Bike theft

Hilarious and life changing cctv footage of a bicycle being stolen:

Don't let this happen to you. Always lock your bike. Be nice to animals. Call your mother.

Marriage of inconvenience

Marriage of inconvenience
Originally uploaded by Steve Keall

Today

I went to Wimbledon to watch some doubles. It has become something of a birthday tradition.

Today

A visit to the excellent Irving Penn Portraits exhibition at the National Portraits Gallery (last day). Irving Penn used a really basic studio set up. Shot in black and white, naturally. He used natural light through the window and a bank of tungsten bulbs. For many portraits used a big piece of carpet as a prop, which the subject would either sit on, or he would drape over say a table and the subject would sit/ lean on that. He would also put the subject between two theatre flats forming a "V".

We followed this with an equally entertaining meander through the so-called "Democracy Village" set up in Parliament Square, opposite the Houses of Parliament. Anyone familiar with this area will know that the inverted commas should really be around "Parliament Square", because it has been, hitherto, a wasteland surrounded by a deeply unattractive and polluted one way traffic roundabout. A square only in the sense if crudely forms a square shape. It's still polluted and awful, but at least there is more singing.

The hippies, as irritating and pious as they are, are keeping the place in good nick and have planted a pretty herb garden in the middle. So, I say hooray for them, hooray for the pretty herb garden, hooray for the homeless chap in full military kit who was agin them but kind of enjoyed it all. I don't agree with anything they have to say, but I appreciate they are having a bit of fun saying it.

hats

hats
Originally uploaded by geckospake

Together

Together
Originally uploaded by Steve Keall

Tanned Man Walking

Tanned Man Walking
Originally uploaded by geckospake

Cat in repose

Cat
Originally uploaded by geckospake

Cat v Plant: caught in the act

Cat v Plant: caught in the act
Originally uploaded by geckospake

Womble has taken to nibbling on the leaves. I think he believes it aids digestion.

King's College Chapel

King's College Chapel
Originally uploaded by geckospake

We have a vehicle for a couple of weeks, so used it today to make a day trip to Cambridge. Always worth a visit, and what a great way to learn about Britain's transport architecture.

This is King's College Chapel, begun by Henry VI, continued by Richard II and finished by the next monarch who's name I do not remember. I got told off for using the tripod. I said I didn't think God would mind on this particular occasion, what with this being "art" and everything.

snow elephant

snow elephant
Originally uploaded by geckospake

Winter snow in Wimbledon Common

It's minus one degree celsius, snowing outside, and I'm loving it. I could not be happier. Snow changes reality into a beautiful black and white coat. Every shape whether man-made or natural becomes a thing of beauty. It feels nice and it gives a great excuse to snuggle up on the couch with someone nice.

These are some photos of Wimbledon Common, who wears her snow coat like the elegant lady she is.

Wales

Raglan Castle (black and white)
Originally uploaded by geckospake

In Treharris, Wales, from 24 to 28 December. Xmas gluttony on 25 Dec, fun in the snow on the 26th. Made the mistake of going into Merthyr Tydfill, possibly the worst place on earth. Tiki tour around South Wales on 27 Dec, including Raglan and Monmouthshire, skirting around Abegavenney. Herewith Raglan Castle, a splendidly decrepit medieval structure. Go up the reinforced parapet for an excellent view of the surrounding countryside.

carla

carla
Originally uploaded by geckospake

Wimbledon Common

wimbledon common
Originally uploaded by geckospake

We are lucky enough to have Wimbledon Common as our backyard. It's a marvellous and peaceful place. Filled with dogs chasing frisbees. That's ok, we like dogs, but it does make me think of some kind of futuristic feline revenge park, filled with cats.

Learning to fly

Learning to fly
Originally uploaded by geckospake

Womble evolves.

Redbubble

This looks interesting:

http://www.redbubble.com/people/geckospake

Fur kid reclines

20091117_2826
Originally uploaded by geckospake

Fur kid flies

This is our fur-son, Womble. He has large paws for a cat. He'll be pitted against the foxes in a few months. Pity them.
20091117_2810
Originally uploaded by geckospake

Sleeping cat

Sleeping cat
Originally uploaded by geckospake

Our fur-son Womble rests after a hard day at work, chasing balls of paper up and down the hallway and nibbling ankles.