Daffs on the windowsill

I see the sea.

taken with my old Samsung Galaxy S7

The footbridge at Arnside was installed in 1910. Network Rail overhauled the bridge and it's good to go for another century.

Evidence of a hedge that was laid and then neglected. To watch a skilled hedgelayer at work is a rare joy.

I thought these geese were heading off for the winter but it transpires they are arriving to over winter here.

The lupins have set seed and wait for the rain to stop in order to dry, burst, and self-seed for next year's crop.

The full thump of a Petters diesel engine alerted me to this boat before I saw it.

The female of the species. Often overlooked and even neglected. Let's raise a glass to the ladies.

The trees at Williamson Park earlier this year.

Something is telling me this is the Gertrude Jekyll rose, desperately in need of support with a trellis or some wires. As it is, it's a pretty rose to walk past on my way to work.

Veggie korma with lime and chili pickle on sushi rice. Sweet coconut vibes for tea.

More birds arriving to spend the winter at Morecambe Bay, or just pause on longer journeys.

With a street light so close, I'm amazed that my Pixel registered anything beyond its glow.

Mobile shot

Tucked away up a snicket, this wall has escaped from the effects of gentrification, carrying the deposits of centuries of activity.

Said Bear seems happy to see my latest find: a brand new set of what I used to call 'Manchester', but locals here call it bedding.

I think the change from 'white over white' will make a nice change as we prepare for summer.

The afternoon light became quite peculiar for a few minutes.

And having writ, moves on.

It's always interesting to see what has been written this week. It's a shame the calligraphy is so poor.

Can anyone translate the Chinese characters, please?

There are several types of hydrangea. This is one of my faves.

Not welded but riveted.

📷 Google Pixel 8 Pro - Telephoto Sensor (50MP) - The Dingle, Shrewsbury - Throwback April 2025

light splits through the window

Arnside station has surprisingly long platforms.

A bit like my surprisingly long wait for a train.

📷 Google Pixel 8 Pro - Telephoto Lens (50MP) - Lyth Hill, Shropshire - Throwback to December 2024

April 2 is World Autism Awareness Day, the first day of Autism Awareness month.

If you don't know about autism, or you want to know more, please search online for your nation's autism charities, where you will find out heaps of useful information that can help you understand what autism is, and how to make your workplace or whatever more 'autism friendly'.

The infinity symbol, sometimes in rainbow colors, is the international symbol for autism.

I can't understand how a shop window is allowed to become so rotten!

Across the bay from Heysham sits Black Combe, the southernmost fell. Its rocks were laid down 460 million years ago, so it is likely to sit there for a while longer.

No matter the season this tree makes me think of cascading fireworks

All these little signets were cheeping along to remind mother that they were still with her. Dad was further upstream, keeping an eye on the bloke taking pictures.

Just playing with the editor.

This is not a nice place to walk. It reeks.

Light dilution of water and vinegar to clean the skins

Rising in the Lake District National Park as a series of streams, it flows rapidly downhill to the north of Kentmere where the River Kent flows into the Kentmere reservoir. The reservoir was built to regulate the river flow, which benefited the mills located further downstream.

No work yesterday, so I spent an hour peeling and pickling a surfeit of garlic.

It needs best to sit for a week before use. I often feel that way, too.

Wine vinegar

Water

Sugar

Sea salt

Black pepper corns

Pink pepper corns

Dried chili

Chili flakes

Bay leaves

Dill

and my secret spice mix

Peel, trim, blanch the garlic

Sterilize jars

Bring mix to boil then simmer 2 minutes

Put bay leaves, dill and pink pepper into the jars

add the garlic

pour over the mixture, having cooled for 5 minutes

Put lids on

Cold water bath for 30 mins

Store in fridge for up to 30 days

Blue and green garlic

Sometimes garlic changes color when pickled. It's normal and not poisonous or harmful.