
I was born a child
An atheist that is
In a conception of love
Tell me about yours, please.
Nothing tells time better
Than nine months in confinement
After all that darkness, yes
I needed a refinement.
Now they tell me I am Godlike
And that all roads lead to Rome
I want to know the truth
What is my real Home? b.mikic
A view of Chester station taken from the Hoole Road over-bridge catches a 3-car Merseyrail class 507 unit, 507008, leaving the station with the 3.45pm train to Hooton (2H40).
The station, once named Chester General and jointly operated by the London & North Western Railway and Great Western Railway companies, was opened in 1848. It still carries a good deal of its original brickwork and architecture, although refinements and modifications over the years now see it somewhat rationalised and sporting a mixture of different styles, especially platform side.
The purpose of this shot is purely record, aimed at capturing one of the soon-to-disappear class 507 3rd rail Merseyrail units.
3.45pm, 22nd March 2019
Of cliches, overshot locations, and long lines... I've been shooting this tree now for 11 years. I've missed a few autumns here and there, but nearly every year I've returned to this tree. When I first shot this tree, there was no waiting, no line, no signs informing you of a 15 minute time limit. Now there is often long lines filled with people who have traveled far and wide to photograph this tree. I've met people from as far away as Iceland and South Africa who have come for this tree. Everyone has a shot of it. It would seem nothing original is possible about it anymore. But yet somehow when there was a nice blanket of fog in the garden the other day, I felt compelled to shoot the cliched shot, process it, and post it. I guess because no matter how many times it's been shot, it looks fantastic. Even more so with fog. Every year now just seems to be a slight refinement. Slightly different conditions make all the difference. But now that I finally have a shot in the fog that I've been on the hunt for over the past several years, I'm not sure where to go next. Maybe it's time to find a different tree.
I could post other photos from this day of other parts of the garden which look fantastic in the fog, but I know they will just languish here on social media. So here it is. Maybe for the last autumn I will share a photo from underneath it.
Laceleaf maple on a foggy autumn morning in the Portland Japanese Garden, Portland, Oregon, USA.
Prints: tom-schwabel.pixels.com
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081/366,
For my video; youtu.be/HCPZPyT7Uts?si=F5_lLWGbQ4Dz1t6g
Woorim, Queensland, Australia
The Ford Fairmont is a full-size car that was built by Ford Australia as an upmarket model of the Ford Falcon from 1965 to 2008. It featured a higher level of standard equipment than corresponding Falcon models of the same series. As well as offering a more luxurious interior trim with additional comfort and convenience features, for much of its first 25 years the Fairmont also offered a higher mechanical specification; a larger capacity engine and refinements such as disc brakes, power steering and automatic transmission that were extra cost options for the Falcon were fitted as standard equipment for the Fairmont. It was available as a four-door sedan throughout its life, as a five-door station wagon from its introduction through to 2002, and as a two-door hardtop from 1972 to 1978.
351 V8 Cruisomatic (XB) in 1974, the model with 5-door station wagon body and V-8 5766 cm3 / 351.9 cui, 194 kW / 264 PS / 260 hp (SAE gross) for Australia . Specifications listing with fuel economy, top speed, performance factory data and ProfessCars™ estimation: this Ford would accelerate 0-60 mph in 8.8 sec, 0-100 km/h in 9.3 sec, reach a first kilometer from start in 30.4 sec and quarter mile time is 16.6 sec.
This photograph captures the stunning entrance of the Hotel-Dieu, part of the Hospices Civils de Beaune, a historic monument in the beautiful city of Beaune, located in the Burgundy region of France. The door is a masterpiece of architectural beauty, adorned with intricate carvings and embellishments that reflect the rich history and cultural heritage of the region. Its imposing presence and exquisite craftsmanship make it a symbol of the grandeur and elegance of the historic site. Standing before this magnificent door, one can't help but be transported back in time to an era of opulence and refinement.
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