Bluewater getting ready for Christmas

Hi folks,

As you know Trevor and I went with Sue to this famous shopping centre on Saturday as Sue was working in one of the shops. After a coffee we set off to take some outside pictures around the complex which is very large. I was pleased that Trev's back was now ok and it was a wonderful bright sunny day for some photographs.

One of the many entrances into the centre from one of the car parks.

Such a lovely day to be out and about, putting Sue's camera through some hoops.

A view from the front lake area with the Christmas decorations in full swing, these are quite old and are kept somewhere else for the rest of the year. This Swan must be as old as the hills and they keep bringing it out year after year

Ah yes the famous Tree, I will go back at night before Christmas to redo the night shots which I did a few years ago. Well worth a visit at night if you can get there.

This is a new area set aside for entertainment and has a Pirates area, (keep away Daisy and Holly) with boats etc. Trev has some close ups of the Pirates to show you today.

Well it wouldn't be Christmas without the famous Reindeer, would it, this one adornes a roundabout on route to the centre.

Shouldn't really take pictures inside but loads of people were. This group where singing Gospel music and Carols from the top balcony of one of the stores. Really good they were too, put me in the right frame of mind for Christmas.

Last but by no means least a view over the balcony after the singers had finished. A great day was had by both of us and I will try to get back at night before Christmas.

nite nite, luv Mike XX

Beacon Woods

Hi folks,

As Sue was working in Bluewater Shopping Centre Trev and I decided to have a wander.  First we ventured to the Shopping Centre itself but then with the sun shining ("Yes it was") we headed off, we knew not where!

We arrived at Beacon Woods Country Park the site of an old Gun Powder factory which closed in 1920.  On entering the park we found nice Autumn leaves still around.

Still having Sues new little camera in my grubby little mits  I started to take some pictures. ( I will give it to her soon, honestly). Well she couldn't use it whilst she was working anyway.

What a nice place, we were intrigued by the layout of the park which we will return to as there is a lake as well which we did not find.

What distracted us was, guess what Kendo, yes Fungi, not a couple but loads of it. In fact Trev and I had never seem so much.

It was everywhere we looked, it must be the fact that the weather has been so dry followed by lots of rain.

This one made us chuckle, like a row of little soldiers they were.

More and more everywhere.

We got our knees muddy taking these and this last one looks like Daisy and Holly had been there thinking it was Chicken!

As it was getting late we made our way back to the car having had a good day.

This shot of the wonderful Park before we went back to Bluewater to pick up Sue.

nite nite, luv Mike XX

Susie's new Crimble Pressy

Hi folks well its here,
At last it is here, I know Christmas is NOT here yet but all of the shops have presents in them so why not?

What do you think of the colour?? Its actually Rose so there. So we are all set for Christmas

nite nite, luv Mike XX

One missed from yesterday.

Hi folks,

Well the cats out of the bag (watch out Daisy and Holly, you too Max).

I have bought Sue a new camera to complement mine. I was really for Christmas but what the heck, life's to short so she can have it tomorrow. Trev and I went to great lengths to keep it a secret but the original firm we ordered it from messed up the order so I have got it coming tomorrow from another supplier.

I'm sure she will be pleased with it, well I hope so after the disappointment over the Samsung MV 800 which had a lovely design but rubbish image quality. So "MERRY CHRISTMAS SUE" I here you cry.

Anyway back to tonight, this is one I missed from yesterday.......

Well that's it, got to do the washing up as dear Sue has been working in Bluewater all day.

nite nite, luv Mike XX

Last of the Summer Leaves

Hi folks,

After yesterday's Daisy day, I thought I would post some pictures of the last golden leaves to fall in Mote Park.

 As you know I ventured off on my own leaving Daisy with Sue to take these, the weather was fantastic with lovely golden brown sun rays shining through the trees even though it was nearly mid day. The first shots were taken on the path leading to the main gate with a 14mm 2.8 lens I am trying out. hope you like them.

Down by the lake

And last but not least, the star of the show

nite nite, luv Mike XX

Up and down Daisy

Hi folks,

Well as soon as I look around it's Tuesday again. So what shall we do?  Mote Park looked good as there were a good array of play equipment for Daisy and if the weather was kind to us a few snaps on the rest of the leaves before winter descends on us.

First the play area as you dont get a choice with a three year old, She got the hump as soon as the camera appeared and went into a sulk so I went off on my own leaving Daisy with Sue. I had a great time taking autumn colours before I returned to Sue and Daisy and we went into the cafe for lunch. Will publish them tomorrow.

Suitably refreshed we went back to the play area and I think she was hungry as she was a different person. On went the 1.8 45mm lens and off we went.

She just loved this Trampoline so the first action shot of the day.

 This one made me giddy just watching her, beam me up Scotty.

Then a try as Captain of a Pirate ship, watch out Daisy and Holly she will be after your job.

Then it was time for a bit of cooking, two Bacon Rolls please.

This one was the star of the show, really like the way her hair lights up. All off the ground be it Trampoline and a nice," look at me granddad " shot I was so pleased with this one which I will treasure for ever and will even frame it.

It's great being a Granddad alhough it it very tiring sometime with the worry of looking after some ones loved one but  the benefits though are GREAT and I would not change it for the world. She's now tucked up safe and sound in bed recharging her batteries for another fun filled day tomorrow.

nite nite, luv Mike XX

Part Two, sort of

Hi folks,

Well to continue on from yesterday, I was going to go down there again today BUT the day ran away with it's self. The plan was to go to Gillingham to look at some doors which we purchased, on the way home I was nearly involved in a head on smash with a car that was turning right across my path. Fortunately I missed him but that shook me up for the rest of the day and I just wanted to go home.

So just a couple from yesterday....

Dont ask me what this is but it looked nice.

Same shot as Trev took yesterday.

Last but not least, one of Trev taken with my new 45mm 1.8  lens the car in the background does not belong to Trev but it was just a shot to show bokeh ( blurred background to you and me).

Right. that's it

nite nite, luv Mike xx