And today's new word is ......

......... Nauticalia!

Click here to check out their range. 

The King Fisher

For the last ten days or so we have had no rain.

Several of those days have been cold, sunny, with crystal clear skies and not a breath of wind.

Perfect winter weather!

But it is all the same to this Cormorant as he surveys his territory in Sutton Harbour.

Skate Sailing

And all I ask is a windy day

with the white clouds flying,

         From the poem    Sea Fever by John Masefield

Dawn Manoeuvres.

This warship is setting sail from her mooring in the River Tamar on the early tide,

just as the outlines of the cranes and buildings of the Devonport Naval Base 

are becoming visible in the first light of a winter's morning.

Winter up the creek

All is very still.

Nothing is moving in Forder Creek, on the River Lynher.

That's breakfast sorted.

The early worm catches the fish

Oh what a beautiful morning.

Sunrise on the River Tamar on a chilly February morning.

Early Birds passing high over the River Tamar

Shortly after dawn, these over night flights from all over the world, 

are making their way into to land at the UK's major airports.

The Union Flag

I wonder what it will look like if Scotland votes to leave the United Kingdom

 and the blue and white Saltire is removed.

One, Two, Three, Four.

On the waterfront.

The Guildhall Tower

The fountain is seldom seen working nowadays and the "reservoir" often looks littered and neglected,

 but yesterday it provided a perfect reflection.

At last it has stopped raining ......

..... and there is some warmth in the sun.

Even reading the news isn't quite as depressing as usual.

Not mid summer on the Mediterranean but ........

..... 15th February in Plymouth, where the rain gave way to sunshine at last.

Plymouth is the home of Princess Yachts, a world leader in the building of luxury craft, 

and if you'd like to climb aboard and have a closer look Click Here 

Waiting for the Ark.

The rain just goes on and on.

Animals seem to have a sixth sense.

Many are gathering on high ground waiting for Noah's arrival.

Call Out or Coffee Break?

The bicycle riding, rapid response, paramedic team are a welcome sight in the city centre, 

dodging up and down the narrow short cuts, or weaving in and out of pedestrians and parked vehicles, 

as they rush to emergency call outs.

Let's hope this stop is more to do with coffee and a croissant than a cardiac arrest.

LOOK OUT! Coming through.

WHOOSH!

Get ready, I'm coming through again!

"Downsizing"

In these difficult economic times, many of us may be forced to "downsize"; 

trying to save money by moving to smaller accommodation which costs less to buy/rent and heat etc.

This light and airy apartment may fit the bill for someone.

Solar Roof Panels.

I wonder just how effective these panels will prove to be in our seemingly endless grey winter days.

A quiet moment in a busy day.

Coffee time at the Secco Lounge.

Hidden Message?

The white plastic cows, in the impressive redevelopment of the the historic Royal William Yard, 

are regularly moved around the beautiful lawn area in the heart of the complex.

But yesterday, I noticed that they had been herded towards the entrance of a building 

close to the Main Gate.

But a notice, above the recumbent cow, rang alarm bells.

Is there something going on?

We must be told!

Ladies who leap

Line-out action from a recent home game featuring 

Plymouth Albion Ladies Rugby Team (green, white & red)

René Magritte

Calm before the storm.

By mid afternoon, as ships began to seek shelter inside the Breakwater,  it was clear that the forecast storm would not be long in coming.

Tête à Tête

Looking out from Plymouth Hoe on a cold and blustery morning.

Empty Chairs and Empty Tables.

                                                                   There's a grief that can't be spoken.
                                                                   There's a pain goes on and on.
                                                                   Empty chairs and empty tables
                                                                   Now my friends are dead and gone.

Marius - Les Miserables

Hear it sung by Alfie Boe and Michael Ball 

Help for elderly drinkers .....

......... has finally arrived in the form of 

         The Enlarged Print Label

At last I know what I am drinking. 

If only I can remember the name for my next visit to the wine section at the supermarket 

STOP!

Wet Pavements and Winter Trees

In Plymouth 

Franfort Gate January 2013

Yannick Tonnelier 1940 -

In Paris

Paris Cafe  Scene 

Luigi Loir 1845 - 1916