Look What the Postie Delivered

The head of department and senior tutor of my first 2 years of photography training was a huge fan of John Blakemore's work. 

When it was time to move on from Further Education to Higher Education, I applied for and attended interviews for 2 Art College places, a degree course at Derby and a HND course in Bournemouth. The BA (Honours) interview was headed by no other than John Blakemore!

Unfortunately, my photography expertise at that time was more documentary and picturesque orientated, and I understood little about the art side of the artistic side of the practise. As such, I was not offered a place at Derby, but was accepted at Bournemouth, where I spend the next 12 months, before applying for another degree course, this time at West Surrey College of Art and Design, where I met my soul mate. But that's another story...

Anyway, I have always held a soft spot for John Blakemore, who was knowledgeable enough to see my inexperience at the time. Sadly, the great photographer recently passed away. Rest in peace. Your photographs will be continue to be cherished by the photography/art world into eternity.

And, on that note, look what the postie delivered this morning, signed by the great man himself too!

Pennard Step Count

There are not many places better than Gower to earn your step count, especially when you get to sample a couple of pints in 2 of its finest pubs. Our first drink was at Gower's oldest drinking establishment - the 15th Century Beaufort Arms in Kittle:

Our real step count for the day were earned visiting Pobbles and Three Cliffs Bay.

 Scarlet Pimpernel and Forge-me-nots:

Vetch:

Pobbles Beach:

A Rook:

Balanced Boulders overlooking Pobbles Bay:

Limestone Caves and a rock pool:

Three Cliffs:

More decorative flora at Three Cliffs Bay:

Pennard Golf Course:

Our steps under our belts, it was time for further refreshments before heading home.

The Southgate pub:

Malvern Spring Show 2026

I am not going to go into any details, but Mrs P.L. was in great neeed of a chilled getaway this weekend. And what a lovely break we had:

Our Shepherd's Hut near Malvern was absolutely fantastic. And the owner seemed such a decent guy. 

The main event, however, was the Malvern Three Counties Spring Garden Show, Tthe highlight of which, along with our favourite Old Rosie cider, was a 2 hour talk by Monty Don:

A great weekend, and I was so chuffed my better half got to meet her hero and have the TV gardening legend sign his book  😎

The Fog Novelisation

Great to see an old book I've been after but couldn't afford finally get a re-release at an everyday price 📚

A Walk Through the Wetlands

Took a wee wander round the okd Wetlands Centre in Penclacwydd today.

It was lovely to see all the lickke baby 🐥 🐤 🐣. 

The site skirts the Burry Estuary as stunningly beautiful:

Loved the tenaciousness of this squirrel. He never left the feeder for the whole half hour we watched him from the cafe.

I'd love one these in the garden to chill in:

The views of the marsh were fantastic even when indoors:

Looking down from the tower at the walkway roof:

A cat's paradise:

Ravenhill Park

Still chasing the steps, Mrs P.L. and myself took a wander down to Ravenhill Park after work: