Braving the elements

This was taken back in June, at the beginning of our Winter 

("down under") and both surfing and beach fishing are popular at Waitpinga on South Australia's Fleurieu Peninsula.

It was a sunny but blustery day with temperatures in the low 'teens (and that was on land - I wouldn't want to have been standing in that chilling water for long, but these fellows were obviously hoping to catch the big one, possibly salmon trout)

Linking up with others from around the world at

Skywatch Friday

Pretty Plancoet

This is the pretty town of Plancoet in Brittany.  It is a town noted for its beautiful flowers, which grow abundantly, not only in private gardens, but also in public parks and open spaces.

Following is just a sample . . .

Sharing with Our World Tuesday

and Today's Flowers

and thanking our gracious hosts of both sites.

Bright Garden

While spending time in Paris earlier this year, a side visit to Monet's Garden was a must,

so here are some shots from that pretty location as my contribution to 

Monday Mellow Yellows 

(Thank you Gemma for your willingness to host this and several other photoblog sites) 

Wishing all fellow photobloggers a safe and joy-filled week.

Out of the archives!

This shot comes out of my archives!  It features the Carillon on the edge of Lake Burley Griffin in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, and was taken in 1970 (probably with a Kodak Instamatic!!)

For more sky scenes, do drop by Skywatch Friday

Windemere properties

The following properties are located on the edge of Lake Windemere in Cumbria, north-west England and I imagine would fetch "a pretty penny" in today's real estate market.

This lawn definitely calls for a ride-on mower! 

To see images from other parts of the world, visit

Our World Tuesday

(with grateful thanks to the hostesses of that site)

Reflecting on Milan

This shoe shop window reflects some of the architectural beauty to be found in ...

... the impressive Vittorio Emanuelle II arcade

in Milan

Linking up with James' Weekend Reflection

Foggy Bridge

On my way to Vancouver Island in February, I had an 8 hour stopover in San Francisco - sadly not long enough for more than a brief trip to Fisherman's Wharf.  

This was the most I saw of the Golden Gate Bridge, which was enveloped in fog, but this added to the atmosphere.

Joining in with Skywatch Friday

Goolwa outing

During an all-too brief visit by dear friends from the UK at the beginning of June, I took them to Goolwa, about an hour's drive south of Adelaide. 

Although the wind was chilly, it was a sunny day and we enjoyed watching the antics of the White Heron, Pelicans, Pied and Black Cormorants (the latter in their 100's) on and around the barrages.

Linking up to Outdoor Wednesday 

(with thanks to Susan for hosting)

Keukenhof Gardens

En route to the UK in April, I stopped off in Amsterdam to meet and spend time with the exchange hosts of a holiday property in rural central Italy where I would spend 10 days to complete my UK-European adventure, some 7 weeks down the track.

(Yes, I am very aware - and grateful for - the marvellous travel opportunities that have blessed my life, and particularly those that began 2014)

My generous hostess, Lia, took me to visit the Keukenhof Gardens, which were an amazing blaze of colour.  The shot above was taken in the Gardens as we neared the exit.

To explore other reflective images, do visit James' 

Weekend Reflection

Shades of Oxford UK

Some 40+ years ago I lived in Oxford, England, for 2 years. 

During my trip to the UK & Europe earlier this year, a re-visit here was an essential component of my itinerary.  Once again I marvelled at the glorious architecture and sense of history (even though the bold commercialism of today was this time much more evident).

Going clock-wise (from the left) around the collage below, these colourful boats were adjacent to Magdalen Bridge awaiting eager and energetic customers;  a very weathered doorway giving access to one of the college grounds; part of Magdalen College; Oxford's "Bridge of Sighs" linking two parts of Hertford College; the beautiful tower of Merton College, and finally the outside edge of the original City wall, abutting Christchurch Meadow.

To see other regions of the world, visit Our World Tuesday