Low resolution Motorola mobile shot. Sorry.

Designed by Decimus Burton, this is one of three lights that guide shipping in the estuary. Still in use. The seating around the base provides welcome relief for walkers on the esplanade.

Fresh pasta with fresh ràgu and some grated Grana Padano. About 80g of pasta per person works for me.

I'll serve with some salad and a glass of wine.

An unexpected patch of Japanese anemones brings some relief to the urban landscape. I thought they were cosmos, but thanks to raaen99, I shall change everything -- except the title. My mind has gone to mush again.

Everlasting Pea (Lathyrus latifolius). Unlike other sweet peas this has no scent.

North Pier at Blackpool stretches out over soft, golden sands into the Irish Sea. It's midwinter so not a lot, if anything is going on.

From the archive, because I haven't been out today. I've stayed at home and done some joyful meditation and some exercise to reverse achilles tendinitis.

This is a view of The Shard and some other bits and pieces on the Thames' southbank.

I have never liked this building, finding it completely out of character for London (as it appeared then). A number of official bodies objected to its construction, but an argument somewhere won out on the day.

You can read more, here:

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Shard

📷 Google Pixel 8 Pro - Telephoto Sensor (50MP) - Throwback November 2025 - Sunset

On the Thames Embankment

Happy Bench Monday

This bench mark is carved on the eastern wall of the cathedral of St Peter and the Lancaster Martyrs. Benchmarks were used by the Ordnance Survey until 1993. This one is one of the best-carved I have seen.

The symbol has been in use to mark Crown property since 1330. While the cathedral isn't Crown property, the Ordnance Survey is. The broad arrow was first used by King Edward III's butler to mark barrels of wine.

Abandon hope every mortal

That passes through

This dismal portal

Happy Halloween, everyone.

Be mindful this Samhain.

Time for dinner. Enough walking today.

Steeper than it looks.

📷 Google Pixel 4xl - Throwback July 2021 - Cannock Chase

The city library is in the former fire station. Apart from books there are computers for public use and staff who know lots.

More than a place for books, it's a cultural center with poetry club meets, yoga sessions, local art exhibitions, and a warm place to hang out in the cold months.

If you are lucky enough to have a public library, please use it. Or lose it.

The bushes were transformed quite suddenly.

Designed by Pugin and built by the Jesuits in Blackpool. It's a tranquil space to reflect and pray.

It's good to greet the creatures before photographing them.

For some reason, my trusty Pixel has great difficulty focusing on this.

Maidenhair spleenwort. An ugly name for a pretty fern. Its natural habitat is rocky outcrops and it has a global distribution.

Here on a canal bridge.

Known as Penny's Hospital, built in 1720 with funds from William Penny's estate. For "twelve ancient, indigent men."

Including a chapel for the residents (at the end of this picture) from 1770 it was also used as a Blue Coat charity school to teach boys reading, writing, and arithmetic.

William Penny was mayor of Lancaster three times.

The almshouses are still in use and the general public may visit the chapel after 10am daily. It is a haven of tranquility.

Lancaster Cathedral. Designed by local architect EG Paley.