In Memory of Neil Armstrong

This is a photograph that I took of the moon a couple of months ago. After hearing about the very sad passing of Neil Armstrong, I researched the location of the Apollo 11 landing sites to see if I could see that part of the moon in the photo. I could, so Neil, this is for you. Thank you.


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A Perfect Geographical Tribute

This is just so poignant.

Discovered recently by a passing hot air balloonist, this heart shaped feature emerges as a vision from the surrounding woods.



The story behind it which I saw in the Daily Mail is a real tearjerker though.

A man who's wife passed away 17 years ago wished to create a lasting tribute to the woman he had loved for so many years.

"The farmer planted thousands of oak saplings in a six-acre field – but left a heart-shaped area in the middle, with the point facing towards his wife’s childhood home."
-- from the Mail Online

You can actually see this in Google Earth.



Or if you don't have Google Earth, you can see it upside down in Google Maps.

Rochester Row

Eight thirty, and shutters up,
The lone drummer, swaying in the breeze,

Chimes ring out for ten,
The bookbinders bound by the awning,

For some their time has come,
With dignity, she lays them to rest,

Ants search for their next lair to colonise,
Pacing to the beat of the speaker's voice,

With wispy hair and apple in hand,
The ink pours into storytelling mode,

Back to their posts in all directions,
March the armies of orange blue and white,

Five thirty the exodus begins,
Delta, Victor, India, India.

I Could Listen To You All Day

We all have voices that we like to listen to. Sometimes, it's the familiar, comforting person such as a parent, or good friend. Other times though, there are certain people who we don't know per se, but there is something about their voice that we really like.

Below are some clips of famous people who have voices that I really like. So in no specific order, here are my favourite voices! It turns out that I really like English accents that are well enunciated, with a hint of Scottish sometimes!

Who would be yours?

Richard Wilson



Judi Dench - who is said to have components of the perfect voice



Joanna Lumley (she starts speaking at 1 minute)



Sir David Attenborough



Matthew Macfadyen - specifically in the M&S Simply Food adverts. Even though I am a completely straight guy, I almost go weak at the knees when I hear his voice in these adverts.....almost!



Ronnie Corbett



Dick Van Dyke, specifically as Dr Sloan though! And when it's combined with some singing, I can't help but smile. This starts around the 2 minute mark.



Keeley Hawes, who is actually married to Matthew Macfadyen! Their kids are destined to grow up with the perfect accents!

June Has Flown Past - Literally!

June has seen two military flypasts for London with the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations and annual Trooping the Colour. Here are some photographs that I took of the flypasts. Some are better than others, but enjoy!

Queen's Diamond Jubilee Flypast



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Trooping the Colour 2012 Flypast



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The Queen's Diamond Jubilee

Sixty years in the making,

Four days of pomp and pageantry,

Giddy-up, giddy-up,

The sun reflects off the stirrups,

The armada sets sail,

The river teaming with oars,

A guard of honour lines the route,

A magic horse opens up the clouds,

A sea of ants sets up camp beneath a clear sky,

Crotches and quavers ring out for "Mummy" and co,

The ants dance, shout and sing,

A million diamonds launched into the sky,

Her loyal subjects offer their thanks,

Together with the roar of fast jets,

Trooping the colours of red, white and blue,

United we say in God save the Queen.

My Latest Shot of The Cheese

I grabbed this one the other night. Quite happy with it!


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