18 years ago

On 27 March 1990, the second of our beloved Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Shelley, was born. Her pedigree name was "Dheripark Brighid" and was one of a litter bred by Ann Patmore in Leicestershire. She was a very lively dog, quite mad at times, but settled in well with our other Cavalier, Cassie, who was more of a wise old thing! Sadly, in later years, she suffered with poor health and passed away far too soon.

Female Mallard

Draycote Water, near Dunchurch in Warwickshire, is a large reservoir which attracts a wide variety of wildlife and is also home to a large sailing club. Although we live only a short drive away, we had never visited until this week, when, despite the cold and blustery weather, we decided to take a first look. Everyone was wrapped up against the elements, but, judging by the large variety of birds which can be seen at the location, it will be a must-visit place when the weather improves. For now, all I can offer is a rather plump female Mallard seen looking, without success, for people to populate the picnic areas around the reservoir

Chris Rea in Concert

Last night, we attended the latest Chris Rea concert in Birmingham, where we've seen him and his bands many times. Included in this concert was his latest concept, The Delmonts, an instrumental group recalling the sounds of the 50s and 60s - following this they became The Hofner Bluenotes, but it was still the old favourites - Stainsby Girls, Road to Hell, Let's Dance - that the audience wanted to hear and really warmed to.

The usual high quality performance from Chris and his band, with his unique guitar-playing and gravelly voice in fine fettle

(Unfortunately we were too far from the stage for a photo, but this is one taken at his concert in Birmingham in April 2006)

Unseasonal Snow

Awoke this Easter Sunday to find the forecast snow lying on the ground - but it didn't last for long, and there's no sign of it now

The sight of snow reminded me of our Christmas holiday to Austria just three months ago, so I thought that I would make the first effort on my FotBlog with this photograph, which shows Lake Achensee at Pertisau