31 Jan 2010

Day 31:
After successfully completing my HSE First Aid at Work refresher course, I drove home the circuitous route via Ford Park Cemetery. After finding the No Place Memorial earlier this week, I kept coming across information about Fork Park Cemetery (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Park_Cemetery), established in 1845 in my search for information about No Place. Now, Ford Park is a cemetery that I've know about since my arrival in Plymouth and seen numerous times, but again, had never taken the time to explore before today. Generally, I don't find myself a fan of newer US and UK cemeteries as they are much too orderly (strict straight rows, etc.) and lack 'character' and sometimes even the Victorian ones don't do much for me compared to cemeteries I have visited in Mexico and Italy. However, Ford Park seems to have fallen out favour with Plymouth and has suffered greatly from neglect (unkempt graves, broken headstones, etc.), which has made it a much more interesting place to visit. Wandering through the maze of headstones, it would appear that the majority of graves date back to the 1800's to early 1900's, although there were a few more recent burials too. What struck me was the part where the servicemen from WWI were buried as they they were given the same slate grey headstones as seen at No Place Memorial. With paths criss-crossing the cemetery, it's a place that I will definitely visit again, especially when the wild flowers are blooming (April - July).

30 Jan 2010

Day 30:
Wow... it's nearly been a month since I started this blog. Time literally seems to be flying by at an accelerated rate, definitely not good. So much to do and so much packed into each day for the foreseeable future that it is making my head spin a little. Today is also one of those days that I think 2 photos are in order. As I was leaving to head down to Coxside to start my HSE First Aid at Work refresher course, I came out to the car and found it absolutely coated in ice. The amazing parts were the designs in the ice. As the sun shone through the rear window and through the windscreen (windshield for those in the US), it was absolutely beautiful and seemed almost as if feathers had been drawn in the ice.

The HSE First Aid at Work refresher course was all about revisiting the topics of how to handle certain situations at the work place and how to recognise the signs so that the correct treatment is administered. We had to run scenarios, practice bandaging and slings and work with our resuscitation dummies in addition to revisiting some theory based learning. You always hope that although this is all good to know that you don't ever really have to use it.

29 Jan 2010

Day 29:
Along North Road West, which is my normal cycle path to and from uni, I ride by (and have walked past) this 'garden' or public space most every day, but have never taken the time to stop and see what it is all about as I really only ever have paid attention to the two obelisk's within the garden itself. Today I decided to stop on my way to uni as I thought that it might make a good photo. What I found was something much more interesting. As it turns out, this site was redeveloped in 1999/2000 as a new memorial garden to over 3000 Royal Navy servicemen who died in the 1800's and who were initially buried in the St. Dunstan's Abbey School playing fields, some of whom died in the Royal Naval Hospital in addition to ~200 cholera victims. It has taken a fair amount of effort to find any of this information online as there is no plaque stating what this garden is about and what it represents and it isn't even included on the official list of Plymouth memorials. Shameful indeed. In fact, it can often be full of junkies, drunks and trouble-making teens after the sun goes down. After 10 years of existence one would think that a city so rich in UK naval history would be able to appropriately honour its servicemen by erecting a sign or plaque as to why this is such a sacred place, but so far nothing has been planned.

For more info about the No Place Memorial Garden, check out this link: State Burial Site. This was the only information I could find...

28 Jan 2010

Day 28:

Today was all about mussel dissections for a 2nd year marine biology practical. In the past, dissections such as this would have really put me off. I used to only like to appreciate whole, fully functioning organisms rather than open them to see how they function, but after spending so much time in labs over the last several years and around people dissecting things, it's hard not to be curious, and perhaps even a little less grossed out by the process. Although it was down to the students to actually cut through the posterior adductor muscles (which is what the bivalve is using to keep its shell closed) and gently scrape the mantle tissue off of the right valve before removing completely, I had to help walk them through what they were seeing once the animal inside the shell was exposed. It's pretty wild to still a mostly functioning animal in such a way. We were able to watch how it collects food, moving it down its gills and onto the labial palps and how it rids itself of rejected particles in addition to looking at how its foot moves around and puts down byssal threads to attached itself to stuff... just like spiderman! I must say that I think a few students may now be put off eating mussels in the future now that they've seen (and watched) exactly what they're eating...

27 Jan 2010

Day 27:
Drinking in the UK... it's a very popular past time in this country and something that just about everyone does. There doesn't really need to be a special occasion to head down/out/over/up to the pub, it just a social event. However, I think most people in this country drink to excess far too often. People seem to have a hard time saying no or even just slowing their drinking speed. On my bike ride into uni this morning, I rode past this sign outside of a local shop and I had the thought, "when is alcohol NOT on sale here?"

26 Jan 2010

Day 26:
Demonstrating (teaching assistance) for Marine Invertebrate Taxonomy is a great experience to have as a PhD student. It gives you contact with lots of eager undergrads (this year anyway) that want to get involved in field and lab work. It also gives you the opportunity to learn more about organisms that are found around the southern British shores, such as the Sea Mouse (Aphrodita aculeata, [http://www.marlin.ac.uk/speciesinformation.php?speciesID=2564]). Can you believe this is a worm?!?  Crazy, eh? Although I have seen dead specimens numerous times while demonstrating on this course, I still have yet to see one alive and moving around. How cool would that be???

25 Jan 2010

Day 25:

Well, again... this is sort of a cheater photo, but it was simply too good to not have in this blog... besides, you all got 2-for-1 yesterday! Speaking of yesterday, that's exactly when this photo was taken as the sun was setting over The Hoe (Plymouth waterfront) last night. I was all preoccupied with the sky turning all sorts of lovely colours to the west, that I somewhat neglected what was going on to the east of me (what you see here). This was the last photo that I took of the day and I didn't even know how good it was until I got home and had a look on the computer. All of the lights around the Marine Biological Association (building in the background) turned out perfectly with star patterns (that was a complete fluke as I didn't see this through the viewfinder) and the colour of Smeaton's Tower (the lighthouse in the foreground) set the night sky was simply stunning. Originally built out on the Eddystone (about 14 miles off the coast of Plymouth) in 1759, it was dismantled and relocated to the Hoe shortly after 1877 as the sea began to undermine its foundation [http://www.eddystoneeel.com/LIGHTHOUSE%20HISTORY.htm]. Even after living here for 3.5 years, I still haven't been up in the lighthouse, despite it being open to the public nearly every day. Guess I've got to try and cross something else off of my list of things to do...

24 Jan 2010

Day 24:
I know, I know... I'm breaking my own rules by posting two photos for today, but I really feel both are warranted due to changing weather conditions. After going out to explore this location several nights ago when fog was predicted (see 18 Jan), I returned to this spot by the Tamar River (which is what divides Devon and Cornwall) this morning as there was the fog predicted again. In fact, the fog ended up lasting much longer than the forecast had said. The fog was so thick that it was barely possible to see the bridge at times, but when the fog cleared away, it left a striking image of the two bridges (the Brunel Rail Bridge built in 1859 and the Tamar Road Bridge built in 1961 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tamar_Bridge]). I ended up spending ~4.5 hours in and around this location, including walking across the bridge over to Saltash where I found a cafe and had a bacon and cheese sandwich before coming back across. Definitely wonderful views from up there. It would be even better if I was tall enough to see over the safety fence!

23 Jan 2010

Day 23:

I've been on a bit of a spending spree and hope that it isn't all in vain. Before going to The Wildcards photo shoot and gig, I ordered a flash unit for my camera. It seems just as much of a technical challenge as the camera itself was when I first got it.  Ay-yi-yi...! And today, I went over to Brixham and bought a macro lens, filter and backpack especially for all of this gear that I now own. I was quite looking forward to my stop off at Berry Head in Brixham to test some of it out. Houston, we may have a problem... not sure the macro lens is working properly and so it may need to be returned.  :-(  Pooo.  But, not letting that (nor the persistent clouds) deter me, I pressed on and headed right out to the tip of Berry Head to take this shot. I wish that I could have pointed the camera the exact direction of the sunset to capture the amazing orange colour the sky turned below the clouds, but there was an annoying building in the way. :-( Still, impressive results looking out over the coastline. I just LOVE beautiful days such as this!

22 Jan 2010

Day 22:
Well, today was the BIG day... It was the first time that I have put my photography skills to a more professional use. I was asked by The Wildcards, a fantastic rootsy-blues-rockabilly-psychobilly-swing local band [http://www.myspace.com/wildcardsmusic], to take some photos of them to be used on the inside cover of their new CD that is being released on 20 Feb 2010. Talk about nerves!  I took my full arsenal of equipment with in hopes of being able to capture what they were after. I consider myself still very much a beginner, but I hoped to do them proud. After snapping away for over an hour between various places, I think this one turned out great.

21 Jan 2010

Day 21:
The weather is a HUGE topic in the UK. Everyone loves to talk about it, complain about it and muse over the weather here. All for good reason I can tell you, especially as the UK is simply an island just sitting out in the North Atlantic and is subjected to the remnants of hurricanes from the SW, cold Siberian winds from the NE and occasionally a blast of heat from African high pressure systems that creep northwards. Sadly, today was not one of those hot, high pressure days. After a good run of sunshine over the last few weeks (well, not completely snow and rain free, but lots of sun for Plymouth at this time of the year), the rain has returned and looks like it will be sticking around for at least the next few days, although there be a short respite from the dreariness tomorrow morning/afternoon. I decided to try out my new lens (F/1.8 50mm prime) on my DLSR to capture this image. It all worked out better than I expected just playing around and I was definitely glad to be on the inside looking out!

20 Jan 2010

Day 20:
For those of you that REALLY know me, you know that I am a bit of 'foodie'. The older that I get, the more that is true. I LOVE to cook and so enjoy being in the kitchen. As I've had some salami in the fridge that needed to be used up, in addition to some vegetables, I thought I'd make a pizza. Admittedly, I did want to buy the pizza dough base from the store, but they were out so I made my first pizza base from scratch. Yes, it was more time consuming than simply adding water to pre-packaged materials, but it was definitely more tasty. Rather than keeping it plain the next time I make pizza dough (which this one was half white/half wholemeal flour), I'll spice things up a bit and through in a few herbs and spices to give it an even better flavour.  Oh, and by the way, this pizza was GREAT! I'm lucky that I get to have the leftovers tonight!

19 Jan 2010

Day 19:
I almost feel like the photo for today is cheating as it wasn't taken today. It was however, taken last week... in fact right before I took the baby lobster photo. Since the weather has turned back to gales and rain in addition to me coming down with a cold, I'm afraid this is the best that I can do as it's pretty much how I am feeling at the moment (dead with a heavy chest).  ;-) Although this photo may seem a bit gruesome (and boy did this bird stink), this was another PhD student [Tony] (the one who sits next to me) illustrating where to take tissue from in a Leaches Storm Petrel (his study organism) for DNA analysis. Being a biologist, I have gotten used to many things that would have made me squeamish in the past, cutting open dead animals, or at least looking at dead animals cut open, is definitely one of them.

18 Jan 2010

Day 18:
After living in Plymouth for the last 3.5 years, I FINALLY have managed to find and drive to the road that takes you down by the Tamar River and practically under the bridges, the rail bridge, built by I. Brunel in 1859 (less illuminated in the front) and the Tamar vehicle bridge built in 1961. With the promise of fog for tonight, I headed out the door equipped with my tripod, cabled shutter release switch and camera. I thought that I was finally gonna get that magical shot where the bridge appears to be floating on clouds. This was not to be my lucky night. :-( After the fog lingered around Plymouth ALL day while I was stuck indoors, it finally lifted earlier this evening. Poo. I can't say that it was all bad though on this beautiful winter's evening because just seeing the lights reflected off the still water was magical enough for me, in addition to finally discovering how to get down by the water's edge...  Look for more of the bridges in the future. The challenge has been set!

17 Jan 2010

Day 17:
After realising that I didn't have the right OS map for the circular walk that I wanted to do around Rame Head today and not really fancying the idea of going into town to buy it, I decided to explore the SE Cornish Coast... visiting places that I have driven by the turning to loads of times once getting off the Torpoint Ferry and out past Antony House, but had never taken the time to explore those off-the-beaten-path B roads. So, on another spectacular winter's day I visited Port Wrinkle (with it's TINY harbour), Crafthole (for a wonderful Sunday roast at Finnygook Inn), Downderry, Seaton, East Looe and finished the day by catching the sunset from Rame Head. Was a bit of a whirlwind tour, but such beautiful beaches and amazing views all with a large helping of 'twee'ness. It was hard to pick just one photo from today, but this one I just love and sums up the day beautifully.

16 Jan 2010

Day 16:
Well, some people see 'miraculous' images of the Virgin Mary or Jesus Christ in the most unlikely of places such as in food or the clouds, on the sides of buildings or in windows. I however, see a heart burned into the underside of my forearm that happened by reaching over the still steaming kettle while making a cup of tea the other day. (Do you see it too??) I told this story and showed my burn to my cubicle mates and one of them commented that it must be a sign that I will have some hot/searing/burning love entering my life. If only, eh??  LOL!  I showed this burn to my friend Claudia at the pub last night and she said that I need to open myself up to that and listen to my 'heart'. I'll keep you all posted...   ;-)

15 Jan 2010

Day 15:
Walking a different way to uni as I had to go to town to try and find a water/pool noodle for my upcoming field work, I came across this smoke stack in someone's back garden. Admittedly, I've seen it before, but never had a camera to capture the oddity. As far as I know, whatever it was 'connected to' has long since disappeared. Instead, we are left with a reminder of times past (the smokestack and cobble stone alley), surrounded by the present (the telephone pole with the lines emanating out from it). How would you like this in your back garden???

14 Jan 2010

Day 14:
On my way to uni once more, I most always take the road that passes by this tree. Although I have walked by this tree countless times, it has only been this winter that it is has appeared as not simply two trees that have grown together, but more like a passionate couple nearly completing an embrace. Can you see it too?  A 'man' tenderly behind his 'woman'? Or is it that I am just so love starved that I see love everywhere except in my own life? I hope not, but then again, one never knows... Needless to say, I always smile now when I pass these 'lovers'.

13 Jan 2010

Day 13:
In the Marine Biology & Ecology Research Centre at the University of Plymouth, where I am currently working towards my PhD in Marine & Environmental Science, lots of different types of research goes on. This includes everything from fresh water snail development, ecological modeling, seabird genetics, deep sea marine biotope mapping, seagrass ecology, animal physiological responses to thermal change and lots of ocean acidification research. Dan, who's pictured above is a new PhD student that is investigating the effects of ocean acidification on crustaceans, using lobsters as a model organism. Before he can start his experiments, he has to raise his lobsters to the correct size. The one above is still a baby. Do I hear you say, "Awwww...."  Who doesn't love baby animals, eh?

12 Jan 2010

Day 12:
Practically every day I walk under an old Victorian rail bridge on my way to and from uni. Most of the time I find myself complaining to myself about how narrow the pavement becomes while walking underneath it simply because there are generally other people walking the opposite direction and there really isn't room for more than one person to remain safely on the pavement at any given time. If it has been raining, which in Plymouth it does quite frequently, there are also drips that seep through the 'ceiling' and somehow always manage to fall on me. Today however, once safely to the other side, I decided to step slightly off the pavement to inspect this rail bridge more closely. This was mostly due in part to my curiosity to explore the 'other' rail bridge (or at least I think that's what purpose it served), behind the one currently in use that now seems to be a public 'sculpture' of some description. As I started walking to the 'folly' I turned to my left and saw this perfect set of arches on the bend. Funny how things seemingly so mundane and part of every day life can capture one's imagination.

11 Jan 2010

Day 11:
It's VERY RARE that I ever use the gas fire in my living room, but after all the cold, winter weather I took a moment to warm up my poorly tootsies by the fire.  Mmmmm... that felt lush! It was so tempting to just curl up into a ball next to it and have a snoozette, but I resisted temptation and just warmed my feet while watching Eastenders.  :-)

10 Jan 2010

Day 10:
After spending a lovely weekend away with university mates down at Rinsey (near Praa Sands) in deepest, darkest Cornwall, I had one last look at the Evergreen Cottage where we stayed. Although the skies had been clear on Friday and Saturday, snow started to fall once more turning Cornwall back into a magical winter wonderland.

9 Jan 2010

Day 9:
So, after a perfect afternoon of walking from Rinsey along Praa Sands Beach and further on to Kenneggy Sand Beach (via the SW Coast Path) under perfect blue skies, I was treated to this marvelous sunset on Praa Sands on the way back to the cottage in Rinsey. It was incredibly difficult to tear myself away from this scene on the beach, but if I hadn't made it up the trail to Rinsey Head before dark, it might have become an extremely treacherous endeavor as the trail was still covered in snow and ice.

8 Jan 2010

Day 8:
On the drive down to Rinsey (to the cottage in Cornwall where a bunch of friends from uni and I were staying for the weekend), Claudia, Rich and I found the PERFECT place to stop and watch the sunset over the fields. It was obvious from the snow that nothing much had been out and about except a rabbit, probably in search of food as bunny tracks crisscrossed this field. And although the sun was shining, it was absolutely FREEZING outside. So cold in fact that in the 5 minutes that we were stopped there, I could barely feel my hands by the time we got back into the car. Brrrr...!!!

7 Jan 2010

Day 7:
Yet another day of cold, wintery weather persisted in the SW UK, despite clear blue skies and bright sunshine. Some roads were still impassible, pavements were icy in places and a smattering of schools were still closed. On the walk home from uni I also found that someone's brolly hadn't faired so well either. This is an all-to-familiar scene on the streets and pavements of Plymouth... death by weather.

6 Jan 2010

Day 6:

After a blizzard of snow in Plymouth during the early morning hours, the sun returned by the late morning/early afternoon to melt most of the snow. However, more clouds rolled in and a shorter snow storm occurred in the early afternoon and I went out searching for an ideal spot to photograph since I had taken a 'snow day'.

After living in Stoke for nearly 3 years, I'd never visited Stoke Damerel Parish Church (practically at the bottom of my road) until today, which I discovered is the oldest church in the Plymouth area. It had quite the unusual cemetery in that most of the tombstones were now being used as flagging stones for the pavement. This was done in the late 1970's when the cemetery was converted to an open public space. For more info about the church, check out their website: http://www.stoke-damerel-church.co.uk/content/stoke_damerel/church_building/history.htm

5 Jan 2010

Day 5:
Well, after a grey start to the day, followed by snow with the largest flakes I have probably ever seen (it was like cotton wool was falling from the sky), I came across this wintery scene on my walk to uni. It was lovely to have everything lightly blanketed in snow... it's just makes our very noisy world a little more peaceful.

4 Jan 2010

Day 4:
After leaving uni, I had to go in to town to do some errands, namely to buy some long socks to put on for the walk home as it was freezing at uni all day and freezing outside by the time it was time to head home. Needless to say I was chilled to bone. Although Santa's grotto had already been put away for the year, the Xmas lights were still blazing in the city centre. It was nice to see on a cold, crisp night.

3 Jan 2010

Day 3: 

After returning from a lovely long weekend away for New Year's celebrations, I made home-made turkey enchiladas complete with my own enchilada sauce (a first for me). Man, oh man, these were absolutely delicious! Too bad this photo can't be scratch and sniff!

2 Jan 2010

Day 2:

On the 2nd day in January, Jane, Colin and I went for a walk around St. Anthony Head on the Roseland Peninsula in Cornwall. Once we got around the the western edge near St. Anthony Lighthouse, a magical scene appeared before our eyes. What luck to see such amazing imagery!!

1 Jan 2010

Day 1:

From a walk around Veryan on the Roseland Peninsula in Cornwall. Some people see in the New Year by eating black-eyed peas for good luck amongst many other long-standing traditions. This year, what better way to see in the New Year than by visiting houses that were built in the early 1800's to supposedly keep the devil away!