What's happening in Watford?

Remembering the sunshine

2011-11-03T22:42:00.003Z

It has been such a grey and gloomy day here in Watford that I just wanted to post up some photographs of the Acer tree taken just a couple of weeks back in the garden. It doesn't seem possible that the light was this beautiful but at least I have planted some bulbs now to start 2012 with some colour.

Back from Normandy

2011-09-17T23:08:00.003+01:00

Back in Watford to blighted tomatoes and a rather dry garden after a late Summer break in Normandy with family. I sneaked every opportunity to take photographs in some of the churches in the region ( see http://redhenglass.blogspot.com/2011/09/normandy.html ) at one point making out I was following Rob but then slipping back through the church door. The local rural scenery was pretty fantastic, especially in the late afternoon light:

Evenings were spent being beaten at cards by Robert and Tim, Robert has a particularly dodgy shuffle:

.... and eating some rather splendid dinners harvested from E.Leclerc supermarches and prepared each evening by different guest chefs ...

A fantastic break and brilliant company, Au Revoir

Skye was truly beautiful again

2011-06-28T21:25:00.002+01:00

P1050296 copy, originally uploaded by Ajay Jayne.

Travelled up to see my brother and his partner Debs again at the end of June. Despite news of lots of rain and more expected, Neist point late on a Friday evening after a spot of fishing was spectacular.

Lots of new creatures and fun as ever, lovely to catch up after such a long time.

Beautiful clouds over Watford

2011-05-26T18:35:00.002+01:00

There were some amazing clouds over the garden yesterday, they changed very fast and I was surprised that they came out on the photos. They were wispy for about two hours and we watched them changing while eating our lunch outside.

View of the Matthew

2011-05-03T17:31:00.003+01:00

IMGP7238 copy, originally uploaded by Ajay Jayne.

This is a better view of the Matthew, it looked fantastic out in the bay at Falmouth.

Fired on by the crew of the Matthew

2011-05-03T17:28:00.002+01:00

IMGP7226, originally uploaded by Ajay Jayne.

Our friend Pete sailed around to get a better view of the ship Matthew in Falmouth. The crew thought it would be a good idea to fire on us, very pleased to get a good view of the blast from the cannon. The ship is a replica of John Cabot's ship more info here http://www.matthew.co.uk/new.php

Engine House at Chapel Porth

2011-05-03T17:15:00.002+01:00

IMGP7412, originally uploaded by Ajay Jayne.

I always wanted to get a good photograph of this engine house above Chapel Porth. It was full of ravens and we saw a hawk resting on top of the engine house but far too fast to get a decent photograph of.

Steps through Kennall Vale

2011-05-03T17:11:00.002+01:00

IMGP7276, originally uploaded by Ajay Jayne.

A very inviting walk up the steps through the woods, the bluebells were not quite out but plenty of new green leaves coming out.

Kennall Vale

2011-05-03T17:07:00.001+01:00

IMGP7265 copy, originally uploaded by Ajay Jayne.

Been back from Cornwall for over a week now and I have finally managed to organise the photos. This is the stream that runs down the Kennall Vale in Ponsonooth that was used to run the watermills for the explosives factories. Amazing how tranquil it is now and imagine that some of the trees were just saplings when the factories were operating.

Yes, Watford had snow but La Thuile had ski slopes.

2011-01-17T21:09:00.002Z

Finally sorted through the photographs from our trip to Italy with Ali, Chris, Robert and Tim. We were really glad that we managed at least a few lessons at Hemel Hempstead although the real snow was even better and the mountains in the sunshine quite breathtaking.

Robs finger is getting better now and although I had some nightmares before the trip and was terrified of breaking something, slow and steady meant that I got six days to ski and am now ready to try and overcome my total fear of going down anything steeper than 25 degrees.

For one day, the sky under the cloud was dark and looked like a wet day in Watford but surprisingly, as the lift took me up for my lesson (yes, bad day for Rob) I found myself on the other side of the cloud, similar to flying.

On the Friday, Rob got a good lesson and despite how the fog appears in this video, higher up where he had just come from, the sky was completely clear.

Christmas glass

2010-12-28T21:26:00.000Z

These are some pieces that I made for my brothers and their partners and Rob's brother and sisters for Christmas. I really enjoyed making them and want to build on the ideas now.

Grandad George Brown

2010-12-03T15:34:00.004Z

My Grandad George died in the early hours of this morning, he was 95 and had been ill for some time, but especially this last couple of weeks. He had been so independent for so long that it seemed almost impossible that he should not be able to get up out of bed and needed so much help. My Mum has been amazing and I'm looking forward to seeing her tomorrow. I have so many army pictures of him but wanted to include this one since it is fun and how I remember him when I was a child. The poem is by Brian Patten and although a lot of his friends and my Grandma went before he did, people loved and connected with him for all of his life and will carry that with them. An extraordinary life.

So many different lengths of time by Brian Patten
How long does a man live after all?
A thousand days or only one?
One week or a few centuries?
How long does a man spend living or dying
and what do we mean when we say gone forever?

Adrift in such preoccupations, we seek clarification.
We can go to the philosophers
but they will weary of our questions.
We can go to the priests and rabbis
but they might be busy with administrations.

So, how long does a man live after all?
And how much does he live while he lives?
We fret and ask so many questions -
then when it comes to us
the answer is so simple after all.

A man lives for as long as we carry him inside us,
for as long as we carry the harvest of his dreams,
for as long as we ourselves live,
holding memories in common, a man lives.

His lover will carry his man's scent, his touch:
his children will carry the weight of his love.
One friend will carry his arguments,
another will hum his favourite tunes,
another will still share his terrors.

And the days will pass with baffled faces,
then the weeks, then the months,
then there will be a day when no question is asked,
and the knots of grief will loosen in the stomach
and the puffed faces will calm.
And on that day he will not have ceased
but will have ceased to be separated by death.

How long does a man live after all?
A man lives so many different lengths of time.

What's happening - Rob on tour with Steve Hackett

2010-11-23T18:36:00.004Z

I have been playing around with Google Maps tonight just to see where the next few dates of the tour will be taking Rob. They are very spread out but I'm looking forward to seeing him at the London gig next Tuesday.

View Rob on tour with Steve Hackett map in a larger map

Beasties and leaf stained glass

2010-11-22T20:41:00.002Z

Beasties and leaf stained glass, originally uploaded by Ajay Jayne.

I made this item for Mum for her birthday, the purple colour of the border doesn't show up too well on this photo, it is very dark, but the green is as bright as it appears here. The little stones around the edge are amethysts that are wired and soldered around the border.

A family gathering and a big adventure

2010-08-17T18:34:00.005+01:00

P1020249, originally uploaded by Ajay Jayne.

Well, this is Rob and his Mum, a photo taken on Sunday before Anne set off on her big adventure teaching for 4 months in Nepal. A lovely time was had by all along with far too much cake. Anne's blog, which is currently empty until she finds some internet service, can be found at http://www.eleanorannetownsend.blogspot.com

Some more photos

My garden, very overgrown, Watford

2010-08-07T22:47:00.001+01:00

P1020109, originally uploaded by Ajay Jayne.

Well, a little bit of rain and the garden has gone crazy. The courgettes have grown so much that we can barely keep up with eating them and the lilies are full of hover flies.

Kiln is in place

2010-07-16T19:16:00.002+01:00

P1010981, originally uploaded by Ajay Jayne.

How could I forget to blog this, rather excited to have rearranged my whole shed and now have the new kiln fitted neatly into the corner. Rob is away on tour but he has already noticed that I have nabbed the CD racks to make equipment pigeonholes. I am still reading the kiln instructions at the moment since I don't want to either set light to the shed or break the new equipment so it may be a few days before the thing gets a proper firing.

Was inspired by finishing the painted glass work on the course in London.

Here is the finished piece based on Tudor blackwork embroidery and inspiration from things around the garden.

Oh no, the Roman steps Wales!

2010-07-08T07:07:00.002+01:00

Ady Sam mum Ang Wales, originally uploaded by Ajay Jayne.

Mum has a massive collection of colour slides that show everyone (except Dad the photographer of course) on various holidays. The collection features us wearing handknits by Grandma and high fashion from the early to late 1970's - Mum's dress would not look out of place in the current Wallis collection - and wellies. This is from the Roman steps in Wales, I know that Rob has a very similar photo of his family wearing similar clothes in the same area. Enjoy.

Ady and Fred's Window.

2010-05-30T21:43:00.003+01:00

Can't believe that last weekend was the first time I got to see the Foxglove window that I made for Ady and Fred last year actually fitted in the door. So rather lapse on the visiting front - or maybe it was the first time I had my camera with me. Bit of a tricky shot since the door is set slightly around the corner but at least this gives a good idea of the final colours and shapes. I had photos sent from Ady's telephone but couldn't get them from there on to a screen. Better late than never.

St Georges Day

2010-04-23T08:16:00.006+01:00

I'm not one for patriotism, but in celebration of my Grandfather George, my brother Ady who always sends me a happy St Georges day message and in recognition of a poet I really admire, this is to celebrate St Georges day.

The True Dragon
by Brian Patten

St George was out walking
He met a dragon on a hill,
It was wise and wonderful
Too glorious to kill

It slept amongst the wild thyme
Where the oxlips and violets grow
Its skin was a luminous fire
That made the English landscape glow

Its tears were England’s crystal rivers
Its breath the mist on England’s moors
Its larder was England’s orchards,
Its house was without doors

St George was in awe of it
It was a thing apart
He hid the sleeping dragon
Inside every English heart

So on this day let’s celebrate
England’s valleys full of light,
The green fire of the landscape
Lakes shivering with delight

Let’s celebrate St George’s Day,
The dragon in repose;
The brilliant lark ascending,
The yew, the oak, the rose

Back from Skye

2010-04-10T15:38:00.006+01:00

Had a great week with my brother Sam and Debbie at their home (and excellent holiday retreat http://www.melrosehouseskye.co.uk near Dunvegan (and niece Holly briefly). They have guests booked until August but it was great to spend some time with them and we have been thoroughly spoiled. Our birthday treat of vouchers for dinner at the Three Chimneys were traded for the full taster menu on Thursday which was an unforgettable experience. We have been trawling around all the little lanes since it was Rob's first trip up to visit and visited Marcella and Ian at their home as well as going out to Talisker bay out in the sunshine rather than early twilight as on a previous visit. Strangely enough I have heard skylarks twice this week, once at the fascinating coral bay with the sound of the loch against the shore and once when we arrived back at Luton airport in the car park with the sound of planes coming in to land. Now having incredible withdrawal symptoms.

Talisker bay

The curious Giant Angus MacAskill museum at Dunvegan

Hello Kitty, enjoying a breakfast egg laid by ....

One of the girls.

Wish this was at the bottom of our garden - it is actually at the bottom of Marcella and Ian's garden. Check out their B&B
http://www.wilmarbedandbreakfast.com/

Leighton Buzzard Oxjam

2010-03-25T20:02:00.002Z

IMGP5723 Claire Martin, originally uploaded by Ajay Jayne.

Arnie, Emma and their shop Cocoaberry arranged for an evening of jazz and it was great to have a night out in the week and get to see some playing. This is Claire Martin.

And of course, Rob and a few others.

Just incase you are interested

2010-03-18T21:18:00.009Z

Although Grandad is behind all of the writing, if you are interested in getting a copy, you can order a softback or hardback copy of his book by following the link.

The Moulton Image

By George Brown

Book Preview

Northampton for Tim and Jude's birthday bash.

2010-03-15T20:09:00.001Z

Had a great time up in Northampton at the Labour club celebrating the birthday's of Tim and Jude Harries. Freaky backdrop films of Dune and Nosferatu and some excellent company. The bonus was also getting to catch up with Ben who we hadn't seen for ages he is such a busy chap so we also managed to fit in a curry. Paul Williams provided the "voice" Joel Harries on drums.

Sunny in Watford!

2010-03-10T22:51:00.001Z

IMGP5445, originally uploaded by Ajay Jayne.

Always a sign of Spring when the cat finally gets outside and starts rolling on the paving slabs and gravel. Managed to get some tidying up done i the garden and looking forward to getting some more done over the next few days. The evenings and mornings are getting so much lighter and it is great to get home in the light at last.

Visit to Brafield on The Green to see Grandad.

2010-03-10T22:46:00.001Z

P1000501 Me and Grandad, originally uploaded by Ajay Jayne.

Rob took this photo of me with Grandad George, it was lovely to see him on Sunday, he has just had another birthday (and had plenty of birthday cake left - which we were keen to help out with). He seemed pleased to see the Spring finally adding some colour to his garden.

Crikey, Lewis is back.

2010-03-04T18:11:00.001Z

P1000317 Lewis copy, originally uploaded by Ajay Jayne.

Nephew Lewis is back from working and living in Spain and it was great to see him. They were off to the football shortly after this was taken and thankfully The Cobblers managed to beat Cheltenham so it wasn't a wasted journey.

Scary brother

2010-03-04T18:08:00.001Z

P1000290 Ady and Lewis copy, originally uploaded by Ajay Jayne.

What can I say ....

Brother Ady and his big child Lewis

2010-03-04T18:07:00.001Z

P1000292 Ady and Lewis copy, originally uploaded by Ajay Jayne.

A trip up to Northampton last Saturday to see my Mum and had the extra bonus of seeing Ady and Lewis. Not sure if Lewis was up for this much parental affection but he didn't complain. Lovely to see everyone and on the bus into town was pleased to see that Scrooge and the music shop are still up and running on the Kettering Road.

A day out to Emsworth

2010-02-15T23:28:00.006Z

We had a great trip out on Saturday to visit friends Nick and Emma in Emsworth with their lovely children, it was darn cold but great to see the sea ; this was the view from the pub.

This was everyone out in the cold on the beach getting some air;

And some large rocks...

Butternut Squash soup

2010-01-12T23:25:00.000Z

Butternut squash IMGP5352, originally uploaded by Ajay Jayne.

1 Butternut squash
1i/2 oz Butter
12 oz potato
2 pints vegetable stock
Cream if you like (not essential)

Heat the oven to 160 Degrees C

Cut the butternut squash in half, scoop out the seeds and dot with about 1oz of the butter.

Roast it in the oven for about an hour.

Meanwhile .....

Melt the rest of the butter in a large pan and add the peeled, cut up potatoes and 2 pints of stock. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes until the potatoes are soft.

Cool the butternut squash for a bit then scoop it out of the skin and add it to the potatoes. Wizz it up in a blender or using a hand blender and then pour it into a clean saucepan. If you want to add cream, add about 3 1/2 fl oz now, stir it in then heat the soup back up.

Add salt and pepper.

I love winter soups!

Garden in the snow

2010-01-08T23:14:00.000Z

Garden snow IMGP5332, originally uploaded by Ajay Jayne.

Certainly makes the garden look impressive.

More snow in Watford

2010-01-07T23:07:00.000Z

Garden IMGP5290, originally uploaded by Ajay Jayne.

Once again, the snow reaches Watford and although we are sick to the back teeth with all the BBC coverage and people moaning about it - it has slowed things down, stopped people tearing around the country as if a meeting to discuss nothing in particular was life threatening and stopped my phone ringing at work. New walking boots, plenty of scarves and ski gloves and a sort of holiday atmosphere has actually made me enjoy the whole thing.

Time to tidy up after Christmas

2010-01-02T23:03:00.000Z

01 01 2010 IMGP5244, originally uploaded by Ajay Jayne.

The wreath is still on the door but it is time to start making the house look as if Christmas is over and a new year is about to begin.

Round at Gary and Jo's house

2009-12-28T22:53:00.010Z

Rounded off our Christmas with a visit to Gary and Jo, brilliant meal of crispy duck, noodles, vegetables and scallops for statrters. Took a few photos but these are my favourites, Jo carried out most of the preparations

with Gary volunteering to make the pancakes watched here by an appreciative audience. Don't you just love a kitchen that is large enough for an audience?

Rob at Sully's frameshop

2009-11-14T11:44:00.007Z

For some reason taking photos of frames has a surreal quality, your head says they should have pictures in them and with photoshop there would be nothing easier than adding a perfect frame afterwards - but the shadows and the way that you can peep through or the person you are photographing can arrange how they appear in the frame makes it more human. I liked this one eye shot of Rob.

Framed at Sully's

2009-11-14T11:39:00.002Z

Pete Framed at Sully's, originally uploaded by Ajay Jayne.

Well, the band were playing in Falmouth so we took the opportunity to go down a couple of days early and catch up with friends and old haunts in Falmouth. Pete's frame shop was as busy as ever so I had a good time taking the opportunity to take some photos in the workshop.

Dinner with Mum, Ady and Fred and a visit to Grandad's house.

2009-11-10T08:25:00.011Z

The day before rememberence Sunday we went out for a great lunch at the Swan in Lamport Northampton. Great views over the rolling North Northamptonshire countryside and a lovely opportunity to catch up with my mum, Ady and Fred. The sun shone brilliantly and it was a real crisp and bright November day. In the morning I caught up with our Grandfather George Brown and also Aunt Rita, it was great to see him and he was kind enough to let me get some pictures of him.

The slides are of the whole day.

Grandfather's medals

2009-11-08T10:58:00.001Z

My Grandfather's medals, originally uploaded by Ajay Jayne.

Sergeant George Brown

2009-11-08T10:55:00.002Z

Sgnt George Brown, originally uploaded by Ajay Jayne.

Went over to see my Grandad George on Saturday morning, it was a lovely sunny day and brilliant to see him looking so well. He is getting ready for the memorial service that is held at the chapel where he lives but was happy to let me take a photo of him with his medals before I went.

Steve Hackett in Lydney

2009-10-11T21:04:00.003+01:00

Took the day off on Friday and went with Rob to one of the first UK dates for Steve's tour. For those who don't get out much, Lydney is just north of Chepstow and almost in Wales on the banks of the river Severn. Summer's end festival was a most appropriate title since as we approached the toll bridge it started bucketing down.

Great sold out gig with a light show that transformed the old Victorian Town Hall. Lovely to see everyone after such a long time and managed to get a few decent shots although had to push the ISO so they are grainy and the smoke to make the lights even more spectacular make it a devil to focus. So, most of the time I concentrated on enjoying the gig. Now looking forward to the event in London.

Great news, a shop actually opening!

2009-08-31T17:18:00.009+01:00

We went along to the opening launch of Emma (mainly!) and Arnie's new sweet shop Cocoa Berry in Leighton Buzzard. The shop looked brilliant and there were plenty of samples although I feel a bit weary today after so much Edinburgh rock.

Cutting the ribbon was Rusty Gough, an actor from the area who appeared in the original Charlie and the Chocolate factory film and also there was the mayor of Leighton Buzzard.

The evening ended with some jazz of course.

Ady and Simeon's window

2009-08-29T22:13:00.003+01:00

Getting on nicely with the window panels for Ady and Simeon now. It seemed to take ages to get the lower section started and the pink mottled glass was a devil to cut. Seem to have got my eye in again now and the pieces are cutting well and going together nicely now.

You can even see the garden here, still find the shed a great place to work.

Finally, the tomatoes are red ....

2009-08-12T22:09:00.001+01:00

It seems to have taken ages but finally the tomatoes have ripened and taste fantastic.

The beans are almost over but we have eaten loads of them for the last two months. Here is Rob with his seriously sharp knife.

Gladys Bailey 1911 -2009

2009-07-17T21:27:00.001+01:00

My Grandfather's sister Gladys died on Monday 13th July, she was in Moulton, the village where she was born. My usual memory of her from when we were children was at Cogenhoe Mill where she had a chalet with her husband Reg. I think they used to bowl on the beautifully cut lawn at the front of the chalet. She had worked at Bletchley Park managing the club there when she was younger and was always well groomed and incredibly tall and smart with never a hair out of place. This photograph is of the May day celebrations in about 1922/1923 in Moulton Northants. Gladys has her name marked on the photograph.

Off to John Clare Country

2009-07-12T22:11:00.000+01:00

Took my Mum over to the John Clare festival in Helpstone, near Peterborough / Stamford. It is a lovely village and we spent plenty of time poking through the books and looking at Carry Ackroyd's work in a local print/art sellers shop. The house where John Clare was born is now open to the public although there are other interesting houses all through the village.

We walked across to St Botolph's church where John Clare is buried. As part of the festival, local children had brought decorated turfs and placed them around the grave. Apart from the lavender, they were the brightest things in the churchyard.

The church has several windows but my favourite details were of the lilies and clothing on the older window.

To celebrate John Clare, we walked through the village in an occasional drizzle and followed the footpath across the bean fields looking at the butterflies in the lanes and listening to the skylarks above the cornfield.

Designs for Ady's window

2009-06-29T21:17:00.002+01:00

Have been working on some new designs for a window for my brother Ady and his girlfriend Simeon. They love their garden and Ady is particularly fond of foxgloves so these are all based around the colours and shapes of foxgloves with a sort of early 1900s twist to match their home.

A lovely wedding in Bedford.

2009-06-29T20:58:00.003+01:00

Well, spent a lovely day in Bedford at Helen (Rob's sister) and Mark's wedding. Very much a family day out, relaxed and great fun with a pig roast and a barn dance in the spectacular countryside.

The bride played a mean game of rounders....

May in Falmouth, fantastic

2009-05-28T22:32:00.000+01:00

Well, had our Cornwall fix and a great chance to catch up with good friends who were over from Australia:

And good friends busy setting up their business in Penryn.

We rediscovered the lovely pebbly Castle beach looking for smooth stones, seaglass and rock pool creatures.

We hadn't been down to the Lizard for years and ventured to Cadgwith Cove (we think). A fantastic day where I got stuck in a kind of seaweed quicksand down on the beach that stank and provoked much jollity from Rob and several passers by.

Bluebell woods at Whippendell

2009-04-30T17:50:00.008+01:00

It seems incredible that it has been a whole year since we last went to look at the bluebells in the woods just a fraction North of Watford. There was a gap in the clouds on Saturday so the bike was wheeled out and off we went. They smell amazing even when you ride past on the bike and they are certainly large enough to steer clear of most other people visiting. I think these were my favourite shots, but there were a few that I was fairly happy with.

You'll notice in the slideshow that Rob still has the same bike jacket but has discarded the stick by the time I took this photo.

Away to Skye again mid March 09

2009-04-25T16:10:00.003+01:00

It's been quite a while since putting a new entry on here but I took my Mum across to Skye again. Sam and Deb's home looks fantastic and the building inspector gave his stamp of approval a few days before we arrived. This is the first time I've tried to put a slideshow on here so hope it works. Lots of chickens and some almost in the dark as we climbed the old fort on the Saturday.

Rob's Mum's 70th birthday.

2009-03-13T13:25:00.003Z

Had an excellent time in Silverstone (Not Watford) at Anne's birthday do. My Mum came too and it was a great opportunity to catch up with Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Neices and Nephews -it was a bit like a wedding really - without the church.

The girls tuck in

Plenty of pudding

And Cake

That's a nice green suit Anne.

My Mum Sylvia, having a nice time.

Sunset behind the golf club

These were all taken on the new Pentax 200D, still getting used to the setup and as with most photos, it still seems to work better in natural light. Really looking forward to giving it a proper workout when we are back up in Skye at the end of next week.

A dragon in the Watford pond.

2009-02-18T23:00:00.006Z

Cycling home this evening past the pond in Watford (yes the one that the club goers chuck stuff into every club night) to see this wonderful paper dragon. I thought it looked like the Loch Ness Monster.

There is still some snow....

2009-02-07T23:56:00.004Z

Tess ventured out today and was not impressed to be followed by me with the camera. In the garden things have started to melt but on our neighbour's football pitch, it is still quite deep, crisp and frozen on top and soft underneath which means as cat walks on it, her feet suddenly go through the crunchy layer.

The snow makes Watford look lovely

2009-02-05T20:48:00.004Z

We are nearly at the end of a very cold and snowy week, Rob couldn't get in to teach on Monday but sadly I live so close to work that I managed to stumble in, it was a bit like the last week of term but the roads were empty and Cassio Park full of people making giant snowballs.

So, here is the back of our house complete with cat footprints in the snow.

This is the view as the sun hit the street on Tuesday. (Yes I know quite a bit has melted)

And why not share this lovely shot of the local MOT station with snow covered cars.

Crikey, it's nearly the end of January!

2009-01-21T20:48:00.005Z

Well, it has been busy, Christmas has gone, we've been to Barcelona and we've both been ill. (Barcelona was better) came back from bright sunshine to a scattering of snow and freezing temperatures, it was so cold that the snow on the car was still frozen on after driving from Luton.

Barcelona just to show the sunshine.

Gaudi, Gaudi, Gaudi

The new motor

2008-10-13T20:49:00.004+01:00

Well, here is the machine, having one of its many polishings during a very sunny autumnal weekend.

This is a bit slanted but has fitted in most of the car along with my lovely mother in law cleaning her windows!

Progress with the glass

2008-10-01T22:10:00.002+01:00

Went over to Nick and Naomi's home on Monday to see the glass put in position. I found it rather exciting to finally see it in place where it was made to fit.

Nick and Rob cleaned down the gap and fitted the architrave into the space.

We found that by turning the lights out in one room, and putting plenty on in the other, it all comes to life.

I've really enjoyed making this piece. Thanks Nick and Naomi for asking me to make it!

Falmouth tall ships

2008-09-24T22:27:00.004+01:00

Had a brilliant weekend staying on Pete's boat during the tall ships visit in Falmouth harbour.

Arrived on Friday (in the new car... ) to see quite a few ships moored up in the harbour and open for people to visit. A quick trip out with Pete and then back to see the ships lit up for the evening and fireworks over the bay.

The next day was pretty crazy with every boat owner out in the bay to escort the sailing ships out to the start line. Unfortunately, the beautiful weather meant not enough wind to sail.

Great light though and the sails looked brilliant against the clouds.

Progress with the glass

2008-09-24T22:09:00.005+01:00

Well, the window is all soldered now and it has been interesting to see the final colours now that it can be lifted up off the bench.

On Sunday during the final cementing, the sun shone really brightly through the glass reflecting over the bench - it was tricky to get a good image with accurate colours, the trees are a lovely warm toffee / caramel colour and the greens are deep emerald - but this doesn't do it much justice!

Nick and Naomi have been over to see the finished work and all that needs to happen now is to get the window fitted in their home, which should happen on Thursday.

Progress with the glass

2008-09-10T22:02:00.002+01:00

Well, nearly there now, glad that Nick and Naomi got to see it a week back, the last section has cut really well and adding the warm colours for the sun and sky has been very satisfying.

The soldering has almost been completed and you can just about see how the colours look for this final section.

Once soldered, I can actually get to lift the window up and get a proper view of the colours, a final cementing, which will probably happen when we get back from Cornwall, and everything will be much more solid and really bring out the glass properly.

Watford? I've been visitng Skye.

2008-08-03T18:41:00.003+01:00

Had a great trip up to Skye last weekend with mum to see how Simon, Debbie and Holly are doing with their housebuilding and to finally find out what the Island really looks like.

They have bought six chickens that seem to be everywhere but are very funny and do useful things like laying eggs.

The house looks great and going inside really gives an idea of the size of it. The views are brilliant and I am really looking forward to taking Rob up to see the beautiful scenery.

Progress with the glass

2008-08-03T18:27:00.004+01:00

Well, have been struggling through quite a difficult section but am pretty pleased with the way Nick and Naomi's window is shaping up.

The tricky bit is where the trunks and branches lead up to the main crowns of the trees and the bits wobble about so quite a bit of recutting has taken place - but am now looking forward to reaching the redder sun areas to balance the strong greens at the base.

Initially, some very warm orange pieces were planned - as below:

Have to say that although it looked a great colour, seeing it against the purples and blues it jarred so went back to the drawing board and cut another piece.

The colours look quite bright against the white paper but when it is against the light they will appear paler and I am looking forward to getting it cemented and lifted up to see how it really works.

Progress with the glass...

2008-06-20T22:59:00.004+01:00

Well, the glass has all been chosen, had a really good trip over to Tempsford with Naomi and there are some really exciting pieces that all work together. Some of the greens are stunning and will look great with the lighter shades. The shop have two fantastic hounds, an English bull terrier and some little terrier - just what was needed chasing round the glass showroom with a ball on a string.

It seems like a couple of weeks ago when we went over but I think it has been quite a little while now, it took me a while to get into being able to cut the first pieces for the window - they were the more expensive greens and it was like gearing up to cut a diamond.

These are two of the greens held up to the lamp in the shed:

So, just to show that I have not been too idle in the meantime, these are some photos of the progress so far, they don't do the window justice against the paper, but you can see the scale and the shapes as the window starts to take shape. I am already enjoying getting on with it and will keep sending updates as I reach the tree trunks and into the sky areas.

One day like this - Elbow in Delamere Forest

2008-06-20T22:39:00.004+01:00

Just had a fantastic Saturday with Ady and his lovely lady Fred. Despite fears of petrol pumps running dry and needing to get up almost to Liverpool, it was worth the effort, after all it was also a Birthday celebration for the "old boy."

It looked pretty quiet at 6.00pm when we opened up the picnic -

But as the sun dropped and more people arrived, the atmosphere changed, the stage began to light up and Mr Garvey arrived with the band.

It was all over far too quickly as we wended our way back through the forest to drive back home. So glad that we went and glad that we won't forget what a great gig it was.

Enjoying the shed

2008-05-28T23:05:00.002+01:00

With Rob being so busy at the moment, have really enjoyed getting some glass work done in the shed. This is a pretty early photo (you can see the frost) but it looks better now with electricity and even a few fairy lights. Next step to buy a sofa....

Glass designs for Nick and Naomi

2008-05-01T22:22:00.000+01:00

Things are moving on well with the glass designs for Nick and Naomi, there are several ideas and the watercolour designs don't really do much justice to the coloured and textured glass. Three sample panels have been put together to give a bit of a glimpse of what the design could look like.

These two are based on a copse on a hill.

The first is a brighter design, almost 1930s with classic sunrays and clouds.

The second has a more misty appearance although in the real window I would use more purples and translucent glasses, this design looks a bit too pink.

Bright design

The warm oranges and contrasting blues and greens make it a bit like 1930s ceramics, I particularly like the green glasses of the fields and the very deep purple for the trees.

Pastel / misty design

These look very different in front of a lamp and with natural light, the second one is perhaps more closely what the sample panel looks like. Again, used the same greens since they have a really nice texture and seem to glow in the natural light.

Umbrellas and water design

This is based on an adapted kimono design, I really like the abstract shapes and flowing patterns of Japanese fabric designs and wanted to see how they would translate into glass. Naomi had liked some of the combinations of orange and green in some of the designs we first looked at and they also liked the effect of the raised "globs" used on our bathroom door. I chose the cobalt blue against this very bright orange and green which looks really exciting against the light. The red globs probably work better than having green as well which I think, unless they are exactly the same color as the flat green, introduce another shade which is not as graphic.

So, just have to get the sample panels over to N&N now so that they can live with the colours for a while. At the moment they are sitting on the window at the back of the room and I stare at them whilst eating breakfast - I shall really miss having them in the house!

If you go down to the woods today....

2008-04-28T22:17:00.000+01:00

Who said we live in town, went out on the motorbike for pretty much the first time this year on Saturday to Whippendale woods about two miles out of town. Spring is certainly getting the hang of things.

So all I need to be able to do now is load up the darn pictures - bear with me....

I see, they work from Flickr, oh well, lets try another one. This is Rob with a crook shaped stick that he found and insited on tripping me up with.

Well lets have a go at this

2008-04-28T22:13:00.000+01:00

This will be a scrappy and intermittent blog to keep my family up to date with one or two items of news from the heart of Watford and to share progress with other good souls interested in how I am getting on with my leaded lights.