Lorraines Birthday Continued....

Lorraine is a lady who does coffee on a Thursday morning with a group of ladies of a similar certain age, actually she doesn't like coffee she has tea. The girls got her a birthday cake and this amazing angel was on the top, I think it is lovely, also a first birthday card from Nathan.

iPod

Lorraine got her iPod and has taken to it like a duck to water, she can email and everything when near a Wi-fi hub

London 2010

We flew to Stansted Airport and then got an Easybus to our hotel the St Giles, Bedford Ave. We just had time to get freshened up and head out for Tea. After we had something to eat we then went to see the Lion King. And that took care of Friday, returned to the hotel which was very central close to Covent Garden. The only bad thing I could say about the hotel is that the bed was hard.
On Saturday morning we went down for Breakfast, we had expected a European breakfast but to our surprise there was beacon and eggs and hash browns, needless to say we prepared for the day ahead. Just a few blocks away was the British Museum and we spent some time there before visiting Coven Garden. At this stage we were very tired and decided to go back to the hotel and rest. We then headed to Trafalgar square and then went for a Long Walk down past Downing Street, Westminster, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and a few other well known sites. We headed up to Piccadilly to a Pizza Hut and had a lovely tea. Finished off by walking back to the hotel via oxford Street.
On Sunday, down for another good breakfast and then to Holly Trinity, Brompton. Great service and great worship. We then walked to Harrods, The Natural History Museum and The Victoria and Albert museums. There were large ques so we did not wait but resolved to come back on Monday morning. We then headed to the Central Line and got the tube to Georges house. Collette was away to India but it was great to see George and the girls. Had a lovely evening and then headed back to the hotel.
On Monday morning we got up early having had a good nights rest. We headed straight to the Natural History Museum and the Victoria and Albert. This time it was no problem to get in.
We then headed back to the hotel. collected our bags and headed to get the buss and had lunch as we waited.
I was in two minds as to bring a camera an so opted for the lightest I could my D200 and a 50mm lens that was it. This was a great challenge to be restricted to so little and I found it a great learning experience.
Lorraine and I had a great time in London. On hindsight we probably tried to do to much. Also I would rather fly into Heathrow if possible. Hope you enjoy the photos, as always click on the thumbnail for a larger image.

Lorraines 50th Birthday

If the technology works right this post should post it's self. We will be in London for the weekend celebrating Lorraine's 1/2 century, - 50th Birthday. We are looking forward to the break. Have booked to see the Lion King on Friday and hope to visit George and the girls on Sunday. We also plan to visit Holy Trinity Bromton on Sunday morning, home of all things Alpha. Our Hotel is at Trafalgar Square right in the middle of things and close to Covent Garden. Lorraine has decided to make the occasion last all week and we have been having various get together's. Here are some of the cards she has received. mtk...

My first Model

Had a lovely day to day. Lorraine and I were off work together for once. Lorraine's sister Lynn came down for a visit and some shopping in Banbridge. When the girls arrived home from town I was playing with my cameras, as you do!. So needless to say I took a few shots. Lynn was my first ever model about 28 years ago, I had a small DIY studio set up in the attick of our first house. So it is nice that I can still talk her into a picture or two. Thanks Lynn.
This was taken in our kitchen using two small strobes, one bounced of the wall LHS, one behind, VAL (voice activated light stand).

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Hot Dog

At the moment I seem to be spending a fortune keeping Bert warm, you just cant get him away from the fire. I think he deserves a medal for endurance. He can have his nose a few inches from the fire for over an hour.

(as always click on the thumbnail for a larger image)

Kilmacrew Cottage

John & Emma arrived back from their honeymoon safely. Muriel had arranged a surprise stay in a lovely thatched cottage. The cold conditions make it a winter wonderland scene.