Tag Archives: Picture of the day

17th November picture of the day…

17 Sunday Nov 2024

Posted by in Food and drink, Halifax, Musings, Photography, Picture of the day, The Big 6

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Whilst today wasn’t quite Sunday I’d had planned, it’s been a productive one nonetheless. Much of this morning was spent editing and adding captions to a backlog of rail and travel pictures which are now on my Zenfolio website. If you follow this link it will take you to the ‘recent’ section, showing which galleries have been updated. There’s plenty to gaze at.

That job done I’d intended to do some cooking, but a trip to our local supermarket proved fruitless. Or, in this case – vegless. I wasn’t after anything terribly exotic either, merely green peppers and parsnips. There were no peppers to be had and the only parsnips available were already soft and limp – despite them having been ‘fresh in’ today. To be honest, our local Tesco’s is getting worse. It’s not just the fresh veg section that has empty shelves, the frozen food section has plenty of empty cabinets when it comes to vegetables. I’ve no doubt the recent bad weather has had an impact, but then so’s the thing no politicians seem to want to talk about – Brexit. Transit times for fresh produce have been extended by Brexit red-tape, so the shelf life of what does arrive is noticeably shorter. I’m kicking myself for not having stocked up with some more produce from Halifax market yesterday, which is where we picked up some really good quality plums, squash and cauliflower. I can see I’m going to have to change my shopping pattern and go into town more often. The only problem is that the market closes by 17:00 so is less convenient. Anyway, I digress. As cooking was off the agenda we’ve fallen back on meals from the freezer. Not a problem as we batch-cook and there’s always something home-made and delicious in reserve.

As for gardening – the weather conspired against me as the heavens opened just as soon as I got out there! I’ve managed to re-organise some pots and plants, giving them better protection from the snow that’s due but I didn’t get as much done as I’d planned. Hopefully, I’ll have some spare time tomorrow after my morning spent judging the Community Rail Awards. Besides, Dee’s up on the Settle and Carlisle railway tomorrow for a meeting so I’ll be left to my own devices and the snow’s not predicted to arrive until the evening.

Now it’s time to wind down ready for a busy day tomorrow, so I’ll sleave you with today’s picture. I popped into our local, the ‘Big 6’ on my way back from shopping. This time of year it’s even more welcoming as there’s a lovely real fire in one of the back rooms. Sitting there with a pint on a wet autumn day is one of life’s little pleasures.

Oh, go on then – here’s an extra picture. These are the beers that were on offer. Any guesses as to which I chose?

I’ve a small favour to ask…
If you enjoy reading this or any of the other blogs I’ve written, please click on an advert or two. You don’t have to buy anything you don’t want to of course – although if you did find something that tickled your fancy that would be fab! – but the revenue from them helps me to cover some of the cost of maintaining this site (which isn’t cheap and comes out of my own pocket). Remember, 99% of the pictures used in my blogs can be purchased as prints from my other website –  https://paulbigland.zenfolio.com/

Or – you can now buy me a coffee! https://ko-fi.com/paulbigland68312

16th November picture of the day…

16 Saturday Nov 2024

Posted by in Halifax, Musings, Photography, Picture of the day

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‘Tis a quiet weekend here at Bigland Towers. The veritable lull before the storm if the weather forecast is to be believed. Apparently, we’re due for several centimeters of snow here in’t Pennines on Monday-Tuesday. That could be fun as our local council (Calderdale) have been busy sticking up signs on roads around us saying they’re not going to be gritting some of the steepest streets – so we’re on our own. As two of the main ways out of where we live are cobbled roads that will now be left to the tender mercies of the elements, this could be a ‘fun’ winter,

Fortunately, I’ve a Zoom meeting on Monday morning as we’re judging the Community Rail Awards. Once that’s done – and if the snow does arrive – I may be able to sally forth with the camera.

As the pair of us have a lot going on we elected to have a leisurely weekend at home. Whilst the morning was spent pottering we did walk into Halifax in the afternoon in order to stretch our legs and pick up some shopping. Our perambulations took us to the fabulous Piece Hall which is hosting a Christmas market. I’m not a great fan of these things nowadays as they tend to be incredibly expensive and full of overpriced tat. The sort of stuff you’d only buy after sinking some expensive mulled wine or other themed booze. Give me a proper German Xmas market every time.

That said, the Piece Hall’s such an amazing venue it was worth paying a visit – as today’s picture shows.

Tomorrow, with the mercury heading South (even if we aren’t) we’re planning another day around the local area to prepare for the change of conditions. I suspect I’ll be busy in the garden protecting some of the more vulnerable plants which have had it easy so far this year. Oh, then there’s a whole host of new recipes I’ve discovered. Maybe it won’t be such a lazy Sunday after all…

I’ve a small favour to ask…
If you enjoy reading this or any of the other blogs I’ve written, please click on an advert or two. You don’t have to buy anything you don’t want to of course – although if you did find something that tickled your fancy that would be fab! – but the revenue from them helps me to cover some of the cost of maintaining this site (which isn’t cheap and comes out of my own pocket). Remember, 99% of the pictures used in my blogs can be purchased as prints from my other website –  https://paulbigland.zenfolio.com/

Or – you can now buy me a coffee! https://ko-fi.com/paulbigland68312

Normal service is resumed.

11 Monday Nov 2024

Posted by in Musings, Nottingham, Photography, Picture of the day

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Sorry about the lack of blogs these past couple of days. That’s been due to a rather interesting weekend in Nottingham attending a 21st birthday, with added drama caused by Dawn’s parents getting locked into the bedroom in the apartment we’d rented and the hours it took to break them out! The weekend is worth a blog in itself as so much happened. Hopefully I’ll find a quiet moment to write it up – although that won’t be right now. We got back last night but today we’ve both been back in the thick of it. Dawn’s day’s been spent glued to her computer screen – as has mine. I had to finish judging and marking the ‘It’s your station’ category then catch up with picture editing and planning the rest of the week. Plus, today’s been our 7th wedding anniversary, so quiet celebrations were in order due to the frenetic few days we’ve had – and because Dawn’s looking like she’s going down with the lurgi. Our current plan is to make up for things next weekend.

Tomorrow I’ll be down in the Birmingham area on another HS2 construction visit so expect a rolling blog as the day unfolds. Thankfully, the weather’s finally broken. The dull and dismal weather we’ve endured this past fortnight has given way to clear skies and glorious sunshine. Long may it continue!

Right, it’s time to go as the pair of us have another early start. I’ll leave you with a picture of birthday celebrations. The 21st part was that of Dawn’s niece, Jessica, who’s at University in Nottingham. Naturally, I was asked to bring my camera. Here’s a picture of Jess (hiding in the back, in red) with all her friends at the Cosy Club.

I’ve a small favour to ask…
If you enjoy reading this or any of the other blogs I’ve written, please click on an advert or two. You don’t have to buy anything you don’t want to of course – although if you did find something that tickled your fancy that would be fab! – but the revenue from them helps me to cover some of the cost of maintaining this site (which isn’t cheap and comes out of my own pocket). Remember, 99% of the pictures used in my blogs can be purchased as prints from my other website –  https://paulbigland.zenfolio.com/

Or – you can now buy me a coffee! https://ko-fi.com/paulbigland68312

8th November picture of the day…

08 Friday Nov 2024

Posted by in Bradford, Photography, Picture of the day, Railways

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Gawd, what miserable weather. All we’ve seen in the Calder valley (apart from NOT seeing the other side of the valley) has been fog and low cloud that’s felt like we’re living in some dystopian future. Admittedly, after Trumps election and the rate of climate change he’s denying – that future may not be too far away…

Weather aside my day has been spent going through the last entries for the community rail awards in one of the two categories I’m a judge. It’s tough as there’s some fantastic submissions.

Tonight I took a break and headed up to my local pub to join a group of friends who indulge themselves by reading the quizzes from our local pub paper (thanks Stuart, your efforts really are appreciated). Afterwards a few of us discussed the American elections with a Yorkshireman friend who’s just moved back from the USA after many years. His insight was both interesting and depressing. We are about to live through some interesting times. For the moment my focus is on the present. The past is set, but the future has yet to happen – and that’s the bit that interests me – although right now I haven’t got a ‘Scooby Do’ what that looks like.

In the meantime, here’s today’s picture, which is one from a series I took on a little jaunt around Bradford the other day. The city’s railway system is a shadow of of itself. During the heyday of the railways the city was crisscrossed by lines. Here’s the remains of one you can see today, but only if you know where to look.

This is what you might notice on a train from Leeds as it drops down into Bradford Interchange. See that bricked up tunnel to the left? That’s the old line towards Queensbury (one of the few triangular stations in the UK) that finally closed in 1963. The line from here dived under the industrial estate you see in the background. Bradford has a fascinating railway history. I hope to explore more of it soon. Right now, other things take precedence, so expect a new HS2 blog coming soon.

I’ve a small favour to ask…
If you enjoy reading this or any of the other blogs I’ve written, please click on an advert or two. You don’t have to buy anything you don’t want to of course – although if you did find something that tickled your fancy that would be fab! – but the revenue from them helps me to cover some of the cost of maintaining this site (which isn’t cheap and comes out of my own pocket). Remember, 99% of the pictures used in my blogs can be purchased as prints from my other website –  https://paulbigland.zenfolio.com/

Or – you can now buy me a coffee! https://ko-fi.com/paulbigland68312

7th November picture of the day…

07 Thursday Nov 2024

Posted by in Community rail, Community Rail Network, Musings, Photography, Picture of the day, Railways

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Today’s been one where I’ve managed to cut myself off from the troubles of the world (and the results of the American election) to concentrate on something uplifting. Right now I’m knee-deep in judging the Community Rail Awards 2025 entries, specifically the ‘It’s your station’ category. We’ve had 39 entries this year, many of them from stations which have never applied before. I’ve spent the day reading through the submissions, checking the information supplied and doing my first sift of the entries to see which categories they fall into. Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum. I can assure you, it’s nor all about station gardens either. Here’s some of the winners from this years Community Rail Awards.

As always, there’s some fantastic entries. Most of the stations I’m familiar with as I’ve visited them some time in the past (or even recently), a few I don’t really know at all. It doesn’t matter as we judge on the entries, some of which are incredibly inspiring as they showcase the best of the areas they represent and the total cross-section of people involved. Sometimes it’s easy to become jaded and cynical. These people, their achievements and their commitments to their communities restore your faith in humanity – something very much needed right now!

So, today’s picture is a reflection of what I’m seeing, although it’s not from a station that’s entered this year. These are some of the fantastic local history boards on display at Marple station in Cheshire.

I’ve a gallery dedicated to community rail on my Zenfolio picture website. You can find it here.

I’ve a small favour to ask…
If you enjoy reading this or any of the other blogs I’ve written, please click on an advert or two. You don’t have to buy anything you don’t want to of course – although if you did find something that tickled your fancy that would be fab! – but the revenue from them helps me to cover some of the cost of maintaining this site (which isn’t cheap and comes out of my own pocket). Remember, 99% of the pictures used in my blogs can be purchased as prints from my other website –  https://paulbigland.zenfolio.com/

Or – you can now buy me a coffee! https://ko-fi.com/paulbigland68312

5th November picture of the day…

05 Tuesday Nov 2024

Posted by in Architecture, London, Photography, Picture of the day, Railways, Travel

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After my trip to London yesterday I’ve been pretty much confined to Bigland Towers today as I’ve needed to spend most of my time picture editing and sorting out paperwork. It’s been no loss as the weather’s been crap. We woke up to low cloud and mist this morning which never cleared, leaving us with a gloomy, damp and sunless day all day – hardly one to be heading out with the camera, so I’ve made the most of my time staying indoors in the warm.

I’ve resisted the temptation to try and follow anything to do with the American presidential election, other than write this blog. There’s far too much misinformation out there and the reputable polls that do exist leave one none the wiser. According to them it’s too close to call so all the media are doing is speculating. I’ll wait to see what tomorrow brings instead, although it’s quite likely we won’t know the actual result until Thursday as the few swing states that matter may not declare until then.

Instead, the pair of us are going to have a quiet, relaxing night in watching a film. After all – tomorrow’s another day. In the meantime, I’ll leave you with today’s picture which was taken shortly before I left London last night.

Platforms 5-8 inside the Western arch of Kings Cross station. Opened in October 1852, the station was designed by Lewis Cubitt, the younger brother of Thomas Cubitt.

I’ve a small favour to ask…
If you enjoy reading this or any of the other blogs I’ve written, please click on an advert or two. You don’t have to buy anything you don’t want to of course – although if you did find something that tickled your fancy that would be fab! – but the revenue from them helps me to cover some of the cost of maintaining this site (which isn’t cheap and comes out of my own pocket). Remember, 99% of the pictures used in my blogs can be purchased as prints from my other website –  https://paulbigland.zenfolio.com/

Or – you can now buy me a coffee! https://ko-fi.com/paulbigland68312

3rd November picture of the day…

03 Sunday Nov 2024

Posted by in Food and drink, Musings, Picture of the day

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Lazy Sunday? Not a bit of it! We were both up early in order to seize the day. Admittedly, the weather didn’t exactly inspire as it’s been dull, dull, dull. But, as the intent was to work around the house that didn’t really matter. Dawn decided that her office (what many people pre Covid used to call a living room) needed even more of a sort-out then she’d given it yesterday, so the house was full of the smell of polish and the sound of paper being shredded.

In order to allow Dee to do that I’d promised to cook the evening meal. So, after busying myself in the garden I popped up to the local supermarket – taking the long way around in order to get my daily steps in. Walking through the local woods I felt like a kid again as I was ankle-deep in leaves. Remember the fun of walking to/from school, kicking up a storm in dead leaves? That all came back to me today. Shame the weather was so dull as I’d loved to have taken a few pictures of the rustic colours on display around my feet.

Back home after a cheeky pint in our local I knuckled down to cooking a cocq au vin with a medley of veg, which seemed like an ideal meal for the season. It was a recipe I’d never done before so I winged it. (Actually, he used thighs: Ed) but it turned out rather well. Now the pair of us have knocked off for the day, so it’s time for me to sign off. Tomorrow’s another week – which will see me being anything but a home-bird. Tomorrow I’ll be in London for a rather special event.

In the meantime, here’s today’s picture, which is part of my cooking preparation. I like to have everything measured and arranged beforehand as it makes life so much easier.

I’ve a small favour to ask…
If you enjoy reading this or any of the other blogs I’ve written, please click on an advert or two. You don’t have to buy anything you don’t want to of course – although if you did find something that tickled your fancy that would be fab! – but the revenue from them helps me to cover some of the cost of maintaining this site (which isn’t cheap and comes out of my own pocket). Remember, 99% of the pictures used in my blogs can be purchased as prints from my other website –  https://paulbigland.zenfolio.com/

Or – you can now buy me a coffee! https://ko-fi.com/paulbigland68312

2nd November picture of the day…

02 Saturday Nov 2024

Posted by in Cumbria, Musings, Photography, Picture of the day, Politics

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The pair of us have had time at home here in Bigland Towers and made the most of it in different ways, although it wasn’t one that went quite to the schedule we’d mapped out – mainly because we both slept in! Having started later than planned our schedule slipped further (but in a positive and pleasant way) when we were contacted by an old friend who was passing through the area so popped in just as Dee’s parents were popping out!

Social visits over we knuckled down to doing some work around the cottage. Having spent so much time away recently I’d neglected the gardens which meant I’d plenty to catch up on – especially as we’re at the height of the leaf-fall season. The front garden looks a lot neater now as I’ve trimmed the Acer, cut back the Iris’ and disposed of a Jasmine which had climbed up the front of the building but was blocking a lot of light. The back received a lot of attention too with herbs harvested for winter, ferns trimmed and leaves disposed of.

Whilst I was doing all this Dee had decided to tackle the front room which doubles as her office. Having cast a critical eye over the leather settees (which double as her filing cabinets) they were given a full polish across all sides, whilst the rest of the room received an Autumn clean. Today’s been a good day for working around the house as the weather remains remarkably mild – and dry, which makes a change! That said, the skies have been leaden, leading to dull weather. Not necessarily a bad thing as I’ve not been tempted to venture out with the camera.

Tomorrow we’ll be having another day at home cracking on with getting the cottage ready for winter whilst also catching up with work we both need to do. Next week promises to be busy and we’re away in Nottingham at the weekend. Plus, I’ve a couple of blogs I want to write. One’s a critique of the latest Simon Jenkins nonsense about HS2 in the Guardian, the other’s some thoughts on politics and the election of the latest next former leader of the Conservative party – Kemi Badenoch. Better set the alarm clock then as tomorrow’s going to be a full day!

In the meantime I’ll leave you with today’s picture, which is from our recent Lakeland travels. Here’s the view across Thirlmere from atop Raven Crag.

I’ve a small favour to ask…
If you enjoy reading this or any of the other blogs I’ve written, please click on an advert or two. You don’t have to buy anything you don’t want to of course – although if you did find something that tickled your fancy that would be fab! – but the revenue from them helps me to cover some of the cost of maintaining this site (which isn’t cheap and comes out of my own pocket). Remember, 99% of the pictures used in my blogs can be purchased as prints from my other website –  https://paulbigland.zenfolio.com/

Or – you can now buy me a coffee! https://ko-fi.com/paulbigland68312

28th October picture of the day…

28 Monday Oct 2024

Posted by in Cumbria, Photography, Travel

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I’d planned to write about our trip back from Cumbria to West Yorkshire, but I’ve been overtaken by events. Instead I’ll leave you with a single picture from today’s travels. The weather across the Lake District has been ‘interesting’ to say the least, but as a photographer that’s how I like it!

Here’s how the hills and woods above Grasmere looked earlier today as yet another rainstorm passed through.

Now we’re back in West Yorkshire, which means what passes for normal service will be resumed shortly!

I’ve a small favour to ask…
If you enjoy reading this or any of the other blogs I’ve written, please click on an advert or two. You don’t have to buy anything you don’t want to of course – although if you did find something that tickled your fancy that would be fab! – but the revenue from them helps me to cover some of the cost of maintaining this site (which isn’t cheap and comes out of my own pocket). Remember, 99% of the pictures used in my blogs can be purchased as prints from my other website –  https://paulbigland.zenfolio.com/

Or – you can now buy me a coffee! https://ko-fi.com/paulbigland68312

24th October picture of the day…

24 Thursday Oct 2024

Posted by in Musings, Photography, Picture of the day, Railways

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After the past couple of days travels and exertions I’ve been having a far more sedentary day here at Bigland Towers. That doesn’t mean I haven’t been busy (and I’ve still walked 5 miles) but I’ve not been carrying kilos and kilos of kit, which my knees have rather enjoyed!

Most of my day’s been spent either writing or editing the hundreds of pictures that I’ve taken over the past several days. Yesterday’s are all ready to go to the client and the final part of my bi-annual trip around the UK for RAIL magazine is almost finished. I’ll be having another quiet day tomorrow in order to get everything wrapped up before the weekend as the pair of us will be away again for a little celebration, but more of that another time.

Right now I’ll leave you with today’s picture, which I took on the way home yesterday evening.

A pair of Hull Trains Class 802, (802302 and 304) sit at Kings Cross station, London before working train 1H06, the 18:48 to Beverley. The sets will split on reaching Hull, with only the rear unit continuing on to Beverley. The company run two direct trains a day between the two. Leaving Beverley at 06:06 and 07:53 they return to the Minster town at 18:43 and 21:58. This is the only one of the two services diagrammed for a double set.

I’ve a small favour to ask…
If you enjoy reading this or any of the other blogs I’ve written, please click on an advert or two. You don’t have to buy anything you don’t want to of course – although if you did find something that tickled your fancy that would be fab! – but the revenue from them helps me to cover some of the cost of maintaining this site (which isn’t cheap and comes out of my own pocket). Remember, 99% of the pictures used in my blogs can be purchased as prints from my other website –  https://paulbigland.zenfolio.com/

Or – you can now buy me a coffee! https://ko-fi.com/paulbigland68312