View From The Conservatory
Tag: Hampshire
View From The Conservatory
Easter Bonnet
My granddaughter Bella made this and has worn it to school this morning.
Peace Protest
Spotted this yesterday afternoon while out for Mothering Sunday lunch.
I will admit to a fair amount of guilt.
Guilt that we were out enjoying ourselves while war criminal Putin has destroyed the Ukrainian peoples lives and their homeland.
I suffer a huge amount of frustration too. Knowing that there is nothing tangible that I can do. But also that I, being almost 70 years old, have seen Russia do this time and time again.
Russia has been testing the waters for the last few years. Sending ships and submarines into our territorial waters. Invading and annexing neighbouring states.
Meanwhile, we and our allies have reduced spending on defence. Reduced the size and capability of our forces.
Putin has watched all of this and and has siezed the moment. Our complacency has signaled our inability to respond.
It may be that Putin may have over-reached himself and underestimated Ukraines ability to resist.
One thing is sure Putin did not expect the worldwide condemnation of his actions. He has woken Europe and the world out of its slumbers.
I feel sorry for the Russian people who are being lied to by Putin and his government. They, like the Ukrainian peoples are going to pay the price of Putins ambitions.
The Russian people are the ones that are going to have to topple Putin from his position of power.
At The End Of My Path
Marwell Sunday
Spent the day with my granddaughter and her kids. Had a great time at Marwell Zoo, in Hampshire. The weather was fabulous. Here are just a few snaps of the animals ….
Pompey Shoreline
I have been trawling through my old photo’s. This one does not exhibit anything special, photographically. But it does contain some interesting buildings/structures, demonstrating how Portsmouth has changed through the years.
Starting at the lower left, the white building, is Quebec House which was built c1754 by public subscription as a bathing house !!! It apparently contains baths which were replenished by harbour water.
I’m not sure I would have wanted to bathe in waters from the harbour, in times past. It would be dubious even in todays era with our modern sewer systems.
Up, and to the right of Quebec House, the tallest building at 560 feet, is The Spinnaker Tower. Conceived as a Millenium project it was given the go ahead in 1995. One of three designs which the local people could vote for, the Spinnaker won 60% of the votes. Various obstacles delayed the start of construction which commenced in November of 2001. The project was completed and finally opened in 2005. Named The Spinnaker, it represents a sail billowing in the wind. The tower is visible from over 23 miles away and its three viewing platforms give fabulous views overlooking the harbour, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, the Isle of Wight and all the surrounding towns and suburbs.
Back down at sea level and running left to right is the Round Tower and The Hot Walls. Part of the ports old fortifications the Round Tower overlooks the entrance to the Harbour. Although a tower, built of wood, existed in the mid 1400’s, a stone tower was constructed in the 1490’s. A series of ramparts were later added, connecting with the Square Tower (just out of shot). The small section of beach below these ramparts, to the right, is called the “Hot Walls” by locals, as it acts as a sun trap heating up the walls.
Yet another change of architectural style, the tall blue tower, above the Hot Walls. Officially known as East Side Plaza Tower, it is commonly referred to as The Lipstick Tower because of its shape. This residential tower is 331 feet tall and was completed in 2008.
I hope this was of interest to you. I’ll see if I can dig out some more photos.
Bunnies
Glorious
Viewed in the Rock Gardens at Southsea
Smokin
Had a meat delivery today, from Donald Russell, the Scottish butchers.
The meats are always packed with dry ice, although the little packs are quite often depleted by the time I get to open the packaging.
Today, there was a fair bit remaining. So I thought I would have a little fun.
Dry ice creates some amazing effects.
WrAnTz 