tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54089944721017171532024-03-06T02:51:29.993+01:00Random Walks in the Low CountriesReflections and observations on the expatriate experience from an American scientist living and working in the Netherlands.Dave Hamptonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04756506577756946937noreply@blogger.comBlogger1868125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5408994472101717153.post-20470390562079689742017-06-07T13:14:00.001+02:002017-06-07T13:15:47.172+02:00Bringing things back online<p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gdwkMIknAD8/WTffn7TQR1I/AAAAAAAHSAQ/75gOGYkCHVIqocF6UXVDu91b8bn8NGu6wCHM/s1600-h/Pixl1051%2B%25281200x900%2529%255B5%255D"><img width="151" height="114" title="Pixl1051 (1200x900)" align="left" style="margin: 0px 8px 0px 0px; float: left; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="Pixl1051 (1200x900)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SqWe0mumDWU/WTffs8UmBhI/AAAAAAAHSAU/cTCaK_Y5b0s9QYcHKGu5rp0T-3rYriUWACHM/Pixl1051%2B%25281200x900%2529_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>After a fruitless month of trying various fixes for uploads to Google Blogger, I’ve concluded that there isn’t a way forward with the platform. </p><p>Unfortunately, its not the first time that the majors have stepped back from supporting products that I rely on. But I’ve also learned from experience. The best thing is to take the steps necessary to migrate to new services, ones with fewer bugs and better capability. In the end, I want a platform that best serves my audience and supports my authoring...</p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sIa4cpPOTzk/WTfgKcne1_I/AAAAAAAHSAo/Q92MpBn-p-s6Ju5Sd-XPGkzEfUZtP3gYwCHM/s1600-h/Pixl1780%257E2%2B%25281300x1292%2529%255B6%255D"><img width="114" height="114" title="Pixl1780~2 (1300x1292)" align="right" style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 7px; float: right; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="Pixl1780~2 (1300x1292)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FUshm7Xfz04/WTfgOa8GuiI/AAAAAAAHSAs/1oxRY7uiEhEmUf0UQir-_X9Pn9WYBMsUwCHM/Pixl1780%257E2%2B%25281300x1292%2529_thumb%255B3%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>So, I’ve begun the transition, registering a domain and engaging a support consultant. We’ll likely move the entire blog to a new platform in early July, with a new style template and, perhaps, additional personal pages. From your perspective it should be seamless: no content will be lost and the addresses won’t change. </p><blockquote><p>My professional site, Stone Bridge Biomedical, should also re-launch at the same time. While my two domains won’t be tightly joined, they will be more consistent and professional.</p></blockquote><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Iakd0o-Pprg/WTfgTwIgP_I/AAAAAAAHSAw/_23bLjPM-YoQM3vadrvFD9isriWyAdgsACHM/s1600-h/Pixl1856%2B%25281300x975%2529%255B5%255D"><img width="148" height="112" title="Pixl1856 (1300x975)" align="left" style="margin: 0px 5px 0px 0px; float: left; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="Pixl1856 (1300x975)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pmioJiyJXHo/WTfgYmTtrvI/AAAAAAAHSA0/v3VHNZVC3Tozeb6ABHs_RnJ7AFmriOCfwCHM/Pixl1856%2B%25281300x975%2529_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>In the meantime, I remain active on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/drhamptn/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, can be reached by email, and am always available for a ramble along the beach or a <em>biertje</em> by the river. Thanks again for reading, and for bearing with me during the migration.</p>Dave Hamptonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04756506577756946937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5408994472101717153.post-64279488415732302192017-04-21T19:57:00.001+02:002017-04-21T20:00:34.278+02:00Sorting out the issues<p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-62-jHcuFxsM/WPpHPpQZhcI/AAAAAAAHMdc/D6yvrWfHagg/s1600-h/Pixl1167-975x13004.jpg"><img title="Pixl1167 (975x1300)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 5px 0px 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Pixl1167 (975x1300)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-INOz5aRRz04/WPpHgTMVEbI/AAAAAAAHMdg/XGtXDCQRfuY/Pixl1167-975x1300_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="108" align="left" height="147"></a>There have been fewer blog posts of late because of numerous technical problems with too little time available to sort them. <a href="http://openlivewriter.org/" target="_blank">Open Live Writer</a> has only been able to publish intermittently because of an Error 500 associated with posting pictures. Blogger stores photos in dedicated albums in Google Photos, and the interface is, at best, inconsistent. </p> <blockquote> <p>The project team at <a href="http://openlivewriter.org/tutorials/googlePhotoFix.html" target="_blank">Github</a> has suggested workarounds, but I’ve had mixed success in getting them running. Test posts have, therefore, been popping up occasionally while I run potential fixes: I’m sorry for the spam and will hopefully get things to settle down shortly.</p></blockquote> <p><a href="https://www.sony.co.uk/electronics/interchangeable-lens-cameras/ilce-5100-body-kit" target="_blank"><img title="Pixl1135" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 5px 0px 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Pixl1135" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-phxLYDme17A/WPpIwa7PQEI/AAAAAAAHMd0/-7ZKWIdNCSM/Pixl1135%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="141" align="left" height="111">The camera</a> also needed to go into the shop for another lens. This is the third time that the camera has stopped recognising its own E-mount glass, its never in the body, but always in the lens recognition system. I have replacement insurance with John Lewis, fortunately, but it leaves me without good photo support until the system comes back. Hopefully it will be resolved next week.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fOo4wJigiqk/WPpHntrd5YI/AAAAAAAHMdk/JTzz2QntbcQ/s1600-h/Pixl1173-1300x9754.jpg"><img title="Pixl1173 (1300x975)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 6px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Pixl1173 (1300x975)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zbQZVC_5LBI/WPpIJRaAVNI/AAAAAAAHMds/UqwsFFnkAF8/Pixl1173-1300x975_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="142" align="right" height="112"></a>Finally, I updated the blog theme last week, slightly: Blogger has been changing its templates and a consultant suggested that uploads might start working if my migrated off of my 5-year-old standard. The blog and photos migrated fine, but I’ll likely make more aesthetic adjustments in the coming month. </p> <blockquote> <p>However, I’m still around and doing fine. There’s lots to share once things get sorted, and as the workload eases up in the Netherlands and UK.</p></blockquote>Dave Hamptonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04756506577756946937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5408994472101717153.post-22215923493758348222017-04-02T18:07:00.001+02:002017-04-22T12:08:05.154+02:00Braving the Dovedale Trail<p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dWkQqm4bfyA/WPpLYcfTPNI/AAAAAAAHMd8/V5kpG3vnEMU/s1600-h/Pixl0407%252520%2525281300x975%252529.jpg"><img title="Pixl0407 (1300x975)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 6px 0px 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Pixl0407 (1300x975)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9cVL7RhPD8Q/WPpLfGc6WAI/AAAAAAAHMeA/Wb2XtVzsBMI/Pixl0407%252520%2525281300x975%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" align="left" height="133"></a>Morning dawned misty and cool along the Amber Valley, a former mining district just southeast of the Peak District. Evening at the Farm Hotel had passed with comfortable ease, from drinks with the owner of a pub Saturday night to a decent buffet breakfast to start our Sunday.</p> <p> </p> <p align="center"> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YPzI2miRGWc/WPpLlQDVooI/AAAAAAAHMeE/KFltIwuKN5Q/s1600-h/Pixl0351-1300x9753.jpg"><img title="Pixl0351 (1300x975)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Pixl0351 (1300x975)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cnDGUAp1y6g/WPpMMQRZlcI/AAAAAAAHMeM/p0AyAuN2w3Q/Pixl0351-1300x975_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-l_ZzJTfGe-w/WPpMfK4yagI/AAAAAAAHMeQ/upkdtOjHL1c/s1600-h/Pixl0354-975x13004.jpg"><img title="Pixl0354 (975x1300)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Pixl0354 (975x1300)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wp6B72bWJtc/WPpMmR6kBKI/AAAAAAAHMeU/qZIyvgIEi8c/Pixl0354-975x1300_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="139" height="187"></a></p> <p>Flicking though the local outdoor guides, the nearby <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ilam-park-dovedale-and-the-white-peak/trails/ilam-park-to-dovedale-stepping-stones" target="_blank">Dovedale Walk</a> looked appealing: <em>One of the most beautiful limestone dales in Britain, a variety of scenery with the ever-changing River Dove, the steep limestone cliffs and spires, the rare woodlands species and its many caves. </em>The trailhead was in the nearby <a href="https://www.visitpeakdistrict.com/explore/towns-and-villages/ilam-p682031" target="_blank">village of Ilam</a>, near a rolling park, a stately home, and a looping bend of the Manifold River.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yBNPAJUy5VU/WPpMt1oJYfI/AAAAAAAHMfE/tQjumy_zgGE/s1600-h/Pixl0366-1300x9755.jpg"><img title="Pixl0366 (1300x975)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Pixl0366 (1300x975)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yNXTf6O5LrY/WPpM-N0AmKI/AAAAAAAHMhI/CoWvICbFDKo/Pixl0366-1300x975_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="196" height="155"></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PVrE3kLsR5c/WPpNGQL_RoI/AAAAAAAHMiE/hxEeVITHUiU/s1600-h/Pixl0369-1300x9484.jpg"><img title="Pixl0369 (1300x948)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Pixl0369 (1300x948)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8V7yfs2AOmE/WPpNOfHAMRI/AAAAAAAHMjM/o1dvqSHCsZE/Pixl0369-1300x948_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="204" height="153"></a></p> <p>Given that it was a nice spring weekend, though, families were out in force by 10 am and the narrow roads into the village clogged with traffic. We dropped anchor near the trailhead and walked the rest of the way in, along the tidy homes and past the stone church to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ilam_Park" target="_blank">Ilam Hall</a>, a once-fashionable mansion converted to youth-hostel by the National Trust. ‘tea and a beer, then off into the hills.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-j96qBZPCNU0/WPsl--0SrXI/AAAAAAAHMs0/rfNJjjVncO0/s1600-h/Pixl0375-1300x9755.jpg"><img title="Pixl0375 (1300x975)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Pixl0375 (1300x975)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oXc-iXmbXRE/WPsmT0ajvYI/AAAAAAAHMtk/ePWgqvEZdGQ/Pixl0375-1300x975_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="193" height="153"></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-u8sYsMfsgcg/WPsmcqTgNvI/AAAAAAAHMuA/jw62kwdVTC8/s1600-h/Pixl0382-1300x9464.jpg"><img title="Pixl0382 (1300x946)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Pixl0382 (1300x946)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-W1QV21FyIro/WPsmj6KlmnI/AAAAAAAHMuU/gt0NtYaZ_A4/Pixl0382-1300x946_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="207" height="155"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--wdqP7Oysxo/WPsm24PFMJI/AAAAAAAHMvA/0VYY-MHll4c/s1600-h/Pixl0387-1300x9755.jpg"><img title="Pixl0387 (1300x975)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Pixl0387 (1300x975)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pLwo9Vy4ATQ/WPsm-h1XagI/AAAAAAAHMvU/DHToO3LDpdE/Pixl0387-1300x975_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="199" height="158"></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vjTvTyyBGGI/WPsnGBft-WI/AAAAAAAHMvs/SZFh51oHlVQ/s1600-h/Pixl0390-1300x9754.jpg"><img title="Pixl0390 (1300x975)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Pixl0390 (1300x975)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HWSum6UGA4I/WPsnOfF9vmI/AAAAAAAHMwE/lcsZ20wiKGE/Pixl0390-1300x975_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="204" height="157"></a></p> <p>It’s lambing time in the northern meadows, sheep all across the trail the wound up above the roads and traffic. There was a steady line of walkers, some with dogs and sticks, others lifting children over the stiles, all sloshing along the muddy slopes. It made (my) balance tricky, but the rocky upslope alternate path was longer and steeper, so we stayed to the pastures and took things easy.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-X5XPu3bcFEM/WPsnVlD0K8I/AAAAAAAHMwc/NWnEoWwQZrY/s1600-h/Pixl0394-1300x9705.jpg"><img title="Pixl0394 (1300x970)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Pixl0394 (1300x970)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-n4g8-ApR3gI/WPsncZFSTiI/AAAAAAAHMww/M_znRF1E058/Pixl0394-1300x970_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="195" height="153"></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vAmJ_Nsj7xE/WPsnjBrYi6I/AAAAAAAHMw0/xTM7yhtliYQ/s1600-h/Pixl0389-1300x9734.jpg"><img title="Pixl0389 (1300x973)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Pixl0389 (1300x973)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qbGeg8wN5Zg/WPsnptZUDwI/AAAAAAAHMw4/qOvbHThwCZ4/Pixl0389-1300x973_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="201" height="155"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-n1hah_MsDSo/WPsoU5k5kyI/AAAAAAAHMxI/4z6lzoNcTlQ/s1600-h/Pixl0392-1300x9705.jpg"><img title="Pixl0392 (1300x970)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Pixl0392 (1300x970)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-o5ws_bh4GyU/WPsobaoHzFI/AAAAAAAHMxM/EKS9FegHEVo/Pixl0392-1300x970_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="194" height="153"></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ezE9ZXDNrEw/WPsoihf6cpI/AAAAAAAHMxQ/mIGkC14dxv0/s1600-h/Pixl0373-1300x9664.jpg"><img title="Pixl0373 (1300x966)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Pixl0373 (1300x966)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-X6kOsyoq0Ls/WPsoqha7u_I/AAAAAAAHMxU/PAw3LA9PlXM/Pixl0373-1300x966_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="206" height="157"></a></p> <p>The Dovedale Valley is about a mile onward, a frothing river flowing through steep-sided limestone canyons. The first attraction is the Stepping Stones, a sequence of flat rocks providing a well-known river crossing. There’s a bit of a queue to wait, but the rocks themselves, flat-topped and each about a foot apart, don’t seem to be much of an obstacle.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iZ6u6lUXZi0/WPso7QduYdI/AAAAAAAHMxY/MCjfi9jYE8Q/s1600-h/Pixl0403-1300x9755.jpg"><img title="Pixl0403 (1300x975)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Pixl0403 (1300x975)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SWnGH9pT8SY/WPspCSlNBRI/AAAAAAAHMxc/IUxK0Pda0bc/Pixl0403-1300x975_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="200" height="158"></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-x-ohO0WOpfg/WPspJTetW_I/AAAAAAAHMxg/EV5NG7Y9a_k/s1600-h/Pixl0405-1300x9744.jpg"><img title="Pixl0405 (1300x974)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Pixl0405 (1300x974)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Dnhts2ZHnb8/WPspRo4J-5I/AAAAAAAHMxk/fw_zcq-Crmg/Pixl0405-1300x974_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="200" height="154"></a></p> <p>Or so I thought. Crossing the first three, they were a bit more rough, muddy, slippery, and tipped than I’d realised. My ankle is similarly rough, wobbly, and tipped, and there was no easy way to go forward or back. </p> <blockquote> <p>Stuck, I beckoned my <em>w.wezen</em> back for an assist (who thought I only wanted to take a picture). With a steady hand to hold, the crossing was done, eliciting embarrassing applause from the group queued on the other bank. Age and hesitation, but falling into the water would have been worse.</p></blockquote> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2CRjowovGdM/WPspZzWDbzI/AAAAAAAHMxo/-oK9OlNHtlA/s1600-h/Pixl0401-1300x9755.jpg"><img title="Pixl0401 (1300x975)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Pixl0401 (1300x975)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JG-fFaDK0Zg/WPsph7-NBRI/AAAAAAAHMxs/Yh_yFdB5Jto/Pixl0401-1300x975_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="202" height="160"></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-g4sXYLjvEH4/WPsqOuBhUUI/AAAAAAAHMyA/gwwskXvynY8/s1600-h/Pixl0411-1300x9755.jpg"><img title="Pixl0411 (1300x975)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Pixl0411 (1300x975)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nzKu8Z3K8g8/WPsqgZ5l-tI/AAAAAAAHMyY/rMp3YpAZy5w/Pixl0411-1300x975_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="201" height="159"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0bpqMUEFkQ0/WPsqx0xZFuI/AAAAAAAHMyc/ypdT5rJh-c8/s1600-h/Pixl0409-1300x9744.jpg"><img title="Pixl0409 (1300x974)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Pixl0409 (1300x974)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Imv_MX3RaiQ/WPsq5B6gkCI/AAAAAAAHMyg/kMe6arO5SDM/Pixl0409-1300x974_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="195" height="150"></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XTrbpMRszIE/WPsq_4exIJI/AAAAAAAHMyk/I6K5sELwhQE/s1600-h/Pixl0410-1300x9744.jpg"><img title="Pixl0410 (1300x974)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Pixl0410 (1300x974)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2E1cC4-u3sQ/WPsrHt2rlhI/AAAAAAAHMyo/KUM7-wtznlw/Pixl0410-1300x974_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="200" height="154"></a></p> <p>Onwards, up the valley through rock formations, weirs, and little named settings (Lovers Leap). The whole three miles up to Milldale was more than we had time for, but it was nice to get back up into the hills and alongside the streams. </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DYpGrsU3Efg/WPsrPHQfy3I/AAAAAAAHMys/YRrE3IoWX6c/s1600-h/Pixl0416-1300x9754.jpg"><img title="Pixl0416 (1300x975)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 6px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Pixl0416 (1300x975)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-I1GbzBds_lM/WPsrVU0J0nI/AAAAAAAHMyw/0YlaIJlzq3Y/Pixl0416-1300x975_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="200" align="right" height="154"></a></p> <p>The further ridges and peaks were drawing venturesome teens and booted hikers, and it would be fun to scale for the views some other time. </p>Dave Hamptonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04756506577756946937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5408994472101717153.post-11891016008574751492017-04-01T20:02:00.000+02:002017-04-23T10:20:21.753+02:00Chatsworth Gardens<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yTDl1xoODzM/WPCmyZSFGbI/AAAAAAAHLLg/XJcPOEKhCJk/s1600-h/Pixl0321%252520%2525281300x975%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="Pixl0321 (1300x975)" border="0" height="159" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Z6RIf4Srj1o/WPCnMlh7_7I/AAAAAAAHLLk/IKzlC63cuIU/Pixl0321%252520%2525281300x975%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; margin: 0px 6px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Pixl0321 (1300x975)" width="206" /></a>The great English landscape gardener, <a href="http://www.capabilitybrown.org/" target="_blank">Capability Brown</a>, transformed the working farmland and small formal gardens around <a href="http://www.parksandgardens.org/places-and-people/site/770" target="_blank">Chatsworth House</a> to rolling gardens in 1760. Joseph Paxton added the kitchen gardens and glasshouses a hundred years later during his period as head gardener. <br />
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-o7XMznCjChc/WPCnTnWTN3I/AAAAAAAHLLo/Sez8l-NhxbQ/s1600-h/Pixl0238%252520%2525281300x963%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Pixl0238 (1300x963)" border="0" height="190" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Lf7sojIBNCI/WPCnbM5MkvI/AAAAAAAHLLs/gMaYMRl-1oM/Pixl0238%252520%2525281300x963%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Pixl0238 (1300x963)" width="243" /></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NJxdTKwEHyU/WPD1J13bArI/AAAAAAAHLNc/rfYUzHqnB-I/s1600-h/Pixl0234-962x13005.jpg"><img alt="Pixl0234 (962x1300)" border="0" height="190" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DXMGQUXv3pE/WPD1R42c0zI/AAAAAAAHLNg/BUyDRvacHsk/Pixl0234-962x1300_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Pixl0234 (962x1300)" width="137" /></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KTtcWuT2GHc/WPD1lXgY-tI/AAAAAAAHLNk/mnmy2fPtg9g/s1600-h/Pixl0223-1300x9754.jpg"><img alt="Pixl0223 (1300x975)" border="0" height="147" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EuqyLJ0AKtQ/WPD1sJUteBI/AAAAAAAHLNo/D0GInbNB3_0/Pixl0223-1300x975_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Pixl0223 (1300x975)" width="191" /></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-r_lOrcxMBSQ/WPD1zg2sIII/AAAAAAAHLNs/N_G-yClKL2U/s1600-h/Pixl0247-1300x9634.jpg"><img alt="Pixl0247 (1300x963)" border="0" height="149" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ux7BcZwJZ44/WPD2LCOJReI/AAAAAAAHLNw/c6oP6L8AxVg/Pixl0247-1300x963_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Pixl0247 (1300x963)" width="195" /></a></div>
Today the trails above the house meander through mature woodlands, flower beds, and sculpture displays between the working gardens. Turns in the path open to dramatic views of water and sky, framed by natural and architectural accents, the whole estate extending across 405 hectares.<br />
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jnRt1L0h4sM/WPD2eeINXNI/AAAAAAAHLN0/kNJSV_mf5To/s1600-h/Pixl0263-1300x9675.jpg"><img alt="Pixl0263 (1300x967)" border="0" height="197" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jnvg82KnF3A/WPD2kgiX4pI/AAAAAAAHLN4/1g65PkH1Em8/Pixl0263-1300x967_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Pixl0263 (1300x967)" width="252" /></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WyhUQcvmAW8/WPD2rxll5KI/AAAAAAAHLN8/3p8iQ_dlGH0/s1600-h/Pixl0261-975x13007.jpg"><img alt="Pixl0261 (975x1300)" border="0" height="200" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QsP1XS4H0lY/WPD2z8SlE0I/AAAAAAAHLOA/x30WAupfNmk/Pixl0261-975x1300_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Pixl0261 (975x1300)" width="141" /></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-L9vntHXX4XM/WPD27N9tZpI/AAAAAAAHLOE/zOohUIApUXE/s1600-h/Pixl0285-1300x9617.jpg"><img alt="Pixl0285 (1300x961)" border="0" height="201" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-igTrv97Z_pU/WPD3CpAFnwI/AAAAAAAHLOI/g8_f1KquQpE/Pixl0285-1300x961_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Pixl0285 (1300x961)" width="249" /></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-g3PkkvuFjOA/WPD3KZieT-I/AAAAAAAHLOM/q65ToLF_xn0/s1600-h/Pixl0271-973x13004.jpg"><img alt="Pixl0271 (973x1300)" border="0" height="199" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-E2rah6CPOV8/WPD3SC1tpQI/AAAAAAAHLOQ/ezpAxuxewL8/Pixl0271-973x1300_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Pixl0271 (973x1300)" width="148" /></a></div>
Lancelot (Capability) Brown’s style was style founded on <a href="http://www.capabilitybrown.org/about-capability-brown" target="_blank">two principles</a>. First, the practical: that the finished gardens should meet their ‘capability’, providing for every need of the great house. The second was elegance: the features of the garden must cohere to a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capability_Brown" target="_blank">grammar of features</a>. The result was was a pleasing (for me, anyway) alternative to the geometric and boxed French gardens, lots of grassy planes with open views, scattered trees and hedges, and winding waterworks and lakes.<br />
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kZioqlrlsiM/WPD3aLi9prI/AAAAAAAHLOU/TEJ_vJsB-IM/s1600-h/Pixl0313-974x13006.jpg"><img alt="Pixl0313 (974x1300)" border="0" height="201" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ll2J13JAhMA/WPD3hjVW8II/AAAAAAAHLOY/hYzKoODREi0/Pixl0313-974x1300_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Pixl0313 (974x1300)" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CjJgqgbxwzI/WPD3o5RHUDI/AAAAAAAHLOc/73Phc_f9DrU/s1600-h/Pixl0300-1300x9755.jpg"><img alt="Pixl0300 (1300x975)" border="0" height="200" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RKC3DqCZvjs/WPD3vedFSjI/AAAAAAAHLOg/sY3dbBIx1bs/Pixl0300-1300x975_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Pixl0300 (1300x975)" width="255" /></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6jE3uUNTzMY/WPD32kcyLLI/AAAAAAAHLOk/qsrjHuaDeRg/s1600-h/Pixl0303-1300x9755.jpg"><img alt="Pixl0303 (1300x975)" border="0" height="152" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Id7DEUNO3YI/WPD4KrwlrUI/AAAAAAAHLOo/uTNUxhA8G1c/Pixl0303-1300x975_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Pixl0303 (1300x975)" width="192" /></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-o_STU-b9RS8/WPD4RrqX4PI/AAAAAAAHLOs/jAXTYdR6qPE/s1600-h/Pixl0274-1300x9734.jpg"><img alt="Pixl0274 (1300x973)" border="0" height="156" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LKTQi52qG5M/WPD4Y4HqB2I/AAAAAAAHLOw/w-GfUV06JFo/Pixl0274-1300x973_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Pixl0274 (1300x973)" width="202" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">It didn’t come cheap: the Chatsworth gardens took 25,000 man and horse days to create, and cost over £40,000 (nearly £6 million in <a href="https://www.measuringworth.com/ppoweruk/" target="_blank">today’s currency</a>). Still, on a sunny warm spring day, their real value is evident.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yUdtEO6zR-Q/WPD4gpIsJSI/AAAAAAAHLO0/ZPT4A7NUShE/s1600-h/Pixl0295-1300x9587.jpg"><img alt="Pixl0295 (1300x958)" border="0" height="153" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wz6PhCtRf3c/WPD4n1TIgwI/AAAAAAAHLO4/-sUvwonj9B4/Pixl0295-1300x958_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Pixl0295 (1300x958)" width="187" /></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Crmh4U_jzNY/WPD4vKBbARI/AAAAAAAHLO8/39folgul1TQ/s1600-h/Pixl0290-1300x9755.jpg"><img alt="Pixl0290 (1300x975)" border="0" height="154" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kEZGySDZqLs/WPD42KkdjgI/AAAAAAAHLPA/7AP6T9qAVgw/Pixl0290-1300x975_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Pixl0290 (1300x975)" width="195" /></a></span></span></div>
Dave Hamptonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04756506577756946937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5408994472101717153.post-14711772469299807582017-03-31T21:50:00.002+02:002017-04-07T11:28:34.772+02:00House Style at Chatsworth<p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_ekbt_UknYg/WOdIivJNsBI/AAAAAAAHJEw/q3UT-AjPCMg/s1600-h/Pixl0168%252520%252528975x1300%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Pixl0168 (975x1300)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 6px 0px 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Pixl0168 (975x1300)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-n4RzxKYhFwY/WOdIpvzlGjI/AAAAAAAHJE0/tsgHQL7UmvA/Pixl0168%252520%252528975x1300%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" align="left" height="244" /></a>With meetings finished for the week, we decided to head north, rather than south, for the weekend.  Trees and flowers are blooming later in Derbyshire than in Dorset, but there was a hint of spring warmth and likely only light numbers of visitors to the Peak District.</p> <p>Chatsworth House, towards the southeast corner of the Park, is one of the enormous stately homes beloved by the British.  It was established by the <a href="http://www.cheshirenow.co.uk/cavendish_family.html" target="_blank">Cavendish family</a> in the 1500s, located in the Derwent River valley half way between Bakewell (of the  Frosted Tart) and Chesterfield (of the <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pEssjLubIHk/WOdIwWuhAFI/AAAAAAAHJE4/8Jw6QXLzZEQ/s1600-h/Pixl0130%252520%2525281300x947%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Pixl0130 (1300x947)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 7px 0px 0px 5px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Pixl0130 (1300x947)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ecn5kqQ4V4Y/WOdI2iRfFPI/AAAAAAAHJE8/ptv9FRbvCaM/Pixl0130%252520%2525281300x947%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="202" align="right" height="152" /></a>Twisted Steeple). </p> <blockquote> <p>The home is an enormous beige Tudor block, set in lovely green rolling gardens: the current Duke and Duchess host tours and rotating exhibitions.  Currently, ‘500 Years of Fashion’ are on view, a well-composed collection that rambles through two floors of the House.</p> </blockquote> <p align="center"><a href="https://www.chatsworth.org/" target="_blank"><img title="Pixl0328 (1300x975)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Pixl0328 (1300x975)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lawokBxyvH4/WOdQV_6G8QI/AAAAAAAHJHs/hJoOski5oCw/Pixl0328%252520%2525281300x975%252529%25255B10%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="191" height="147" /></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-T_Uz1UupjgU/WOdUwSZlhJI/AAAAAAAHJH4/tzzrUrZAEnk/s1600-h/Pixl0140%252520%2525281300x972%252529%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img title="Pixl0140 (1300x972)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Pixl0140 (1300x972)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aivYybu7HzI/WOdU3Syr28I/AAAAAAAHJH8/4l5ViICSKZE/Pixl0140%252520%2525281300x972%252529_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="188" height="144" /></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-V816cx2KigA/WOdU9zPiP4I/AAAAAAAHJIA/g8aDBtgYx7w/s1600-h/Pixl0172%252520%2525281300x975%252529%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img title="Pixl0172 (1300x975)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Pixl0172 (1300x975)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-g42VkMeWcEE/WOdVFnfcv_I/AAAAAAAHJIE/lAdiBsHVOIc/Pixl0172%252520%2525281300x975%252529_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="191" height="147" /></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LdrJF0kgQfI/WOdVMbMN9-I/AAAAAAAHJIo/kRgea_4djfE/s1600-h/Pixl0138%252520%2525281300x956%252529%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img title="Pixl0138 (1300x956)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Pixl0138 (1300x956)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zVdVSOrw47E/WOdZgsG4PyI/AAAAAAAHJKw/JAZHvDh4SZE/Pixl0138%252520%2525281300x956%252529_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="192" height="145" /></a></p> <p>The Cavendish family has been prominent in British politics, culture, and diplomacy for eleven generations, and  the assembled photographs and ballgowns reflect their evolution and influence across the centuries.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tvqq1ZK8iRw/WOdZncGjSGI/AAAAAAAHJK4/OXJo3QEoM7Q/s1600-h/Pixl0167%252520%2525281300x975%252529%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="Pixl0167 (1300x975)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Pixl0167 (1300x975)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JQNVhu_kqhY/WOdZ3HC9QCI/AAAAAAAHJLE/yUJGFDpFdtE/Pixl0167%252520%2525281300x975%252529_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="190" height="150" /></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dNUlcnwbdUE/WOdac_NUH6I/AAAAAAAHJLM/mHTGoP-6oIA/s1600-h/Pixl0146%252520%2525281300x959%252529%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="Pixl0146 (1300x959)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Pixl0146 (1300x959)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9PC7xxgH0Pw/WOdakdCetYI/AAAAAAAHJLU/0D26amDUxno/Pixl0146%252520%2525281300x959%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="199" height="151" /></a></p> <blockquote> <p>Exhibits range from banal embroidered t-shirts to wispy wedding and christening gowns, from peacock –feathered costume parties to formal corseted state affairs.  ‘Fashion’ is almost exclusively women’s clothes throughout: men favour jackets and trousers with only the ties tracking the trends.</p> </blockquote> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ccXXGZJLhqo/WOdK7fT5ZmI/AAAAAAAHJFw/QITFRF9zenk/s1600-h/Pixl0154%252520%252528975x1300%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Pixl0154 (975x1300)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Pixl0154 (975x1300)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Z2JRa-N0duc/WOdLhizuJ4I/AAAAAAAHJF4/bAKlHtX8FvQ/Pixl0154%252520%252528975x1300%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OOJAGK7JPUg/WOdLn2KPaWI/AAAAAAAHJF8/OV8bi4HvZU4/s1600-h/Pixl0189%252520%2525281300x975%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Pixl0189 (1300x975)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Pixl0189 (1300x975)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dIo90XX76zo/WOdLvG67yRI/AAAAAAAHJGA/u3AtPcx2CIo/Pixl0189%252520%2525281300x975%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="219" height="169" /></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VC-JmuNK6cM/WOdL2XN9RUI/AAAAAAAHJGE/EtJjIb-cp_Q/s1600-h/Pixl0188%252520%2525281300x1217%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Pixl0188 (1300x1217)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Pixl0188 (1300x1217)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xGxrgTojAp0/WOdMGsgR3ZI/AAAAAAAHJGI/sTUv-2gJnV0/Pixl0188%252520%2525281300x1217%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="211" height="202" /></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5U73ef_r2ak/WOdMNVxNeJI/AAAAAAAHJGM/R9nPC7OIq74/s1600-h/Pixl0170%252520%252528975x1300%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Pixl0170 (975x1300)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Pixl0170 (975x1300)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IdpCb0Rp140/WOdM2MsfNOI/AAAAAAAHJGU/lZRjJzG39xY/Pixl0170%252520%252528975x1300%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qWEVm9RRmRM/WOdM9W4ZrkI/AAAAAAAHJGY/E82XfPBaM4o/s1600-h/Pixl0176%252520%252528975x1300%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Pixl0176 (975x1300)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Pixl0176 (975x1300)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oiIPfQIo_0k/WOdNEY_7OOI/AAAAAAAHJGc/U4da8afp8d8/Pixl0176%252520%252528975x1300%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="172" height="232" /></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rR91vMD_1fk/WOdNK5UYcwI/AAAAAAAHJGg/V6hMa6f0NVA/s1600-h/Pixl0155%252520%2525281300x975%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Pixl0155 (1300x975)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Pixl0155 (1300x975)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gWBY5Cd-9Ss/WOdNSNn_Q9I/AAAAAAAHJGk/FgtY07D33Qo/Pixl0155%252520%2525281300x975%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="222" height="171" /></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yRs_nUDnnQs/WOdNY6eEdTI/AAAAAAAHJGo/anIZYiyq3ZM/s1600-h/Pixl0190%252520%2525281300x945%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="Pixl0190 (1300x945)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Pixl0190 (1300x945)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-S0zsaaLUEFk/WOdNfYaTRbI/AAAAAAAHJGs/biOsJkiJyLY/Pixl0190%252520%2525281300x945%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="219" height="167" /></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KfOisBKEH6w/WOdNmuAoYtI/AAAAAAAHJGw/z10-BhVc-6k/s1600-h/Pixl0174%252520%252528975x1300%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Pixl0174 (975x1300)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Pixl0174 (975x1300)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dmBqVT0Kioc/WOdNueGOAII/AAAAAAAHJG0/3ng-4Ii7IT8/Pixl0174%252520%252528975x1300%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="178" height="240" /></a> </p> <p>The interiors are occupied and composed, with none of the feel of an attic on display that some Homes have.  Here, rooms reflect everyday life: Writing desks are laid with diaries and letters, the formal dining room is ready for a dinner like I have never attended.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5C7s9yTS55Y/WOdN2PeIZkI/AAAAAAAHJG4/_y_7OtHBJOQ/s1600-h/Pixl0212%252520%2525281300x975%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Pixl0212 (1300x975)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Pixl0212 (1300x975)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-c-8XqYBOP2Q/WOdN8353AyI/AAAAAAAHJG8/pGOJiFIRaBA/Pixl0212%252520%2525281300x975%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="226" height="174" /></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jb-fHiJXym8/WOdOEMjT8dI/AAAAAAAHJHA/w0V8niG0ufo/s1600-h/Pixl0200%252520%252528975x1300%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Pixl0200 (975x1300)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Pixl0200 (975x1300)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-u1pic43D9nY/WOdOLFABlbI/AAAAAAAHJHE/f6sl8hKRlNM/Pixl0200%252520%252528975x1300%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="168" height="226" /></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0qxwiiZzWxM/WOdORmSSbMI/AAAAAAAHJHI/eDSJShwMCLY/s1600-h/Pixl0197%252520%252528975x1300%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Pixl0197 (975x1300)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Pixl0197 (975x1300)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8PFJB9VleFA/WOdOZWnjubI/AAAAAAAHJHM/MFstCbkZ5Ko/Pixl0197%252520%252528975x1300%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="174" height="234" /></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8aHiLnjnNUs/WOdOg-FUB4I/AAAAAAAHJHQ/9mtN7vwARwc/s1600-h/Pixl0192%252520%2525281300x975%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Pixl0192 (1300x975)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Pixl0192 (1300x975)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KVxNNcauRME/WOdO8dTpQuI/AAAAAAAHJHU/P7vVKu42uKc/Pixl0192%252520%2525281300x975%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="226" height="174" /></a></p> <blockquote> <p>The size of the table would only allow for conversation with nearest neighbors sitting alongside: did people mingle or rotate between courses?  </p> <p>Similarly, how would daily life flow through so many rooms: there had to be many fewer social and family interactions in the House than would be the case in a Home today.  </p> </blockquote> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ceUnF6WOusE/WOdPC86d_NI/AAAAAAAHJHY/iI2nRNk08Ms/s1600-h/Pixl0189%252520%2525281300x975%252529%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="Pixl0189 (1300x975)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Pixl0189 (1300x975)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mxQajeD-Ey4/WOdPT0k7lDI/AAAAAAAHJHc/lCCOwpikPRY/Pixl0189%252520%2525281300x975%252529_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="249" height="192" /></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-P9U1tkmvX8g/WOdPbcRD3UI/AAAAAAAHJHg/pFKxQwfLyFA/s1600-h/Pixl0202%252520%252528975x1300%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Pixl0202 (975x1300)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Pixl0202 (975x1300)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oVYGX_pGmhI/WOdPipi2AXI/AAAAAAAHJHk/P_jgiw7EB5c/Pixl0202%252520%252528975x1300%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="143" height="192" /></a></p> <p>Every room seems to be a stage, decorated and lit to impress, even those unlikely to ever have seen a visitor.  </p> <blockquote> <p>I suppose it was a reminder to them, as it would be today, of their heritage, position, responsibility, and wealth.  In a time of Brexit, it is a preservation of how British exceptionalism was defined for centuries.</p> <p>At the same time, in our populist age,  the Chatsworth is both egalitarian and voyeuristic.  The parade of ordinary people gaping at their stately rooms and taking selfies with poised dresses is leveling and polarising: they are so like us, but really not like us.</p></blockquote>Dave Hamptonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04756506577756946937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5408994472101717153.post-32744895914529001992017-03-09T14:26:00.000+01:002017-03-10T00:15:18.219+01:00Flying Silver<p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-J63D_IjZsa0/WMHgHnSpcOI/AAAAAAAHE2M/aPkp5oEGY8U/s1600-h/DSC01479-791x13004.jpg"><img title="DSC01479 (791x1300)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 7px 0px 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC01479 (791x1300)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-d__flxB1G_M/WMHgNFZW7xI/AAAAAAAHE2U/e15pvpwtn_8/DSC01479-791x1300_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="137" align="left" height="226" /></a></p> <p align="left">It’s been, well, decades since I flew in the airlines lowest privilege category. ‘not a bad thing, but different now that I’m demoted.</p> <p align="left">The cause is a combination of factors.  I’m not traveling as much overall. When i do, it’s to Stockholm, Budapest, Dubrovnik: Low-cost carriers rather than the majors.  And my long-time loyalty partner, Delta, has changed their program to reward dollars spent rather than mils flown.  ‘not good if I am always looking for a discount fare.</p> <blockquote> <p align="left">Which leaves me Silver, not Platinum, for 2017.</p> </blockquote> <p align="left">Differences.  No lounge access.  Half-full wine glasses.. No complimentary upgrades.  Lower mileage matches.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2_D2dx7_GtA/WMHgTnX0N7I/AAAAAAAHE2Y/ROeS2pS_pZ8/s1600-h/DSC01468-1300x8445.jpg"><img title="DSC01468 (1300x844)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC01468 (1300x844)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TULK73L1J2k/WMHga1u80XI/AAAAAAAHE2c/ZCCq6OVZPUk/DSC01468-1300x844_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="198" height="137" /></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GNUvLHU2zzc/WMHgu9x3LiI/AAAAAAAHE2g/UAcOuZxWmY8/s1600-h/DSC01474-1300x8644.jpg"><img title="DSC01474 (1300x864)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC01474 (1300x864)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LoImY_CMGCE/WMHg18NKZJI/AAAAAAAHE2k/jRx4cp0k8FI/DSC01474-1300x864_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="190" height="131" /></a></p> <p align="left">But, you know, it’s good.  The day was coming, and the chase was getting tired.  The pre-flight mimosa, the complimentary newspaper, the miso soup and shortbread, early bag unloading, occasional preferred customs, and the speedy wifi, adds up to little.  Really. Being part of the global elite is addictive, but neither necessary nor defining.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RCJ7NKHYlI4/WMHhLqukp1I/AAAAAAAHE2s/wT63wSo6YQY/s1600-h/DSC01470-1300x8675.jpg"><img title="DSC01470 (1300x867)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC01470 (1300x867)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SyVkBxoGdME/WMHhS6D_IkI/AAAAAAAHE2w/F8KlzNGt94c/DSC01470-1300x867_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="191" height="135" /></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8INn_5_GZ40/WMHhaeyP0fI/AAAAAAAHE20/w46OBDi1R-4/s1600-h/DSC01461-1300x8635.jpg"><img title="DSC01461 (1300x863)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC01461 (1300x863)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-57_47QiYT0o/WMHhiFTlT-I/AAAAAAAHE24/Gywh7LQbc60/DSC01461-1300x863_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="196" height="139" /></a></p> <p align="left">So I am exploring the airport shops for small gifts, buying a panini and a pint when the mood strikes, and scrounging power from the Witherspoons in exchange for purchasing a bucket of chips. </p> <blockquote> <p align="left">All good, nothing lost.  ‘just different.  And really, not worth the money or chase.</p> <p align="left">Even given the cheap wine glass, only half full.</p></blockquote>Dave Hamptonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04756506577756946937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5408994472101717153.post-1876618878783620442017-03-05T19:01:00.000+01:002017-04-23T10:19:49.078+02:00London twilight<div align="center">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9TgT_c0mfZE/WMHYIshUWOI/AAAAAAAHExU/JfptIVq1QFo/s1600-h/DSC01381-1300x8675.jpg"><img alt="DSC01381 (1300x867)" border="0" height="220" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-b2yGF1D9LD8/WMHYQAvBCII/AAAAAAAHExY/IAIpB7WHZ6w/DSC01381-1300x867_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC01381 (1300x867)" width="313" /></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Gt8MH6oyUcM/WMHYXnldscI/AAAAAAAHExg/7tO5f-P4hFg/s1600-h/DSC01383-1300x8674.jpg"><img alt="DSC01383 (1300x867)" border="0" height="137" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LvvlrxSWqvQ/WMHYe9lJbCI/AAAAAAAHExo/BWrfZ_nEZ68/DSC01383-1300x867_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC01383 (1300x867)" width="199" /></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9dflEnNG0XU/WMHYlrd3iEI/AAAAAAAHExs/SUn6RP_sPls/s1600-h/DSC01404-1300x8674.jpg"><img alt="DSC01404 (1300x867)" border="0" height="137" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7_qR8gtOFEM/WMHYsT6sMRI/AAAAAAAHEx0/jhWlBgDqkRk/DSC01404-1300x867_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC01404 (1300x867)" width="199" /></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3W3Jau_OYGw/WMHY8RS1QAI/AAAAAAAHEyE/XsAqo8J7nHU/s1600-h/DSC01401-1300x86710.jpg"><img alt="DSC01401 (1300x867)" border="0" height="228" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jxwMftPTsIM/WMHZEOM3l3I/AAAAAAAHEyI/qsXGQhUAbGM/DSC01401-1300x867_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC01401 (1300x867)" width="319" /></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YSEnzuGDN_A/WMHZLcXon9I/AAAAAAAHEyM/sbmwJi3cI20/s1600-h/DSC01440-867x13005.jpg"><img alt="DSC01440 (867x1300)" border="0" height="185" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ypF_97iChxo/WMHZQ93V9II/AAAAAAAHEyQ/4jIb4IqjSeE/DSC01440-867x1300_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC01440 (867x1300)" width="120" /></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TIB4zCoALTI/WMHZYEIH8pI/AAAAAAAHEyY/bfjuFkM5U-8/s1600-h/DSC01445-1300x8674.jpg"><img alt="DSC01445 (1300x867)" border="0" height="186" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ms6oZRNRLZ8/WMHZevMzc4I/AAAAAAAHEyg/tIeAs_64DUI/DSC01445-1300x867_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC01445 (1300x867)" width="270" /></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2lORtB1367o/WMHZksMq4iI/AAAAAAAHEyk/DvzAgOy7EQI/s1600-h/DSC01407-Stitch-1300x7774.jpg"><img alt="DSC01407 Stitch (1300x777)" border="0" height="200" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GZIumm3ipdI/WMHZrSuY84I/AAAAAAAHEyo/23WBZyVna3I/DSC01407-Stitch-1300x777_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC01407 Stitch (1300x777)" width="329" /></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-W97YYyOKZx4/WMHZynwfJfI/AAAAAAAHEys/mXoqPluHdWI/s1600-h/DSC01448-1300x8677.jpg"><img alt="DSC01448 (1300x867)" border="0" height="148" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-l7a1RGr31kQ/WMHZ4oxObRI/AAAAAAAHEyw/TDBW94V1oHs/DSC01448-1300x867_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC01448 (1300x867)" width="197" /></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-X7tXPC9EqPE/WMHZ_m22wEI/AAAAAAAHEy0/nuKT9P0PNbU/s1600-h/DSC01443-1300x8678.jpg"><img alt="DSC01443 (1300x867)" border="0" height="149" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MSP_uG-Dh4c/WMHaGMrFtWI/AAAAAAAHEy4/C2l1ZJib9YA/DSC01443-1300x867_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC01443 (1300x867)" width="196" /></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oI-m5qHXgOg/WMHaNMSR3YI/AAAAAAAHEy8/RWOuitcasrw/s1600-h/DSC01432-1300x8675.jpg"><img alt="DSC01432 (1300x867)" border="0" height="196" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-J6IvxK00q04/WMHaTR2pbrI/AAAAAAAHEzE/XtJ2gnyCbSw/DSC01432-1300x867_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC01432 (1300x867)" width="278" /></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-v8OtN1NFAhQ/WMHaZ-yO8CI/AAAAAAAHEzI/FKn_6Jqh0tA/s1600-h/DSC01435-867x13005.jpg"><img alt="DSC01435 (867x1300)" border="0" height="195" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ilU_WaVY_iM/WMHafZP2C4I/AAAAAAAHEzM/2OoZL0P8du4/DSC01435-867x1300_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC01435 (867x1300)" width="127" /></a></div>
Dave Hamptonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04756506577756946937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5408994472101717153.post-81287160057733884772017-03-04T21:17:00.000+01:002017-03-10T00:05:17.402+01:00Poole, into London<p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-l-F9lOCyXvc/WMHauN8jFgI/AAAAAAAHEzQ/iC0mvZBEqw8/s1600-h/DSC01298-867x13004.jpg"><img title="DSC01298 (867x1300)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 6px 0px 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC01298 (867x1300)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Y0qSJf76S0E/WMHa0zqmKHI/AAAAAAAHEzY/h_AC6_gqKIk/DSC01298-867x1300_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="130" align="left" height="196" /></a>A close friend called, asked if I could meet him in London today on a personal matter.  Of course, anything, let me get the train in.  I pick up a flower and a some fizzy water before heading out.</p> <p>I’d planned a day along the beach, long overdue.  A storm surf would have been wonderful, white foam and booming breaks, but the early morning was placid along the harbor and the beachfront.  Still, lovely to walk the sands and share the morning with the couples and dog-walkers.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iUl9DiknPYs/WMHa6yH62mI/AAAAAAAHEzc/UpjENVPzWo4/s1600-h/DSC01284-1300x8675.jpg"><img title="DSC01284 (1300x867)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC01284 (1300x867)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-P0bxtcbkqL8/WMHbCUSkJzI/AAAAAAAHEzk/sJTOH1BEgJY/DSC01284-1300x867_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="231" height="164" /></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qkURILzb2W0/WMHbJxgLdHI/AAAAAAAHEzo/cM2GBQgAYjo/s1600-h/DSC01254-1300x8675.jpg"><img title="DSC01254 (1300x867)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC01254 (1300x867)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4ZlJTcVrIfU/WMHbRYDDaJI/AAAAAAAHEzs/nuxzGH0Rg5o/DSC01254-1300x867_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="156" height="163" /></a>  <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-145zwszvvsU/WMHbZPUyyzI/AAAAAAAHEzw/J72MkrgW5N0/s1600-h/DSC01275-1300x8676.jpg"><img title="DSC01275 (1300x867)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC01275 (1300x867)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9iYhenoErsE/WMHbgTUY21I/AAAAAAAHEz0/X2M8tAwH-ys/DSC01275-1300x867_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="194" height="141" /></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UlK5B-x9Rpc/WMHbnxFCKUI/AAAAAAAHEz8/SyJNSPC8C_g/s1600-h/DSC01268-1300x8674.jpg"><img title="DSC01268 (1300x867)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC01268 (1300x867)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fDlUqrR3-s4/WMHbvCw9fwI/AAAAAAAHE0E/uVr6UzOYhdY/DSC01268-1300x867_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="206" height="142" /></a></p> <p>Right.  9 am: hit the roads north.  On arriving in Basingstoke, though, there were a few adjustments.  There is no more cruel word in Dutch than <em>snelbus</em>. The British equivalent is Replacement Bus, evident only after I’d paid for parking.  When track works are on, the transit times double.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6_vtXL_1B18/WMHb_9zTurI/AAAAAAAHE0I/zc6pAyFgxgE/s1600-h/DSC01289-1300x8674.jpg"><img title="DSC01289 (1300x867)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC01289 (1300x867)" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7rA0hyPktG1O5acGK0aMsHznE-VY_0MoyQ0PVULTtwfAUcMHuzu2R7cBfcFmBlYyqeCVdq4tci42asFHKFvoOjnY1aZiILS_Vm0OeAFEpLCINecgCDAgNh3jMJb1XmX1TTWTWNLeYxtv2/?imgmax=800" width="195" height="135" /></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cGBx69oXZfw/WMHcXXAw-PI/AAAAAAAHE0U/G3Rf66hFUTY/s1600-h/DSC01290-1300x8674.jpg"><img title="DSC01290 (1300x867)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC01290 (1300x867)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VGjYnAh0Ieg/WMHceI1c5hI/AAAAAAAHE0Y/dpih7gesWp0/DSC01290-1300x867_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="208" height="143" /></a></p> <p>In this case, the delays start with waiting for an onwards bus, and end with further 45 minute waits for a train in Woking.  Still, it’s a chance to see the place, and, in my case, to find the landing spots for <a href="http://www.thewaroftheworlds-woking.com/index.html" target="_blank">Wells' Martians</a>.  They are well remembered in the city: a landing spot near the mall, the mechanical tripod striding along the thoroughfares.</p> <p align="center"> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bOp9pyqihNQ/WMHclh-UqXI/AAAAAAAHE0c/o52b-2YdS38/s1600-h/DSC01293-1300x8675.jpg"><img title="DSC01293 (1300x867)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC01293 (1300x867)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EKvwUO4dAQ8/WMHctVHwJQI/AAAAAAAHE0g/8EE1SRA301g/DSC01293-1300x867_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="265" height="187" /></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IaR_O4uMftM/WMHc0VcGiII/AAAAAAAHE0k/B9YLZvfI5fg/s1600-h/DSC01295-867x13005.jpg"><img title="DSC01295 (867x1300)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC01295 (867x1300)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7xraLjzGSpY/WMHc7Q-fMuI/AAAAAAAHE0o/3l8Ir6QJ6Bg/DSC01295-867x1300_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="125" height="192" /></a></p> <p>All in all, five hours to London, car, bus, and train.  And there will be an equal measure back for the evening.  Still, the visit with the family in St. Thomas meant a lot for all of us.  Between conversations, there were moments free for walks along Southbank.  A small food fair, a burst of rain, a lot of tourists to study. </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SA_QHDKMSfA/WMHdCLFGXlI/AAAAAAAHE0w/eoltcO3k7iQ/s1600-h/DSC01337-867x13004.jpg"><img title="DSC01337 (867x1300)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC01337 (867x1300)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BHJ_Gm--JIM/WMHdJgDm9cI/AAAAAAAHE00/wGRnCkGwHKU/DSC01337-867x1300_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="126" height="190" /></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-el77y85gs6g/WMHdRonYDdI/AAAAAAAHE04/md8cs13am2w/s1600-h/DSC01313-1300x8674.jpg"><img title="DSC01313 (1300x867)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC01313 (1300x867)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QGvDasd2Za8/WMHdYHSeSuI/AAAAAAAHE08/dMu9LsNQ-8A/DSC01313-1300x867_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="273" height="188" /></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DoG0oS-JM2k/WMHdelWg0XI/AAAAAAAHE1A/eSNiCj1yR7E/s1600-h/DSC01325-1300x8673.jpg"><img title="DSC01325 (1300x867)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC01325 (1300x867)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-J8RhhoP0iZ0/WMHdkyNSS6I/AAAAAAAHE1E/hRulIjwBwrs/DSC01325-1300x867_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-snOQWBhcco8/WMHd3_LhGdI/AAAAAAAHE1M/ONCqzRc1mNo/s1600-h/DSC01330-1300x8674.jpg"><img title="DSC01330 (1300x867)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC01330 (1300x867)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gRZw9lLAYww/WMHd__qpjMI/AAAAAAAHE1Q/pscTDpiwcyg/DSC01330-1300x867_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="146" height="162" /></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PHOwUnL37xM/WMHeFqIeLKI/AAAAAAAHE1U/HjMR3Mbf_CI/s1600-h/DSC01335-1300x8675.jpg"><img title="DSC01335 (1300x867)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC01335 (1300x867)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-U_P2QTMITF8/WMHeK0IqPiI/AAAAAAAHE1Y/u0Y1yyfgeZo/DSC01335-1300x867_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="273" height="192" /></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wcG_pVR52DE/WMHebOoUCBI/AAAAAAAHE1g/bDGDxi98r1M/s1600-h/DSC01326-867x13006.jpg"><img title="DSC01326 (867x1300)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC01326 (867x1300)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1aojDeNoHeU/WMHejBOtaVI/AAAAAAAHE1k/ZXKC7rLKD0U/DSC01326-867x1300_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="122" height="191" /></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5Ds-foXBGtg/WMHepgbl6yI/AAAAAAAHE1o/MzpJ4vBvEJs/s1600-h/DSC01349-867x13004.jpg"><img title="DSC01349 (867x1300)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC01349 (867x1300)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-K1KjJm7x4sk/WMHewZOntSI/AAAAAAAHE1s/ZQ9JGRaN5Lc/DSC01349-867x1300_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="121" height="182" /></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yFe-X5M01YI/WMHe32vKDmI/AAAAAAAHE1w/n-7GpBoZNAA/s1600-h/DSC01371-1300x8674.jpg"><img title="DSC01371 (1300x867)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC01371 (1300x867)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QkFQXkEU5GU/WMHe-njOjrI/AAAAAAAHE10/LqCW8Ltf_eM/DSC01371-1300x867_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="267" height="184" /></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cvNxqM8cqP4/WMHfU0xuiJI/AAAAAAAHE18/7-gjgjv7DVs/s1600-h/DSC01348-867x13003.jpg"><img title="DSC01348 (867x1300)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC01348 (867x1300)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-R_RQY8cUqto/WMHfc1ChWoI/AAAAAAAHE2A/C-9Q82f585A/DSC01348-867x1300_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244" /></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JsiOTSWeBbI/WMHfjjlB7QI/AAAAAAAHE2E/5rwuVMImeI0/s1600-h/DSC01324-1300x867-23.jpg"><img title="DSC01324 (1300x867) (2)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC01324 (1300x867) (2)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-L34uXgaNU9Q/WMHfrEh2GPI/AAAAAAAHE2I/RvEZSDzj3_E/DSC01324-1300x867-2_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="228" height="244" /></a></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <blockquote> <p>‘not a terrible trade for the day on the beach.</p></blockquote>Dave Hamptonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04756506577756946937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5408994472101717153.post-88047080290786537862017-03-02T16:15:00.000+01:002017-04-23T10:19:35.451+02:00Making the Milestone<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qXOgTw0NZDk/WLmPAKn_IOI/AAAAAAAHD8g/SYNOXdyS31o/s1600-h/image%25255B3%25255D.png"><img align="left" alt="image" border="0" height="215" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ctq_r5763uA/WLmPH0OzNCI/AAAAAAAHD8k/tTwFNu1Ng6o/image_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; margin: 0px 7px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="image" width="173" /></a>Our Technical File was submitted to our Notified Body today.<br />
I know, it’s one of those ‘What did he just say?’ statements. A bit of background, then:<br />
<blockquote>
Medical Devices in Europe do not enter the market until they conform to the European Medical Device Directive. Each country has a standards group, the Competent Authority, which sets the rules for approving devices, and those rules are applied to individual products by the Notified Body. <br />
The Notified Bodies are commercial organisations who audit the paperwork systems that companies must set up to create and produce product (the Quality System), inspect manufacturing facilities (granting ISO 13485Approval), and judge the evidence portfolio (the Technical File) that documents a product’s safety and effectiveness. In the latter case, the review leads to granting of a CE mark, which allows the product to be sold to physicians and to hospitals.</blockquote>
The Technical File is a large and detailed document: ours runs nearly 100 pages and references over fifty standards and nearly 200 supporting documents. <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NZfh91Xnxu8/WLmPQinsxUI/AAAAAAAHD8o/VjHFtS2BLIg/s1600-h/image%25255B6%25255D.png"><img align="right" alt="image" border="0" height="120" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mUXcqEVfJsI/WLmPXEE8g_I/AAAAAAAHD8s/owb7ghciT5A/image_thumb%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: right; margin: 8px 0px 0px 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="image" width="244" /></a>We had a half-dozen people and a handful of supporting test facilities in the US, UK, and France engaged for six months to perform the final testing and write the submission.<br />
We kept an aggressive schedule and produced a very high-quality report. It will be some time before it is fully reviewed and we get approval, but this is the milestone that bridges R&D to marketing and sales, transforming a project into a business. ‘Many thanks and a lot of credit to our employees and contractors, our investors and our partners who have have worked together to achieve this inflection point.Dave Hamptonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04756506577756946937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5408994472101717153.post-46805566132889852332017-03-01T22:26:00.000+01:002017-04-23T10:20:39.254+02:00Chilling with the snowdrops<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-E7jWH1tzoJE/WLlbEbdi5wI/AAAAAAAHD4Q/VluNgAz3Cgc/s1600-h/DSC01151%252520%2525281300x867%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="DSC01151 (1300x867)" border="0" height="155" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DutzMQ0e3G4/WLlbLtc66nI/AAAAAAAHD4U/62Zgy-ghMuE/DSC01151%252520%2525281300x867%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; margin: 0px 7px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC01151 (1300x867)" width="225" /></a>Today was the day for submitting our Technical File to our regulator, but a couple of key bits were still missing. The Notified Body was gracious about accepting a 12-hour slip, but it was difficult for me to step back and accept that we needed to accept a delay.<br />
<blockquote>
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tD8vDSkwt28/WLlbSsP962I/AAAAAAAHD4Y/F6KSaP1UTh8/s1600-h/DSC01155%252520%252528867x1300%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img align="right" alt="DSC01155 (867x1300)" border="0" height="225" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tB4cQUuzWvQ/WLlcKtY8u4I/AAAAAAAHD4k/bd9GZitroAs/DSC01155%252520%252528867x1300%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC01155 (867x1300)" width="149" /></a>In research, always a first time for a new technology or product category, we only have best guesses of when things will be done. A board layout takes a month instead of a week; a clinical finding requires an investigation; a failed test necessitates a redesign.<br />
It’s always something, and thus rare to hit a milestone on time (although we always hit them in sequence).</blockquote>
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-18vmr6Hk3Nc/WLlcS0CEvsI/AAAAAAAHD4o/P2TEc1EX0kE/s1600-h/DSC01166%252520%2525281300x867%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="DSC01166 (1300x867)" border="0" height="154" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2BvJMSfpiyo/WLlcZApKOhI/AAAAAAAHD4s/jJtasiNRy78/DSC01166%252520%2525281300x867%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; margin: 0px 6px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC01166 (1300x867)" width="223" /></a>Nonetheless, when I push myself to meet a committed deadline, I hate to give it up. When my Body Pump instructor says to give it my all for another eight presses, I don’t have an extra four in me at the end. If I say I’ll stop at the next turn-off, I know its irritating to ask to go one more stop. Similarly, if co-workers put in extra effort to finish on-time, I not right for me to slip the deadline.<br />
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-M1H6ncJZgqg/WLleAWH_ekI/AAAAAAAHD5A/At-TGm7RGr0/s1600-h/DSC01158%252520%2525281300x867%252529%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC01158 (1300x867)" border="0" height="140" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JjcmOj3OgXI/WLleFGZ9RCI/AAAAAAAHD5E/TMi5rzVlYHU/DSC01158%252520%2525281300x867%252529_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC01158 (1300x867)" width="193" /></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aP2U5sDDvg8/WLleMWlkwfI/AAAAAAAHD5I/8l49UIvKNes/s1600-h/DSC01178%252520%2525281300x842%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC01178 (1300x842)" border="0" height="140" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2Bu55ipq7vk/WLleUFpd2gI/AAAAAAAHD5M/gm8EsEjrQfA/DSC01178%252520%2525281300x842%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC01178 (1300x842)" width="204" /></a></div>
This time, though, the job was huge, the delay small, and I’d had my say abut the situation. It was time to step back and take a walk in the woodlands.<br />
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9_s9hJfu6_g/WLleahXkcDI/AAAAAAAHD5Q/2cB1vsJf06w/s1600-h/DSC01176%252520%2525281300x295%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC01176 (1300x295)" border="0" height="105" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iczVYu01w4c/WLlehChlpQI/AAAAAAAHD5U/7PLYQa19LBg/DSC01176%252520%2525281300x295%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC01176 (1300x295)" width="406" /></a><br />
It’s snowdrop season in the UK, the first certain breath of spring. The white flowers bloom in forests in February, and it’s been a couple of years since our last visit to <a href="http://www.welfordpark.co.uk/snowdrops" target="_blank">Welford Park</a> to see the display.<br />
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3FnzGWtG7dg/WLleojJqcFI/AAAAAAAHD5Y/VSOfmm3F4kc/s1600-h/DSC01161%252520%2525281300x867%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC01161 (1300x867)" border="0" height="136" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-w8r9HMji5L4/WLlev_LiXyI/AAAAAAAHD5c/o3YwD6E1Atk/DSC01161%252520%2525281300x867%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC01161 (1300x867)" width="192" /></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-I5zwv18fWAA/WLle2dUYzGI/AAAAAAAHD5g/HW4mRJVVrzA/s1600-h/DSC01226%252520%2525281300x867%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC01226 (1300x867)" border="0" height="135" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gFmLyDkxNlI/WLle8ZU1gcI/AAAAAAAHD5k/UvEXPU962VM/DSC01226%252520%2525281300x867%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC01226 (1300x867)" width="196" /></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DxnnG-lMtmI/WLlfDZ0TldI/AAAAAAAHD5o/AthT79VTIX8/s1600-h/DSC01224%252520%2525281300x867%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC01224 (1300x867)" border="0" height="137" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-v8n5fld6xTw/WLlfKC1XEKI/AAAAAAAHD5s/hq3uvmNsjdo/DSC01224%252520%2525281300x867%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC01224 (1300x867)" width="198" /></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4yKshgo392w/WLlfQk1qMAI/AAAAAAAHD50/atXgbd6ss-I/s1600-h/DSC01221%252520%2525281300x867%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC01221 (1300x867)" border="0" height="137" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-J-Z3OkAA_0s/WLlho1ZmtdI/AAAAAAAHD58/P6GuhIFbu-Q/DSC01221%252520%2525281300x867%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC01221 (1300x867)" width="198" /></a></div>
It was chilly, wet, fairly deserted at mid-week. Admission still seems steep at £6 per head. ‘But the forests and grounds are lovely, and it’s a nice fugue to lose myself in the fresh air and flowers for a few hours.<br />
<blockquote>
Tomorrow, we finish.</blockquote>
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YcbXausqops/WLlhv6edOfI/AAAAAAAHD6A/uzm2bnZxX6M/s1600-h/DSC01218%252520%2525281300x866%252529%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC01218 (1300x866)" border="0" height="189" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1zVngPHtqs0/WLlh2DavI4I/AAAAAAAHD6I/XXCltCsp4y8/DSC01218%252520%2525281300x866%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC01218 (1300x866)" width="275" /></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jynyvpXzCdA/WLlh8rdo7yI/AAAAAAAHD6M/Pj1y2aS8Eg4/s1600-h/DSC01217%252520%252528839x1300%252529%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC01217 (839x1300)" border="0" height="194" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VahxZheh9Bo/WLliDI2AGQI/AAAAAAAHD6Q/AC2dH3q1BSw/DSC01217%252520%252528839x1300%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC01217 (839x1300)" width="125" /></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2ujQXOL-wkU/WLliKWvG4AI/AAAAAAAHD6U/SK1LRzZFPN0/s1600-h/DSC01181%252520%2525281300x859%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC01181 (1300x859)" border="0" height="212" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-P3O7Xa_KJQc/WLliRuS6MTI/AAAAAAAHD6Y/kiw5lI54vso/DSC01181%252520%2525281300x859%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC01181 (1300x859)" width="310" /></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-67VMTg5gYiY/WLlwL_De3oI/AAAAAAAHD7Q/cCGBF1te5G8/s1600-h/DSC01209%252520%2525281300x864%252529%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC01209 (1300x864)" border="0" height="141" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sZmLFQk_ZFs/WLlwScSaDhI/AAAAAAAHD7U/-jOXoGItrhI/DSC01209%252520%2525281300x864%252529_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC01209 (1300x864)" width="194" /></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FvxkhUa17lQ/WLlwaDxB1vI/AAAAAAAHD7Y/i3AzY9HQWSU/s1600-h/DSC01200%252520%2525281300x863%252529%252520%2525282%252529%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC01200 (1300x863) (2)" border="0" height="142" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kOc_mlEhmgM/WLlywkmvT8I/AAAAAAAHD7k/K2OZ_taXo7I/DSC01200%252520%2525281300x863%252529%252520%2525282%252529_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC01200 (1300x863) (2)" width="190" /></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RpzXA4zHKR4/WLl_EYvRYlI/AAAAAAAHD70/FaEYv616oz0/s1600-h/DSC01206%252520%2525281300x852%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC01206 (1300x852)" border="0" height="134" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qnrFgy_umFs/WLl_MD1Q6EI/AAAAAAAHD74/htM8JvfFzPY/DSC01206%252520%2525281300x852%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC01206 (1300x852)" width="193" /></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IG85UrNsvMQ/WLl_UAeXXQI/AAAAAAAHD78/NumjKUb_XxE/s1600-h/DSC01197%252520%2525281300x867%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC01197 (1300x867)" border="0" height="131" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JVeLNMvWqkg/WLl_bBhAMzI/AAAAAAAHD8A/NSWbFqiXPPs/DSC01197%252520%2525281300x867%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC01197 (1300x867)" width="190" /></a></div>
Dave Hamptonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04756506577756946937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5408994472101717153.post-69208356511409546492017-02-26T10:15:00.000+01:002017-04-23T10:21:09.186+02:00Saturday errands and walks<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lgQFHEZ4Mos/WLlFoMIQ7kI/AAAAAAAHDxA/XmSG7-xyo2g/s1600-h/DSC01246%252520%2525281300x864%252529%252520-%252520Copy%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="DSC01246 (1300x864) - Copy" border="0" height="158" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-W3FxK4H8TM0/WLlFwEEVewI/AAAAAAAHDxI/US6hJ3ATRz0/DSC01246%252520%2525281300x864%252529%252520-%252520Copy_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; margin: 0px 5px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC01246 (1300x864) - Copy" width="191" /></a>It’s a day for catching up, sorting through small jobs and picking up parts. I’d promised to fix a lock for the house, screws, oil, and fat screwdriver to get the cover off. Whereas, in the US, I’d be off to Home Depot or (back in the day) Ernst, here in the UK it’s a trip to <a href="http://www.diy.com/" target="_blank">B&Q</a> (DIY Store, as the Brits say, rather than an American Hardware Store, but the same idea).<br />
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XQmygdLHMaY/WLlF4CIoD7I/AAAAAAAHDxM/mv4Hj5C1Tfg/s1600-h/DSC01245%252520%2525281300x831%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC01245 (1300x831)" border="0" height="133" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HKv9hwyYDIg/WLlF-Sa523I/AAAAAAAHDxQ/PV2BWDmiZiY/DSC01245%252520%2525281300x831%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC01245 (1300x831)" width="196" /></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-96w3Fa3rWgk/WLlGEpMBLjI/AAAAAAAHDxY/KN_KlKWYfXM/s1600-h/DSC01247%252520%2525281300x847%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC01247 (1300x847)" border="0" height="135" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6Gv99JZDy_0/WLlGZJer_SI/AAAAAAAHDxo/KdVgibJq5bI/DSC01247%252520%2525281300x847%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC01247 (1300x847)" width="195" /></a><br />
<blockquote>
With a bit of help, I found the little machine screws at one end of the warehouse, a can of light oil at the other, and the tools somewhere in between. It’s been a long time since I did minor carpentry, and I’m sort of looking forward to working with my hands and getting a bit dirty again.</blockquote>
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Z9XEvrzmO2A/WLlGhOBecYI/AAAAAAAHDxs/HSInKuTvoiE/s1600-h/DSC01105%252520%2525281300x860%252529%252520-%252520Copy%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="DSC01105 (1300x860) - Copy" border="0" height="149" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lRE3FYwsXlI/WLlGnk5xjVI/AAAAAAAHDx0/QLaMJagn84M/DSC01105%252520%2525281300x860%252529%252520-%252520Copy_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; margin: 0px 5px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC01105 (1300x860) - Copy" width="207" /></a>I’m also trying to sort out my phone: its been three years since my last purchase, and O2 has consistently downgraded me with each insurance claim until I have something that barely works now. With the business still largely virtual, I rely heavily on my connectivity: I need pure Android, good reception and battery life, decent Bluetooth, a serviceable camera, and pocketable size. The alternatives seem to be an HTC-10, Pixel C, Sony XZ, or OneTouch 3T (Sorry, I’m not going near a Samsung). </div>
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I’ve inquired about upgrade through O2 but they only carry one of the phones. Their full replacement insurance has also degraded over the years, from ‘Instant swap‘ to ‘Send it in and we’ll let you know in a week or so what we want to do’. I’m talking with Carphone Warehouse and others now, and like the phones and insurance better.</div>
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The two choices remaining are whether to wait a month for O2’s upgrade charge to disappear, and whether to wait for April to see what the spring HTC-11 and OneTouch 4 look like.</div>
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xrL23HotGA4/WLlGvR2k7jI/AAAAAAAHDx8/TwhNAB_wPqg/s1600-h/DSC01119%252520%2525281300x841%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC01119 (1300x841)" border="0" height="136" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-H9ZEz4haj8I/WLlG1iImBRI/AAAAAAAHDyE/NovFrpVKg6c/DSC01119%252520%2525281300x841%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC01119 (1300x841)" width="204" /></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lzZhO-pVTmM/WLlG8NNLcQI/AAAAAAAHDyM/nxO-XkRtWD4/s1600-h/DSC01109%252520%2525281300x864%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC01109 (1300x864)" border="0" height="137" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZCbrmjtGoAQ/WLlHCzsKouI/AAAAAAAHDyY/Ho9E91uFBEM/DSC01109%252520%2525281300x864%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC01109 (1300x864)" width="199" /></a></div>
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Otherwise, my <em>w.wezen</em> and I took the car to Farnborough for repairs and looked for a nice evening out for dinner. Farnborough turns out to be a culinary desert: a pedestrian mall lined with budget shops, a couple of low=end pubs, and a few fast-food chains. ‘Better to go to Reading and try something new.</div>
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-C21HDzxq400/WLlHK_h7TOI/AAAAAAAHDyg/cL0ab40ZC2k/s1600-h/DSC01100%252520%2525281300x836%252529%252520%2525282%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img align="right" alt="DSC01100 (1300x836) (2)" border="0" height="167" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lNfAaJQxv6Y/WLlHRcOiKeI/AAAAAAAHDys/fxmgJPjG4GA/DSC01100%252520%2525281300x836%252529%252520%2525282%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC01100 (1300x836) (2)" width="221" /></a>The <a href="http://bluegrass-bbq.com/" target="_blank">Bluegrass BBQ</a> was a good choice, reminiscent of <a href="http://bluessmokehouse.com/" target="_blank">Blue’s Smokehouse</a>, a personal favorite in Bracknell. Not the portion size or intense bar-b-q flavour that <a href="http://uk.businessinsider.com/the-25-best-barbecue-restaurants-in-america-2015-7" target="_blank">good Southern smokehouses</a> would have, its nonetheless a credible local substitute. The burnt ends were better than the brisket, the burger better than the fries, the craft beers better than the US.</div>
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-W7Kdy9vIdRo/WLlHYj-YuAI/AAAAAAAHDy0/heP-XKyZxgE/s1600-h/DSC01120%252520%2525281300x866%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="DSC01120 (1300x866)" border="0" height="164" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Hkam_2ZdzZQ/WLlHvpy6F4I/AAAAAAAHDzE/MBEYkeCWljQ/DSC01120%252520%2525281300x866%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; margin: 0px 7px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC01120 (1300x866)" width="244" /></a>Although a bit of a rainy night, we decided a walk home would beat a bus or taxi. It settled the dinner appropriately, and afforded some good opportunities to photograph light and reflections.</div>
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wVGhf80q2IQ/WLlH1uWnNcI/AAAAAAAHDzM/DPrHQ6K5MVc/s1600-h/DSC01141%252520%2525281300x864%252529%252520%2525282%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC01141 (1300x864) (2)" border="0" height="153" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-D2fV7UL45RE/WLlH9HLnX5I/AAAAAAAHDzU/HA5KjHB4KhE/DSC01141%252520%2525281300x864%252529%252520%2525282%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC01141 (1300x864) (2)" width="152" /></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sXRLQnHQB88/WLlI64p0WuI/AAAAAAAHDz0/BRbUYotNJG4/s1600-h/DSC01125%252520%2525281300x846%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC01125 (1300x846)" border="0" height="150" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UUfLLpgn820/WLlJA313-_I/AAAAAAAHDz8/1iba0JnS33k/DSC01125%252520%2525281300x846%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC01125 (1300x846)" width="217" /></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PRwpre8dkK4/WLlOVq2w2oI/AAAAAAAHD3Y/2ZrL-LDJt-E/s1600-h/DSC01131%252520%2525281300x852%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC01131 (1300x852)" border="0" height="188" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3I3-bOQ4Tvc/WLlObw40XbI/AAAAAAAHD3k/xd2OIH5iwhA/DSC01131%252520%2525281300x852%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC01131 (1300x852)" width="279" /></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0xDioMkNqwM/WLlOi7HKsSI/AAAAAAAHD3s/qYbDBF52zHU/s1600-h/DSC01134%252520%2525281300x867%252529%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC01134 (1300x867)" border="0" height="192" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yRl3RdFQOa0/WLlOpDXCd_I/AAAAAAAHD3w/uqHk9HTfxgA/DSC01134%252520%2525281300x867%252529_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC01134 (1300x867)" width="258" /></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tw78D3tMDgM/WLlPnVMQ2nI/AAAAAAAHD34/uG13xw8YvvQ/s1600-h/DSC01140%252520%252528867x1300%252529%252520%2525282%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC01140 (867x1300) (2)" border="0" height="189" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NPvcMo9n6dA/WLlPvb_kTmI/AAAAAAAHD38/BP9wTukAT2E/DSC01140%252520%252528867x1300%252529%252520%2525282%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC01140 (867x1300) (2)" width="125" /></a></div>
Dave Hamptonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04756506577756946937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5408994472101717153.post-42786091615931950252017-02-24T17:06:00.007+01:002017-03-03T21:46:04.916+01:00Making marks at the seaside<p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vc4AisMxpTU/WLnVBZWn93I/AAAAAAAHEBc/5NlQEUHirEU/s1600-h/image%25255B41%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 7px 0px 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NaHN-8LCzk8/WLnVI_E6XQI/AAAAAAAHEBg/6k05zpb3-eQ/image_thumb%25255B23%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="191" align="left" height="154" /></a>Flipping through the BBC directory the other evening, I came across a new art show: <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b08fn9p2" target="_blank">The Big Painting Challenge</a>.  A bit like Masterchef, it features a dozen amateur artists who go through weeks of themed challenges, creating works under supervision of two professionals.  Works are judged, someone goes home, the rest hug and advance.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-56TOc10ZqD8/WLmjDUXyhTI/AAAAAAAHD9w/vf4iCM75rQk/s1600-h/image%25255B24%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VWlH9MKy5oY/WLmkMXn4JFI/AAAAAAAHD-A/Qv06SaFdhB0/image_thumb%25255B10%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="220" height="139" /></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1oEEHSFbo7A/WLmkUMdg_4I/AAAAAAAHD-M/h-6U7oeef08/s1600-h/image%25255B25%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qZz4Q_m_-fw/WLmkb71-RbI/AAAAAAAHD-U/BvAU3Gyvr7Y/image_thumb%25255B11%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="168" height="138" /></a></p> <p>I picked up at Week 2: Landscapes.  Two painting challenges were held in one of my favorite seaside towns, Hastings: one to paint the pier from shore, the other to paint the shore from the pier.  It was lovely to see the red shingle beach, to have walked the pier, to recognise the restaurants and fishing boats (and the jellied eel).</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IksBVs9ufy4/WLmk8Dlg6pI/AAAAAAAHD-Y/CV1BxaeoHMQ/s1600-h/image%25255B39%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 6px 0px 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CCdlY0-c7i4/WLmlMRLwK-I/AAAAAAAHD-c/piJtDxd9BO0/image_thumb%25255B21%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="221" align="left" height="176" /></a>The challenges had possibility.  It was raining as they tried to figure out perspective and detail on the pier,   making a ghastly mess of colours running down the canvases.  It was sunny-foggy-sunny on the pier, as the Coast often is changeable, and artists were encouraged to reduce things to five simple lines and a point of view across the seascape.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qzt5d4l3beE/WLnQZuHgp7I/AAAAAAAHD_w/1-zrOtBj4kM/s1600-h/image%25255B14%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 7px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Jxwk_-cR7Kc/WLnQguO6MKI/AAAAAAAHD_0/pdbSSAbrJQA/image_thumb%25255B6%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="181" align="right" height="144" /></a>For me, things start going wrong with the resident artists,  Pascal seems thoroughly unhelpful, his five-line sketch tracing the details of the rooflines rather than the sweep of the sea and sky.  Diana is a bit better, but sympathetic rather than instructive.</p> <p>But my biggest issue is with their technical approach to the task.  Tools and methods matter, but it leads to photographic compositions with color added to simulate creativity.  </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-P-riG2tJY-A/WLnQngAX1pI/AAAAAAAHD_4/xfPzw5a-XS4/s1600-h/image%25255B34%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AOetaLOFG-4/WLnQvExwm5I/AAAAAAAHD_8/UxAB85VRbqs/image_thumb%25255B18%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="201" height="178" /></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--7Ze-FhDP8o/WLnQ2-34iHI/AAAAAAAHEAA/7IzoMafNqco/s1600-h/image%25255B35%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nuX4q0YcolI/WLnQ9WuLvlI/AAAAAAAHEAE/RIJ9TWfeWn0/image_thumb%25255B19%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="192" height="177" /></a></p> <p align="left">Instead, look at the seascapes actually presented in front of the painters during the program.</p> <p align="left"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PToDqk7K5L8/WLnRE8TmV8I/AAAAAAAHEAI/AMhew4LoEaM/s1600-h/bbc%252520hastings%252520art%2525201%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="bbc hastings art 1" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="bbc hastings art 1" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FmnNQMIUlG4/WLnRLB87QaI/AAAAAAAHEAM/8CidAGvLKF8/bbc%252520hastings%252520art%2525201_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="335" height="214" /></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BPgbTU1PHwU/WLnRSdduqDI/AAAAAAAHEAQ/JMSZOEn6xy0/s1600-h/BBC%252520Art%2525202%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="BBC Art 2" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="BBC Art 2" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MSRxhWQqt0U/WLnRZ7MbyxI/AAAAAAAHEAU/9PsYqxbCLFk/BBC%252520Art%2525202_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="337" align="right" height="245" /></a></p> <p align="left"> </p> <p align="left"> </p> <p align="left"> </p> <p align="left"> </p> <p align="left"> </p> <p align="left"> </p> <p align="left"> </p> <p align="left">How does the landscape make you feel, and what elements provoke that perception? Where is the light and dark; what are the strongest lines running through the scene?  How best to convey that unique and essential sense of Place?</p> <p align="right"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MP_ZLdwqy_Q/WLnRzGv7csI/AAAAAAAHEAc/2xL7EgWTBEw/s1600-h/bbc%252520art%2525203%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="bbc art 3" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="bbc art 3" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kgpzqNj6kS8/WLnR57KuwNI/AAAAAAAHEAg/Z2m6inu7U_0/bbc%252520art%2525203_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="330" align="left" height="213" /></a></p> <p align="right"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fr8ewfm3ihQ/WLnSB2TA3SI/AAAAAAAHEAk/q2GWAr2CfmU/s1600-h/bbc%252520art%2525204%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="bbc art 4" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="bbc art 4" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wNZuizlwMKk/WLnSfqRaFhI/AAAAAAAHEAo/ocnc5OeoV9Y/bbc%252520art%2525204_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="345" height="177" /></a></p> <p>The results, however, feel soul-less, given what was on offer.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kiyqaJJIGKQ/WLnTA5NethI/AAAAAAAHEAw/9uV_gAPw9Lc/s1600-h/bbc%252520art%2525205%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="bbc art 5" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="bbc art 5" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BcotRzXgbUY/WLnTOpFlI9I/AAAAAAAHEA0/L5d9ctv5uZs/bbc%252520art%2525205_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="194" height="146" /></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZPVK1VWrZp8/WLnTVmvQPXI/AAAAAAAHEA4/ilSHd-stBgg/s1600-h/bbc%252520art%2525206%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="bbc art 6" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="bbc art 6" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-frRL1tlCSqg/WLnTdmW7FKI/AAAAAAAHEBA/qkssECZTinM/bbc%252520art%2525206_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="183" height="144" /></a></p> <p>The winning painting had energy and movement, I agreed with the judges on it. </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RYKOVGzi6fs/WLnTjjyY62I/AAAAAAAHEBE/ziYVap4vojY/s1600-h/bbc%252520art%2525207%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="bbc art 7" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="bbc art 7" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KIiOPORB38o/WLnTtuohacI/AAAAAAAHEBI/IasMrQqy_QQ/bbc%252520art%2525207_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="341" height="250" /></a></p> <p style="margin-right: 0px" dir="ltr"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zbjnBBv0ZfU/WLnT0IBh6xI/AAAAAAAHEBM/7OJCvEf2AGo/s1600-h/turner%2525201%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="turner 1" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 5px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="turner 1" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QvagmawLJe4/WLnT7E858xI/AAAAAAAHEBQ/V-vs8hDlMsQ/turner%2525201_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="204" align="right" height="133" /></a>But, overall, it makes me long for a Turner (as it did to one of the judges)</p> <p style="margin-right: 0px" dir="ltr"> </p> <p style="margin-right: 0px" dir="ltr" align="right">‘worth a watch, nonetheless, on <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b08g79zl/the-big-painting-challenge-series-1-2-landscape" target="_blank">BBC iPlayer</a> all month.</p>Dave Hamptonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04756506577756946937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5408994472101717153.post-65579024245949912822017-02-22T12:21:00.001+01:002017-02-26T15:58:30.260+01:00‘Not the year for Carnival<p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mmdTcJaEUZo/WLK6VBvEtLI/AAAAAAAHDT0/cJ-0MGCH7kU/s1600-h/DSC01095%252520%252528867x1300%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC01095 (867x1300)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 7px 0px 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC01095 (867x1300)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yg5fguPgMP4/WLK6b4oGZsI/AAAAAAAHDT4/u_HIF-P3Aj4/DSC01095%252520%252528867x1300%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="137" align="left" height="207" /></a>i had set time and travel aside to be in Maastricht for Carnival this year – the four-day  pre-Lent celebration filled with food, drink, and costumes (did I mention drink?).  The parade is Sunday, official kick-off in the Vrijthof square with the raising of <a href="http://www.mestreechtersteerke.nl/pagmooswief.htm" target="_blank">‘t Mooswief</a><em></em>, and the <em>‘skade</em> filled with color until the wee hours of Tuesday. </p> <p>Unfortunately, work and milestones overwrote good intentions this year.  <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aGMxpYZ1IKs/WLLsVfSPi0I/AAAAAAAHDVY/aKy8G3I5sQk/s1600-h/DSC01144%252520%2525281180x1300%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC01144 (1180x1300)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 6px 0px 0px 5px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC01144 (1180x1300)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zBU_TIX6d_A/WLLtFV1LxmI/AAAAAAAHDVo/MMOPu1OnIDY/DSC01144%252520%2525281180x1300%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="142" align="right" height="158" /></a>We are literally days from regulatory submission on the project, everyone hard at work testing, writing, and collating.  </p> <blockquote> <p>The amount of detail in these Technical Files is really daunting, and every cross reference and report has to be checked, verified, and files into a particular slot.  </p> <p>The product descriptions, the Design History file, is a constant work-in-progress, requirements and specifications revised each time a test falls sort, the failure mitigations being revisited each time someone imagines a new risk.</p> </blockquote> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KhrYLtR7yjE/WLK715lvwFI/AAAAAAAHDUE/VYHASV1LhmE/s1600-h/DSC01094%252520%2525281300x867%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC01094 (1300x867)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 5px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC01094 (1300x867)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yK3f6SSr5Vw/WLK9KRAqW4I/AAAAAAAHDUU/LQG6heLY-TQ/DSC01094%252520%2525281300x867%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="219" align="right" height="151" /></a>We’ll get there, but it isn’t the time for travel.  We’ve spent years getting to this point, and we need to cross the finish line successfully.</p> <p>TEFAF comes in a few weeks, birthday and spring beyond: ‘time enough to celebrate when the work is complete and submitted.  Still, I don’t like subverting scarce free time to ever-expanding work-time (I’ve been working through the past four weekends).  It violates the spirit of <em>balans en grenzen</em> that I committed to years ago, and reminds me to see that everyone gets a reward and a break when our work is done.</p>Dave Hamptonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04756506577756946937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5408994472101717153.post-28541829468305292192017-02-20T11:40:00.001+01:002017-02-26T15:59:35.184+01:00Driving on the left, from the right<p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FMLiMQz-wmA/WLK1MOzVOcI/AAAAAAAHDTI/vdYyLfvhv0o/s1600-h/DSC01089%252520%2525281300x803%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC01089 (1300x803)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 6px 0px 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC01089 (1300x803)" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmtwJciIkjcKJRbqBxTIdcecaPx7pPmSWG7aZyKSO8DfNveP2UAprmTKM2ukgtIYgSlGktQINVjombkhHM9essC9NmJv6aNQYvcQzenlzRwNeckAh6eOAIAwI2ly07GqakLSVJ3q9sT4S9/?imgmax=800" width="216" align="left" height="138" /></a>I’ve finally sorted out the logistics and financing of getting the car fixed.  Initial proposals from Ford Lease were that the car be repaired in Maastricht.  While likely practical from the standpoint of the engine, I didn’t think that the hood latch would necessarily hold for the 6-hour drive to the Netherlands.  Second suggestion?</p> <blockquote> <p>“We would suggest flying the car back to the Netherlands.  <em>Ummm, can I have iron-clad assurance that I’m not paying for that?</em>  </p> <p>The third proposal was to take it to a local accident repair centre to get new replacement parts fitted (£2700).  <em>Perfect.  ‘</em>Good, your appointment is Monday<em>’</em></p> </blockquote> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UecsB4Fd0Uk/WLK1ajeyo0I/AAAAAAAHDTQ/BUcmBt9pWjw/s1600-h/DSC01092%252520%2525281300x810%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC01092 (1300x810)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 5px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC01092 (1300x810)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-S0DI5hPX6y0/WLK1hLVCarI/AAAAAAAHDTU/EIszJ9AdCNQ/DSC01092%252520%2525281300x810%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="202" align="right" height="131" /></a>A ‘Relief Vehicle’ is nowhere in the paperwork, so I went online to find a temporary replacement.  Surprisingly, a rental was only £115 for 10 days, all-in with VAT and insurance.  I locked the price and hot-footed over to the depot: a red Fiesta was being checked out when I arrived.</p> <p>Oddly, so was a bill for over £400 additional payment.  Digging into the itemizations, I found over £300 in duplicate insurance, add-ons, and options.  <em></em></p> <blockquote> <p><em>And if I didn’t want all of that?</em> </p> <p>“Well, of course, then you’d owe nothing.” </p> </blockquote> <p>These people are such, well, used-car dealers.  I signed for nothing, took the keys, confirmed condition, and headed out.</p> <p>The car is, of course, set up for UK driving arrangements rather than my customary Dutch / American driver-sits-left.   And this is where it all gets tricky for me.</p> <blockquote> <p>I am used to transposing to driving on the left side of the road, but not to driving from the right-hand side of the car. <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kNNXGF_LZeI/WLK2HFYEfVI/AAAAAAAHDTc/OO4UYcc-4jE/s1600-h/DSC01090%252520%252528867x1300%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC01090 (867x1300)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 5px 0px 0px 5px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC01090 (867x1300)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-h5cHuDezCf0/WLK2NICfgKI/AAAAAAAHDTg/QAnTprYmyck/DSC01090%252520%252528867x1300%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" align="right" height="244" /></a>It really takes attention to keeping the right side of the car close to the starboard lane lines.  And even so, I tend to drift left.  </p> <p>I also have this sense off enormous space to my left inside the car, that the vehicle is very much wider than it actually is.  It makes the vehicle difficult to park and problematic when passing.</p> <p>And, of course, I’m now getting into the car from the wrong side.</p> </blockquote> <p>Not a bad thing, of course: It encourages me to go slow, hyper-vigilant of what around me and of where my wheels are.   So far, all good: more working from home and less travel generally, but looking forward to being ‘back to normal’ by early March.</p>Dave Hamptonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04756506577756946937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5408994472101717153.post-88177217150126168592017-02-14T10:50:00.000+01:002017-02-27T10:14:58.932+01:00Post surgical snowfields<p>We put in a good day’s work today, arriving at the hospital early with prototypes and engineers, then working with the physicians to verify that the whole system was operational.  For the  third time in three weeks, everything was flawless:, good data and good performance.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-d9RyEXIKnWo/WLMxJKJ6VeI/AAAAAAAHDaA/nZ4TQemYIqE/s1600-h/DSC01006-1300x8674.jpg"><img title="DSC01006 (1300x867)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC01006 (1300x867)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fpF2N9iZn5s/WLMxPfxQLhI/AAAAAAAHDaE/8cH9pTJ7dGA/DSC01006-1300x867_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="270" height="186" /></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lHMpLEGnQsQ/WLMxW4gqCxI/AAAAAAAHDaI/npi-buepfNE/s1600-h/DSC01010-867x13004.jpg"><img title="DSC01010 (867x1300)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC01010 (867x1300)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Uzeha8q5Kp0/WLMxedMA1hI/AAAAAAAHDaM/bAkR-iCcLpI/DSC01010-867x1300_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="123" height="185" /></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vRlsFXVWJYo/WLMxkNhs5QI/AAAAAAAHDaQ/kJjw6DRYP8c/s1600-h/IMG_02015.jpg"><img title="IMG_0201" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0201" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-waSzRX0s8ag/WLMxqxzEgPI/AAAAAAAHDaU/_Q3asjKhNes/IMG_0201_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="126" height="176" /></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WGEg1b4WVGA/WLMxxI5GveI/AAAAAAAHDaY/wfsqjRNtB-w/s1600-h/DSC01017-857x13006.jpg"><img title="DSC01017 (857x1300)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC01017 (857x1300)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lP0pw042gXw/WLMx2vbKvkI/AAAAAAAHDac/WBaF2YWRW8c/DSC01017-857x1300_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="111" height="176" /></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ORFWH5DWrOI/WLMx9zygIzI/AAAAAAAHDag/yhOYMovUa_0/s1600-h/IMG_0211-25.jpg"><img title="IMG_0211 (2)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0211 (2)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EnhscEy8ksw/WLMyFcLRVtI/AAAAAAAHDak/DMUToqBw6rY/IMG_0211-2_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="145" height="175" /></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RfKG2PhG1Ps/WLMyVqkLmVI/AAAAAAAHDao/sXA8Jm8QBKk/s1600-h/IMG_02033.jpg"><img title="IMG_0203" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 5px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0203" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-M8-NMV37mTQ/WLMycePqhUI/AAAAAAAHDas/4pCwiMgQDxw/IMG_0203_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="132" align="right" height="178" /></a>W<a href="file://\\e">e</a> were cleared to monitor a hernia repair, relatively quick and routine, so a good chance to see how the readings changed with administration and withdrawal.  It was nice to see the unit operate unaffected by other people and equipment in the OR, just as designed but still subject to demonstration.</p> <p>Afterwards we all went out for a debrief with the staff, then were given a free hour before dinner.  </p> <blockquote> <p>The sun hadn’t quite set on <a href="http://www.debrecen.hu/en/tourist/places/nagyerdei-park" target="_blank">Nagyerdei Park</a> across the street and we’d had a smattering of snow during the day.  It was nice to crunch along the trails around the frozen lakes and, as it turned out, I did get lucky with my light.</p> </blockquote> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oLDLUIQUlq0/WLMyjYjwx5I/AAAAAAAHDa0/97UAWYifSJg/s1600-h/DSC01035-1300x8675.jpg"><img title="DSC01035 (1300x867)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC01035 (1300x867)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tKH10d3mBnU/WLMypX8MVbI/AAAAAAAHDa4/-s-GYMuGT7w/DSC01035-1300x867_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="262" height="185" /></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-j29CF_Qe6kM/WLMywt2mFJI/AAAAAAAHDa8/ScMcJ8x-PTs/s1600-h/DSC01032-837x13006.jpg"><img title="DSC01032 (837x1300)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC01032 (837x1300)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JB0IXdBSAEA/WLMy2pt0fqI/AAAAAAAHDbA/sgIQbbmacqA/DSC01032-837x1300_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="116" height="188" /></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SvjhI3ziCoQ/WLMy9KHWBOI/AAAAAAAHDbE/EFUkG16Ia2k/s1600-h/DSC01051-1300x8664.jpg"><img title="DSC01051 (1300x866)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC01051 (1300x866)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-e59vtdbPggc/WLMzDzGRfLI/AAAAAAAHDbI/cx-coEPn2qw/DSC01051-1300x866_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="330" height="227" /></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OKuJujj_JRc/WLMzLBqU33I/AAAAAAAHDbM/tRIuExTz_94/s1600-h/DSC01041-867x13005.jpg"><img title="DSC01041 (867x1300)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC01041 (867x1300)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2uHTXiM8Eys/WLMzSJYTSiI/AAAAAAAHDbQ/DqZhwgx46JI/DSC01041-867x1300_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="123" height="189" /></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_MHt9zn1UAI/WLMzXqkY0SI/AAAAAAAHDbU/dV6V8VFM8oo/s1600-h/DSC01039-1300x8544.jpg"><img title="DSC01039 (1300x854)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC01039 (1300x854)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qTRZAE1_kP0/WLPtbx8hoSI/AAAAAAAHDcM/1SCkSO8JDws/DSC01039-1300x854_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="275" height="187" /></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZegJDI4N5gQ/WLPtjnweHFI/AAAAAAAHDcU/P-36Q2UjDTQ/s1600-h/DSC01052-1300x8574.jpg"><img title="DSC01052 (1300x857)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC01052 (1300x857)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-T9wgsm4ckqg/WLPtqFexXuI/AAAAAAAHDcY/G9VnCvq55B4/DSC01052-1300x857_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="342" height="232" /></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wX4742HX9zU/WLPtxAL8eTI/AAAAAAAHDcc/QS0scqcTLVE/s1600-h/DSC01067-1300x8675.jpg"><img title="DSC01067 (1300x867)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC01067 (1300x867)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xNMXhW9Xlgo/WLPt3WMLkgI/AAAAAAAHDcg/dee8GnlzEYI/DSC01067-1300x867_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="194" height="137" /></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EroOm0Rwr5Q/WLPt-OzyQ_I/AAAAAAAHDck/dF5Co1UhMn0/s1600-h/DSC01071-1300x8674.jpg"><img title="DSC01071 (1300x867)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC01071 (1300x867)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-89nYQH1Ls9Y/WLPuEbLN30I/AAAAAAAHDcs/3ajJ3Te9JBI/DSC01071-1300x867_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="198" height="137" /></a></p>Dave Hamptonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04756506577756946937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5408994472101717153.post-84343250392115153882017-02-12T11:21:00.001+01:002017-02-12T13:41:08.770+01:00Op weg; Hungary<p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Rn89QUzHDy4/WKA5aypgMmI/AAAAAAAHCbE/-Q1VuHf7HWU/s1600-h/DSC00894%252520%252528850x1300%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00894 (850x1300)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 7px 0px 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC00894 (850x1300)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LsbXxJlJ6OI/WKA5h8DIJiI/AAAAAAAHCbI/UFqnAgtJntY/DSC00894%252520%252528850x1300%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="161" align="left" height="244" /></a>The agent sighed:  <em>I need to check yiur visa status. </em>He made a quick call to his supervisor: <em>American…European residency…traveling to Hungary.</em>  Complications in the era of Brexit and Trump.  There are rumors of <a href="http://news.airwise.com/story/netherlands-ends-us-pre-clearance-talks" target="_blank">tit-for-tat</a> fees and permissions springing up, but I’d thought that they were not yet applicable within the EU.  </p> <blockquote> <p><em>No problem,</em> he smiled, putting the phone down.  <em>The rules are always changing, though.</em>  </p> <p>Indeed.</p> </blockquote> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NrfioXjUF28/WKA5ohw07yI/AAAAAAAHCbM/aQHKs8k3Cls/s1600-h/DSC00884%252520%2525281300x867%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00884 (1300x867)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 6px 0px 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC00884 (1300x867)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3bj57y6ZSJ8/WKA5veaFDXI/AAAAAAAHCbQ/ufuNCNsWcJ0/DSC00884%252520%2525281300x867%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="214" align="left" height="148" /></a>It’s been snowing across the UK today, slowing travel even as I needed to rely on public transport to get to the airport.  I’d made a stupid move as I merged onto the queue getting onto the M25 from the M11 last night, a truck stopped suddenly just as I looked in my rear mirror.  The unfortunate result was a mashed hood where the builder’s bumper hit my leading edge.  Nobody hurt, the car still drivable, but I won’t take a chance on the highways with it.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oSA_V7d6ot4/WKA51fpslyI/AAAAAAAHCbU/qUaXuklCg2Y/s1600-h/DSC00874%252520%2525281300x867%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00874 (1300x867)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC00874 (1300x867)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RuSRpDIUAcc/WKA57-3aMsI/AAAAAAAHCbY/-7QAHqOb6WY/DSC00874%252520%2525281300x867%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="194" height="138" /></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WDH7NqGfKA0/WKA6CXdVk2I/AAAAAAAHCbg/JiWEmK82bTk/s1600-h/DSC00879%252520%2525281300x867%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00879 (1300x867)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC00879 (1300x867)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KglZbtEHpRQ/WKA6JFALw7I/AAAAAAAHCbk/IgJYtZVBN3Q/DSC00879%252520%2525281300x867%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="202" height="139" /></a></p> <p>So, it’s a long route into London by train, around on the Tube, then up to West Hempstead for the change to the airport.  I worked on emails and reports along the way, we’ve got our final dates for regulatory submission and everyone is pushing to make the deadlines.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_2NIk-OF_fY/WKA6RIH02_I/AAAAAAAHCbo/_0C_oUeTxI8/s1600-h/DSC00895%252520%2525281300x865%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00895 (1300x865)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC00895 (1300x865)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IXEG5AnIzI0/WKA695U76EI/AAAAAAAHCbw/XwDcuqKgNSI/DSC00895%252520%2525281300x865%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="353" height="242" /></a></p> <blockquote> <p>This trip is a one-day run to Hungary to collect validation data in surgery.  Work in any EU country serves the requirements of all of them, a beauty of the Medical Device Directive.  The University is able to accelerate reviews that are required for patient safety, so we can get the data without compromising on quality.</p> </blockquote> <p>The snow started to swirl in a cold wind down the tracks.  Most folks huddled under the stairs; I tried fiddling with some street photography.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uvSt24iD30k/WKA7Eq1IB8I/AAAAAAAHCb4/5jHZI_0ZjvU/s1600-h/DSC00891%252520%2525281300x849%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00891 (1300x849)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC00891 (1300x849)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6NAv9ezMu58/WKA7NTI8SLI/AAAAAAAHCb8/T6LTKDbzp1g/DSC00891%252520%2525281300x849%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="191" height="129" /></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SvRtQVTp27c/WKA7Va8rntI/AAAAAAAHCcA/0LnMsSAOFig/s1600-h/DSC00914%252520%2525281300x867%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00914 (1300x867)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC00914 (1300x867)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Dep2F__NUjU/WKA7e4YxaOI/AAAAAAAHCcI/q7u36trLqrI/DSC00914%252520%2525281300x867%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="186" height="128" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.london-luton.co.uk/" target="_blank">Luton Airport</a> may be improving in the future, but today it is all shuttle bus links, muddy construction, and limited services in the terminal.  The flight was delayed an hour and a half, pushing arrival in Debrecen towards two in the morning.  I wondered how my peers were spending their Saturday nights, processed my photos, and read a trashy spy novel.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PoOFx_lQvEw/WKA7xwWcR9I/AAAAAAAHCcM/Y-7wm5Tmbls/s1600-h/DSC00919%252520%2525281300x848%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00919 (1300x848)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC00919 (1300x848)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-L0SBgV9aApQ/WKA8Ec7pmmI/AAAAAAAHCcU/kTtr76NcqQI/DSC00919%252520%2525281300x848%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="199" height="139" /></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dMO1DXyg1Pg/WKA8NechVwI/AAAAAAAHCcY/p9vfmhOpOAg/s1600-h/DSC00920%252520%2525281300x867%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00920 (1300x867)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC00920 (1300x867)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YsgRsnbA52Y/WKBW1-zunMI/AAAAAAAHCc8/GbDRY6iyx54/DSC00920-1300x867_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="202" height="139" /></a></p> <p>We bumped onto the ground in foggy Debrecen at 0230, snowy runways and darkened buildings.  My spotless new passport, devoid of visa stamps, didn’t fit with having a residence permit, so a supervisor was called and copious notes taken.  I blocked half the available customs booths for an embarrassingly long time as the line flowing around me, glaring.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.boutiquehotelkristaly.hu/" target="_blank">Boutique Hotel</a> recommended by booking.com turned out to be warm and welcoming, though.  They had waited up, held a nice room, and promised a late breakfast (fried eggs and bread with paprika).</p> <p align="center">  <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-63B3criQYQ8/WKBW8E_EC8I/AAAAAAAHCdA/KlliGnFKOr0/s1600-h/DSC00921-1300x8674.jpg"><img title="DSC00921 (1300x867)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC00921 (1300x867)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mDplO0UTIqE/WKBXCXat_sI/AAAAAAAHCdE/VObMhqHG2P8/DSC00921-1300x867_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="200" height="138" /></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0mz09Cxz2OY/WKBXkoYy1tI/AAAAAAAHCdM/tT-l5OzOx-g/s1600-h/DSC00934-1300x8674.jpg"><img title="DSC00934 (1300x867)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC00934 (1300x867)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RwWphTg17Ek/WKBXsqLCocI/AAAAAAAHCdQ/7JhQeYdjNs0/DSC00934-1300x867_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="197" height="136" /></a></p> <blockquote> <p>The small individual kindnesses more than make up for the natural and institutional indifferences of a long day traveling.</p></blockquote>Dave Hamptonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04756506577756946937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5408994472101717153.post-2688862402164543522017-02-05T10:33:00.000+01:002017-02-12T10:49:25.326+01:00Sorting through Stanley Spencer<p align="left"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wNS7el-0Y0Y/WKAszhT1jUI/AAAAAAAHCZE/AKj4AVz6XQY/s1600-h/DSC00816-1300x8674.jpg"><img title="DSC00816 (1300x867)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 6px 0px 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC00816 (1300x867)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-e6JcMbQ5mtI/WKAs6oSMWcI/AAAAAAAHCZI/c1OhylxfBp4/DSC00816-1300x867_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="199" align="left" height="137" /></a>There couldn’t be greater contrast between the ordered ambiance of Cookham village and the strange life of its most famous inhabitant, artist <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stanley_Spencer" target="_blank">Stanley Spencer</a>.  At the same time, his inward looking painting and introverted life seems a perfect match for the quiet Thames-side setting.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nGRWPBxednk/WKAtCZUAH6I/AAAAAAAHCZM/00NuFQ_Czqs/s1600-h/DSC00822-1300x8674.jpg"><img title="DSC00822 (1300x867)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC00822 (1300x867)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_GTDFybV9C0/WKAtKaCM7JI/AAAAAAAHCZQ/HWxPPQtO2Vw/DSC00822-1300x867_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="201" height="139" /></a> <a title="The Apple Gatherers" href="http://www.tate.org.uk/art/images/work/N/N05/N05663_10.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.tate.org.uk/art/images/work/N/N05/N05663_10.jpg" width="181" height="142" /></a></p> <p align="left">The <a href="http://www.stanleyspencer.org.uk/" target="_blank">Stanley Spencer Gallery</a> lies at one end of Cookham’s High Street.  Housed in a repurposed church, fitting his wishes for an appropriate setting, the two-level gallery displays around 30 varied works (the majority of his estate went to <a href="http://www.tate.org.uk/art/artists/sir-stanley-spencer-1977" target="_blank">the Tate</a>).  I wasn’t really familiar with him prior to visiting, but his art became familiar to the British during the 80’s after several well-received retrospectives.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vfLLxjgIklQ/WKAtSIrHiUI/AAAAAAAHCZU/YZF_pd5FUa0/s1600-h/DSC00812-890x13005.jpg"><img title="DSC00812 (890x1300)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC00812 (890x1300)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-46HblF97lCc/WKAtZvEbfmI/AAAAAAAHCZY/wiDXWyDEu5M/DSC00812-890x1300_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="121" height="181" /></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uHANCPi5ntg/WKAth61vLeI/AAAAAAAHCZc/6-y2Ie8VkLY/s1600-h/DSC00813-1300x8679.jpg"><img title="DSC00813 (1300x867)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC00813 (1300x867)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OqJEuTqGaWM/WKAtprqzKwI/AAAAAAAHCZk/9NCwQ_b1N8M/DSC00813-1300x867_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="249" height="176" /></a></p> <p>Spencer worked in the early 20th century, World War I and the Depression, crafting oil paintings that look Deco-modernist to me. His life story seems sad and frustrated, shaped both by spiritual convictions and wartime experiences.  </p> <p>His works, well executed, nonetheless seem inconsistent and contradictory.  A deeply religious man, there’s humorous touches that keeps them light and original (who else has shown the disciple’s feet so prominently at the Last Supper?).</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jT3K95tnWfo/WKAtxlUk1wI/AAAAAAAHCZo/u68gmlr0dgw/s1600-h/DSC00821-1300x10284.jpg"><img title="DSC00821 (1300x1028)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC00821 (1300x1028)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-guCVKW1L7xo/WKAt4IuIH1I/AAAAAAAHCZs/HYLRqscHx4g/DSC00821-1300x1028_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="287" height="233" /></a></p> <p>Deeply disappointed in love, at once charged and repressed, he painted his personal tensions into grotesque realism.  I doubt that any of his wives thought that his depictions were flattering.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qjFgowrr6l8/WKAt-41pDrI/AAAAAAAHCZw/Vg7HD_Rx9bE/s1600-h/DSC00820%252520%252528965x1300%252529.jpg"><img title="DSC00820 (965x1300)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC00820 (965x1300)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CfLu1J3ap_w/WKAuGqVbupI/AAAAAAAHCZ4/ll3GMniVNWg/DSC00820%252520%252528965x1300%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="185" height="262" /></a> <img src="https://uploads4.wikiart.org/images/stanley-spencer/portrait-in-garden.jpg" width="168" height="261" /></p> <blockquote> <p>He puts a lot of detail into his paintings, but I don’t see the connection to the pre-Raphaelite styles.  He seems to have struggled with drawing hands in the same ways that I once did, graceful fingers angular and gnarled as tree limbs. </p> </blockquote> <p>But, charmingly, he focused on everyday people: farmers, workmen, infantrymen, and housewives.  A child rifles a drawer from beneath his mother’s skirts; welders put the finishing touches on steel hulls in the shipyards.  </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6xasNWscDKw/WKAuNUFIlLI/AAAAAAAHCZ8/xU8ZkvJt8pg/s1600-h/DSC00818-1300x10434.jpg"><img title="DSC00818 (1300x1043)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC00818 (1300x1043)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DbI6zdSyPic/WKAueKOnoII/AAAAAAAHCaE/ZbtF-lbCphk/DSC00818-1300x1043_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="185" height="153" /></a>  <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FQDHcvxlSbk/WKAumun_R8I/AAAAAAAHCaI/RX1nCdkg3Pk/s1600-h/DSC00819-1300x10014.jpg"><img title="DSC00819 (1300x1001)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC00819 (1300x1001)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tpTaCDW17tM/WKAus85cYYI/AAAAAAAHCaQ/Nh0GljRnix8/DSC00819-1300x1001_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="191" height="151" /></a></p> <p>His landscapes are both flat and deep: punts lining the Thames shoreline, trees sway beyond fields, but all with layered perspective across a vertical composition.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FFqzlsh8pzQ/WKAuzogfHvI/AAAAAAAHCaU/b2GoCWUSCbI/s1600-h/DSC00825-1300x10036.jpg"><img title="DSC00825 (1300x1003)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC00825 (1300x1003)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8yAoBvwuVXg/WKAu7g745BI/AAAAAAAHCaY/h_gUGjAjcNQ/DSC00825-1300x1003_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="192" height="158" /></a>  <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-x1vlGFsY1l4/WKAvImI5NpI/AAAAAAAHCag/PGka_41UdA0/s1600-h/image7.png"><img title="image" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RU230PlgtaU/WKAvYPxJvOI/AAAAAAAHCao/-0fGs327WMM/image_thumb3.png?imgmax=800" width="189" height="156" /></a></p> <blockquote> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fM5B-uDN4l8/WKAveZRZmsI/AAAAAAAHCas/B2wVxQ3giYk/s1600-h/DSC00815-867x13005.jpg"><img title="DSC00815 (867x1300)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 6px 0px 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC00815 (867x1300)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yBWUU0S04JA/WKAvpCnM6YI/AAAAAAAHCaw/mHGzJzfa9Ps/DSC00815-867x1300_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="135" align="left" height="208" /></a>It’s all good and interesting work, worth a stop to study a unique and eclectic talent.</p></blockquote>Dave Hamptonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04756506577756946937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5408994472101717153.post-9432975847586187542017-02-04T23:51:00.000+01:002017-02-05T13:36:35.962+01:00Cookham Village, along the Thames<p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KrAAGNR1Oo4/WJcYQCXcGwI/AAAAAAAHB2c/coggXxpzSSU/s1600-h/DSC00806%252520%2525281300x867%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00806 (1300x867)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 6px 0px 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC00806 (1300x867)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Tj5oloiWcKU/WJcYWAzjHCI/AAAAAAAHB2g/Q4ImqNfd_iQ/DSC00806%252520%2525281300x867%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="218" align="left" height="150" /></a>Sunny but wintry cold this weekend; the storms have passed through leaving blue-washed skies and marshy puddles across the grasslands.  Ideally, it would be a day for touring a stately house or photographing a sheltered garden, all antiques and snowdrops, but the <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/" target="_blank">National Trust</a> properties don’t really open before March.  </p> <blockquote> <p>So, the <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/maidenhead-and-cookham-commons/trails/cookham-and-cock-marsh-walk" target="_blank">open public spaces</a> around the historic village of <a href="http://www.cookham.com/" target="_blank">Cookham</a>, far northwest Berkshire, are the only seasonal offering nearby.  Their walking trails comprise the Commons, the Moor, and the Marsh: along with associated Green and Thicket. <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0tS4_1u20q4/WJcYdHL0usI/AAAAAAAHB2k/qYz44ETsSnc/s1600-h/DSC00803%252520%2525281300x858%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00803 (1300x858)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 7px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC00803 (1300x858)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5VMlwB64eAw/WJcYi2RKqUI/AAAAAAAHB2o/DzlwnrNJWIU/DSC00803%252520%2525281300x858%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="162" /></a></p> <p>The complex is accessed from a car park at the trail head outside of town.  Hedge-planting with traditional tools was on-schedule for today, but turned out to be sold-out. </p> </blockquote> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2gOmw5A2560/WJcYpzVvTqI/AAAAAAAHB2s/XfcGHtlPsvE/s1600-h/DSC00826%252520%2525281300x867%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00826 (1300x867)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 5px 0px 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC00826 (1300x867)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-njY29I50G3U/WJcYwY-71mI/AAAAAAAHB2w/lkjnY2iX6qM/DSC00826%252520%2525281300x867%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="188" align="left" height="133" /></a></p> <p>So, on to Cookham without the boots and workgloves.  The village itself, with around 6000 inhabitants, is deemed Britain’s <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/property/luxury-homes/8410974/Britains-richest-villages.html" target="_blank">second-richest</a>; it was home to the painter <a href="https://artuk.org/discover/artists/spencer-stanley-18911959" target="_blank">Stanley Spencer</a> and inspiration for the Wild Wood of Grahaem’s <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/learning/schoolradio/subjects/english/wind_in_the_willows" target="_blank">Wind in the Willows</a>.  Cookham clusters along a quaint high street lined with gastropubs, tea rooms, cottages, and bridal shops.  </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8qdnGpvw-n8/WJcY3atMlnI/AAAAAAAHB24/5jY-mJiV6oc/s1600-h/DSC00807%252520%252528867x1300%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00807 (867x1300)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC00807 (867x1300)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1yGL31oBWGo/WJcY99JvJeI/AAAAAAAHB3A/UD-DXJJbCaM/DSC00807%252520%252528867x1300%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="121" height="186" /></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Cq2IGYwTosw/WJcZD9LTqHI/AAAAAAAHB3E/7S7OY1cJmjY/s1600-h/DSC00864%252520%2525281300x867%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00864 (1300x867)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC00864 (1300x867)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JMYP-bd-ysU/WJcZVUeO1xI/AAAAAAAHB3M/HtgVX0bpcdo/DSC00864%252520%2525281300x867%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="262" height="184" /></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XemTvdVGDUs/WJcZcIk2u4I/AAAAAAAHB3Q/RLpmrpKJWkc/s1600-h/DSC00809%252520%252528981x1300%252529%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00809 (981x1300)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC00809 (981x1300)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rCT1aPQgiX0/WJcZiACEKII/AAAAAAAHB3Y/fbDjyce00nw/DSC00809%252520%252528981x1300%252529_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="132" height="184" /></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5FSdveqzyW0/WJcZpNq8Y7I/AAAAAAAHB3c/QqtUccC0Pn0/s1600-h/DSC00808%252520%2525281300x867%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00808 (1300x867)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC00808 (1300x867)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oOBAnpM5Ptk/WJcZv8hov8I/AAAAAAAHB3k/AkuPmm8L8uo/DSC00808%252520%2525281300x867%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="255" height="179" /></a></p> <p>Nearby, an 11th Century Romanesque church straddles the way to the Thames River Walk; a high-ceremony-funeral was just letting out as we passed among the headstones in the churchyard.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PiGZ1j6Io54/WJcZ3ESAfZI/AAAAAAAHB3s/F7fWhGhsQeM/s1600-h/DSC00830%252520%2525281300x867%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00830 (1300x867)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC00830 (1300x867)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7lAltMjNshU/WJcZ9FJDtSI/AAAAAAAHB3w/cYxGavxDtm0/DSC00830%252520%2525281300x867%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="199" height="137" /></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--VsfgzjIExw/WJcaDfX8ieI/AAAAAAAHB34/IsAK8kdxF7g/s1600-h/DSC00832%252520%2525281300x867%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00832 (1300x867)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC00832 (1300x867)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6MDxnmi7wdQ/WJcaJFLTrwI/AAAAAAAHB38/8-bVBSqlUP8/DSC00832%252520%2525281300x867%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="200" height="138" /></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QHI-7UAR4kk/WJcaQMQz01I/AAAAAAAHB4A/k4uIng05a8U/s1600-h/DSC00831%252520%2525281300x867%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00831 (1300x867)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC00831 (1300x867)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UCuSKhknFls/WJcaVhEFkwI/AAAAAAAHB4I/vqDfjYjR1WI/DSC00831%252520%2525281300x867%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="202" height="139" /></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9-kRYow1t6Q/WJcadSOpvJI/AAAAAAAHB4Q/vcf0kjtvpmk/s1600-h/DSC00834%252520%2525281300x867%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00834 (1300x867)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC00834 (1300x867)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--E8mqLK6vCM/WJcaizWEJkI/AAAAAAAHB4U/9BxFQTzagq0/DSC00834%252520%2525281300x867%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="202" height="139" /></a></p> <p>Late afternoon light was really lovely, sky reflecting deep blue from the water and highlighting the (£4 million) homes along the water’s edge.  Lots of locals with their Wellies and terriers, anoraks and shoulderbags, were out sloshing through the fields.  Small children pushed their tiny bikes through muddy puddles; handymen tuned their chuffing canalboat engines at moorage. </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-P1vzQ80VeM8/WJcaqBcZAUI/AAAAAAAHB4Y/mh_HvmpyZXc/s1600-h/DSC00837%252520%2525281300x867%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00837 (1300x867)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC00837 (1300x867)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Y5iysNTjBN8/WJcaxShBlVI/AAAAAAAHB4g/QhPEQsDi3fg/DSC00837%252520%2525281300x867%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="194" height="137" /></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WhToihSqXek/WJcbmE8dU7I/AAAAAAAHB4s/8z5cvnloPZA/s1600-h/DSC00838%252520%2525281300x867%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00838 (1300x867)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC00838 (1300x867)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Rc5Bbqxp8hY/WJcbszpwzdI/AAAAAAAHB4w/dp9fhNi2XaY/DSC00838%252520%2525281300x867%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="199" height="137" /></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VMMp4lB1lwg/WJcbz3WC-QI/AAAAAAAHB40/Ax3rY4EFcAE/s1600-h/DSC00847%252520%2525281300x867%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00847 (1300x867)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC00847 (1300x867)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WsQhKH2W-Vw/WJcb6IwdhvI/AAAAAAAHB44/x4Ihe4gspO4/DSC00847%252520%2525281300x867%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="197" height="140" /></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-89Pattm_34c/WJccCCLaqAI/AAAAAAAHB48/F24yJ_9oi_Y/s1600-h/DSC00848%252520%2525281300x867%252529%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00848 (1300x867)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC00848 (1300x867)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DkTFKCUFpVA/WJccIiEjgqI/AAAAAAAHB5E/gAtHL0TOnv4/DSC00848%252520%2525281300x867%252529_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="193" height="140" /></a></p> <blockquote> <p>It all made for a nice afternoon outing: <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qP5ZiY0z-C8/WJccPHLi44I/AAAAAAAHB5I/Fm0IY4bnCBc/s1600-h/DSC00859%252520%2525281300x867%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00859 (1300x867)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 6px 0px 0px 6px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC00859 (1300x867)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8wjAx9SQrqA/WJccUx_vRdI/AAAAAAAHB5Q/rLuHAAxKRfw/DSC00859%252520%2525281300x867%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="180" align="right" height="124" /></a>the walk along the Thames, <a href="http://teapot-teashop.co.uk/" target="_blank">tea and cake</a> in town, a visit to the <a href="http://www.stanleyspencer.org.uk/" target="_blank">Spencer Gallery</a>.  Increasingly, these days out together, apart from the week, seem like the best balance from the travel to meetings, design and documentation, that fill the rest of my days.</p></blockquote>Dave Hamptonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04756506577756946937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5408994472101717153.post-82801484132259264262017-02-03T20:19:00.000+01:002017-02-12T21:37:55.948+01:00Back in business<p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-L-6urX64Bt8/WKDHLZgev1I/AAAAAAAHCl4/1OkyicDQjTI/s1600-h/DSC00800%252520%2525281003x1300%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00800 (1003x1300)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 7px 0px 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC00800 (1003x1300)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4u-oy-socFI/WKDHohhcyBI/AAAAAAAHCl8/QQcuuFKeuVI/DSC00800%252520%2525281003x1300%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="158" align="left" height="207" /></a></p> <p>My new passport arrived today, ten days ahead of when the Embassy promised to deliver it.  It feels sort of odd to have a clean, thin document again, pages crisp at the edges and unmarked by visa stamps.  Strange, too, to see an expiration date of 2027.  Where will I be when that date rolls around, 72 years old?</p> <p>Stranger still is the question of what security there really is in these documents.</p> <p>My nationality is as a US citizen, permanent UK resident, and Netherlands long-term resident.  My <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Domicile_(law)" target="_blank">domicile of origin</a> is American, my <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Domicile_(law)" target="_blank">domicile of choice</a> is European.  It’s all a bit tangled, moreso with Brexit which will split my Dutch and British status in unknown and possibly contradictory ways.</p> <p><img style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 0px 7px; display: inline" alt="Image result for green card requirements" src="http://www.jcsimmigration.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Green-Card-Spouse-900x444.jpg" width="237" align="right" height="118" />And, as the recent ban on US entry to <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/green-card/green-card-processes-and-procedures/green-card-eligibility" target="_blank">Green Card</a> holders demonstrates, while citizenship is a right, residency is a privilege.   A ‘Green Card’ is a document conferring permanent US residency.  It is  <a href="https://usnews.newsvine.com/_news/2013/04/11/17551995-to-get-green-cards-these-immigrants-must-prove-they-are-extraordinary?lite" target="_blank">earned</a> by living in the US for years, taking integration tests, passing government reviews and documentation checks, spending a majority of time in the US for many years, and not engaging in any activities that are either illegal or economically dependent.  </p> <blockquote> <p><img style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 0px 5px; display: inline" alt="Image result for dutch inburgering book" src="http://www.taaltaal.nl/images/products/welkom_in_nederland_2.jpg" width="161" align="right" height="227" />It’s not much different in the UK and NL: 5 years uninterrupted permit, civil integration including language and culture, maintain nationality, yearly review of status, and a history of tax payments on economic contributions.</p> <p>The process is time consuming and expensive, takes persistence and resilience, and establishes beyond doubt your personal and political history and intentions.</p> <p>It is ‘extreme vetting’.</p> </blockquote> <p><a href="http://www.nationalreview.com/corner/444372/trumps-executive-order-covers-green-cards-why" target="_blank">Charles Cooke</a> wrote a thoughtful piece on this topic last week in the National Review, a respected conservative US magazine.  He reminds the nativists that permanent residents are, indeed, different.</p> <blockquote> <p><em>By law and by expectation, this country is their home; their base; the ground in which their roots are planted. Because of this, permanent residents are able to purchase, own, and carry firearms; they are required to register with the selective service; and they are treated for tax and welfare purposes as are U.S. citizens. They can’t vote or serve on a jury, but, other than, they effectively enjoy all the liberties that natural born Americans enjoy. When they re-enter the country, the agent says “Welcome Home,”.</em></p> </blockquote> <blockquote> <p><em>They are not Americans, and they mustn’t pretend to be. But they are as close as one can get without being one. <br /></em></p> </blockquote> <p><img style="float: left; margin: 0px 6px 0px 0px; display: inline" alt="Image result for life in the uk" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51pMef9eWjL._SX352_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" width="113" align="left" height="157" />I do feel a bit threatened and insecure when British and EU politicians talk about yearly fees for residents and of reinstating visa fees.  I worry that barring permanent residents from the US invites the same at other borders.  And dual citizenship should not be a litmus test for loyalty or patriotism. </p> <p>Finally, its important to remember that virtually all immigrants are neither refugees or terrorists.  Like me, we seek opportunity and a better life, and are willing to work for it and to sacrifice for it.  I read a wonderful essay by Cecilia Hae-Jin Lee, <a href="https://getpocket.com/explore/item/sizzler-and-the-search-for-the-american-dream-989175214" target="_blank">Sizzler and the Search for the American Dream</a>, that is more typical of most of us:</p> <blockquote> <p><em>Our family immigrated to the United States in the late 1970s. We left behind our friends, our family, our language, our customs and everything we knew. We squeezed everything that was important to us into two giant, seventy-kilo bags per person, and still managed to have room to wedge in our hopes and dreams.</em></p></blockquote>Dave Hamptonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04756506577756946937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5408994472101717153.post-82394451759026352372017-01-31T21:41:00.000+01:002017-02-13T07:14:19.185+01:00Sunset, Henley :: Sunrise, Bedford<p align="left">‘A restful evening’s walk along the Thames, followed by a foggy morning’s drive to Colworth</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2x_YCFUUpxA/WKDNfPh95XI/AAAAAAAHCmY/cmxS9Xr5ohQ/s1600-h/DSC00639%252520%2525281300x867%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00639 (1300x867)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC00639 (1300x867)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-B5IBrW9f4WM/WKDNlsblDZI/AAAAAAAHCmc/rWaQOQeq68Q/DSC00639%252520%2525281300x867%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="272" height="187" /></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eD-T-RUWqa0/WKDNs3LHcMI/AAAAAAAHCmg/WLIie2wtCPQ/s1600-h/DSC00641%252520%252528867x1300%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00641 (867x1300)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC00641 (867x1300)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zT66lBmxbig/WKDN0U6l1pI/AAAAAAAHCmk/pHAirRKv3lE/DSC00641%252520%252528867x1300%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="124" height="187" /></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GFZFZzRHKAI/WKDN9HyGJVI/AAAAAAAHCmo/Uv1ojRREwZY/s1600-h/DSC00637%252520%2525281300x867%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00637 (1300x867)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC00637 (1300x867)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bDfUAxyw9Pg/WKDOTA1IEKI/AAAAAAAHCms/YODmg1oec3A/DSC00637%252520%2525281300x867%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jBiQnilaEA4/WKDOsud-qUI/AAAAAAAHCm0/1TyNOEYn6dg/s1600-h/DSC00643%252520%2525281300x867%252529%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00643 (1300x867)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC00643 (1300x867)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PtnGa30qEnI/WKDOz6JjiaI/AAAAAAAHCm4/RHBJIpnKHeg/DSC00643%252520%2525281300x867%252529_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="194" height="145" /></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Eh_G-BHy1QQ/WKDO8dyT5LI/AAAAAAAHCm8/cmEERKFWH4c/s1600-h/DSC00646%252520%2525281300x867%252529%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00646 (1300x867)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC00646 (1300x867)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Rfpw1UaObgQ/WKDPGOutoxI/AAAAAAAHCnE/bpaq_vapLtg/DSC00646%252520%2525281300x867%252529_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="197" height="143" /></a></p> <p align="center">========================</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HJnW-G4sux8/WKDSZTSGc9I/AAAAAAAHCnc/wqn3A1MimFQ/s1600-h/DSC00750-1300x8676.jpg"><img title="DSC00750 (1300x867)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC00750 (1300x867)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XzOLO7bBiCg/WKDTe-atOzI/AAAAAAAHCnk/5e5q2hLu868/DSC00750-1300x867_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="194" height="141" /></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PA-RahGmQwU/WKDTsE1TDeI/AAAAAAAHCno/LdLZazH7f_8/s1600-h/DSC00742-1300x8435.jpg"><img title="DSC00742 (1300x843)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC00742 (1300x843)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wm7m3So0huw/WKDTyU7N6ZI/AAAAAAAHCns/_awZ6eP9bpU/DSC00742-1300x843_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="200" height="139" /></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dpAmnMR6Q8k/WKDT6dV8NQI/AAAAAAAHCnw/HNWmTfHuDmo/s1600-h/DSC00746-1300x8673.jpg"><img title="DSC00746 (1300x867)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC00746 (1300x867)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tbeUbKI1lfQ/WKDUOK28VJI/AAAAAAAHCn8/BNjyvjTymlQ/DSC00746-1300x867_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VMzkDXTkPQI/WKDUUainxiI/AAAAAAAHCoA/UEJ0glL5Fks/s1600-h/DSC00744-1300x8334.jpg"><img title="DSC00744 (1300x833)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC00744 (1300x833)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Bvs7C7MQy8o/WKDUb44pJAI/AAAAAAAHCoE/rd2HFDEyBwo/DSC00744-1300x833_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="265" height="176" /></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TW52PmhSq_o/WKDUigFIbtI/AAAAAAAHCoI/_4cFoFqrGQs/s1600-h/DSC00748-848x13005.jpg"><img title="DSC00748 (848x1300)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC00748 (848x1300)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DSdlYMW9qm0/WKDWngnWU2I/AAAAAAAHCo8/AJf3OW0dPvA/DSC00748-848x1300_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="111" height="174" /></a></p>Dave Hamptonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04756506577756946937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5408994472101717153.post-19833310924882417532017-01-25T14:09:00.001+01:002017-02-01T14:31:15.667+01:00Changing times<p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wU_kD6wUrtE/WJHetSu67oI/AAAAAAAHBd8/JItvGH2RoS0/s1600-h/DSC00678%252520%252528833x1300%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00678 (833x1300)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 5px 0px 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC00678 (833x1300)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JGZ7bfmUiLI/WJHe07DB-cI/AAAAAAAHBeA/vzKVrhpzrII/DSC00678%252520%252528833x1300%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="158" align="left" height="244" /></a>Grosvenor Square is a small park adjoining the US Embassy in Mayfair, London.  It’s been the traditional home for the official US presence in Britain since the first mission established by John Adams in 1785.  During the second world war, a military headquarters adjoined the square, and the US Naval Forces Europe continued to occupy the premises until recently.</p> <p>Today, the park holds various memorials to the war and to American presidents with particular resonance for US / UK relations: Roosevelt, Eisenhower, and Reagan.  <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-a85-34X_P_A/WJHe8uL3k1I/AAAAAAAHBeE/vpIdWxwY2xo/s1600-h/DSC00680%252520%2525281300x1067%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00680 (1300x1067)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 6px 0px 0px 6px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC00680 (1300x1067)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UtPPiYrABjE/WJHfClQyNxI/AAAAAAAHBeI/wpAv2bJURoE/DSC00680%252520%2525281300x1067%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" align="right" height="155" /></a>I stopped at the Eisenhower memorial after finishing my passport renewal yesterday, a casual bronze statue enclosed by a small marble circle.  The plaque set beneath details his accomplishments leading US and European troops during the war, as chancellor of Columbia University, and as two-term President.</p> <p>I can’t imagine what he would make of today’s politics, or of the populist figure elected to lead the nation.  <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vNenLZx3Qlg/WJHfJwM_kwI/AAAAAAAHBeM/ncbc3hzeRaA/s1600-h/DSC00681%252520%252528826x1300%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00681 (826x1300)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 5px 0px 0px 5px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC00681 (826x1300)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5VXOt9Yvits/WJHhoxczDFI/AAAAAAAHBec/M-JgZmrqV00/DSC00681%252520%252528826x1300%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="156" align="right" height="244" /></a>It’s an enormous change in a generation from Eisenhower to Trump, from the unity of the post-war years to divided identity politics.   </p> <p>The memorials across the park are meant to celebrate achievements and outstanding leaders with inspiring visions.  What statue, what plaque, could be erected to President Trump, if the first week in office is any indication? </p> <p>======</p> <p>‘not to end with too much gloom: the Dutch have posted a lovely <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2017/01/24/dutch-satire-accepts-trumps-america-first-decree-kindly-requests-netherlands-be" target="_blank">satirical video</a> that requests that if America’s Frist, can the Netherlands please be second?</p> <p align="center"> <a href="https://youtu.be/ELD2AwFN9Nc" target="_blank"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0b9rEnuAuEg/WJHeBBYyznI/AAAAAAAHBd0/d8FU-wFvdKw/image%25255B4%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="190" /></a></p>Dave Hamptonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04756506577756946937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5408994472101717153.post-85857904465955434492017-01-24T22:05:00.003+01:002017-02-05T11:54:34.253+01:00Renewing my passport<p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tg9VeumcFzA/WJHNYHVn1KI/AAAAAAAHBbM/LpO4MCckovs/s1600-h/DSC_0006%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0006" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 5px 0px 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0006" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-d1XY4dafE7k/WJHNeBGJmmI/AAAAAAAHBbQ/SPlD8if9x4g/DSC_0006_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="207" align="left" height="218" /></a>‘You’re not going to be able to travel with this much longer,’ the Customs Agent warned, shaking his head and wagging my dog-eared passport.    The book bulged with two extra sets of pages, edges curling.  Even moreso, years of cross-border travel had filled almost every page filled with via stamps. </p> <blockquote> <p>‘If a page falls out, we’ll have to confiscate it,’ was the final warning.</p> </blockquote> <p>Citizens must surrender their passport in order to renew it.  That effectively <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0-0tCDLl5uY/WJcEUiCUdHI/AAAAAAAHB2A/rhCICyX_Kn0/s1600-h/DSC00797%252520%2525281300x850%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00797 (1300x850)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 6px 0px 0px 5px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC00797 (1300x850)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ud1eNrpIiE4/WJcEaapxYII/AAAAAAAHB2E/zWh0ijSJt_U/DSC00797%252520%2525281300x850%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="208" align="right" height="141" /></a>grounds me for several weeks, difficult even when things aren’t busy.  Still, nothing to be done but to do it:  I looked through the US, UK, NL web sites for Citizen Services.  <a href="https://uk.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/u-s-passports/" target="_blank">Embassy – London</a> looked like my best bet.</p> <blockquote> <p>Arrangements for <a href="https://uk.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/u-s-passports/how-to-renew-a-passport/passport-renewal-process/" target="_blank">renewing and replacing</a> are made online, no more than a month in advance. Available slots fill quickly, so I jumped on my preferred date as Christmas approached.  </p> <p>All appointments are early-morning, necessitating peak-fare train journeys and rush-hour Tube transfers.  </p> </blockquote> <p>It’s a bit like applying for the British <a href="https://www.gov.uk/settle-in-the-uk" target="_blank">Indefinite Leave to Remain</a> (ILR), requiring appointment confirmation, photographs, filled-in forms, and current passport at hand.  Document processing costs around $150 with expedited service and return shipping.  </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JatG1yEEGf8/WJHNkSUPXgI/AAAAAAAHBbU/riAdfqyAkzc/s1600-h/DSC00661%252520%2525281300x864%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00661 (1300x864)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC00661 (1300x864)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HPTMVlpjfVo/WJHNqoEFs5I/AAAAAAAHBbY/HVFXn_HQJDU/DSC00661%252520%2525281300x864%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="195" height="135" /></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-F2UVW7tIxqg/WJHNw_Q3JvI/AAAAAAAHBbc/itPNvd3-WNg/s1600-h/DSC00663%252520%2525281300x867%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00663 (1300x867)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC00663 (1300x867)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KM721jqfk1U/WJHO3lNVnTI/AAAAAAAHBbk/B-g4c93sxNA/DSC00663%252520%2525281300x867%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="198" height="137" /></a></p> <p>I hopped the early bus and train, a foggy dank start to the day with everyone huddled silent against the cold.  Train delays led to confusion at the station, with automated and live announcements giving competing accounts of the next platform.  Commuters boarded and exited with each call, vying to be the first out.  I tucked into a corner with a book.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mKYFhZSTiLM/WJHO-V267XI/AAAAAAAHBbo/Ud6XRkOFRFs/s1600-h/DSC00667%252520%2525281300x847%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00667 (1300x847)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC00667 (1300x847)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LWZV5d1IckM/WJHPETrHA6I/AAAAAAAHBbs/p3QMHipJ69E/DSC00667%252520%2525281300x847%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="197" height="136" /></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Rle9ListRbM/WJHPKn6FwRI/AAAAAAAHBb0/HEHuUbl4Lgs/s1600-h/DSC00669%252520%2525281300x867%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00669 (1300x867)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC00669 (1300x867)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0MtOeyMOpoc/WJHPRYjcA-I/AAAAAAAHBb4/LgQbnjjRLQM/DSC00669%252520%2525281300x867%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="192" height="136" /></a></p> <p>The train met the Tube to Marble Arch, and finally a  walk down Park Lane and past La Gavroche into Mayfair where the US makes it’s home.  8:30 sharp, I was lined up outside the steel fence at Grosvenor Square, citizens to the left, foreign nationals to the right.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IY9Ei_qzSQE/WJHPXBQaB0I/AAAAAAAHBb8/Buwu8OBsBVA/s1600-h/DSC00670%252520%2525281300x818%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00670 (1300x818)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC00670 (1300x818)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZhLigcS3048/WJHPdQs2ZbI/AAAAAAAHBcA/80k1c-xbR3o/DSC00670%252520%2525281300x818%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="197" height="132" /></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KihH-UMiLOE/WJHPkxzGtgI/AAAAAAAHBcI/Tlm7UOYeywA/s1600-h/DSC00671%252520%2525281300x840%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00671 (1300x840)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC00671 (1300x840)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1MafeHOACtQ/WJHPrp_8y-I/AAAAAAAHBcQ/dFTsPxJ6bLk/DSC00671%252520%2525281300x840%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="193" height="129" /></a></p> <p>‘Any large electronics?’  frowned a security agent.</p> <blockquote> <p><em>Laptop, tablet, camera, phone: my 21st century mobile office.</em>  </p> </blockquote> <p>‘You can’t bring the laptop, the camera; we can no longer store them here either. ‘</p> <blockquote> <p><em>so…?</em></p> </blockquote> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wWpwL0O5mo0/WJHPxnOa5rI/AAAAAAAHBcU/BQ-FbVmcaDw/s1600-h/DSC00676-866x13003.jpg"><img title="DSC00676 (866x1300)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 5px 0px 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC00676 (866x1300)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6SDE8DUczMs/WJHP3dOBQgI/AAAAAAAHBcc/KnsAqqLIyNk/DSC00676-866x1300_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" align="left" height="244" /></a>Life flourishes in overlooked ecological niches: <a href="http://www.gouldpharmacy.com/" target="_blank">Gould Pharmacy</a> is one.  A small immigrant-owned drug store, it is doing a brisk business in one-hour storage of large-electronics.  Stop at the card table.at the main entrance, slip items into a bag, fill in the form, and everything was sealed up and whisked away for £3 per item.  </p> <blockquote> <p>A steady stream of harried people flowed in from the Embassy.   I bet that this service earns thousands of pounds each day doing nothing more than renting out shelf space. </p> </blockquote> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FUytNknGmn4/WJHP-6hmmVI/AAAAAAAHBck/sYntg9GYhDE/s1600-h/DSC00675-1300x8666.jpg"><img title="DSC00675 (1300x866)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC00675 (1300x866)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9DlxZ7VTB0E/WJHQFnLua_I/AAAAAAAHBco/nsjH92qbXTI/DSC00675-1300x866_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="194" height="141" /></a>  <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UqiIMCv7O_c/WJHQMO1oY2I/AAAAAAAHBcw/bEOSsH365QQ/s1600-h/DSC00674-1300x8664.jpg"><img title="DSC00674 (1300x866)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC00674 (1300x866)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TIvSGdDoxNE/WJHQTRDV0ZI/AAAAAAAHBc0/8v1hAnxDqbI/DSC00674-1300x866_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="203" height="140" /></a></p> <p>‘Back in line and through the airport-style search and scan, I then made my way around the building.  The current Embassy was built in the 1950’s, a modernist design by Finnish-American architect, <a href="http://www.kansallisbiografia.fi/english/?id=7879" target="_blank">Eero Saarinen</a>, who also designed St. Louis’s gateway Arch.  It’s defining feature is an 11-meter gilded eagle on the roof, guarding the main entrance.  Heavily patrolled by uniformed and plainclothes security, the narrow entry path bends between stone walls topped with curtain glass and high fences capped with cameras, before ending at a chilly marble reception desk.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3s4Y-Y8JUQo/WJHQZio8FOI/AAAAAAAHBc8/f670OHZWfwE/s1600-h/DSC006796.jpg"><img title="DSC00679" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC00679" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-k-jAe_O4Bzw/WJHQhgFBzkI/AAAAAAAHBdA/JzkxUWQ_4cU/DSC00679_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="177" height="145" /></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-y4OdymZInkQ/WJHQoZd71QI/AAAAAAAHBdE/cl9KhgxSKFU/s1600-h/DSC00673-1300x8136.jpg"><img title="DSC00673 (1300x813)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC00673 (1300x813)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cALTJoYfU-I/WJHV_-bpHbI/AAAAAAAHBdc/TSaqnAuSiD8/DSC00673-1300x813_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="212" height="146" /></a></p> <p>I expected that ex-President Obama’s pictures would have been replaced with President Trump’s portrait, but neither man was in evidence.  Neither were the current or nominated ambassadors: framed pictures only highlighted counselor officials.  Abstract posters alternated public landscapes with founding fathers.  </p> <blockquote> <p>Attitudes ranged from brusque to irritated: papers pushed back and forth, stamps thumped onto documents, an over-the-shoulder wave towards the waiting room.</p> </blockquote> <p>However, once in, it all proceeds pretty efficiently, documents examined and bagged, papers signed, instructions for mailing and following up in case of an emergency.  A separate cashiers window accepts cards for payment; DHL runs a shipping center in the main lobby for prepaid envelopes. ‘In and out in about 20 minutes.</p> <blockquote> <p>And a quick stop to collect my things at Goulds.</p> </blockquote> <p>My new passport should arrive mid-February, I’ll be limited to UK travel until then, but business can flow on in the Netherlands and I’ll back ahead of Carnival.</p> <p><a href="https://uk.usembassy.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/16/2016/01/NewUSEmbassyRender02.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="New US Embassy (1300x867)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 5px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="New US Embassy (1300x867)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-o_UQCMuLH5M/WJHWGjASBMI/AAAAAAAHBdg/rBNg1hiW5dw/New%252520US%252520Embassy%252520%2525281300x867%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" align="right" height="164" /></a>Final note: the current Embassy (Grade II listed, so it will not be demolished) is scheduled to be replaced by a <a href="https://uk.usembassy.gov/our-relationship/new-embassy/" target="_blank">new, similar building</a> in South London in the coming years.  I don’t know about the moat, but the cube along the river looks stylish.</p>Dave Hamptonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04756506577756946937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5408994472101717153.post-36938482417483614962016-12-30T22:00:00.001+01:002017-03-03T23:09:10.704+01:00A Kew Christmas walk<p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GzETXCQVBlY/WLnjUKr-WuI/AAAAAAAHEDc/zI-pVMyvoA4/s1600-h/DSC00021%252520%2525281300x867%252529%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00021 (1300x867)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 6px 0px 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC00021 (1300x867)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QPt2DrimyJc/WLnjbsS3IFI/AAAAAAAHEDg/GLdxeefUe9o/DSC00021%252520%2525281300x867%252529_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="210" align="left" height="158" /></a>Each year, Kew Gardens hosts a nighttime <a href="http://www.kew.org/visit-kew-gardens/whats-on/christmas-at-kew-2016" target="_blank">Christmas event</a> in the arboretum, a walk filled with lights and music.  My <em>w.wezen</em> and I went a few years ago and found it enchanting.  Word of mouth for this year was good, so we got tickets and headed out into the year-end cold for a look.</p> <blockquote> <p>Entry is via on-line ticket application: book for a specific time and get a couple of hours to wander a loop through the park.  There’s a small village with food and shops midway through, bathrooms and a kids play area.  Otherwise, it’s a leisurely stroll through a half-dozen set pieces, lots of lit trees, and several good performances.  </p> </blockquote> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vu94SDrBYGk/WLnjjYRVYiI/AAAAAAAHEDk/IqP-Mju_9jE/s1600-h/DSC00032%252520%2525281300x867%252529%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00032 (1300x867)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC00032 (1300x867)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kFhnfWpM8jE/WLnjqmvMS9I/AAAAAAAHEDo/vkc5_9BetFE/DSC00032%252520%2525281300x867%252529_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="223" height="162" /></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WJwXYIfwT_4/WLnjyB-dQmI/AAAAAAAHEDs/ltALwu6EQYI/s1600-h/DSC00071%252520%2525281300x867%252529%252520%2525282%252529%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00071 (1300x867) (2)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC00071 (1300x867) (2)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OyZTedK8xzg/WLnkA_0BGdI/AAAAAAAHEDw/clVc28KVPXw/DSC00071%252520%2525281300x867%252529%252520%2525282%252529_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="148" height="161" /></a></p> <p>The stand-out arrangement this year was the five gold rings of  Christmas, cast in flaming yellows circles, each surrounding iconic sculptures from the song.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AGpnQs1bM0o/WLnkILWKMbI/AAAAAAAHED0/OSrtXLsm_Rs/s1600-h/DSC00048%252520%2525281300x867%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00048 (1300x867)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC00048 (1300x867)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-T1bnfL1uQ8E/WLnkQMFQM7I/AAAAAAAHED4/agPyg3CbuKs/DSC00048%252520%2525281300x867%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="198" height="137" /></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3-vkpXJc-Kk/WLnkW91QnVI/AAAAAAAHED8/eficCkN7MrI/s1600-h/DSC00057%252520%2525281300x867%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00057 (1300x867)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC00057 (1300x867)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-n3Fy6rhjNAo/WLnkdcK78cI/AAAAAAAHEEA/M2yaw1JQ8WQ/DSC00057%252520%2525281300x867%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="199" height="137" /></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KWHlugiIbu0/WLnksO7YlSI/AAAAAAAHEEE/MnUsxUwaH50/s1600-h/DSC00049%252520%2525281300x867%252529%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00049 (1300x867)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC00049 (1300x867)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VaCTBw-r2nM/WLnkzMgpX7I/AAAAAAAHEEI/bi3C9FqffJE/DSC00049%252520%2525281300x867%252529_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="310" height="222" /></a></p> <p align="left">I had a bit of fondness for the bauble-laden tree, marshmallows, and stage plays.</p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5uULtMVS1Ik/WLnk5zjxOsI/AAAAAAAHEEM/pl1PaA2cdjg/s1600-h/DSC00085%252520%2525281300x867%252529%252520%2525282%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00085 (1300x867) (2)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC00085 (1300x867) (2)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Tn_0dZskH7g/WLnlASYBIVI/AAAAAAAHEEQ/ICES1u5zl-Y/DSC00085%252520%2525281300x867%252529%252520%2525282%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="262" height="185" /></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OeWfBBbf9NY/WLnlHuaoVuI/AAAAAAAHEEU/2rFC-typVMM/s1600-h/DSC00062%252520%252528867x1300%252529%252520%2525282%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00062 (867x1300) (2)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC00062 (867x1300) (2)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-v71KZgjf9jk/WLnlPW3dTgI/AAAAAAAHEEY/pdFf_zJMs1c/DSC00062%252520%252528867x1300%252529%252520%2525282%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="121" height="186" /></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-w8E0oLcCmNE/WLnlVZis2lI/AAAAAAAHEEc/s8FEfrO9KiQ/s1600-h/DSC00089%252520%252528867x1300%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00089 (867x1300)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC00089 (867x1300)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Y7KC79lEEuM/WLnlcM2424I/AAAAAAAHEEg/odN8aHGo4bc/DSC00089%252520%252528867x1300%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="113" height="174" /></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AE93mQamiZ8/WLnljWAZIhI/AAAAAAAHEEk/6ffYpAIebds/s1600-h/DSC00090%252520%2525281300x867%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00090 (1300x867)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC00090 (1300x867)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DiLdJzHFuYA/WLnlqejQHZI/AAAAAAAHEEo/avMwm_tVMuI/DSC00090%252520%2525281300x867%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="247" height="174" /></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ximNGVapwxE/WLnlx5XAMvI/AAAAAAAHEEs/ZeItsnNGeZk/s1600-h/DSC00116%252520%2525281300x867%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00116 (1300x867)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC00116 (1300x867)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ag7q4py8i3I/WLnl5jV0LvI/AAAAAAAHEEw/gOPpWsRislk/DSC00116%252520%2525281300x867%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="264" height="182" /></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qoIEiBeRG1s/WLnl_zs1n3I/AAAAAAAHEE0/MXzyuxqRjW0/s1600-h/DSC00106%252520%252528867x1300%252529%252520%2525282%252529%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00106 (867x1300) (2)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC00106 (867x1300) (2)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MYtdRzUdERU/WLnmGDe-ycI/AAAAAAAHEE4/-r_cxdhT4eI/DSC00106%252520%252528867x1300%252529%252520%2525282%252529_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="116" height="183" /></a></p> <p>And the display of candles, and the light show over the lake, were both great.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6zi1MtS4TOU/WLnmMZv28VI/AAAAAAAHEE8/73Vk9W6mB_I/s1600-h/DSC00124%252520%2525281300x867%252529%252520%2525282%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00124 (1300x867) (2)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC00124 (1300x867) (2)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-I6mRisBcU1o/WLnmR6jGF2I/AAAAAAAHEFA/gTULuoYZiYY/DSC00124%252520%2525281300x867%252529%252520%2525282%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="188" height="142" /></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MzwAFLbsGzU/WLnmYKFA8jI/AAAAAAAHEFE/OJTENdLNlko/s1600-h/DSC00108%252520%2525281300x867%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00108 (1300x867)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC00108 (1300x867)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NjG7n0h1lm4/WLnmefa7hBI/AAAAAAAHEFI/IcalUVoiWdA/DSC00108%252520%2525281300x867%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="202" height="143" /></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VZ_pHmcszQc/WLnmlYZ9GbI/AAAAAAAHEFM/l8SejU-kTQ4/s1600-h/DSC00111%252520%2525281300x867%252529%252520%2525282%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00111 (1300x867) (2)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC00111 (1300x867) (2)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SAyDhDv-SAs/WLnmr7l1a4I/AAAAAAAHEFQ/9BDuKXhLW_A/DSC00111%252520%2525281300x867%252529%252520%2525282%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="190" height="135" /></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0gc8DBZVGEg/WLnnj728hZI/AAAAAAAHEFU/UbQzxnT_4Ko/s1600-h/DSC00125%252520%2525281300x867%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00125 (1300x867)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC00125 (1300x867)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Hi6S4SUV0TA/WLnnqNEjoPI/AAAAAAAHEFY/dHmyufVqwI8/DSC00125%252520%2525281300x867%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="194" height="134" /></a></p> <p>I think the only discordant bit was playing with hats in the gift shop afterwards…</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-The1AWZbpn0/WLnnxdVFv4I/AAAAAAAHEFc/vpo886-PGhg/s1600-h/DSC00119%252520%252528867x1300%252529%252520%2525282%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00119 (867x1300) (2)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC00119 (867x1300) (2)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lUI3KRX3bPM/WLnn444LC6I/AAAAAAAHEFg/GDmShUTN-sw/DSC00119%252520%252528867x1300%252529%252520%2525282%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="124" height="191" /></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6eDD4cyX990/WLnn__dL3II/AAAAAAAHEFk/CKW2ANaekuU/s1600-h/DSC00134%252520%252528867x1300%252529%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00134 (867x1300)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC00134 (867x1300)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4kV3X5Jmwc0/WLnoHugR8bI/AAAAAAAHEFo/7V3ZU4xiCsI/DSC00134%252520%252528867x1300%252529_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="122" height="192" /></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cMkGZRrJvkM/WLnoOa5y3GI/AAAAAAAHEFs/53jH-gx3jXA/s1600-h/DSC00128%252520%252528867x1300%252529%252520%2525282%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00128 (867x1300) (2)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC00128 (867x1300) (2)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FgAnOGI5ya8/WLnoV53kwPI/AAAAAAAHEFw/t6jTzR_GsXE/DSC00128%252520%252528867x1300%252529%252520%2525282%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="142" height="192" /></a></p> <p align="right">No worries, I didn’t purchase the pudding head.</p>Dave Hamptonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04756506577756946937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5408994472101717153.post-44656974514864636742016-12-23T17:11:00.000+01:002017-02-26T17:16:36.621+01:00About your blood pressure…<p><img style="float: left; margin: 0px 8px 0px 0px; display: inline" alt="Image result for omron wrist blood pressure monitor" src="https://rumorscity.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Top-10-Blood-Pressure-Monitors-That-Are-The-Most-Accurate-And-Affordable-03.jpg" width="156" align="left" height="151" />I’m never too certain of dentists outside the United States, so always save my dental checkups for visits back across the pond.  It leaves me with longer between appointments than I would like, and no backups if there is a tooth emergency, but my comforts is much higher.</p> <p>This visit, the hygienist started with a blood pressure check.  She used an <a href="https://omronhealthcare.com/blood-pressure/wrist/" target="_blank">Omron wrist monitor</a>, an inexpensive unit that we had evaluated and discarded as insufficiently reliable for clinical use back when I was a research director for Physio-Control.  True to expectation, the monitor gave me a 145/110 reading.</p> <p>The hygienist looked concerned and repeated the measure; I was underwhelmed.  ‘Its something to get checked,’ she insisted.  <img style="float: right; margin: 7px 0px 0px 5px; display: inline" alt="Image result for high blood pressure" src="https://www.eyeonspain.com/userfiles/image/mac75/OWL-0056-010615-what-you-really-need-to-know-about-HBP.jpg" width="155" align="right" height="135" />I explained why I discounted the result, why I disliked the Omron, and that my blood pressure was normally a healthy 110/70.</p> <blockquote> <p>Nonetheless, it nagged.</p> </blockquote> <p>So, I went to the Safeway and checked against the cuff testing station at the pharmacy.  140/105.  Twice.</p> <blockquote> <p>Damn</p> </blockquote> <blockquote> <p>I am not a particularly high-risk candidate for hypertension: I don’t use salt, watch my weight, exercise, no smoking, lots of vegetables.  The only risk factors are really age, stress, coffee, and alcohol.  It was hard to imagine that my stress level had gone up by that amount in a year, but the data was, unfortunately, consistent.</p> </blockquote> <p>Nonetheless, I made the appointment at Virginia Mason and then got a bit melancholy about the indignities of expat entrepreneurship.</p> <p><img style="float: left; margin: 0px 5px 0px 0px; display: inline" alt="Image result for high blood pressure" src="http://doctormurray.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/highbloodpressure.jpg" width="190" align="left" height="132" />The doctor listened to my story, then ran a right and left arm clinical measurement with a cuff and stethoscope.  She listened to my heart and my carotids. She thumped my chest a couple of times.  Then, sShe made notes and smiled: ‘You’re healthier than I am, honestly.’</p> <blockquote> <p>Blood pressure was around 110/70, each arm (the lower number is the important one, and should be less than 100 mm Hg, always).  No murmurs in the heart, no sounds in the carotids.  No cause for concern, keep doing what you are doing, and try to cut down on stress.</p> </blockquote> <p>I wrote a note to the dentist, saying that he might consider taking the wrist monitor out of service.  Its not a training issue, it’s a device issue.  A nice note returned, saying that he was withdrawing it anyway for the same concerns.</p> <blockquote> <p>‘just the diversion I needed a few days before Christmas.</p></blockquote>Dave Hamptonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04756506577756946937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5408994472101717153.post-90533069233105930442016-12-10T02:57:00.000+01:002016-12-20T03:12:52.712+01:00Morning light, Maastricht<p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9sEBl2Y1-gs/WFiR6utZdlI/AAAAAAAG96M/mKyRh4Tj-nQ/s1600-h/DSC05990%252520%2525281300x867%252529%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC05990 (1300x867)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC05990 (1300x867)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AAbWGbfLvZQ/WFiR_wis9xI/AAAAAAAG96Q/8R69xEMyOQs/DSC05990%252520%2525281300x867%252529_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="190" height="151" /></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-B1RPTPnlg90/WFiSGAC08QI/AAAAAAAG96U/O3LNkbCX1ds/s1600-h/DSC05962%252520%2525281300x867%252529%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC05962 (1300x867)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC05962 (1300x867)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IoQeWFyUuNY/WFiSLTWL6NI/AAAAAAAG96Y/yRJB2ynmHps/DSC05962%252520%2525281300x867%252529_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="199" height="153" /></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YMK-QQJ1OV8/WFiSRaMLbXI/AAAAAAAG96c/WeW5m7sqp6Q/s1600-h/DSC05965%252520%2525281300x864%252529%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC05965 (1300x864)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC05965 (1300x864)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aTo4eQJkRio/WFiSWfXH00I/AAAAAAAG96g/fbeqdlTfR0Y/DSC05965%252520%2525281300x864%252529_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="178" height="130" /></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kxQ2-DO5SDs/WFiSbf5wbTI/AAAAAAAG96k/DZ0wUBL_GNA/s1600-h/DSC05989%252520%2525281300x862%252529%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC05989 (1300x862)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC05989 (1300x862)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DipJwQJrQPg/WFiSgSoEltI/AAAAAAAG96o/fV3wy9jjV2E/DSC05989%252520%2525281300x862%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="197" height="135" /></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IEzM-Vtk5cc/WFiSlV0k9mI/AAAAAAAG96s/qpo4wJL5wG0/s1600-h/DSC05957%252520%2525281300x867%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC05957 (1300x867)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC05957 (1300x867)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xS82VvNFFJE/WFiSq5priEI/AAAAAAAG96w/WhAMo8dHnU4/DSC05957%252520%2525281300x867%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="224" height="159" /></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UTLT8J6mMA4/WFiSvZn9RsI/AAAAAAAG964/_RoQmFYs66o/s1600-h/DSC05968%252520%2525281300x864%252529%252520Stitch%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC05968 (1300x864) Stitch" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC05968 (1300x864) Stitch" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XXq9MQf8hmg/WFiS2Dp_XqI/AAAAAAAG968/TV2Uk2wuTCw/DSC05968%252520%2525281300x864%252529%252520Stitch_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="166" height="157" /></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aaOXTfdDM5M/WFiS7mPfRyI/AAAAAAAG97A/DgH-DOfS8NY/s1600-h/DSC05988%252520%2525281300x866%252529%25255B11%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC05988 (1300x866)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC05988 (1300x866)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FIF90Xva81w/WFiTJ1_-2LI/AAAAAAAG97E/l_DOVV0xo78/DSC05988%252520%2525281300x866%252529_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="186" height="158" /></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_Z8NE6-rMKo/WFiTP32DahI/AAAAAAAG97I/aBOkqKBsr1k/s1600-h/DSC05976%252520%2525281300x867%252529%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC05976 (1300x867)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC05976 (1300x867)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3QHP4mm2nY4/WFiTUjOBwyI/AAAAAAAG97M/kQZCXFLLcDc/DSC05976%252520%2525281300x867%252529_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="192" height="159" /></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LY-QGyQiy-s/WFiTZ3WQOwI/AAAAAAAG97Q/cDNAGboFZlM/s1600-h/DSC05982%252520%2525281300x866%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC05982 (1300x866)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC05982 (1300x866)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Olkxi1YoNPk/WFiTfXHtAUI/AAAAAAAG97Y/KPgLKrN_TTI/DSC05982%252520%2525281300x866%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="194" height="134" /></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zwwBEVaEvYc/WFiTkB4HVVI/AAAAAAAG97c/n_EaXy6yl3w/s1600-h/DSC05978%252520%2525281300x867%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC05978 (1300x867)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC05978 (1300x867)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-52-b3VU0Zb0/WFiTpJcwN4I/AAAAAAAG97g/qslsDUxAv68/DSC05978%252520%2525281300x867%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="191" height="132" /></a></p>Dave Hamptonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04756506577756946937noreply@blogger.com0