Nodding dog (Days 285 - 295)

Day 285 - Sleepy head

Bowser is sat at my feet, the kitchen is warm as I do some cooking and despite being tired he won't go to bed just is case I drop something tasty, but he keeps nodding off and reminds me of one of those nodding dogs that I used to see on the back shelf of cars - do you remember them?

Day 286 - Conkers

 A bumper year for conkers but I never seem to see any children playing this game anymore.

Day 287 - Workshop in Merkland

Workshops this week have meant waterproofs and wellies form part of the essential kit list but the fabulous colours of Merkland wood make up for it.

Day 288 - Fly Agaric

 The bright red colour of this fungi gives away it's toxic nature - not one for the pot.

Day 289 - RNLI launch

 The RNLI on Arran got a new lifeboat and today was it's official launch and naming day. The ILB Rachel Hedderwick.

Day 290 - Wet and windy

 The views on today's workshops were stormy and windblown scenes with lots of crashing waves.  But I like the serenity of this tree as we found shelter and a grey stillness in Lochranza.

Day 291 - Night at the Castle

As Brodick Castle prepares to close for the season, it has a couple of scary events this week with halloween and a murder mystery night. Some of the students from this night time session managed to capture 'ghosts' on their pictures.

Day 292 - Head in a hole

This series of three pictures shows Watson spotting a hole and then trying to prise himself into it.  It was just where a wooden post had been but there must have been a good smell down there.

Day 293 - Strangely warm

 We seem to be having a very warm spell for the end of October and it all feels a bit peculiar.

Day 294 - Loch Iorsa 

Took the dog for a short run up to the loch.  I nice undulating track with a swim at the end before we turned back.

Day 295 - Halloween

A pumpkin hanging on the gate of the aptly named 'Dyemill' lodges - I wonder if anyone was brave enough to stay overnight.

Favourite things (Days 274 - 284)

Day 274 - Scowling cow

Most young animals are quite cute and fall into the category of my favourite things. This little calf has lost one of its ear tags - I bet that must have stung a bit.  Maybe that's why it's scowling.

Day 275 - Stunning sunset

 A calm evening with a stunning sunset that lasted over an hour as the sky turned through pinks to yellows - neither of which can be shown in monochrome.  But it was a pleasant way to spend and hour or two - sat on the beach having a natter and taking the odd snap.

Day 276 - Evening clouds

I am strangely fascinated by clouds and the wonderful shapes they make, especially when several different types have formed in the sky.  Dusk provides lovely light to photograph them, catching the detail without worrying too much about exposures.

Day 277 - Evening outside the Glenisle

Monday evening and it's the evening class group.  The nights are now dark enough to practice their night time photography skills. This evenings challenge was to block items, such as people or cars from the picture on long exposures. A useful trick as it's frustrating to have to start again if the bus goes passed.

Day 278 - Not a favourite

Today picture does not fall into favourites, in fact it's an irritation.  Dumping.  I'm sure someone will have salvaged it by now as it only needed a bit of TLC.

Day 279 - Sheep

A circle of sheep.  Why is this a favourite thing?  Because they looked up instead of turning away.

Day 280 - Ailsa though the drum

This old oil drum provided a challenge for today's workshop students as I asked them to photo Ailsa Craig through it.  The easy way is to bend over and shoot backwards between your legs!

Day 281 - Dull dyemill

Today I got totally carried away with the autumn colours and forgot to select an image that was more suited for black and white. But I just love this time of year.

Day 282 - Leaf

Again I'm swept away with the colours of autumn but I did manage to remember (just) to take a leaf that stood out and this yellow sycamore leaf was clinging on to the dark branch.  I don't thing it will still be there after the wind of the last couple of days.

Day 283 - Bramble leaves

Why do leaves of different trees go different colours in autumn?  Beach trees go yellow and brambles go red. Some trees seem to go straight to brown.  I'm sure someone knows the answer.

Day 284 - Guilty pleasure

Oh dear, clearing out the cupboard and I came across a stash of 'Gu' pots. I use these for loads of things but it was embarrassing the amount that had collected in the back of the cupboard.So if anyone wants one I took them all to ARCAS in the hope that someone will be able to use them.  I now I have an excuse to go and buy my favourite pud.