Starting the Year with a Twitch

Imagine the scene, you are on the beach with your trusty spaniel at your side, enjoying the bracing 2009 icy air and the space. Just like this pic:

Anyway, I scoop up Dandy’s well loved tennis ball and give it a good chuck down past the burn toward the sea birds on the shore line. I then spin round to see an unexpected site of a gaggle of Twitchers completed with serious anoraks, telescopes and lenses that a tabloid photographer would be proud of. I hope the doggy antics did not spoil their 1 chance in 25 years viewing of the Less Spotted Hog Snout. (Okay I made that up – a good google did not give me any good twitching news site revealing the target of the spying. They probably do it all by carrier pigeon instead).

As I walked off the beach and past the Twitchers, not a single hardback thumbed copy of ‘2008 Birds of Britain’ was hurled in my direction so I think we were okay.

Happy New Year to you and I hope you find what you want to spot this year!

Sunset 2008 and 2009

 

Time to sum up the year that has nearly gone and to have a peak ahead at 2009. 2008 was the year we didn’t manage to sell the house and move – that’s my personal credit crunch story. The boys are now all at the same Nursery and School, Marta has been doing lots of craft and I started a new job in the spring. We’ve all had a splendid Christmas and been able to spend time with many family and friends.

In 2009 we will hopefully have a bigger house one way or another. Right now, I am setting some smaller goals for 2009. Podcasting has been one of best ‘things’ I picked up in the past few years and I have been able to effortlessly entertain and educate myself in many areas. It has put me off main stream media. I definitely want to watch more video podcasts rather than TV. So much so that I am pondering a iPod (if I can every pick which model!). I have finally given in and use iTunes for media. It’s a handy one for the front room PC and life is easier if I keep theme the same. I would like to consider some outdoor pursuits but even today’s slightly sunny weather can’t get me in the mood.

Maybe spring will bring the inspiration for exercise…

 

Snowmen!

Snow

Needless to say the boys and dog were very excited. Dandy and I dashed along the beach…

Playing with Picassa 3 Tonight

Shanwell Carnoustie a few years ago, given a soft focus and some gradient treatment!

16082008927

Another Castle in the Sand

Built to keep spaniels out!