Inspired

Two visits to Perth Concert Hall over the past few days have really inspired me.  During the first visit, I had a quick look at some of the images on display as part of the Perthshire Photographic Society exhibition.  (Note to self - go back for a longer look.)

I was entranced by Jean Burhouse’s montage of Perth buildings - and I spent a chunk of this morning snapping away - I might post some of my efforts later.

The second visit was last night to see the magnificent Perth Youth Orchestra annual concert.  I was blown away by some of the performances, but what made my night was the huge smile from daughter-child as the orchestra stood in response to the rapturous applause at the end.  A moment of magic!

A great day to be in Ayrshire

Seascape

Troon - 13 February 2010

Birthday Girl

Rachel... just 17!

Frozen Tay

We've lived in and around Perth for more than 20 years, and I've never seen the river frozen right across - till now!

We spent some time yesterday taking photos, in the snow.  This is a selection that hopefully captures the essence of it.

The last one reminds me of a satellite image - maybe the eastern Med?


The video shows that the ice was still forming, even though the river was flowing quite briskly - I guess, that confirms that it's been a bit chilly around here.

Snowy Perth

(That's Perth, Scotland for the avoidance of doubt!!)

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.

Last night we had the heaviest snowfall that I can remember - something around 12 inches.  This has been a fairly long cold snap for this part of the world - over a week now with the temperature barely rising above freezing.  There is a stunning, aching beauty about it all, but it has created havoc with travel and normal life for many people, who feel trapped in their homes because of the icy pavements etc.  In a way, the two cordylines summarise these responses.

Walking in a winter wonderland

The weather curtailed our travel plans for today.  It was a bit disappointing, but common sense had to prevail.

In the afternoon we wrapped up warmly and went for a walk around this part of Perth.  It was beautiful.

Frosty Perth

It's been a frosty weekend in Scotland - this was Perth earlier today.

London Bridge is falling down

While in London we visited Tower Bridge (built to ease the pressure on London Bridge – hence the title for this entry).

I wasn’t as convinced about doing it as the rest of my family for two reasons. Firstly, it seemed to be a bit tourist-y, but then again, we were tourists! More pertinently, my limited head for heights has become almost non-existent in my middle age, so the prospect of climbing 43 metres above the Thames wasn’t altogether appealing. But the lure of the view carried the argument, and we went for it.

There is a reasonably good exhibition about how the bridge was constructed, as well as a chance to walk around some of the original engine rooms that were used to raise the bridge. But the best bit is the high bit – crossing the walkways between the two towers. Again, there’s interesting information provided, but the views are stunning, especially on a nice summer’s day.

As an aside, they say that you can judge the prosperity of a city by the number of cranes in the skyline. Recession, what recession?

Loch Leven

That Hideous Man has reminded me of a morning that I spent with the Fish Wife around Loch Leven last year, we climbed the same hill, and took similar photos (merged in to this panorama). It is truly beautiful - and more or less on our doorstep.

There's also a nice farm shop sort of place at the northern end of the loch, for food etc.

How much we take for granted!

The Earth is a miracle.
Life remains a mystery.

From HOME by Yann Arthus-Bertrand

Bloggers block

I've got so many ideas swirling around in my head just now, but somehow I can't settle down to write anything. I suspect that it'll fall into place in due course - if I can just let it happen.

In the meantime...

This seems to confirm that there can be a silver lining to a raincloud.

Good morning Perth!

See That Hideous Man for an alternative view of this morning in Perth!

Friday photo: Snow capped

Friday photo: Winter's dawn

Fire in the sky

This photo was taken this morning. It's completely un-edited, not 'Photoshop-ed' - just as it was snapped.

The sunrise was breath-takingly beautiful. Words completely fail me... I can't begin to describe it.

In fact, for the last couple of days the light around here has been absolutely amazing. So more images will follow in due course. And later in the week I might even get around to stringing a few words together for an entry (but then again...!)

Friday photo: cold and twisted

Friday photo: Winter bloom

Friday photo: fall-en wonder