Summer 2008 - East Links Family Park

On our way back to Aberdeen we spent some time at the East Links Family Park which quite literally had something for everyone - rides and animals for the kids, go karts for Ken, animals for Diane and photo opportunities for me.

Summer 2008 - Day two continued

After Mother Shipton's cave we went to the gardens at Harlaw Carr. We spent some time in a bird hide within the grounds at Harlaw Carr and I only had my 18-55mm lens which was another instance of great situation, wrong equipment.

The first of several closeups without using my new macro lens.

More model village shots from ground level

Summer 2008 - Day two

On our second day with went to Mother Shipton's cave which had some lovely views. Here is a selection of shots from the day.

The petrfying well, the two lumps near the top of the image are hats from the 1800's left by visitors.

The distinctive black and white building which we have driven past dozens of times and never visited until today.

With all of the riverside shots like this one I was trying to capture the steep gradient of the bank with the houses & church rising up from the river but I don't think any of them capture what I saw with my eyes.

Summer 2008 - Day one

A few pictures from our first full day in Yorkshire. We went to the Yorvik centre in York and then went for a wander in York.

Charlotte looking as beautiful as she always does.

York Minister - this was the first of several occasions when I had the wrong lens with me. I must invest in a camera bag so I can take both my 18-55mm and my new 70-300mm.

Diane, Mum, Lewis and Charlotte outside the shop off of Mary Queen of shops.

Trying shots with my new lens, I liked the ability to combine old and new architecture in a closeup.



And finally a shot of all the cousins together

I dedicate this post to John Mitchell

Legal Disclaimer : This posting is my attempt at humour and any offence caused by the content of this posting is unintentional. If you continue to read beyond this point you are agreeing to release the author from any liability should you be subsequently offended by anything herein.

I feel John Mitchell is an inspiration to all us down trodden family men who try and fail to juggle work and family life. So as a tribute to his sterling efforts over the years I thought I would try one of his tried and tested techniques. I have recently been promoted at work to office manager and thought I would try the 'now I am an office manager I need to drive around in an office manager's car'.

This ploy worked a treat and I went out and bought myself a brand new S Type Jaguar.

Obviously the previous statement is a complete lie but I have exchanged the old T reg jalopy for something a bit more executive and within a sensible budget.

I had planned to do a Top Gear style photo to show of my new car with some HDR processing to bring out the moody atmosphere but I just don't have any time these days and Diane took a really good shot with her P&S so I am going with it until I can find a window in my diary...
















... and so now the moment you have all been waiting for (well James at least):

My new 3-series BMW

The only way I can describe how it feels to drive compared with my old banger is the feeling I had the other day when I went jogging with my first ever pair of running shoes. After running for 5 months in a pair of squash shoes the difference was staggering. It felt like I was running on air with my new shoes. Driving the new car is a similar quantum leap in enjoyment.

Diane is now looking for an office manager's house so I think she has had the last laugh.