A strange influence is coming over me....

Wren - Enderby

I am being drawn to produce monochrome photographs of birds. The style is reminiscent of Nick Brandt - not sure why that is but I do love his work. I have been experimenting with different breeds of birds and, to date, it would seem that birds with a predominance of red does not work well - so robins are out. Perhaps it is a reaction to the strictures of the RPS Nature group? I really don't know but I like where it is taking me.

Slicing Bread and Jenny Wren

What a beautiful morning.   I spent quite a lot of it down by the river.  I am on the look out for the first sign of the warblers return, now that would be a good name for a pub.  To date there has been no sign of the returning birds.  Still a bit early.  I did manage to grab a couple of shots of a little jenny Wren.   You always find these birds firtling around the river's edge.  This time of year they appear to be setting out their ranges and trying to attract a mate.  They are a wonderful little bird with such a load and memorable song.

As for slicing bread.  Well we have just bought ourselves an electrical carving knife.   One of the problems we have found with baking your own bread is that it can be difficult to slice, that is if you don't like door steps, I do but my wife doesn't.   The good news is that the carving knife really works and makes things so much easier.

We have now tested the gluten free bread from Asda and Sainsbury's.   Both are surprisingly good.  Not a patch on baking your own but ok for sandwiches if you are away from your bread maker, such as if you are on holiday.   Another small step along a step learning curve.   We had another surprise yesterday.  We found some gluten free chocolate cake at Starbucks - this was a real bonus.