What A Worrying World We Live In
I'm writing this post and in the background I have the Fox News on the TV which is live at the United Nations Security Council and the debate and subject is "North Korea" and I have to say, the tone is not good. Here we are, 4 weeks to Christmas and where is the "Good Will To All Men" this year. I will not offer an opinion but suffice to say no matter what, life rules over death for me and at all costs, war should be avoided for the sake of humanity. Let's hope we all live to see 2018 and look back on the tension as a lesson learned by all.
This was a picture that I discovered which depicted a very lonesome lady among a lot of military personnel and offers a sign of hope but also a lonesome voice. Our western world paints a dark picture of this isolated country but perhaps we do not understand them enough and maybe we should consider that we are all different and who is to say what is right and wrong.
This week was one of glad tidings in the UK and for much of the world when what can only be described as the worst kept secret finally broke to the public and became official when Prince Harry announced his engagement to which was such a boost and lift for the UK citisens and much of the world whom we accept as our extended family and share our Royals with such pride to our Commonwealth and friends across the globe. Im given to understand the wedding will be in the spring time and we all wish the happy couple the very best in every way, it's probably the most exciting news in the UK for quite a while:
The whole country celebrated the news in so many ways but my particular favorite was a graffiti artist who found a very dirty white van and using the material of dirt and dust left on the vehicle, he/she carved a picture of the happy couple that is a true work of art and something that if it was done by "Banksy" would have sold for a great deal of money. I say "Give this artist some respect for the talent & gift they posses.
My final message is more of a reflection than a statement and my reflection is one of looking back over the last year with an air of optimism that focuses upon the simple things in life and for my own thoughts is usually nature and the wonders of life. I am not one for keeping a diary or holding a grudge but more of a person who believes in Karma and what will be will be and what goes around will come around and as nature is always a good measure of the year, I will leave you with my acorn man who is deep in thought and contemplating life in the cycle of "we only get out of a thing, what we put into a thing" and we reap what we sow. I'm looking forward to taking some time out over the winter and reverting to my passion of photography and if I score with any good pictures, I will of course share them with you all. In the meantime, a very merry Christmas to you all. I ask that you all stay safe and enjoy the moment as we all look toward 2018 with an open mind that we all learned a lesson and worked toward improving life in the future for all.
I took a trip over to the farm today and as always, there is plenty to do and as the weather is about to change to a drop in temperature toward the second half of the week, it is a good opportunity to bring the dairy cattle inside for the winter. Cow's may not like being kept inside but it's a huge step up from being out in the snow and despite the smell, they always enjoy the silage which they thrive upon throughout the dark and lengthy winter days. I may have mentioned in past updates that as Christmas is upon us, there has been many turkeys arrived at the farm to which get a good opportunity to enjoy some quality time running around the field and doing what turkeys do before the time comes for them to provide satisfaction upon someones plate on Christmas day and despite what your views opinion is, my answer is that freedom of choice is always yours which includes the freedom to say no.
There is always one cheeky chap and this one to the left was not going to let me go on with my cleaning until he got his selfie and I hope that the fame that it brings him does not go straight to his head. I am not a huge fan of turkey for some reason and it's probably more based upon how we cook and prepare the bird in the UK. The only time I have truly enjoyed turkey was when I was working in the USA and whilst I have no idea what the did to prepare the bird, the one thing I can say was that it was truly special and very tasty and my memories were very special of the time I spent in the United States. I was welcomed into the family I lived with and treated as a member of the family, it was a very special period and I will never forget those wonderful days. I always tell people that the people of the USA are some of the nicest and kindest people I have ever spent time with and I would urge everyone to take some time to enjoy the beauty that the USA has to offer, you will not be disappointed in any way. If the fast City life is what you like, the USA has it all and if the peace and quiet of the open countryside is of interest to you, I can thoroughly recommend it to all. The USA truly is a special place to see and enjoy.
I took a little time out today to make my way to "Wortley Hall" where I often visit to have a nice cup of coffee and enjoy the tranquility that this grand old building provides, with the most fantastic views of open countryside that on a clear day like today, will simply take your breath away and below are a few snaps taken from my phone of the splendid views provided by the location of this wonderful place. I often arrange meetings here as it is quite a pleasure to spend some time here and with WiFi and refreshment available, it provides everything you would need to impress your associates or clients.
The video to the right was taken just as the sun was starting to set and I managed to catch a few ducks taking flight from the lake at the rear of the building and was a little startling as I didn't expect to see them. I would recommend a walk around the gardens if you visit this venue as they truly are splendid and a treat to visit. This short video was taken at the rear of the building in the garden area of which has a lovely fountain and stone pathways all surrounded by well pruned conifers and shrubs of which is often used as the backdrop for many wedding photographs of which is a popular location for many a happy couple's wedding. I can personally testify that the bar is a nice quiet place to visit with it's stunning ceiling and decor.
The weather here in God's Own Country took a steady turn toward an expectant white Christmas as the snow appeared with a vengeance and whilst there were enough warnings, there is always someone who is surprised by the covering and frost to boot. We had several inches and whilst it is an inconvenience it is not the end of the world. We expect more before we see the turn of the axis toward the downhill slide toward the summer time and it starts for us on the 21st December 2017 which is just 10 days away now. I would like to update you about the happenings at the farm but I have not been up there this week although I do understand the sound of silence fell all around and the sound of gobbling turkey fell silent last week. It's a little sad but also a fact of life and despite everything, they had a good few weeks of happiness and freedom which is not something than can be said about most turkey's at this time of year. I am dreading the snow getting any deeper over Christmas as it causes many problems for the dairy cattle and the sheep can be a real problem as they often get buried in the deep end of the snow and whilst digging them out is not hard, finding them truly is. The team up at the farm are very busy as always and preparation is always the focus and we expect 2018 to be a hectic year but joyful one too.
I provided you with this fine picture on the right to show you all what "Two feet of snow" looks like in Yorkshire and whilst there is a little humor attached to this picture, the reality is that here is an artist waiting to be discovered and whilst Van Gough lost an ear in his pursuit of fame, my chap got cold hands and feet and on a -7% freezing cold day, I think he deserves a medal from the Queen.
The forecast for tomorrow is a positive one as the wind is coming from the south west and with clear skies and a warm wind, perhaps the snow and ice will all go away for a while. The predicted temperature for tonight is -12% and that is not exciting for the animals at the farm and whilst the dairy herd are indoors, the sheep are not and they are well adapted to the cold as they all wear a fur coat outside.......and inside too for that matter until the spring time. The festive time is a good one and we only ask that people stay safe and enjoy the moment and the farm is no exception to that rule as safety is a big part of our daily routine and even more so when winter arrives. We always say "Expect the unexpected" and prepare for the worst and pray for the best. It's worked well so far and lets hope it continues to do so through 2018.
19th December 2017
I wasn't expecting to update this site before Christmas but yesterday as well as today were such beautiful days that I decided to take a walk in the country yesterday and visit one of my favorite places by the RAF 617 (Dambusters) training grounds and I was in for a real treat. The sun was low and this provides for some special lighting affects, especially over water and the camera was in full flow. The walk around took about 90 minuets but as I was stopping to take pictures, that would seem about right with all things taken into account. It was a super fresh if not slightly cold day.
This is a view looking back toward the Ladybower Hotel from the fly fishing ticket office and the colour and splendor is amazing with the creation of a mirror from the lake being so calm.
This is a view across the reservoir wall and looking back toward one of the two distinctive cream coloured arch bridges that span the narrow sections of the lake. Below is a view of the full length of the reservoir wall with a lady in red admiring the view.
This is a look and view from the reservoir wall and looking to the south at the hills and cliffs to which surround this area in abundance.
I took this shot of the bridge in order to provide some perspective and distance in showing the world what a beautiful sight the lake really is. It was made famous by the RAF 617 Squadron which are more commonly known as the Dambusters, although this was not the lake they used practice the dummy bomb raids, that was the next one up but they flew over this one as and the others as they closely resembled the ones in Germany in so many ways.
24th December 2017
This will be the last update that I anticipate for 2017 as I intend on starting a new page in January and as such, I will keep this short for now. The word's of Peter Hulbert are not a high priority for anyone at this time of year and as most people are awaiting the fat guy in the red coat to appear, I suspect the last thing on anyone's mind is my blog.
I never expected that I would be all alone on Christmas Eve and for 5 years in a row suggests that I must be doing something wrong but in my heart I know that I made a sacrifice that provided somebody else with the gift of life and in my world, that is a cause that is worth more than a bit of loneliness to myself. 2018 is all change for me. I will not be looking back or reflecting on what might have been but focusing on what will be for once. It's true that I have been holding back and for many reasons been held up slightly in life but to that end, it is expected to change very soon and whilst now is not the time to discuss it, I will promise you all that as it happens, I will share the excitement with you and I feel certain that you will delight in the news. The one thing that life has taught me is how to deal with disappointment and those down days when you find that the one person whom you expected more of, was the one who hurt you the most and by now, my skin has become so thick that one might assume I am an endangered rhinoceros but whilst I have learned in life to not show it, I am not hardened to the pain as many assume.
My Christmas day was about as bad as it could ever be expected to get and the highlight of the day was a corned beef sandwich and bottle of cold water..........if you think I'm joking, you are so wrong as it's 100% true. I spent the whole day alone and treated as some kind of alien by others who should know better. However, the one thing that I learned about my situation is how others use and abuse me and the knowledge that I have gained is just how they behave whilst I am in this situation and in more than enough ways, I'm ashamed of them but wise enough to distance myself from such behavior and instead of following their lead, I prefer to remember that nasty is easy to inflict on someone in need but kindness is a longer lasting emotion and leaves me feeling much better inside than the short term glee of satisfaction they gained by the hurt they threw my way.
29th December 2017
It's almost the beginning of the end to 2017 and whilst we have not quite reached the countdown time, I can say that the rocket is on it's way to the launch pad and the festivities are all fired up and ready to go. For many, this year has been a sad one and for others a happy one and life is just that in many ways, a see saw of up's and downs. I am a great believer in education and what does not kill us makes us stronger and I always look forward to a more positive and prosperous future with the hope that we all learned something of value from 2017 to carry forward to 2018 in a positive way.
We all have our dreams and aspirations and I am no exception to that rule, for me, my dreams are private to myself although I will share them with you when appropriate to do so. My personal success is only ever measured by how few failures I had achieved that year and with hopefully fewer than the ones the year before. I would like to wish you all a Very Happy New Year and in the hope that your plans, dreams and aspirations all come true for you all in 2018. For myself Peter Hulbert, I just hope to survive another year and enjoy life with a smile and laughter in my voice.
We still have a few hours left of 2017 and as a gesture of good will to all, we are accepting new Facebook friend requests for the new year for those who enjoy the crazy world of Social media and gossip with people they call friends to whom they have never met before in there life or ever likely to and for those who appreciate regular updates throughout the day, we still have our Twitter account running of which you are very welcome to follow and share your gossip too. Im getting very excited waiting for the countdown and look forward to seeing the world turn another page of history.
31st December 2017
It's only a few short hours for the beginning of the end of 2017 and the start of a whole new year and cycle of life again. It's often a sad time for some looking back and for others, it's a positive time looking forward and for myself "Peter Hulbert" it is a positive time as I start to implement my life with no looking back in anger. I only look forward to seeing my future wife who I miss so much and dearly. I am sat with the phone in my hand waiting to join her in the New Year in which has less than an hour to go and in return, she will join be several hours later to join me in my New Year and in 2018, we will be together to bring in the new year as husband and wife.
I hope that we all learned that in life it is better to love than to hate and that war is always an admission of failure and that we should "Give Peace A Chance" for once, it might just work. For now, I will love you all and leave you until 2018. This blog will end today and I will start a new one tomorrow with regular updates and jokes etc. I will thank you for your kind support that is always appreciated. God Bless You All In 2018 and Happy New Year To Everyone.
This week was one of glad tidings in the UK and for much of the world when what can only be described as the worst kept secret finally broke to the public and became official when Prince Harry announced his engagement to which was such a boost and lift for the UK citisens and much of the world whom we accept as our extended family and share our Royals with such pride to our Commonwealth and friends across the globe. Im given to understand the wedding will be in the spring time and we all wish the happy couple the very best in every way, it's probably the most exciting news in the UK for quite a while:
The video to the right was taken just as the sun was starting to set and I managed to catch a few ducks taking flight from the lake at the rear of the building and was a little startling as I didn't expect to see them. I would recommend a walk around the gardens if you visit this venue as they truly are splendid and a treat to visit. This short video was taken at the rear of the building in the garden area of which has a lovely fountain and stone pathways all surrounded by well pruned conifers and shrubs of which is often used as the backdrop for many wedding photographs of which is a popular location for many a happy couple's wedding. I can personally testify that the bar is a nice quiet place to visit with it's stunning ceiling and decor.
The forecast for tomorrow is a positive one as the wind is coming from the south west and with clear skies and a warm wind, perhaps the snow and ice will all go away for a while. The predicted temperature for tonight is -12% and that is not exciting for the animals at the farm and whilst the dairy herd are indoors, the sheep are not and they are well adapted to the cold as they all wear a fur coat outside.......and inside too for that matter until the spring time. The festive time is a good one and we only ask that people stay safe and enjoy the moment and the farm is no exception to that rule as safety is a big part of our daily routine and even more so when winter arrives. We always say "Expect the unexpected" and prepare for the worst and pray for the best. It's worked well so far and lets hope it continues to do so through 2018.
I wasn't expecting to update this site before Christmas but yesterday as well as today were such beautiful days that I decided to take a walk in the country yesterday and visit one of my favorite places by the RAF 617 (Dambusters) training grounds and I was in for a real treat. The sun was low and this provides for some special lighting affects, especially over water and the camera was in full flow. The walk around took about 90 minuets but as I was stopping to take pictures, that would seem about right with all things taken into account. It was a super fresh if not slightly cold day.
This is a view looking back toward the Ladybower Hotel from the fly fishing ticket office and the colour and splendor is amazing with the creation of a mirror from the lake being so calm.
This is a view across the reservoir wall and looking back toward one of the two distinctive cream coloured arch bridges that span the narrow sections of the lake. Below is a view of the full length of the reservoir wall with a lady in red admiring the view.
This is a look and view from the reservoir wall and looking to the south at the hills and cliffs to which surround this area in abundance.
I took this shot of the bridge in order to provide some perspective and distance in showing the world what a beautiful sight the lake really is. It was made famous by the RAF 617 Squadron which are more commonly known as the Dambusters, although this was not the lake they used practice the dummy bomb raids, that was the next one up but they flew over this one as and the others as they closely resembled the ones in Germany in so many ways.
24th December 2017
This will be the last update that I anticipate for 2017 as I intend on starting a new page in January and as such, I will keep this short for now. The word's of Peter Hulbert are not a high priority for anyone at this time of year and as most people are awaiting the fat guy in the red coat to appear, I suspect the last thing on anyone's mind is my blog.
I never expected that I would be all alone on Christmas Eve and for 5 years in a row suggests that I must be doing something wrong but in my heart I know that I made a sacrifice that provided somebody else with the gift of life and in my world, that is a cause that is worth more than a bit of loneliness to myself. 2018 is all change for me. I will not be looking back or reflecting on what might have been but focusing on what will be for once. It's true that I have been holding back and for many reasons been held up slightly in life but to that end, it is expected to change very soon and whilst now is not the time to discuss it, I will promise you all that as it happens, I will share the excitement with you and I feel certain that you will delight in the news. The one thing that life has taught me is how to deal with disappointment and those down days when you find that the one person whom you expected more of, was the one who hurt you the most and by now, my skin has become so thick that one might assume I am an endangered rhinoceros but whilst I have learned in life to not show it, I am not hardened to the pain as many assume.
My Christmas day was about as bad as it could ever be expected to get and the highlight of the day was a corned beef sandwich and bottle of cold water..........if you think I'm joking, you are so wrong as it's 100% true. I spent the whole day alone and treated as some kind of alien by others who should know better. However, the one thing that I learned about my situation is how others use and abuse me and the knowledge that I have gained is just how they behave whilst I am in this situation and in more than enough ways, I'm ashamed of them but wise enough to distance myself from such behavior and instead of following their lead, I prefer to remember that nasty is easy to inflict on someone in need but kindness is a longer lasting emotion and leaves me feeling much better inside than the short term glee of satisfaction they gained by the hurt they threw my way.
29th December 2017
It's almost the beginning of the end to 2017 and whilst we have not quite reached the countdown time, I can say that the rocket is on it's way to the launch pad and the festivities are all fired up and ready to go. For many, this year has been a sad one and for others a happy one and life is just that in many ways, a see saw of up's and downs. I am a great believer in education and what does not kill us makes us stronger and I always look forward to a more positive and prosperous future with the hope that we all learned something of value from 2017 to carry forward to 2018 in a positive way.
We all have our dreams and aspirations and I am no exception to that rule, for me, my dreams are private to myself although I will share them with you when appropriate to do so. My personal success is only ever measured by how few failures I had achieved that year and with hopefully fewer than the ones the year before. I would like to wish you all a Very Happy New Year and in the hope that your plans, dreams and aspirations all come true for you all in 2018. For myself Peter Hulbert, I just hope to survive another year and enjoy life with a smile and laughter in my voice.
We still have a few hours left of 2017 and as a gesture of good will to all, we are accepting new Facebook friend requests for the new year for those who enjoy the crazy world of Social media and gossip with people they call friends to whom they have never met before in there life or ever likely to and for those who appreciate regular updates throughout the day, we still have our Twitter account running of which you are very welcome to follow and share your gossip too. Im getting very excited waiting for the countdown and look forward to seeing the world turn another page of history.
31st December 2017
It's only a few short hours for the beginning of the end of 2017 and the start of a whole new year and cycle of life again. It's often a sad time for some looking back and for others, it's a positive time looking forward and for myself "Peter Hulbert" it is a positive time as I start to implement my life with no looking back in anger. I only look forward to seeing my future wife who I miss so much and dearly. I am sat with the phone in my hand waiting to join her in the New Year in which has less than an hour to go and in return, she will join be several hours later to join me in my New Year and in 2018, we will be together to bring in the new year as husband and wife.
I hope that we all learned that in life it is better to love than to hate and that war is always an admission of failure and that we should "Give Peace A Chance" for once, it might just work. For now, I will love you all and leave you until 2018. This blog will end today and I will start a new one tomorrow with regular updates and jokes etc. I will thank you for your kind support that is always appreciated. God Bless You All In 2018 and Happy New Year To Everyone.
