Wednesday 27th January, 2010.

Here's some exciting news. David has got a new photo project to take his mind off the rising and falling of the river.

This female kestrel (don't think it's a male) is a regular sight during the winter months near the Pump House. Usually, it can be seen perched on one of the lamp posts next to the footpath. On many occasions David has walked beneath it and got a 'splendid view' (note how he can come over all 'Simon King' under the right circs) as it twitters quietly to itself whist giving the grass below the evil eye, seemingly oblivious to the walkers, joggers and cyclists passing by.

But, should David stop and ferret about in his pocket for his digital compact (oo-er, missus) the kestrel immediately notices and indignantly glides off effortlessly to a nearby tree (see photo).

So, the ambition now, is to eventually get a closer shot of it before spring arrives and it only feeds nearer its nest-sight (wherever that may be).

Severn still rising: Monday 18th January 2010.

1) Walking back along the river from town and the footpath has become a weir. No worries, David is confident he can walk thru' that, even in his pumps.


2) You can see why home owners have had to go to the expense of raising their houses by one storey, can't you?

3) Another overflow point. No worries, David can get past this, even if he hasn't got his boots on.

4) Oh bugger, thinks David, time to detour back around the far side of the racecourse.

Editor's Note: David has promised that he will stop taking photos of the River when the novelty of its rising and falling has worn off. Trouble is, he says, that may be some time off just yet.

The Severn's rising rapidly: Sunday 16th January, 2010.

1) Putting out old apples and new nuts and raisins for the birds.

2) The last time David walked along here it was Thursday lunch time and the Severn was right down. Now, just a day and a half later, all the Welsh snow has melted and this is the result: the river is slowly oozing onto the racecourse.

3) Watching the mute swans feeding as the River rises - it's a sport!

4) Remember photo No. 2? Well, this is the same place just an hour and a half later.

Ever-changing Birmingham: Saturday 16th January, 2010.

1) The Nat West Building is up for sale - a sign of the times? Originally built for the Nat West back in the '70's it will be interesting to see what becomes of it.


2) The redevelopment of the area around Snow Hill Station continues apace.

3) Never a much-loved building, most will be pleased to see the back of the Central Library which, according to the papers, is due to be demolished at some point.

4) Kersey's spotted inside a museum shock! This one is an exhibition of olde photos, paintings, and models of Birmingham (both actual and proposed) thru' the ages.

5) Whilst at the museum we learnt that back in 1940 the City Fathers approved a grand scheme to develop a huge civic square in what is now known as Centenary Square. Did they not realise that there was a war on? By the time the war was over there was only enough money to build one side of the square which we now know as Baskerville House.

Wednesday 6th January, 2010.

1) At last! We've had some snow in Worcester. Maybe 3" fell yesterday. Here Vicky has braved the terrible conditions (and several TV OB Crews cluttering up the roads and paths just so they can tell the nation how bad the roads and paths are) to walk to the local PO. What a girl!


2) It's up to ankle depth in some parts.

3) 45 degree slopes hold no fears for a bloke in fairly new snow boots.

4) That looks cold, eh?

Sunday 3rd January, 2010.

We've left Bruges now and taken the train back to Brussels. We've got about six and a half hours to kill before we need to get to the airport. This is Grand Place Grot Markt.



2) Weird graffiti near Place St-Gery.

3) If this doesn't convey to you how cold it was, we've failed.

4) Nice juxtaposition or lax planning laws? You decide.

5) Another day, another city, another temporary skating rink.

6) Well, you've got to have frites with mayo when in Belgium.

7) The best thing about Brussels: the sound and light-thingy in Grand Place Grot Markt. Now let's get the train to the airport and hope our flight can take off on time.

Saturday 2nd January, 2010.

Our first purchase (other than food and drink) is a new pair of winter mitts. Ten Euros to you, madame. Purchased in Bruges, made in China.


2) Vicky checks to see if the Gentpoort is clear. Don't want any silent assassin cyclists zooming past, unexpected.

3) We are drowning in a sea of refuse.

4) Vicky and Howard at the entrance to the best Museum in Bruges. But did we go in? Nope. You can have too much of a good thing, eh?

5) Yay! It's been snowing!

6) Belgium is famous for it's beers. Lost on us, obviously.

7) Bruges at night. Even lovelier than in the day.

8) Cheers. Howard would like to wish everyone a fruity and prosperous 2010.

Friday, January 1st, 2010.

After a hearty breakfast in our hotel it's off into town to take in some of the sights starting with the Markt Square. Note how David has turned his back on the incredibly high-priced eateries.

2) Vicky announces that if we were to ever move to Bruges this would be the street she'd choose. David and Howard considering whether it is up to their standards, sadly, just out of shot.

3) Vicky and Howard are relieved to have found a windmill at last. Perhaps David will stop going on about them now?

4) There are no hills in Belgium. Which is a shame, 'cos if there were, we could call this one 'The Fool on the Hill'. But there aren't, so we can't.

5) After a hard day's sightseeing it's nice to come back to our hotel where you can get decent grub without getting ripped-off by the buggers in the Markt Square (it's still not cheap, mind).

New Year's Eve, December, 2009.

Inspired by the film 'In Bruges' (and folk who have been there and said it is quite nice) we have come to Bruges for the New Year.

1) Vicky and Howard (still reeling from the exorbitant cost of eating out in Belgium) at the temporary skating rink in Markt Square. It's only about 7:00pm, so not many people are out and about yet.



2) Midnight is fast approaching and we've just sung along to 'Shaddupa ya face' in the company of thousands of happy folk in Zant Square without a hint of any irony.

Bruges may not have the best fireworks but the atmosphere is second to none.