Petersfield is a market town in Hampshire, England. It is 17 miles north of Portsmouth.
Petersfield Heath Lake is a popular spot for mums and their kids as there are playgrounds and a cafe along with nice walks around the shoreline. Boats can be hired and the lake is also popular with fishermen.
A short while ago, I had the great pleasure of going for a walk with my granddaughter Becky. We chose to visit Emsworth, a short drive from home. Becky is 21 and, as with all my grand children, always perks up this grumpy 66 year old.
Emsworth is a small town in Hampshire on the south coast of England. Driving along the A27, Emsworth forms the border with West Sussex and lies at the north end of an arm of Chichester Harbour.
Here are a couple of snaps, taken during our stroll on a brisk November afternoon.
Yesterday, our 8th Great Grand-child Isla Amelie was born. She entered this world at 08:30, weighing in at 7.5 pounds.
Photo above shows a really proud Great Grand-mum, with Isla taking all the adoration in her stride.
Mum Hayley, and Dad Nick of course, are doing well, albeit a tad tired.
By the time we visited they had pretty much been on the go for 24 hours, with dad looking the worst for wear.
So, congratulations Hayley and Nick. Welcome Isla Amelie.
Just spent an enjoyable couple of hours at the Hot Rod & Custom Car Show, held at Stansted House in Hampshire.
The weather did rather let us down but the cars managed to shine through even if the sun didn’t.
I’ll let the cars do the talking, take a look at the following photos. See what you think.
I was both astounded and disappointed to discover that my last “View” was posted just over a year ago. I know that we have been busy and there have been other more recent posts.
Admittedly, the conservatory has been rebuilt and we did take off to Australia for three months followed by a month in France and a fortnight in Antigua. There have been several lesser UK based jaunts. However, we have also spent time at home and I have had my camera to hand. So, feeling suitably ashamed, here is a compilation of pictures taken over the last few weeks. We are now into the UK summer season and the garden plants are growing like crazy.
First up then is a regular subject, squirrels. Once again we are being visited by the albino variety.
As you can see they do have the requisite pink eyes.
Here in the UK squirrels are sometimes referred to as tree rats. The example above is the most rat-like squirrel I have ever seen.
Of course we do have an abundance of the grey variety. Just a few days ago there were four greys in the garden. Of course my camera was out of reach and since these guys were raiding the bird feeders, any movement on my part just scared them away.
I thought that the pure grey squirrels would have attacked the albino, but apparently not. Judging by the shenanigans going on, high up in the trees, I believe the albino may have found a partner. Maybe we’ll see some piebald babes around this year.
As I mentioned earlier, there are many flowers on show already. So, just a few snaps ….
This Iris was discovered in a shady overgrown area of the garden. It was not planted by us and, as we are the only owners of this property since it was built, we have no idea how the Iris arrived. Pretty though.
We have a few rose bushes, which we did plant….
…… and a few other plants that we bought as plugs for potting on ….
And finally, for now ….
We don’t know what this is. The plant is a climber and for the moment it is in a pot on our deck and is entwining itself around the handrail.
Just to upset you folks out there that haven’t retired yet …… tee hee !
It’s beer o’clock …. Since the temperatures are rising here in the UK. 30 degC in my conservatory and that’s with the doors and roof windows open.
We don’t get them every year, but we do seem to get them fairly frequently….
Sometimes we have a pair but more often than not it’s just a singleton. Compared to the usual greys these little chaps stick out like a sore thumb.
Just barely into the new year and we had a gorgeous sunny morning. This guy was just sitting, enjoying the rays.
This was how my car windscreen appeared during our recent frosts ……
And here is part of the roof …..
I never fail to be amazed by nature.
For some days now we have been warned that our road is to be closed for two days. Presumably to fix the surface which has been abysmal for getting on for thirty plus years.
Along with several neighbours, I moved my car off my driveway the night before so that we wouldn’t be stranded during the upcoming works.
The picture was taken around lunchtime. By sunset this evening there was still no sign of any activity.
The yellow sign is the only notification we, the residents, received that any works were planned.
I rang the number shown, only to be informed that the number had been replaced by a new number !!!
For those interested the new number is 0300 555 1388
Eventually I spoke to a very pleasant young lady and I had explained that I have a delivery scheduled. That schedule had taken into account their published road closure. And, since their work schedule seems to be something of a moveable feast, I was concerned that my delivery could be jeopardised. Especially, if the carrier cannot get access to my house driveway. I suspect the carrier may baulk at having to carry my goods a couple of hundred yards. Especially as the multiple packages will be a two-man lift.
I also queried why no leaflet drop had been made informing the residents that they would be stranded for two days. The lady that lives opposite does not go out often and would likely not have seen the sign. Apparently, leaflet drops aren’t always made, but had there been any businesses in our road then there probably would have been one.
So, let’s worry about the businesses but not individuals.
Another thing I was told during the call is that they often allow a day either side of a project schedule and when she checked her system she informed me that the works were actually due to start yesterday. So, in essence, they are two days behind schedule.
Aforementioned pleasant lady informed me that my query/ concern would be forwarded to the engineer responsible for these works. Presumably to come back to me with their plans.
At the time of writing I have received only an acknowledgment email along with a reference number.
Let’s see what tomorrow brings.
WrAnTz 