Friday, January 30, 2009

Back to Great Torrington

Back to more scenes from around Great Torrington...

This is a close-up/funky view (how I do love those) of the obelisk that's nearby. No, I never did find out why there's an obelisk there!

Sunday, January 25, 2009

The Snow's Gone, but the Pictures Remain

Just wanted to share a few more shots I took around my yard while we had snow.



Thursday, January 22, 2009

Snow Day

For an area that doesn't get much snow, a little bit is a big deal. No, we're not in England...this is at home yesterday. Snow hound has much enthusiasm ;D I mean really, it's cold between your toes so what else can you do but run?
My gargoyle may have had a bit of trouble seeing what with the accumulation...
It was piling up and still coming down. Nice.
Oh yeah, we had snow cream!


Monday, January 19, 2009

Great Torrington

Here's the view we had from one of the windows where we stayed in Great Torrington, which is in Devon. I fell in love with the rolling green pastures separated by the dark green hedges. It was breathtaking.
Here's a little sweetie that we met out at the market. Of course I had to stop and speak to her.
There are trails at the edge of the village that criss-cross back and forth as they wind their way down the hillside. Spectacular views the entire way.

Friday, January 16, 2009

Movin' On

Well, we're leaving Exeter. Can you believe in real time we only spent a few hours there? And yet, I've spent weeks there on this blog. Hmmmm.... Anyway, we're back on the train and we're heading into Devon. Our final destination is a lovely wee village called Great Torrington. For now let's enjoy the scenery, complete with sheep.
I really enjoyed the colors as we traveled...

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Misc. Exeter Shots

Hello again! Sorry for the sporadic posting...what can I say? The new year (much like the old one) is proving to be busy.

I thought I'd share just a couple more Exeter shots before we move on. Here's a modern nod to an ancient practice...the people would bring a stone in to the chapel and place it at the alter as they said prayers...symbolic of leaving your burdens at the alter. There was a basket of stones here (in olden times there would frequently be such a basket outside the church in case someone didn't have one). You could pick one and place it on the table, adding to their "cairn of hope".
I forgot how long ago this was done, but a "kitty door" was cut into this door a long time ago for the cathedral cat. There are still a couple of cats that have the free roam of Exeter cathedral. We didn't see them.

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

More from Exeter

Pictures just do not do this justice...but I can't help but try. Will you take a look at this organ???
From where I stood to shoot the above photo if you turn to your left you see the Bishop's Throne and Canopy. I compromised in my shot...you're not seeing the entire thing because I wanted you to see some of the detail. At the same time I wanted you to see most of it to realize the size...
To explain further:
Now, here's a shot with a rather professional-looking photographer in it who gives you some sense of perspective.
I realize I haven't been writing much on this blog. One of these days I'll get back to a bit more of my random musings. And then, before you know it, it's going to be time for Westminster dog show again...the inspiration for this blog in the first place!

Friday, January 2, 2009

Happy New Year!!!

Happy New Year, all! (Albeit belated.) Spent yesterday with family and friends...a peaceful start to a new year.

Continuing on our journey through Exeter Cathedral, here a few more really old flags.
This is a replica of the bosses that are at the junction of the tresses...the artwork is ornate and these suckers can weigh up to about a ton.