John Lewis Blog

Drum Major, Junior World Champion 2011

2012-01-01T23:38:00.001Z

When I was young I was a drum major with the Scottish pipe band association, and even won the all Ireland championship once. This becomes very insignificant when you see the trophies won this year by Zoe McDowell, a young Banbridge girl who I had the pleasure to photograph on Friday.

Sarah's first Christmas

2011-12-29T02:18:00.001Z

Sarah, christmas

Sarah and her first Christmas, doesn't she look cute.

Another test

2011-12-02T00:30:00.001Z

European Pipe Band Competition at Stormont

2011-08-03T21:16:00.000+01:00

Haven't been to a Pipe band competition in a few years so I was delighted when Lorraine said she wanted to go. Just messing about with the camera, here are a few from the day. Weather and atmosphere were great.

Sense & Sensibility

2011-07-23T18:46:00.001+01:00

Since refurbishing Solitude Park, Banbridge Council have been hosting some great events. On Friday night Lorraine, Muriel and myself went to see an outdoor version of Sense & Sensibility. Brilliant evening, well organized and great family fun. Well done Banbridge Council.

Icream

2011-07-23T18:41:00.000+01:00

Bert likes his icecream.

Scribble

2011-07-21T22:28:00.000+01:00

12th July 2011

2011-07-13T08:29:00.002+01:00

Another year, another 12th. How quick them seem to come around? Usual suspects, feeder parade from Banbridge, the field was in Rathfriland this year, weather was very good.

In for a dip!

2011-07-11T00:45:00.000+01:00

I had been looking forward to this all week, weather forecast wasn't great but hey it's Northern Ireland.
We headed up to Portstewart this morning to meet up with Jonathan, Elaine, Nathan and Sarah.
The Lewis family have had a long tradition of swimming and in particular in the ocean. To-day Nathan took up the gauntlet and had his first outing with his dad and me at Portstewart Strand. It wasn't a warm day, it wasn't sunny but nothing could compare with the joy shining from his face as the waves crashed against him safe in his daddy's arms.
He's even got his own wet suit so he is ready for all calls. I would also add that his baby sister loved the beach as well so perhaps it wont be too long before she is joining us as well.

Buskfest 2011

2011-06-27T23:35:00.000+01:00

Saturday was Banbridges Buskfest competition. I was doing grandad duties so missed most of the buskers, but the concert in Solitude was very good with some great music.

Nathan's 2 years Old

2011-06-26T23:41:00.000+01:00

Its hard to believe but Nathans two years old today, Happy Birthday!!!

Isle of Man

2011-06-19T08:20:00.000+01:00

Some images from the Isle of Man

Ballydown BBQ 2011

2011-06-18T21:34:00.000+01:00

On Friday, it rained all day, but just about tea time it dried up and out came the sun for a lovely evening.
Some photos from the BBQ.

As always click on the photo for a larger image.

That Sound

2011-06-18T21:23:00.000+01:00

On Friday Night last, just as I was preparing to turn in for the night, I heard that sound. Its a sound no matter how many times you hear it, still evokes distress, dread, panic.
It starts with a screeching panicked sound, then it turns to a confused crunching, destructive sound and after building to an eerie crescendo ends with a stomach churning silence.
You know in your being that the next few moments may not be nice, everything in you brain tells you to ignore it. But you cant someone may need your help and so you approach the door or window with dread.
On this occasion the car was upside down, lying on its roof if you will. and miraculously the occupant is unscathed and walking about in a partial daze.
This has become a common event, outside the house but much less so since they reconstructed the road and smoothed out the corner, none the less it still happens from time to time, and every time it is difficult to face.
Speed mixed with inexperience is such a lethal cocktail, slow down please!
As you can see in the light of day there was quite a bit of damage. Worst of all the telegraph pole was knocked over and now I have no broadband.

PS Came home from the IOM on Friday telegraph pole had been replaced and broadband working again, good for BT

Joshau's Room

2011-06-07T23:48:00.000+01:00

My friend Simon's, wee boy was very ill when he was born and they spent a lot of time at the hospital. Simon noticed that there was very little to stimulate and occupy the children so he had a bit of a brain wave. Simon is a designer and he came up with a very cleaver product that can be used indoors and out. His son is called Joshua and so he called his company Joshua's room.
I did a few product shots for him on Saturday morning so that he could update the website. Here is a link if you would care to have a look, and a few of the images

The Ulster Folk Park

2011-05-20T23:38:00.000+01:00

Cellebrated Jo-Annes birthday on Wednesday by taking Nathan to the Ulster folk park. Even though we were blessed with wonderful weather, nothing outshines that wonderful smile he has. We had a ball, watching school groups play during lunch to getting up close to the farm animals. Here are a few snaps from the day. The old school that used to stand next to our Church Ballydown, was taken stone by stone and recreated in the Folk Park. enjoy!

Ballymoney Hill Cross Country

2011-04-07T21:20:00.001+01:00

Just a few pics more to come.

Nurse Ruth

2011-03-27T22:54:00.002+01:00

Ruth was home for a short break from her studies at Dundee University, she was a good enough sport to let me take a photo of her in her trainee nurses uniform. Doesn't she look well!

Bert, always happy when he has a bone.

2011-03-19T15:43:00.000Z

Bert

Lewis family (quick update)

2011-03-16T21:23:00.001Z

Lewis family Jr, came over for lunch on Sunday. We don't have many images of the four of them together so we didn't let the opportunity pass. As you can see everyone is doing well and Sarah is starting to sprout up.

Danger Artist at work

2011-03-09T23:43:00.000Z

It never ceases to amaze me the work that the senior citizens turn out at the arts club. Tonight was the opening of their most recent exhibition, at the Arts for All centre, York Road. The special guest was MLA Nelson McCausland, who came direct from the important Budget vote at the Assembly. Here are a few snaps.

( click on the image for a bigger version )

Master Groves

2011-02-12T18:53:00.001Z

Emma and John had a lovely baby boy to-day at Daisy Hill Hospital, Newry. He weighed in at 7lbs at around 4ish this morning. Mother, baby and father doing well. Some photos of Isaac below. Emma very relaxed and doing a great job of looking after them both.

Sarah & Nathan

2011-01-30T17:40:00.004Z

(Sarah three weeks)

Cancer is limited

2011-01-23T23:58:00.002Z

I have so many good friends and even family that have been diagnosed with this awful disease they call cancer. Off course there are so many different types of cancer, but even so the mention of the word scares many off us.
I was reading the word for to day and this little list about the limitations of cancer really struck a chord. I am just putting it hear as a reminder of what it cannot do. Hit the Read more link below to see the list.

Cancer is limited.

It cannot cripple love, it cannot shatter hope.

It cannot erode faith, it cannot eat away peace.

It cannot destroy confidence, it cannot kill friendship.

It cannot shut out memories, it cannot silence courage.

It cannot invade the soul, it cannot reduce eternal life.

It cannot quench the spirit, and it cannot lessen the power of the resurrection.

Sarah, Nathan and Mum & Dad

2011-01-23T23:43:00.000Z

Mum and Dad got their first introduction to Sarah, Dad had been putting this off due to his treatment and even so was still a bit causious. Granny got a wee nurse and then we all went to The Anglers Rest for a lovely lunch to celebrate Lorraines #Birthday. (the hash tag denotes a number I am no longer allowed to disclose)

Sisters

2011-01-23T00:23:00.000Z

Two sisters having a bit of Craic....

Verdi & Billys wedding

2011-01-22T12:21:00.006Z

Verdi & Billy tied the knot on Thursday at Alexander Elim, and then had their reception at the Clarion Hotel in Carrickfergus. We all had a very nice day and it was brilliant to see Jonathan, Elaine Nathan and Sarah there. Nathan had a ball getting to know his cousins and a big thanks to Graham who played with him most of the day. Nathan just loves the rough and tumble. I didn't take many photos but here are a few, enjoy.

(click on the photo for a larger version)

Blond Moment!

2011-01-21T16:59:00.002Z

Alana had another one of her blond moments yesterday, She wasn't able to find the en-suite in the hotel room yesterday, this was a room with only two doors and one was the way in and out. However we put her right and the medication helps. This is her with Lewis at Verdi and Billy's wedding yesterday and dont they both look well. More to come on the wedding soon...

(click on the image for a bigger version)

Babes, Make-up and Facemasks

2011-01-16T20:39:00.001Z

To-days post is not for the faint hearted, so for that reason I have put a Read More button. If you feel your disposition is strong enough and you want to see the photos hit the Read More button below. Lorraine and I were invited to Ballywalter for the weekend to stay with Jim & Laraine. When we arrived Laura and Emma had decided to join us. The girls all decided to go to Newtownards for some retail therapy and arrived back with a number of beauty treatments to try out. The lengths our women go to to make themselves look beautiful for us men is just incredible. Any-way enjoy!

Sarah Joanne Lewis

2011-01-08T23:15:00.003Z

Sarah Joanne Lewis was born today in Maternity, at lagan Valley Hospital at approximately 10.30am. She weighed a healthy 7lb 1oz.. Both Elaine and Sarah are doing well.

Here are some photos taken at the hospital this afternoon & Sunday.
( click the individual photos for a larger version )

Darren & Laura Wedding

2011-01-03T22:19:00.001Z

Lorraine & I recently had the pleasure and privilege to photograph our friends eldest daughters wedding. Darren and Laura tied the knot at Newington Chuurch and then onto the Tempelton Hotel for a lovely reception. These are a few of my favorite images from the day, 30th December 2010

White Christmas

2010-12-27T21:41:00.002Z

Hi, this is probably my last Blog for 2010. I would just like to thank the readership, all 2 or so of you for dropping by every now and again. Actually it never ceases to amaze me just how many people end up here one way or another. This Christmas has been exceptional! All our plans have gone south due to the weather and or ill health.

At times Lorraine and I almost felt bereft, we had hoped to have everyone down for the Ballydown Christmas Concert but with the weather it just didn't happen. Mum and Dad were to come to Banbridge for Boxing Day but again the weather didn't let us do that, however we did have a great day at Premier Drive instead. We went to Jonathan's and Elaine s for lunch on Christmas day, actually a steak dinner which was great. Elaine is almost at the end of her 9 months and God willing will be giving birth in the early new year

Here are some snapps I took over the past few days. Mr Nathan got a kitchen center from Santa and its a joy to see him playing with it, A few scenes as we travelled from Donaghcloney to Newtownards on Christmas Day and a few photos taken at Angus and Lyn's house over a few games. It was nice to meet Alana's friend Miriam (an Irish dance teacher no less) and the boy friend Lewis.

We did miss Patricia this year, and even though she wasn't there she still brought a smile to our faces talking about her. I guess that is a lovely legacy, to still bring a joy to friends even after departing this scene of time.

Ballydown Christmas Celebrations

2010-12-20T23:31:00.001Z

Some images from the weekend, kids really stole the show this year and a great sign for the future.

Pensioners Christmas Dinner 2010

2010-12-15T00:44:00.000Z

Some photos from the Pensioners Christmas Party, they still know how to enjoy themselves.

Unconditional Love

2010-12-12T17:47:00.000Z

As we go through life we cannot help but be inspired by some of the people we meet. For me one such person is Charlene Barr. Charlene had a vision to help less well off people in Uganda and despite battling with illness she championed the cause of helping young people in Uganda. You can find her web site here One of her methods of raising money was the Dolly Walk, a sponsored walk around Lurgan town and back to Dollingstown. Unfortunately Charlene's fight for life ended a few months ago as she was not able to gain enough weight to have the organ transplant she so desperately needed. Charlene did everything in spite of her illness and was an inspiration. The second Dolly walk went ahead last night and Lorraine and I did it together. Last year Lorraine did the walk with four other girls, Jeanette, Emma, Lynn and Patricia. Unfortunately Patricia died during the past week and was buried on Thursday. Patricia was a great friend and was by now just part of the family. Her sense of humour and general mischievousness will be something we will all miss. The one thing that both girls had in common was that they gave you their unconditional love.

Patricia is third from the left

Fun in the Snow

2010-12-08T21:51:00.002Z

While some of us may have had enough of the snow by now, lets face it, it's no fun to work in. This guy was having a ball. The quad is a very versatile machine and is just as at home in the snow as in a mucky field.

Our new Fireplace.

2010-12-07T21:31:00.003Z

Lorraine and I have been talking about a Belfast brick fireplace and wood burning stove for a long time now. Our two friends Derick and Jeannette got to hear about it and offered us some bricks, and a grate they had left over from their fireplace. Now I had no excuse for not getting started. I had a few days holidays to take so I got stuck in to ripping out the old 1970's fireplace and back boiler. Of course the pipe to the back boiler got punctured but that is a story on its own.

We always knew that our friend Jim would be building it for us and true to form Jim and Laraine agreed and came down and spent the weekend helping us out, big time!! The room is almost decorated now and should be finished for Christmas. Hopefully in the new year we will get the stove to finish our long time ambition.

The winter seems to have arrived.

2010-12-07T20:57:00.002Z

The winter seems to have arrived in Northern Ireland, Just about an hour ago Lorraines car was reading -10.

Here are a few photos I have taken over the last few days. The swans were getting it tight at the Corbet lake. They are so glad of food, they would almost take it from your hand, dont think I have ever been so close to a swan. The lake is frozen again, as can be seen from the boat sitting on it.

Here is the beginning of my post. And here is the rest of it.

Picknick at Carlingford

2010-10-10T21:11:00.006+01:00

To-day was a wonderful, Autumn sunny day. Lorraine, Laraine, Jim and I went for a drive, we had our pick-nick at Victoria Lock and then on to the village of Carlingford. Parked at the side of the road and then walked to the harbour.

"A man happy at his work"

Feeding the ducks

2010-10-08T22:17:00.005+01:00

Ballydown Guides 25th

2010-10-02T16:49:00.004+01:00

Ballydown Guides celebrate 25 years with a special thanks giving service last Sunday. Its is also the centenary year for the Guide movement formed 100 years ago this year.

Wedding Gemma & George

2010-09-11T14:44:00.002+01:00

Yesterday Lorraine and I had the privilege of sharing George and Gamma's big day. The wedding and reception were both held at Newforge House a lovely romantic period house close to Moria. The weather forecast last Sunday was heavy rain, but as the week progressed the weather continued to pick up. They could not have had a better day and we were able to take a lot of the photos in the beautiful gardens that surround the house. Is it warm or just me, I spent the whole day wiping beads of sweat from my brow. I mean Niagara falls, it was so humid and warm I hoped that when we went outside that I would cool down, not a chance.

The whole day was very relaxed and family centered and it was great to see a number of generations enjoying themselves. The whole day finished off with an evening party in the Coach, Banbridge. Best wishes to George and Gemma MTK...

Going to University

2010-08-30T00:02:00.002+01:00

Ruth done well in her exams and got what she needed to fulfill her dream of going to university. She is heading off to Dundee in September. All the best Ruth and well done.

Berty McCracken

2010-08-29T23:51:00.003+01:00

I have been doing a personal project for Ballydown shooting some of our members to sit along side their personal story. Berty is one of our senior members and a man of great wisdom and strength. I shot this in the entrance of the church using natural light.

Unusual guest

2010-08-27T17:28:00.004+01:00

We are all used to having the occasional uninvited guest from time to time, and for the most part they come and go. Lorraine called me the other day and said (in a high pitched voice LOOK!!!) There in the centre of the room was this spiders web, not in the corner but right in the middle of the room.
If I had gone in there in the dark, he would have had me for sure. Any way its not like the usual guys we get and his colours really stood out against the web.

Jasmine Star on Creative Live

2010-08-26T21:07:00.004+01:00

I am into my second night of watching Jasmine Star prepare for a wedding shoot live on the Internet. It's free to watch but takes me into the wee hours as it is live in America. Jasmine is a full on girl, someone I would probably run a mile from, but she is engaging, captivating and below all the gloss really has her stuff together. I like that she is not technical at all she communicates so well with her clients. She was going to be a lawyer so its probably no surprise that she is a communicator. To day I had a look at this image. I was just mucking about really but I think this is a nice shot of Holly's Bridesmaid. This is a natural light photo and I think the colours and skin are so natural and real, really like this.

Here is a picture of Jasmine, there is no way I'm gona look this good shooting weddings.

New Forge House

2010-08-22T20:54:00.005+01:00

Lorraine and I have a wedding here in September so we went on Saturday to sus it out. Great location for an intimate wedding and great grounds for photos.

Here is the link

BB BBQ

2010-08-22T20:30:00.003+01:00

Friday night Richard organized a BBQ for leaders and their partners. We all had to supply a secret to Richard in advance, we then spent the night trying to deduce who's secret belonged to who? Good food, Good Craic.

Canoeing

2010-08-22T20:25:00.002+01:00

Richard had a few of the boys down at the river on Saturday for some paddling. Just got a few shots in passing. Everyone seemed to be having fun.

Just another weekend

2010-08-16T21:29:00.008+01:00

Met up with Jim and Laraine for a lovely dinner at the Templeton Hotel on Saturday. Lorraine's brother George, his wife, Collette and their daughter Grace were over for a few days holiday, so we managed to catch up with them at Lynn's house in Newtownards. The weather was nothing short of brilliant. Nathan joined in and had a great toddle about. all in all a great day. Just a few snaps I took over the course of the weekend.

Bert

2010-08-10T15:30:00.002+01:00

With Lorraine away to London for a few days it's just me and Bert.

Katie

2010-08-08T21:41:00.000+01:00

Nathan August 2010

2010-08-07T23:12:00.003+01:00

Manchester

2010-08-07T23:03:00.005+01:00

Just back from Manchester, had to go for a few days with work. Had planned to do a bit of sight seeing but didnt really get into it. Manchester has a wheel similar to Belfasts. I am going be looking at reflections in the coming months, seems even when there is really harsh light all the better for reflections. Opens up some new creative opportunities. Would have loved someone to shoot in his archway, love the repeating patterns

Down on the Farm

2010-07-31T21:19:00.006+01:00

Down on the Farm this afternoon helping Emma to put Harry through his paces. For such a big horse, Harry is very gentle and well behaved. It was a lovely warm afternoon but with the threat of a shower at any moment. Emma had my camera whilst I was ridding Harry and must have taken a photo of every animal that moved from dogs to cats, cows to dead rabbits. Have to give it to her she took the best image of the day, the one of the kitten looking out, love it.

Emma & Jock

Jock

Alexander

Ballywalter 2010

2010-07-28T21:35:00.009+01:00

Just spent the weekend at Ballywalter with Laraine and Jim. Great weather and good craic.

Nathan

2010-07-28T21:24:00.002+01:00

London with Joe McNally

2010-07-28T21:17:00.003+01:00

Got the chance to go to London to see my photographic hero Joe McNally give one of his one day workshops. Simply amazing, loved it and learned so much. He blogs about it here. Some other snaps from London.

Ruth

2010-07-16T21:48:00.002+01:00

Jim & Laraine "Love's young dream"

2010-07-16T21:45:00.001+01:00

BBQ 2010

2010-07-14T19:36:00.017+01:00

This year we were blessed with great weather for our annual 11th BBQ, usual suspects were all there, present and correct. We had a very relaxed time and enjoyed some games to work off the burgers. We all got up early on the 12th morning to see off the Corbet Band, however they had other plans and boarded the buss just around the corner, so all we could do was wave to the buss as it passed. Undeterred we went into town and watched as the various bands and lodges leave for Warringstown. Nathan was only about three weeks old last year and just look at him now enjoying playing in the garden. More photos To come....

The Big Fry
Photo by Terry Cadden

Mark & Holly's Wedding

2010-07-02T20:35:00.005+01:00

Lorraine and I had the pleasure of shooting Mark and Holly's wedding in May, and it was a pleasure. Very relaxed, weather was great, actually to sunny for me and the atmosphere was first class. These are a few of my favourite images from the day. You would be forgiven for thinking that the whole wedding was shot in black and white, I asure you it wasn't, I just like them.

Nathan's First Birthday

2010-06-26T22:42:00.005+01:00

I haven't had time to Blog for about a month, but I couldn't let to-day pass without a post. Nathan was 1 year old to-day. Elaine and Jonathan had a party for him at the house. The weather was brilliant and Nathan was in fine form. Great day all round!!!

The Home Builders (and some expert advice)

2010-05-12T22:55:00.003+01:00

Some things a better left in your memory

2010-05-12T22:30:00.009+01:00

Working in Lancaster this week. This is Ashton Memorial which towers above the city on a hill. Lancaster has a number of historic buildings. I spent two days working in a special needs school and was very humbled by the experience. The staff are absolutely brilliant with the children looking after their very special needs. We just take our good health so much for granted. Shortly after Lorraine and I were married we went on a trip to Blackpool some 30 odd years ago. As Blackpool is reasonably close by I decided to take a run down and have a look. All I can say is Blackpool is a bit like our recent Show-waddy waddy concert, some things are best kept locked away in your memory. In short Blackpool was a big disappointment.

Home and office for the week.

Belfast Harbour (Thompson Dock)

2010-05-09T22:01:00.004+01:00

Had a bit of spare time on Saturday night as Lorraine was at a party in Belfast. Headed down to the docks hoping for a nice sunset, and I wasn't disappointed. The view is looking towards North Belfast from the Thompson Dock which is of course part of the Titanic quarter. I like the sunset reflected in the window of the Thompson dock pumping station. One of my first jobs as an apprentice was to look after the pumps as they ovehauled the gate rollers to the dock. I had many a tea break in the upstairs room in the pumping station and climbed the many steps down into the dock on a daily basis, mind you I was much fitter then.

Meet Harry

2010-05-07T23:42:00.006+01:00

Emma is a real country girl now and lives on a farm, up side is plenty of room for a horse. This is Harry. Harry is a gorgeous Irish Draft. Lovely natured, very sociable. If I was going out looking for a horse Harry pretty much fits the bill, I think Harry and Emma are going to become good buddies.

Just some beautiful light in the garden last night.

May Bank Holiday

2010-05-03T23:07:00.011+01:00

Out and about with Lorraine this lovely bank holiday weekend. Scouting a few locations for an up coming wedding later this month. Warrenpoint, Rostrevor and Castlewellan.
MTK...

Sunny Picknick

2010-04-28T14:30:00.005+01:00

When Laraine phones and asks if you want to go for a pick nick it's probably time to look out a rain coat. As soon as we get set up it always seems to rain. Not wee spots of rain but torrential rain. However we are a hardy bunch and used to roughing it a little and have a great time just the same. About an hour after we had finished the sun came out and we had a lovely walk down the prom in Newcastle. A quick ice cream at Maud's, job done. A lovely day is not measured by the surroundings or the weather it more about the people you spend it with, and the relationships you build by spending time together. Laraine & Jim have been good friends for a very long time...

John Brown

2010-04-28T14:18:00.002+01:00

I have been photographing a number of people in my Church. The idea is that each and everyone of us has a story to tell, and my job is to illustrate their story with a photograph or two. I love this kind of project as it give me the opportunity to meet interesting people and photograph them in a natural environment. John was involved in a car accident that left him in a wheelchair, he has worked tirelessly to help others in a similar situation and has been involved with Disability Action and Through the Roof Ministries, who provide disability aids to disadvantaged people. John even get's some of his wheelchairs refurbished by inmates in our local prison.

Bert

2010-04-18T19:39:00.000+01:00

Love this photo of my Buddy Bert. He has really big paws.

Best Buddies

2010-04-18T19:30:00.003+01:00

Nathan and Bert are becoming great friends. The two played in the garden on Saturday for a while. Bert is gentle despite his size and Nathan smiles every time he comes close. Nathan is now crawling and we took him into the hall to play. He set off at a pace down the hall through the kitchen to the back door just to see were Bert was.

Little Eva

2010-03-19T14:12:00.002Z

I have been a little bit busy with my real job and havent posted much this last month or so. This was taken in the studio a week or so ago. Just playing around with layouts.

Remembering Jo-Anne

2010-02-27T23:05:00.006Z

Just remembering Jo-Anne his weekend. This weekend will mark six years. Time goes in so quickly as does change. We have been blessed with a wonderful Grandson who we love to bits. We were over at the Studio this morning taking a few snaps of Nathan who is now 8 months old. Lorraine and I took the opportunity to get a quick photo with him. Tomorrow we are going out for Lunch with Jonathan, Elaine and Nathan.
We also had our friend Janette and her grand daughter Eva, over at the studio for some photos today as well.

Birthday Time

2010-02-14T19:47:00.003Z

We had Jonathan Elaine and Nathan for lunch today, also Jim Laraine, Laura and Ruth, so full house. It was Elaine's birthday to day and Jonathan's on Wednesday. Nathan was in great form he has cut a few teeth and as you can see from one of the images below he is now mobile and learning how to use his walker.

Kilkeel, Mourne's & Corbet

2010-02-09T22:51:00.004Z

It was nice to be working outside today, the clouds in the sky were lovely blobs off cotton wool, floating is space, against the blue sky. Just stopped to take a few snap shots on the way home.

Walk me up the isle

2010-02-01T22:36:00.005Z

Not sure at all what I think about this, how would it go down here? Anyway it was fun to watch and the guys seemed to have a lot of fun. Let the video load then watch it without the jumps

Lorraines Birthday Continued....

2010-01-30T18:40:00.003Z

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

2010-01-28T23:02:00.003Z

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

2010-01-28T22:06:00.012Z

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.