I seem to be wilting today.

*Trains were famously cancelled in England because it had snowed. Even though there were methods and equipment available to clear it, the railway company declared they could do nothing as it was "the wrong kind of snow."

It rained a lot yesterday. Leaves block drains and gutters. Here's the result.

Looking somewhat damp.

The Royal Navy guides itself via an extensive series of BRs (Books of Reference). BR 2806 UK Diving Manual is the one that deals with diving. The 1972 edition mandated divers to be issued with the military spec Rolex (similar to this one on a webbing strap), or an Omega Seamaster. Diving Supervisors got the Lemania (rare, classy, wind-up)

This is a civilian pattern Rolex, and the price is completely mad. And no papers. Good luck with buying this one.

He's out there, enjoying the view.

It was good to see the microfoam drag on the glass. For me, it's the right texture.

Among the bluebells was this spike of pink ones. I've always enjoyed the company of individualists.

#android #androidography #fotodroids #galaxynexus #instagram #train #station #zurich #Switzerland #2013

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Now cover it all with curly kale and steam for a few more minutes before adding stock.

Back from rehearsal, famished.

Raid the fridge ...

Bacon, lettuce, avocado, and tomato on wholemeal toast.

Ready in minutes.

Can't believe how lush those tomatoes are!

Mahlzeit 👍

A term that's still in use. Not the same as the 'Street of Shame', although some denizens of both places are frequently one and the same.

From Doctor Johnson's dictionary.

I'm off to vote. I hope it doesn't end in asinine deliration.

Another word from Doctor Johnson's dictionary.

it's a stratus nebulosus kinda morning.

time to get ready for work.

This mark was on the same wall at St John's church, but about 1.5 m above ground level.

The website, Trigpointing UK has pictures of many, many trigpoints, and this one appears to be unique, with that deeply-cut triangle going through the traditional benchmark.

So, while I will include this in my Banchmarks album, I believe this is a "3rd Order Trig Point" to use the terminology that's used to describe them.

Now, imagine some dude from Ordnance Survey rocking up to your house today and chiselling a mark on the wall ... that could lead to a fun exchange of words!

Soaking the Madeira cake in the espresso and rum mixture. The cake holds together well even after soaking.

Mexican orange blossom shrub (Choisya ternata).

Returns each spring. It's as close as I'll get to Mexico now.

#android #androidography #fotodroids #galaxynexus #snapseed #winter #snow #trees #landscape #zurich

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I think lava lamps have competition for generating pseudo random numbers.

I have acquired a new bread machine and this is the first product.

A nineteenth century bronze cast of Giambologna's famous statue of Mercury.

The caduceus has two snakes, which is different from the one associated with medicine, which has only one snake.

After 30 minutes the machine beeps to say it's finished. Lid off and fluffy, separate grains of rice are revealed. Electricity cost 7p and so it was cheaper than using the hob. And the rice isn't burned!

Be patient

#android #androidography #fotodroids #galaxynexus #snapseed #trees #sky #blackandwhite #Switzerland #2013

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en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ocelot_(vehicle)

With just a handful of strawberries left, what to do? Slice them up, and whip up some Chantilly cream. Pike into a small bowl and decorated with some torn mint leaves.

Ready in moments but I'll remember this for quite a while.

Non-stop. Meh.

After my apparently annual roast chicken I craved something lighter today.

Serrano ham wrapped around cream cheese and dates (Mazafati) and fried for a few minutes, with shredded pickled red cabbage and salad.

So much flavor in everything. Frugal. as befits Boxing Day celebrations.

A classic and historic recording. Almost enough to make me return to vinyl.

A standard base of onions. garlic, celery, and carrots. A handful of dried herbs rounds it off.

Originally known as the Storey Institute, it was funded by philanthropist Thomas Storey in the 19th century to promote art, science, and literature.

Today it is an important center for arts, innovation, and creative business.

There's a weekly changing exhibition space and an excellent cafe, too.

After about 80 minutes we arrive at Stand 2 at the Grade II listed Preston Bus Station. It is 'tired' and needs some TLC applied, but the staff do well with the resources they have. There's a cafe, and the loos are clean. The electronic timetables are accurate and there are places to sit down while waiting. And there are no speakers playing music.

I like this place!

A drink of two halves

A bit of New Zealand bush. There is nothing quite like it. It did more for me in a few minutes than many hours of therapy.

Drinking fountain near Dolphin Square

Outside the gelateria on Sun Street is a rather incongruous giant model of a '99' - a concoction of soft-serve ice cream with a chocolate flake, on a cornet wafer. These were made famous in UK by Mr Whippy ice cream vans, starting in Birmingham, in 1958.

Conversely, the dark chocolate gelato sold in this shop is possibly the best I have tasted outside Italy.

Seeing these on my way to work was so uplifting. The feeling lasted all morning.

I've come to Preston to visit The Harris, which reopened a little while ago after a long refurbishment. The Harris was a gift from a local solicitor to the people. It provides a public space to display art, general exhibitions, and a public library. Entry is free but donations towards upkeep are invited.

Miller Arcade is a charming late Victorian arcade.

The hydrangeas approach the end of this year's glorious display. I wish I could embrace aging with the same grace.

What looks like spit under the leaf is evidence of some mites that are making a home on this Turkish sage.

This is an ornamental sage, and not for eating. It looks good though.

I wondered where there colander had gone ...