Category: Uncategorized

Today started at 7.00am when I got up to wait for our new dishwasher to be delivered.  These days stores are at pains to offer you an exact delivery window.  Most carriers, like DPD, delivering from the south of England, will give you a 60 minute time slot.  John Lewis, delivering from 15 miles away, give you a 7 HOUR window.  That’s not a delivery window JL, that’s a whole shift I’d lose if I’d been working.  Not really acceptable in this day and age.  As you might have guessed, the delivery was not here until 1.30pm, SIX AND A HALF HOURS after the start time.  I’m beginning to think that JL is living in the past and resting on their laurels (if that isn’t mixing my metaphors).  However, the dishwasher was fitted, tested and the old machine taken away in double quick time.  It’s been tested and it washes dishes.  All is good.

After I had my lunch, the good light was fading and I hadn’t had time to take any photos.  So, it was boots on and a quick walk to St Mo’s in the late afternoon.  I thought I’d missed all, the good light, but luckily there was just a little bit left.  In the gloaming you get some nice reflections on the pond if there’s a decent cloudscape.  I’d brought the Nikon with the 70-300mm today and I thought I also had the ultra-wide 10-20mm Sigma with me, but it turned out I had the kit lens instead.  One of the many great things about Nikon is the quality of the kit lenses.  I read so many people complaining about the poor resolution from their kit lenses and thank the salesman in Jessops (when it was a REAL photo shop, staffed by photographers) 15 years ago who convinced me that it was worth paying that little bit more for a Nikon D70.  He was right, but of course, I always wanted a Nikon from away back in the ’70s when I bought an Olympus OM1 and should really have bought a Nikkormat FT2.  I think from that day on, I aspired to a Nikon.

There was a fair bit of post-processing on the ‘Golden Pond’ shot.  It’s a sort of HDR process, but one that’s done completely within Lightroom.  I found it by accident on the internet in a tutorial by Serge Ramelli. He also has a fair amount of video tutorials on YouTube.  It’s a simple technique and so much better than using progs like Photomatix because it’s infinitely adjustable and seems to produce less digital noise than other ‘real’ HDR progs.  Anyway, it works for me and it also works with Jpeg format files, which Photomatix doesn’t do.  Technospeak rant over.

The day broke to a bright, if cold sky. Cold, as in -0.3ºc according to the weather station. Just below freezing. A temperature drop of nearly 25 degrees from yesterday morning according to the temperature display outside the hotel. It seemed a shame to get up and go out today in the cold, but we needed food for lunch and dinner tomorrow and we had the knowledge that the food would be better than we had to endure for the last week in the hotel. Restaurant and café food was so much better.

We dined out for lunch today at The Stables. Chicken and leek pie for me and fish and chips for Scamp. Lovely, except the barman tried to con me by trying to palm me off with coke from the dispenser rather than the bottled Coke I’d asked for. The waitress changed it for me telling me my drink was flat because there was too much ice in it! Aye Right.

Tomorrow’s dinner was bought from M&S and Lidl (top and bottom of the range). Unfortunately, I missed the good light this morning and since daylight was fading by mid afternoon, there wasn’t much choice of subject. I ended up with a mono shot of the first snow on the Campsies. A missed chance this morning.

Today we walked to the shore and turned left. We walked along to Playa de los Americas with a stop on the way to take on beer. Scamp found out she had forgotten her top to protect her shoulders from the sun but, surprise, surprise she knew where she could get one.
Actually the day had begun earlier with a walk along to a local market which was more like “The Barras” as it used to be. Crowds of folk all jostling looking for a bargain, but not really expecting to find one. We didn’t either.
Back at the Playa we were getting thirsty again. It’s thirsty work this walking, you know. Luckily we remembered getting ice cream at a wee cafe and they had lovely looking mojitos, and that’s what we had. They hit the spot perfectly. We walked back a bit and Scamp found the shop that sold scarves to protect shoulders and I found a nice Italian cafe that sold pizzas. Unfortunately the turned a blind eye to us. Maybe we didn’t tip them well enough last time. Oh well, their loss.
We soon found another place and ordered a pizza each. Scamp’s face when they arrived was a picture. The pizzas must have been about 18″ across. For what is probably the first time, I couldn’t finish mine. After that it was the long walk home. I went for a shower and a snooze and Scamp went sunbathing. I joined her later and we had a last couple of swims in the icy water of level 5 pool. I stood and watched the paragliders coming off the hills. See me? See next time? I’m going to try that. DV of course.

This morning we stayed by the pool on level 5. We both swam in the almost freezing water, although it isn’t so bad once you’re in. Didn’t even bother to towel dry, just lay in the sun and watched the water evaporate! Walked down to The Pantry ( real find) for a light lunch, then walked right at the front to take us to the edg of Poshland. Managed to get a photo of the doorkeeper minus pointy hat today, but with his black belt. He’s a black belt second Dan at doormanology you know. Not only can be open a door with either hand, he can do it with maximum damage to person. His door opening hands are licensed and he has to sign himself in at the local police station when he goes to a new town.
After our close encounter, we went for an expensive G&T in a bar on the outskirts of Poshland, well, Scamp had an expensive G&T and I had a slightly less expensive beer.
Walked back after that and went for a coffee at The Pantry. That is, Scamp had a coffee but I had a Baraquito which is a cocktail of a coffee. Google it!
Later, Scamp went to level 5 and I went for a walk on the dodgy part behind the hotel where people appear to walk their dogs. Loads of people walking dogs. Not on grass, but on volcanic cinders. Can’t imagine that’s comfortable for the poor dogs. By the time I got back, it was Gin o’ Clock once again and after that it was dinner time, which signalled the end of another beautiful day on this island.

Today,  after being woken up by pneumatic drills at around 8.15, I got a pencil sketch completed before breakfast so that I could get the colour notes in place using the early light as reference. After breakfast, we turned RIGHT, walked to the bottom of the road and turn RIGHT again.  Every day so far we have turned left, today was going to be different. We walked along the high path that took us past a few of the hotels we had passed before and on to the headland.  There we noticed for the first time the blowhole with the cordon round it.  At first I thought it was steam coming from the blowholes, after all, the island is volcanic, but then realised it was water running up from a fissure in the rocks, pressurised by waves.  Not hot, but still impressive. After shooting a few frames of the pretend steam (or Imposter Steam, Hazy?) we walked round the bay. I made the decision to attempt the cliff walk next, although the signs said Danger and Do Not Enter. We entered and although the path was a bit hairy in places,  generally it was really clear path across very rounded rocks, rounded by many feet I guess. There was one strange bit where we came to a crack in the rock with a couple of rusted pipes sticking out and a sound like breathing coming from it. If I hadn’t seen the blowhole, my imagination would have run riot,  but I realised that this was an other undercut made by the waves and the ‘breathing’ was just air being forced up through cracks in the rocks. Presumably the rusted pipes were vents for the air.  Scary though.

When we descended from the cliff walk, we were in a different land, we were in Poshland. It looked like the cheap hotels here were five star and heaven knows how many stars the really posh ones were.  One even had its own gatekeeper with white robes and a little pointed hat. Imagine if that was the way you had to dress to go to work! I was so taken aback I forgot to take a photo and that’s not like me. We stopped in a posh land cafe to have lunch. Tuna baguette for Scamp and club sandwiches for me.  Posh, expensive and very nice indeed,  but what else would you expect in Poshland.

Walked back to Normaland and had coffee and a slice of apple pie in The Pantry. It may be Normal, but it’s home to us. No white clad pointy had gatekeepers, but the coffee was good and so was the pie. Had to buy another bottle of gin because someone had drunk the last one! Went to level 5 pool and enjoyed another cold swim. sky had clouded over by then, so we headed for the apartment and watched a lovely sunset, then I started wondering what the light would be like on the mountains on the other side. It was startlingly beautiful and there was the added bonus of hang gliders catching the light from the sunset.  After that, it was Gin o’ Clock with a really good dinner afterwards.  An interesting day in Poshland. A great place to visit, but I wouldn’t like to stay there.

So, what of the day then? The day started after breakfast with a walk to level 5 pool. The water was just as cold as it was yesterday, if not even colder. We both went for a swim though – this gym/swim thing must be working after all. After the swim we sat, soaking up the sun for a while. On the walk back to the apartment I stopped to watch some hang gliders slope soaring up in the mountains above Adeje. They were really, and I mean really high up.

Scamp had been talking to a couple who recommended a cafe for lunch, so we got changed and went looking for The Pantry. It turned out to be just a street away and almost on our normal walk to the sea.  It seems to be run by an English couple and the menu is very British.  That’s just a comment, not a criticism, by the way. Lunch was scrambled egg on toast for Scamp and roll ‘n’ sausage ‘n’ bacon for me. All these apostrophes are a pain to type on a Samsung tablet by the way. Suffice to say that lunch was fine and we decided to make a return visit on our way back.

We walked for miles today, literally, miles.  We walked past Port Colon into a more scenic part of the conjoined towns. By this time the sun wa getting quite hot and Scamp’s shoulders were getting burned so we had to make a stop at a little shop for her to get a wrap to cover them. We decided we’d had enough for one day and headed back. On the way, we managed to pick up a couple of ice creams which wee very welcome.  Stood watching some of the hang gliders spiralling down to their landing area, spilling air as they went. Very impressive.  We did go back to The Pantry on the way back. Then, Scamp saw another couple of bargains!  What a surprise.

Woke early and after reading a few more pages of my latest book, “The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet”, recommended by my daughter and one that’s growing on me (the book, not the daughter – she grew on me from the day I first held her).  After immersing myself in the lives of the deep space crew, I began the task of clearing up the back bedroom or as I see it, “The Painting Room”, so that Jackie and Murd would have enough room to put the bed down.

Then it was time to see what was ailing the Mac.  For some reason, Finder is taking an unconscionable time finding its files.  Despite my best efforts, the problem is still there.  I think my best bet is going to be restoring a TimeMachine, but I’ll let it struggle on for a few days in the hope that a couple of paracetamol will do the trick.  Failing that and the TimeMachine restore, I’m afraid its Hello El Capitan, but that is a last resort.  I’m pretty sure the paracetamol will work.

Met Fred for a coffee and a natter at midday.  Swapped stories and painting tips and a couple of CDs.  By the time I was heading home from our caffein indulgence, the wind was rising as we prepare ourselves for storm Abagail.  Bought myself a real book.  A hard copy as Fred called it.  Ian Rankin’s new Rebus book – “Even Dogs in the Wild”.   Looking forward to meeting Rebus again.  He’s like an old friend now.

Finally unwrapped the paints in my new watercolour field box.  It’s a nifty design with three mixing palettes, an integrated water bottle and water cup.  It’s even got a tiny, and I do mean tiny brush and a sponge.  A good design.  That’s what created today’s picture.  I thought the mixing areas were far too small, but they are fine for sketching, which is what the box is intended for.

Today’s cryptic title is from Painting Box by Incredible String Band:

“For somewhere in my mind there is a painting box
I have every colour there, it’s true
Just lately when I look inside my painting box
I seem to see the colours of you.”

Another cryptic title. Another music based title. Another rainy day. All will become clear, I promise.

Today started for me around 7.15 when I got up, had breakfast and afterwards, washed the dishes. This not having a dishwasher is a bit of a pain. I believe we are going to look for a replacement tomorrow if we can find a boat.

Later I started another oil painting, but like the last one, this one too bit the dust. Maybe the canvas is jinxed. Maybe I should stick to watercolour or maybe dressmaking.

After lunch (pizza with italian sausage! Maybe I should start painting pizzas.) anyway, after lunch I got the stir crazy blues. The rain had lessened so I drove to Auchinstarry and went for a walk along the railway. Got a couple of photos before the torrent resumed. The Kelvin was running really high. I’d guess it was about two feet above its normal level. It was getting dark so I headed back along the other path. I thought I spotted a large puddle on the way back and was just deciding the best path round it when I realised it wasn’t a big puddle, it was an enormous flood about twelve feet long and the full width of the path. It looked like the loch near the cemetery was flooding into the burn. It didn’t look very deep, and it was either wade through or walk all the way back round. I opted for the wade. The water turned out to be about a foot deep.

For those of a metric disposition, divide all these feet sizes by 3 for a rough estimate in metres. Candidates may use calculators if required.  (Not supplied)

I waded through the water and made it safely, but soaked back to the car. Thank you Mr Berghaus for making waterproof breathable jackets. Inside I was dry, apart from my jeans below my knees and my poor sodden shoes. Next time I’ll wear wellies.

“Within the valley of shadowless death
They pray for thunderclouds and rain,
But to the multitude who stand in the rain
Heaven is where the sun shines.”
Mad Man Moon – Genesis

Woke up to hear Scamp struggling in the dark.  Oh dear, either we’ve not paid the electricity bill or the kettle has tripped the circuit breaker on the consumer unit again.  That bloody kettle was indeed plugged in.  Unplugged it and reset the circuit breaker.  Went back to bed.  One of the great benefits of being retired is being able to look out at the driving rain and say “Nah.  Not today thank you.”  Turn over and go back to sleep.  Woke around 9.30 and got up and had breakfast.  Outside it still looked miserable.  Moped around and tidied up some of my junk that is forever cluttering the living room table.  Yes, I admit it!  Later I had a long hot shower to ease the ache in my back, but thankfully it wasn’t as bad as yesterday.  The ‘flu like symptoms’ had gone and I felt a lot better after the shower.  It was still raining outside, even heavier than before

When Scamp came in she noticed there were no lights showing on the dishwasher.  Hmm, could that be the circuit breaker culprit?  Probably not, but it might be a blown fuse.  Scamp went off to collect her ‘Gems’ group and I set to, to remove the fuse from the kettle plug and use it in the dishwasher plug.  Plugged the dishwasher in and got an almighty fright when there was a BANG and a smell of electrical stuff burning!  In the hall, I heard the circuit breaker trip.  Oh dear, looks like we need a new dishwasher.  Just to be sure, I unplugged the dishwasher, reset the trip switch and tested the socket with the socket tester, well, what else would you test a socket with? 😉  It passed with flying colours.  No doubt about it then, it’s a new dishwasher for us.  Oh well, it probably doesn’t owe us anything, it’s been doing the dishes for 10 years now.  It probably deserves a rest.

RANT ALERT
We didn’t have any spare 13amp fuses in the house.  Well, we probably have loads of them, but they are all hidden away in a tin that’s in a shoe box that’s in a drawer that’s under a pile of papers that’s behind a door that’s inside a cupboard.  Perhaps.  It would be quicker to buy some more.  Drove through torrential rain to the gym but decided just to have a swim.  Steam room is great on a dull rainy day, as is the sauna.  Did manage to swim a few lengths too.  Went to Currys, the largest electrical store in Scotland and probably the UK.
“Do you sell fuses?” I asked.
“You mean like 13amp and 5amp?” She said.
“Yes” I said thinking ‘Oh, Oh, this isn’t going well’.
“No, we don’t sell them.  You’ll get them in B&Q”
Currys, I repeat, the largest electrical store in Scotland and probably the UK.  Sells almost every electrical appliance you might need or want, but not the fuse to make it safe.  Went to B&Q, got the fuses and drove through the rain wondering what the world is coming to.
END OF RANT

I did think of missing out on salsa tonight, but we drove through the rain in to Glasgow and I did enjoy the dancing.  Thankfully the rain had abated a bit by the time we were coming home.  Abated, but still there.

In case you’re wondering, the Randy Newman song was “I think it’s going to rain today”

Writing this while standing at St Mo’s watching the last of the light fade. It’s been a dull day. I was talking to a woman who gave me chapter and verse about the family of swans that live there or maybe I should say who live there as she seemed to know them intimately.

Earlier, around midday we headed for Glasgow but while driving down the motorway in torrential rain, we both decided it wasn’t really the way we wanted to spend our day.  Scamp suggested that we take the turn off and head for Costa at Robroyston instead.  Good move.  After lunch at Costa, we did a bit of shopping and went home.

Typically, as we headed home, the sky cleared and by the time we got home there was a bit of blue sky overhead.  That’s why I went for a walk to St Mo’s.  Two poor blokes were fishing and I noticed they had a wee bottle of Bucky to keep their spirits up and inject a bit of warmth.  Couldn’t blame them today.