Magnolias evolved about 100 million years ago during the Cretaceous period. Dinosaurs could have enjoyed their beauty as much as we do now. There were no bees then; pollination is by small beetles that are trapped in the flower at night.

A cute little bee working hard during the windy winter here in LA.

SOOC from the Vivo X200 Pro telephoto sensor

Flowers grow and do their thing, and eventually fade away. These echeveria seem to have been around for weeks but now they're beginning to wither.

To make the product a bit more versatile I blitzed with a stick blender.

Top tip ... stop the blender before lifting out of the pot. It looks like a crime scene here!

Not feeling well today again. A fistful of meds and coffee will bring some relief soon.

I lost my spectacles the other day. Navigation was even more of a challenge than usual.

This is a fair representation of my uncorrected vision.

My first view of the steps - I couldn't see the bottom. Having come thus far, I suppose I should see where they go.

Well, i like glass. I found this today in a thrift shop. It's a somewhat marine shape. A big bubble that's been set about with a grinding wheel to produce this interesting pattern. I like how it plays with the light.

James Lofthouse's original recipe for Fisherman's Friends.

Fleetwood Museum.

A new government office block goes up in Blackpool.

I haven't had dumplings since my mother gave them me when I was little. Something has been urging me to make some, so here they are, with my apple cabbage stew.

I had not realised they were so simple to make. These do not contain suet, and I cooked them in some stock, in the microwave, and drizzled some warm Vegemite for added interest.

If I carry on like this while I am not walking everywhere, I shall become as big as a house. Something lighter tomorrow, I think =]

Here is the British Library. It contains many amazing treasures, including one of the original copies of Magna Carta. The building has been awarded Grade I listing, which I do not understand. However, I came to look at what is inside, and not the building.

(Then) Prince Charles described the building as looking like "an academy for secret police" and the late Sir Gerald Kaufman MP said it was "about as glamorous as a public lavatory."

The tide's in, so it's time to take a short ferry ride across to Fleetwood.

The ferry is privately run and takes just a few minutes to cross the Wyre estuary between Knott End and Fleetwood.

When I was little all the fire engines were Dennis or Simon Snorkel. This one is made by DAF and these days they're called an 'appliance'.

Firefighters arrive to put out a fire on Fenton Street. A second arrived shortly after I took this but I couldn't hang about to see what else was going on.

Done by hand with sharp chisels and a steady hand.

About 50% of stations and branch lines were closed in the early 1960s "for efficiency".

I'm on a branch line now heading out into the countryside.

Trains are sometimes controversial but they provide mobility for millions each year.

Happy 200th birthday, railways 🎉🎂

The Golden Lion on Moorgate is just around the corner from a former brewery. This area has been associated with brewing for centuries.

Today, this pub serves real ale and is a lively music venue.

Roughly chop, make the base, add the rest, cover and sweat, add stock, bring to boil then simmer.

Today I drew off 1/3 just before cooked, blitzed it and returned to the main. Added thickness, I wanted the soup to have some body, but I also wanted it to have plenty of bits on show.

Elder, or Sambucus nigra. There should be plenty of berries later for making a winter cordial that's packed with vitamin C.

Beyond the trees is the Crown Court. Behind the dock is still the branding iron that was used to mark an M on the guilty person's hand. M for malefactor. No longer used, although the court still sits from time to time.

I just noticed the clock and it's time for lunch.

Here is a very traditional English sandwich - a ploughman's, or cheese and pickle. Again, I was surprised to get a salad and some chips on the side. But it was a pleasant surprise.

Brucciani's is one of my 'happy places', being staffed by friendly and competent people, in a charming Grade II cafe which has changed little over the decades.

Mahlzeit, friends.

Get the coffee on, he said.

Accurate scales build customer goodwill; so says the Herbert & Sons leaflet.

Here are the scales used to weigh out orders at Atkinson's. They may be old, but they are quick and accurate - I re-weighed my tea at home on my electronic scales, and the weight was spot on.

These scales were made sometime between 1910 and 1945. The maker, Herbert & Sons, was established in London in 1760 and is still trading.

You can see different models of Lion scales at 1:36 and 4:32 in this fascinating historical film, here:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9wNJ78S2GY

You can read more about the Lion Quick Action Scale, here:

www.herberthistory.co.uk/userdata/files/light_on_the_lion...

Calendula, or even marigold.

I had to go out between downpours and saw this little clump of beauty.

Happy Yule!

Welcome the light.

Horseradish mayonnaise and cornichons. Cayenne for color.

After cooking the onions, and garlic, add the chopped fruit and veggies and let them sweat on a medium heat for 15 minutes.

Stir from time to time to prevent burning.

It's Friday, so that means making soup for a crowd again.

With a glut of cheap mushrooms, we're having mushroom soup today. Here's how:

In a big pan

Soften a load of garlic in some oil

Add finely chopped celery to cover the base and soften

Add some finely chopped carrot

Add finely chopped broccoli (it was cheap, and will add some body)

Cover and sweat for a few minutes

Add chicken stock

Bring to the boil for a couple of minutes

Uncover and simmer - let the soup reduce

Taste and add salt and black pepper as required

Add a load of Greek yogurt in the last 5 minutes before serving

Add some sherry (if you have it; I didn't) or some balsamic vinegar - it 'picks up' the general flavor

Serve

With croutons (I had some)

With grated or shaved cheese (because most people like it)

And some bread

Notably, I almost ran out today, which doesn't happen often. This recipe seemed to be a bit of a crowd-pleaser.

Shard in the distance

The Mercedes AMG A45 - doesn't it have a 'sharky' front end? Those skinny tyres on English roads would make a regular appointment with the chiropractor mandatory.

Near Weir Wood Reservoir

This is one of the volunteers who takes my blood to where it's needed. The blood service even sends me a link to the map to see where it's going. Rain or shine, the blood gets through.

Read more about Blood Bikes here:

bloodbikescumbria.org.uk/

A tomato forms. I am amazed.

A tall evening primrose takes in the view. So many people never see a big sky, which is sad.

Left on my kitchen counter this week. people can be so kind.

it's blowing a hooley outside. Red weather warnings for the West Coast of England. stay home if you can.

He loves a cardboard box

Not sevruga but lumpfish roe on some buckwheat blinis with crème fraiche.

A cheap but no less delightful snack for the Christmas season.

The spoon is made from horn. Metal tends to add a taste to the delicate fish eggs.