Zakynthos

Well,  I keep promising to update this blog more frequently....doesn't seem to happen so I will try again.  Just returned from holiday in Zakynthos.  That is one of the Greek islands in the Aegean Sea.  It is just to the south of Kephalonia,  which itself is just south of Corfu.

This has been our first holiday outside school holiday time for more years than I care to remember, but as 'She who must be obeyed' has now retired from teaching, we took advantage of the slightly cheaper prices.

We sort of expected slightly cooler weather as well, it being in September...we were wrong on that count,  32 / 33 degrees C most days, but I could get used to that.

I love Greece and the Greeks,  they are having a hard time at the moment with their economy being in the state it  is,  even the ex-Pats living out there are being hit by extra taxes everytime they close their eyes...I have a good friend who has lived in the South of Zante for 19 years,  although he is comfortable, he is a bit concerned about the constant rises in the cost of living.

Just a quick taster of one of the 200+ photos taken whilst away, and a promise that I will start posting here more frequently.

Carving

Started trying my hand at a bit of wood carving recently,mainly to try and enhance my wood-turning.  Here are two recent attempts at carving signs,  I already posted one for "Old School House" back in September,  that one one incised carving ie the letter cut into the wood.  The two below are relief carving which of course means that the letter are left proud and the background is carved away.

CAVE SENEX  means 'beware of the Old Man'  this is done in Mahogany (Swietenia Mahagoni)  actually a piece of the remnant of out old mantle shelf... It will probably finish up on the shed door as a warning!

This one is in Oak  (Quercus Robur)  I finished it by stippling the face of the letters with my Pyrography machine.  It is destined for horse's new stable, which is down a dark corridor, so the light doesn't show the lettering very well hence the pyro work. I'm quite pleased with both of those, but unless I can sell them for around £100 a time I don't think there is much profit in the hobby.

Happy New Year

Well it has been quite a busy time,  The appearances on Emmerdale and Claire Balding's quiz came and went without me getting a call from Steven Spielberg,  fame will have to wait.

I got 2nd prize at the Wood turning club's Christmas Competition with the 'Decorated Platter' shown below. It is an Oak (Quercus Robur) platter approx 7 inches diameter and decorated with a pyrographed image, although personally, I have no religion, the image proved popular with those who have seen it

Daniel Laurence King

On New Years Eve, Helen, our elder daughter presented us with our second grandson. Daniel Laurence King weighed in at 8lb 1oz, and he has the same haircut as me.  Both are doing well, and my pal Thomas is extremely pleased with his little brother.

Spent last Thursday and Friday carol singing in Emmerdale,  Due to be aired in two episodes on Christmas day.  Note to self, must watch Emmerdale occasionally,  I was in the 'Church' surrounded by at least four of the main Cast, and I hadn't a clue as to their series names or their real names.

Yesterday I was involved filming a new quiz show in Media City, Manchester.  It will be on in January and is hosted by the delightful Claire Balding.  Other than that I am not allowed to say anything.  Look out for it, it will be entertaining.

Tomorrow I am going to Manchester to film a scene for "Shameless"  apparently to be shot in a Jazz club.  I'm looking forward to that,  I love Shameless,  and I understand this is to be the last series.  I shall have to get my fix from repeats.

Dumfries and Galloway

Just back from a few days away in Dumfries and Galloway,  South-West Scotland.  The area used to be known as Wigtownshire, but that was absorbed into larger areas as so many other small counties were.

We stayed just to the south of Newton Stewart, about half way between Dumfries and Stranraer.  A lovely area with lots of Hills, Rivers, coastline and Countryside.

On the only Sunny day we had we touched lucky and had a drive out to the area known as "The Rhinns of Galloway"  Visiting Portpatrick and the Mull of Galloway lighthouse.  See Pictures below.

Police Dog

Just had to post this, every time I read it I giggle. Hope I'm not treading on any copyright toes.

Hell's Wrinklies - Stalybridge Chapter

Went out on the Harley last Wednesday, met up with an old college friend called Graham,  known as Charlie.....It's a long story!  He has just started riding a motorbike again after quite a long time, and has met up with a great group of friends.  Collectively they have a ride out, weather permitting, on a Wednesday.  This last week we met initially at the home of one of the lads, Keith, and rode over Saddleworth moor to Holmfirth.  There we enjoyed a hearty breakfast and rode back.

This is Graham in the white helmet, stood next to his 125cc Kymco.

This is the group taken by Graham, That is Me in the high viz jacket.

The run was not without incident,  One gentleman left his headlights on in the car park, came out of the Cafe to a flat battery, and although bikes park for free, he of the flat battery and I paid for a parking slot...5 minutes over the allotted time the local gestapo stuck a ticket on his saddle.  For some reason I didn't get a ticket on my Harley, but I am expecting to get a fine through the post any day now.  That will teach us to keep an eye on the clock.

We eventually got his bike started and set off home.  I went back to G's house for an extra brew and a chat with Mrs G who I hadn't seen for more years than either of us could remember.  All in all an excellent day out and hopefully one of many.