Datchet With My New Toy

I took out my new super duper Lumix FZ-45 camera in Datchet to play with. I went out snapping with my great friend Jules who is showing me the ropes and making the whole newly found hobby a whole lot of fun. I took loads of photos, and decided to present a slightly different view of the beautiful village of Datchet from my own view point. It was interesting as to how many different signs there were with the word "Datchet" with the train station being one of them. One advantage of being on foot was when walking over the level crossing I was able to get up close and really personal with the railway.

The River Thames runs through the village and it's a beautiful setting, and there was an interesting close up view of leaves in the water with a nice rippling water effect.

 

Birds and ducks were out in force along the towpath outnumbering the small numbers of humans.

The church spire of St. Mary the Virgin. Standing under a tree in the graveyard I attempted to capture some kind of idea of the sheer size of such spires.

This is my "Doctor Who" photo as this amazing headstone reminded me of the "Weeping Angels".

And although Winter is not too far away and the clocks have gone back giving us darkness by 5:00, there is still plenty of gorgeous colour everywhere.

Colour Colours Colours

I am loving Autumn 2011. Everywhere you turn the colours are simply amazing, and this year I am really appreciating it and taking it all in as I drive around the countryside. The shot here is literally a view I get at work. I think an office job is not for me! :)

In The Woods

I am very lucky to work in a beautiful part of the English countryside, and one of the great advantages of my job is going to many different places. These days with more and more businesses relocating to rural locations I get to see some wonderful sights. The woods here are only a few miles outside Marlow, but very peaceful and looking beautiful at the moment.

Contrasting Weather

Autumn has brought some pretty amazing skies at work. Early morning brings a stunning sunrise, and by mid afternoon the skies darken as the rain comes bringing a lovely rainbow. Making the most of all the amazing colours as winter is not far away...

Boulters Lock Now and Then

Boulters Lock located on the River Thames at Maidenhead is a place I have known all my life. I have always been interested as to why Maidenhead was never set around the river, with the river being the focal point as it is for so many other towns along its path such as Henley and Marlow. It is somewhat strange that Maidenhead town centre is half a mile or so from the river.

I took the photo of the lock on a lovely late sunny October Sunday afternoon. The river was quiet with just the occasional boat going through the lock. How things were different going back a hundred years ago. I found a photo from the 1900s where the lock appears somewhat busier.

The view looking the other direction back towards Maidenhead bridge is lovely and the water was very tranquil and the autumn colours on the trees provided a lovely backdrop. Sometimes it can be very easy to forget to appreciate just what wonderful sights and locations we have right on our doorstep.

The blog could not be complete without a picture of the ducks that were also enjoying the autumn sunshine :)

A Weekend Away In Salisbury

I always have difficulty in taking off work working the way I do on my own, but I am aware of the necessity of having time out and getting some good rest and relaxation. A weekend away has finally been achieved all be it a 24 hour trip to the catherdral city of Salisbury. I did take a Friday afternoon off work so it did actually feel like a good break. 

The Grasmere House Hotel was lovely, an old Victorian house set in a couple of acres of land with views of the cathedral and a gorgeous stream running at the bottom of the garden with swans and ducks a plenty.

I was in the company of two of my best friends! :)

The Indian summer continues providing beautiful autumn colours in the late afternoon stunning sunshine.

An idyllic setting and a great place to get away and unwind from the everyday stresses. A perfect trip! :)

It's A Dogs Life

This week I finally got a little help to run the business in the form of my friend "Storm". A loyal and fantastic companion although not yet quite trained to answer the phone! It was nice to have the company as running the business on my own can be quite a solitary experience at times.