Conkers...

Conkers

I know that this is a reflection of my age but I love conkers. In my mind they will always be associated to this time of year. As a child we would go out the the horse chestnut trees and spend hours trying to get down the seeds. We would then enjoy the delight of opening the newly fallen conker, revealing the nut inside its green covering. And what a colour - deep chestnut with a sheen that any shampoo manufacturer would have died for - just wonderful.

So why the wonder down memory lane? Well I was walking down a country lane yesterday when I came across two wonderful horse chestnut trees surrounded by newly fallen conkers. They lay on the ground just calling out to be picked up and of course I obliged stuffing my pockets - just as I had done all those years ago. It really is strange how the smallest thing can transport you back, however briefly, to your childhood - indeed it is usual a small thing, a smell or location that sets this of. It was a wonderful day for walking yesterday and the conkers just made it that little bit more special. The only problem I have now is what to do with all these conkers? Are well back to reality!

Gateway between Leicestershire and Rutland - Launde

Gateway between Leicestershire and Rutland - Launde, originally uploaded by Guthlac.

Yesterday was the start of a very occasional series of walks based on the Leicestershire Round. For those of you who are not aware the Leicestershire Round is a 100 mile long distance walk around the county of Leicestershire. Only it does stray into Rutland for just a mile of so and this gateway leads into England's smallest county. This photograph also appeals to my technical side.

I love boundaries and their influence on people. I have spent many a happy hour trying to retrace ancient boundaries in the land mark. Also it does have just a hint of Narnia. Just what is through this mysterious gate?

One final thing on this part of country. It is so very silent. There are the noises of the countryside, the wind in tress, the rustle of autumn leaves but no human noise at all. However this was shattered by the military. Harrier jets from the nearby airfield on from time to time shattered the peaceful idol. It was so unexpected and at times disconcerting - you find your hearing or to be more precise your brain straining for noises that modern urban life creates. They just weren't there.

Walking to University

Aylestone Meadows - Leicester

What a pleasure it was to walk to University yesterday.   It was a bit slippery under foot but that didn't bother me.   On the way I was able to do a bit of photography - see above - and also a bit of bird watching - saw a lovely Little Grebe as well as some nice views of Long Tail Tits.   We had a bit of a Christmas lunch/snack with some rather nice mulled wine and mince pies.   

The day was very short.   We had a bit of a discussion about next term/semester and the work we are likely to do...we are actually going to take some photographs yippee...   As I was not in last week I messed the second half of the seminar's and clearly there was some rumbling in the camp about the length that some of our colleges seminar.  Whether it was the mulled wine but we then some of our number decided to slag off men.   A catalogue of faults with men were then put out as though they were indisputable facts.   I am never ceased to be amazed at the sexist comments made by women about men.   This is not to say that men are without their faults it is just that it would appear that nowadays you cannot say anything about women but it is open season on men.   I also found out that there would appear to be a bias amongst some of my colleagues against long lenses and wild life photography.   This, however, was wrapped up into a general moan about men.   I did try to defend men but to no avail.   Clearly,  it is a proven fact that whatever men do is rubbish!   

The only formal part of the day was a tutorial.  This went well and the feedback I got from my first draft was very encouraging.   It looks like Gregory Crewdson will be resurrected to add some extra power to my analysis.   I intend to get this essay finish before Christmas as I want to go to Norfolk and get some winter shots of the geese and other birds.

Anyway, a merry christmas to all my colleagues and I look forward to working with them in the new year.

Should I walk in?

Surfers on the beach - St Brides Bay Wales

It is a lovely morning - the first in several days.   I am almost over the lurgy that has struck me down over the past fortnight so the question is - should I walk in to university?   It is just under five miles and I haven't gone for a nice walk for a few days.   I am tempted.

Exhibitions

World Press Photo Exhibition

South Bank Centre

Well tomorrow I'm off to London for my six monthly fix of exhibitions.   This time I am hoping to visit the following:

Annie Leibovitz at the National Portrait Gallery

Taylor Wessing Portrait Photographer of the Year - also at the NPG

Landscape Photographer of the Year - National Theatre

World Press Photos - South bank Centre

Babylon - British Museum

If I manage to get around 3 of these I will be happy.

I would love to get out to the Wildlife photographer of the year but this is out at the Natural History museum - I don't think I'll have time or energy to get out there!   

I hope the weather is fine tomorrow as I prefer to walk around central London rather than take the tube.  I always take the train on these days as this also allows me to relax going to and from London.   

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