A bird's eye flower that opened just after a rainstorm.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Limestone glade
We discovered a small limestone glade. It's not near our place, but it's in the same county (Blount county).
Plants in these glades thrive in unusual conditions: very thin soil on dry rocky ground.
A rocky pocket. From above, these flowers bring starfish to mind.
Widowscross, Sedum pulchellum. A.k.a. Pink stonecrop.
Most of them were white rather than pink. Definitely, they fit the description of "locally abundant".
Drifts of sandwort surrounded the sedum. I believe this is Glade sandwort, Minuartia patula.
In the shadier areas, there was a little Miami mist (Phacelia purshii). (Sounds more like a soft drink than a plant to me.)
I love the fringed petals.
Ijzerenleen: Champs Elysees of Mechelen
Because of my Fine Arts degree (I secretly wished I finished Economics or Business Management) I am appreciative of art and architecture.
I love creativity. During my elementary and high school years I used to be the artist of the class but nowadays I dabble in IT sales-marketing-promotion-incentive types of creativity for work. Not really the same but creativity is in the mind, in the personality and character of the person. One cannot argue that it’s in the DNA. A creative person will make creativity happen.
So anyway, while walking around Mechelen, I quickly noticed the lovely guild buildings on Ijzerenleen. They really stand out and I must take pictures of them.
Belgian (and Dutch) architecture is based on Gothic Renaissance architectural character. Belgian architecture though has more Baroque influence than the Dutch and one can see it clearly on its facade details.
Later, I found out that the locals dubbed Ijzerenleen street as the ‘Champs Elysees of Mechelen’. Hah cool! I was indeed correct with my hunches =)
On the Ijzerenleen you can find many traditional and specialty shops selling cigars to cheeses and wines. It is one of the main streets that leads to the Grote Markt or the big main square.
I love creativity. During my elementary and high school years I used to be the artist of the class but nowadays I dabble in IT sales-marketing-promotion-incentive types of creativity for work. Not really the same but creativity is in the mind, in the personality and character of the person. One cannot argue that it’s in the DNA. A creative person will make creativity happen.
So anyway, while walking around Mechelen, I quickly noticed the lovely guild buildings on Ijzerenleen. They really stand out and I must take pictures of them.
Belgian (and Dutch) architecture is based on Gothic Renaissance architectural character. Belgian architecture though has more Baroque influence than the Dutch and one can see it clearly on its facade details.Later, I found out that the locals dubbed Ijzerenleen street as the ‘Champs Elysees of Mechelen’. Hah cool! I was indeed correct with my hunches =)
On the Ijzerenleen you can find many traditional and specialty shops selling cigars to cheeses and wines. It is one of the main streets that leads to the Grote Markt or the big main square.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Unhurried daily life in Trinidad
Trinidad is an intimate little town, especially in the old historical town centre, everything moves slowly and everyone seems to know each other.
Time stands still in this UNESCO World Heritage town. The locals gladly spend their days sitting from the window sills or their doorsteps watching people go by, while others gather together in groups, laughing and chatting with each other. This relaxed social sphere and people watching activity seems to be a national culture and pastime. Many even upped their comfort by bringing their own chairs outside on the street. Voila, the old centre has become an extension to their living room.
Ah, such is life in a slow, provincial town.
With my complex and pressurised ‘the deadline is yesterday’—‘they need it now’—‘projects’—‘constant changes’—‘numbers, numbers, numbers’—‘politics’ life, I can definitely use a little laidback provincial town feel.
In Facebook (and other blogs as well), you get all sorts of meaningful sayings flashed on the newsfeed. One statement caught my eye—‘When was the last time you did something for the first time?’
I understand that perhaps many people out there might have a more relaxed and pampered life than most of us, but really, there are times when I WANT TO STOP DOING THINGS FOR THE FIRST TIME. There are times when I just want to go with the flow. There are times when I just want to sit down and do nothing. Maybe stare at the wall. Smile to myself?
There are times when I wish I could just sit back and watch life go by in front of me, without having to think of time and duties... just like the locals in Trinidad. But I know this is just wishful thinking. And even if it indeed happens, I know for sure that my pleasure will just be short-lived.
Life must go on. Tanden bijten. Doorzetten.
Below are my snapshots of the unhurried daily life in Trinidad.
In Trinidad old historical centre:
Here we are again, taking a souvenir picture with the church and convent at the background.
Many local women love wearing leggings paired with above the crotch shirts and blouses. Cuban women seems to think it is normal that their 'thing' is taking centre stage (read and see: camel toe fit). And some of the enterprenurial locals sell fruit, i.e. bananas on their doorstep.
Outside Trinidad old historical centre:
Outside the old historical centre the streets and houses are rundown. It looks very desperate.
More of Trinidad next!
Time stands still in this UNESCO World Heritage town. The locals gladly spend their days sitting from the window sills or their doorsteps watching people go by, while others gather together in groups, laughing and chatting with each other. This relaxed social sphere and people watching activity seems to be a national culture and pastime. Many even upped their comfort by bringing their own chairs outside on the street. Voila, the old centre has become an extension to their living room. Ah, such is life in a slow, provincial town.
With my complex and pressurised ‘the deadline is yesterday’—‘they need it now’—‘projects’—‘constant changes’—‘numbers, numbers, numbers’—‘politics’ life, I can definitely use a little laidback provincial town feel.
In Facebook (and other blogs as well), you get all sorts of meaningful sayings flashed on the newsfeed. One statement caught my eye—‘When was the last time you did something for the first time?’
I understand that perhaps many people out there might have a more relaxed and pampered life than most of us, but really, there are times when I WANT TO STOP DOING THINGS FOR THE FIRST TIME. There are times when I just want to go with the flow. There are times when I just want to sit down and do nothing. Maybe stare at the wall. Smile to myself?
There are times when I wish I could just sit back and watch life go by in front of me, without having to think of time and duties... just like the locals in Trinidad. But I know this is just wishful thinking. And even if it indeed happens, I know for sure that my pleasure will just be short-lived.
Life must go on. Tanden bijten. Doorzetten.
Below are my snapshots of the unhurried daily life in Trinidad.
In Trinidad old historical centre:
Here we are again, taking a souvenir picture with the church and convent at the background.Many local women love wearing leggings paired with above the crotch shirts and blouses. Cuban women seems to think it is normal that their 'thing' is taking centre stage (read and see: camel toe fit). And some of the enterprenurial locals sell fruit, i.e. bananas on their doorstep. Outside Trinidad old historical centre:
Outside the old historical centre the streets and houses are rundown. It looks very desperate.More of Trinidad next!
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Pickleball in the Extreme Heat
Pickleball play is still going on, even with the heat and humidity. Normally we are soaked with sweat when we leave the court. The Chesapeake crowd is one of the nicest we've encountered so far. It cracks me up because they call us "transients".
One of my favorite people is here now-Buddy! When Dee heard Buddy was coming last night, she said "I love Buddy" and we laughed because everyone says that about him. Here's Buddy playing with Mike. Love the look of fierce concentration on Mike's face. 
Dee playing with the guys. Dee can hold her own and then some with the guys. I think Dee and Sally are the only ladies that still intimidate me when I play against them. They keep me inspired to keep working at the game to get better at it!
Here are some of non-transients here with Dee. Scott, Dee, Gilbert and Joanne. Scott's a sweetheart, Gilbert is a hoot and Joanne is really cool. I haven't had a chance to talk to Joanne a whole lot, but she strikes me as one of those people that I would find fascinating if I did.
More non-transients: Tommy who wears me out by lobbing the ball over my head every five seconds, Mike the Chesapeake pickleball King, Mel the other sweetheart and Rick who is the Rich of Chesapeake. The Florida crowd will know what I mean by that. I haven't had the chance to play with or against Rick, but I've watched him play and it's a beautiful thing to watch.
Wiggie, who gets his own picture because he wouldn't join the others:
And Rich who gets his own picture simply because he is Rich. Notice he has his mouth open. That's all I'm going to say.
There is a serious lack of females on the court here. It's a strange thing to me, because I'm used to the "transients" being out there as couples for the most part. I'm grateful for the few that do play here, and I miss having more of us on the court. Of course, as hot as it is, I'm impressed any of us are out here.
Living the life in too hot Virginia!
One of my favorite people is here now-Buddy! When Dee heard Buddy was coming last night, she said "I love Buddy" and we laughed because everyone says that about him. Here's Buddy playing with Mike. Love the look of fierce concentration on Mike's face. Dee playing with the guys. Dee can hold her own and then some with the guys. I think Dee and Sally are the only ladies that still intimidate me when I play against them. They keep me inspired to keep working at the game to get better at it!Here are some of non-transients here with Dee. Scott, Dee, Gilbert and Joanne. Scott's a sweetheart, Gilbert is a hoot and Joanne is really cool. I haven't had a chance to talk to Joanne a whole lot, but she strikes me as one of those people that I would find fascinating if I did.More non-transients: Tommy who wears me out by lobbing the ball over my head every five seconds, Mike the Chesapeake pickleball King, Mel the other sweetheart and Rick who is the Rich of Chesapeake. The Florida crowd will know what I mean by that. I haven't had the chance to play with or against Rick, but I've watched him play and it's a beautiful thing to watch.Wiggie, who gets his own picture because he wouldn't join the others:And Rich who gets his own picture simply because he is Rich. Notice he has his mouth open. That's all I'm going to say.There is a serious lack of females on the court here. It's a strange thing to me, because I'm used to the "transients" being out there as couples for the most part. I'm grateful for the few that do play here, and I miss having more of us on the court. Of course, as hot as it is, I'm impressed any of us are out here.Living the life in too hot Virginia!
Yuccas & Sandia Mountains
This nice view of two different yuccas some gray sage and the Sandia Mountains with a little of Rio Rancho inbetween was also taken on Southern Blvd. in Rio Rancho.
Gaddesby-Frisby-Hoby-Rearsby- Gaddesby along "by"ways?
Led by Barry, with Eddie, Maureen and me. Glorious weather, lovely views, not too strenuous. 494 ft of ascent. 11 miles.
Most of the walk follows the Leicestershire Round anticlockwise - the path runs just to the east of the village. It crosses a minor road - we turn right and then left just after the drive to a house in the trees.
Then it's over fields, undulating gently, towards the ever more obvious A607 cutting through the area. It has to be crossed, and on the opposite side is a waymarker, and the stump of an old cross.
On the map it says "stump cross - remains of".
We follow the clear path downhill into Frisby on the Wreake with its church spire and attractive buildings.
 |
| Eccentric roofing - under repair? |
 |
| Frisby on the Wreake - market cross |
We take the path behind some houses - still waymarked and head almost southwest roughly parallel to the railway line, for about a mile. We cross Hoby Road and take the right hand fork of the two paths - this takes us to the railway line. We "stop, look and listen" as instructed before crossing. The footpath takes us over the mighty Wreake and into Hoby.
We have a look at the church - cue for garmin trace madness - and see another stump cross.
 |
| Stump cross in Hoby churchyard |
We walk through the village on the road towards Brooksby, past some interesting buildings.
On the road out we have a break at a bench with a fine view. We're tempted to linger, but must walk on. We leave the road taking a footpath on the right which leads us slightly downhill. We cross another small road , and make our way, still on the Leics Round, to the disused Thrussington mill.
 |
| The watermill wheel's position is clear |
All that water power which we once made good use of, now idle?
From here it's a short distance southwest to Rearsby, famous for the Rearsby Loaf, which isn't made there now, but at Ratby.
We pass the walls of the convent and then walk along a narrow path round the church and downhill to the ford and pack horse bridge.
We wonder about stopping for a drink, but the Wheel is closed and the Horse and Groom too far off our track. So, onwards.
Now we leave the Leicestershire Round and head back eastwards towards Gaddesby again. The path climbs gently along a ridge with good views all round - and we pass a derelict building which was once used as a "stock farm" - the tenant held it rent-free for a certain fixed period, paying by taking care of livestock. Barry met the grandson of the former tenant on a previous walk. (if I've got this wrong, let me know)
It's not too long before we reach Gaddesby, and a brief stop in the Cheney Arms.
Then a wander back to the car and home.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)