Galaxy M51 taken with the Isaac Newton Telescope and Wide Field Camera by Simon Driver. There’s a really simple reason why the Royal Greenwich Observatory moved their telescopes here. It’s one of the three best places in the world for astronomy. The observatory was founded in 1675 by Charles II of England – hence the “royal” for £520 (£20 over budget!). It was the first purpose-built scientific research facility…
Good Healthy Exercise
My friend N moved house today. This isn’t relaxingat the best of times, but this was harder work than usual, because she had a house ten minutes walk along a rough path from the nearest parking space. It’s times like that when it’s good to have friends, and there were five of us, including Helen and Theresa who brought their van. Thank goodness that included two blokes, because I really…
Stretching his wings
Well my son’s gone off on a school trip for twelve days around four of the Canary Islands. It’s a bit nerve-wracking letting him loose, but it’s time for him to stretch his wings a bit. And you know, it’s rather niceto tidy up the living room and expect it to stay tidy.
Canary Day is Coming
Friday is Canary Day. It’s a big thing here, and the celebrations have started already. On Wednesday evening they had bouncy castles in the port car park. This was shortly followed by a foam machine. The kids loved it. My son was so delighted that he dived in with all his clothes on. I’d have been seriously tempted to join in except that I had my expensive camera with me….
The Great Underpants Emergency
Early tomorrow morning my son goes on his end-of-primary-school trip. He’s going to Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuertaventura, La Graciosa, and Tenerife – all in 12 days. He should have a great time. (He’d better! It’s good value for money, but it’s still not cheap.) The trouble is, he doesn’t have all that many clothes because he grows out of things in three months. And this trip means he’ll be away…
Canary Day
Friday is Canary Day. It’s a big thing here, and the celebrations have started already. Early this evening, I went into town with my son to sort out some paperwork and a birthday present, and we found they had bouncy castles in the port car park. So of course we stayed for a while. We were both wondering what the nozzle was for. And then they started squirting foam out…