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The Best Summer in Years (2013) – A Photo Slideshow

By Happiness & Joy, Nature, PaganismNo Comments

It was Mabon over the weekend. Mabon is the autumn equinox, a pagan festival were light and dark are in balance; before it starts to get darker. This has caused me to think about Summer.

Summer 2013 has had the most fantastic weather we’ve seen in the last few years. It’s been bright, hot and sunny. I even got a bit of a tan. The previous few summers pale in comparison; with the word that springs to mind when I think about them being ‘wet.’ I’ve done loads this summer, mostly around re-connecting with nature.

So here’s a slideshow of photos from my Summer 2013 made using iPhoto. Think of it as a homage to the beautiful summer. Enjoy:

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Oh and I also did this…

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Blog soon,

Antony

Edited 23-09-2013 @ 19:58 – Made Summer 2013 Slideshow shorter. Cutdown from 5:58 to 4:08.

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Monday 23 September 2013

An Update on New Experiences

By Adventures, LifeNo Comments

At the beginning of the year I wrote a list of New Experiences for 2013. It’s nearly half way through the year, a scary thought I know. So I thought I’d re-look at the list:

  • January – Do something that makes you feel uncomfortable. Done, see Something Uncomfortable.
  • February – Take a photo every day. Done, see the photos here: February Photo Challenge.
  • March – Be honest. Don’t lie, not even those little white lies. I found this one difficult to measure, as I’m generally quite honest anyway.
  • April – Socialise in new places and meet new people. I had a look for local writing groups, but couldn’t find any and gave up. I’m going to Pagan Con 2013 in July which will definitely be a new place to socialise and I’ll get to meet some new people as well.
  • May – See the sun rise & set (not necessarily on the same day). I’ve have had a think and need to see the sun rise & set somewhere beautiful. I hope to see a sun rise & set in July.
  • June – Do something for someone else that is completely selfless. I’ve not planned anything yet, but I’m sure an opportunity will come along.
  • July – Visit a site of historical significance. Done. I’ve visited The Druid Circle and Millom Castle with Simon. See Cumbria Adventure for photos.
  • August – Try a food that you would usually turn you’re nose up at saying you don’t like it before you’ve even tried it. I’ve not even thought about this one yet.
  • September – Publish a short story online. I’ve published two stories, see Bravely Sharing My Short Stories and Creative Writing. In addition, I’m doing some journalistic writing for The Gay UK, see Journalism page for articles.
  • October – See Wicked (the Musical). I’ve booked tickets to see with Steve. We’ve also booked tickets to see The Rocky Horror Picture Show and Up4aMeet.
  • November – Have a “pamper” night in. I’ve not even thought about this one yet.
  • December – Rest & Relax. Despite the busy pace this time of year, take plenty of time for R&R. I’ve not even thought about this one yet.

    • The phrase: could do better, comes to mind. Still at least I’ve got most planned.

    Blog soon,

    Antony

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    Wednesday 5 June 2013

    Cumbria Adventure: The Druid Circle, Old Farmhouse Pub/Restaurant, Holly Trinity Church & Millom Castle

    By Adventures, Friends & Family, Happiness & Joy, PaganismNo Comments

    Cumbria View Panorama

    Cumbria View Panorama

    Simon and I planned an adventure out in Cumbria to see The Druid Stone Circle and Millom Castle, both sites neither of us have visited before. We found the sites on The Modern Antiquarian.

    While traipsing through a field looking for The Druid Stone Circle, we found this wonderful altar:

    The Druid Circle - Altar

    The Druid Circle – Altar
    Me sat on the altar

    Me sat on the altar

    Then we saw the circle. The stones are smaller than the stones at Castlerigg but nonetheless beautiful:

    The Druid Circle Cumbria

    The Druid Circle Cumbria

    (Note to Seekers of the Circle: After the cattle grid the circle is on the right.)

    Simon at The Druid Circle Cumbria

    Simon at The Druid Circle Cumbria
    Me at The Druid Circle Cumbria

    Me at The Druid Circle Cumbria

    We had dinner at Old Farmhouse Pub/Restaurant near Ulverston. The atmosphere and food were both delightful:

    Me Old Farmhouse Pub / Restaurant Sign

    Me Old Farmhouse Pub / Restaurant Sign
    Simon Old Farmhouse Pub / Restaurant

    Simon Old Farmhouse Pub / Restaurant
    Me Old Farmhouse Pub / Restaurant

    Me Old Farmhouse Pub / Restaurant

    Then we headed to Millom Castle:

    Millom Castle Cumbria Sign

    Millom Castle Cumbria Sign
    Millom Castle Cumbria

    Millom Castle Cumbria

    We thought the entrance might be through the Holly Trinity Church. The church was a little gem of ancient architecture in it’s own right:

    Millom Castle Cumbria Holy Trinity Church Gates

    Millom Castle Cumbria Holy Trinity Church Gates
    Millom Castle Cumbria Holy Trinity Church

    Millom Castle Cumbria Holy Trinity Church
    Millom Castle Cumbria Holy Trinity Church

    Millom Castle Cumbria Holy Trinity Church

    We quickly discovered that Millom Castle is in private ownership with no access to the public. This was a huge shame as from the photos you can see that it was an exquisite ruin:

    Millom Castle Cumbria

    Millom Castle Cumbria
    Millom Castle Cumbria

    Millom Castle Cumbria
    Millom Castle Cumbria

    Millom Castle Cumbria
    Millom Castle Cumbria Holy Trinity Church Information Board

    Millom Castle Cumbria Holy Trinity Church Information Board

    The information board appeared uncared for but the Castle was not. The private owners had scaffolding up and were living in the castle. This indicates that the owners want to restore the Castle to it’s former glory. Let’s hope they do and then open the doors to the public.

    We had a great day out, dubbed our Cumbria Adventure.

    Write soon,

    Antony



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    Friday 17 May 2013
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