Year of the Dragon

London's China Town last Sunday was ringing with the sound of hundreds of rattle-drums, the cracking of little firecracker pellets and bustling with people following the lion dance as it brought luck and good fortune to the shops and businesses.  Standing behind someone filming on an ipad gave the best view!

Project 52 - Week 4 - Self-Portrait

Some of my favourite regular blog reads are those where the author shows copious photos of themselves and their kids, really letting me see a glimpse of their lives.  As much as I enjoy and appreciate their candour, I do not feel able to go that far myself but rather prefer to hide under some anonymity.  Which explains this photo! I didn't want to skip a week so early on in the Project 52 challenge but nor did I want to publish a picture of my wizened self so I've compromised by hiding behind this lovely glass of chilled pinot grigio.  Damn, now you might recognise me down the pub!

Project 52 - Week 3 - I Dreamed A Dream

This is terrible isn't it?! Terrible dark, grainy photo of a terrible mess. 
I dreamed a dream - one where I have less stuff! 

Butterfly

The butterflies are back at Wisley.  We observed one, ate one and drew one.

Project 52 - Week 2 - Made With Love

 

My little girl.  The best thing in my life and most definitely 'made with love'. I get all gooey just thinking about her! 

The picture from this week that I've chosen to illustrate the theme might seem a little odd!   This is her Charlie and Lola backpack filled with the items she thought we would need for exploring. It contained a piece of paper, some pencils, a pair of scissors, a pair of socks, a pink bowl filled with plastic vegetables, a toy dog and a toy rabbit that went "boooiiinnnnggg" every time she jumped off a wall or down a step.  The perfect emergency pack for deepest, darkest Surrey!  L.O.V.E.

Map Reading

 After some pretty intense map reading, we managed to find the thatched cottage. 

Project 52 - Week 1 - Resolution

 

I must have made three or four attempts over the years to compile a '365' photo project but each time I've failed before even the first week has finished!  So I am hopeful that Darcy's Project 52 initiative, where just one themed picture a week is required, might be something I can see through to the end.  That must be achievable, even in our winter gloom, surely?!?

The theme for week 1 is Resolution.  I have a number this year but the one I have attempted to illustrate is the one where I shift the tyre around my stomach.  A big incentive is the knowledge that later this year I will be spending a beach holiday with my stick-thin Japanese in-laws!  The best way to do that is, of course, to burn off more calories than I take in so the trainers are on my feet and I am ready to get moving.  Wish me luck!

New Year's Day

 

This New Year's Day it was far too wet and windy to walk on the beach so we settled for the warmth of delicious fish, chips and mushy peas plus some colouring-in at the West Beach Cafe.