February, really?

Well, so much for blogging more this year! Haha!

Actually I've been either been working or sleeping. It's been so cold that when I've not needed to be awake for work I've rolled up into the duvet and slept the chilly nights away.

I have some time off coming up, a chance to catch up with myself and recuperate properly. I've ducked out of a couple of gigs already because I'm just too tired all the time. So my "outings" for 2012 shall begin later this month now with a trip to see Barry Cryer.

Although I have nothing planned for this break, I have really been looking forward to it. I'm hoping to get a lot of reading done, although I'm already reading more again having finally replaced my kindle. Currently reading a book about Yes but have a lot of more serious, studious books on standby for reading next.

I'd better get back to work.

Stargazing

 

The BBC is running it’s live Stargazing show again this year. It started yesterday and finishes tomorrow. I quite like the fact that it will encourage people to look up at the night sky and hopefully marvel at how awesome the universe is.

I’m lucky enough to live in an area where the back gardens are shielded from most of the street lighting, and on a clear night, once all the motion sensitive security lights go out there’s a fine view of the night sky.

To this end I spent Friday and Saturday night in the frosty night air armed with my camera and tripod to try out the “starry sky” setting on my Lumix FZ45.

Clicking through for the larger images is recommended

The plough.

Orion

Last night we went on a BBC Stargazing event on the Mersey Ferry the Royal Daffodil. This involved an hour an half trip on the River Mersey. On board was a number of astronomers from JMU to answer any questions while we free to wander around looking at the sky. One of the drawbacks to stargazing from a boat in the middle of a river at night is that is has to be illuminated for safety so there’s was probably more light pollution out there than there is in my suburban back garden. However it was a great experience and I did get a rather snazzy photo or two of the Liverpool Waterfront.

Good bye 2011.

What can I say about this year? Well there's been a lot less "bat-sh*t crazy" stuff going than 2010, thank goodness!

I've enjoyed the year mostly. Sure there's been some downs but in general things have plodded along and occasionally been awesome. I suppose you really can't ask for more than that.

I feel like I've been under the weather a lot since the summer, but maybe I'm on the up finally. I could do with more time out for myself so will strive to achieve that next year. I may even disappear somewhere on my own for a few days. Now that would be a huge leap!

I was disappointed I gave up on the photo-a-day project so I may give it another go. I've signed up to blipfoto which will help keep photos in order for me if I do it. The page is here http://www.blipfoto.com/mysgreen

I'll be whittering about 2011 musical exploits on www.sisterblueird.co.uk before year end. And there's already plenty on the agenda for 2012.

Here's to the New Year!

Blogaday 30 - The End

It's the last day of November and therefore the last blog of my little Blogaday-athon. 

I've quite enjoyed it. It's been fun trying to come up with stuff  and to post every day whether I felt up to it or not. I may do it again at some point. (Possibly February as there aren't as many days! Haha!)

Thank you to everyone who has read every day. Apologies again for taking up timelines along the way. 

It's extra nice to end on a high after two days of seeing so many friends in Liverpool. There's been a lot of love in the city - thank you to everyone who called in to say hello. (Extra special thanks to Donna for bringing some of the ceremony for George to me. Also to Ellie for Bourneville chocolate bar *knowing wink* - next year it's you, me, a bottle of scotch and CFG sweetie!) 

I will of course still be posting blogs (look out for some on Sisterbluebird.co.uk as there's a few gigs to round off the year)  just not every day. 

Cheers! 

 

Blogaday 29 - George

Anniversaries are times for reflection. It's hard to believe it's been ten years since George Harrison passed away, and so much water has flowed under the bridge since then.

Today I have to be in work, but we will be playing George's music all day. At at 11.30am I will add my thoughts to those who are attending the ceremony at the Anglican Cathedral here in Liverpool. The idea is to celebrate the life of George and that's a fine philosophy!

So if you can, play your favourite George tunes and remember the Quiet one with the wicked sense of humour and a passion for guitars and racing cars.

I make no apologies for using this footage from the end of the amazing Concert For George concert from 2002. There wasn't a dry eye in the house. I'll see you in my dreams...Love one another.