Author Archives: JDO

“Got your photo? Good. Can I go back to my dinner now please?” It’s been a looooong day – I was still doing admin at 9pm – and I only picked up the camera once, late this afternoon when R … Continued

During all the excitement of this morning, when for a few hours the site was inaccessible, I went off to do some calming gardening and harvested several pounds of blackcurrants. Tomorrow, therefore, I will mostly be making jam. Late this … Continued

Going over now, but still able to provide lunch for a gang of marmalade hoverflies. This is a male, but I’ve put in a shot I took of a female yesterday as an extra so you can see how differently … Continued

I was out in the garden this morning, stalking squirrels with the 70-300 lens, and being thoroughly impeded by the dogs. Arthur: “Hey Mum – is that a squirrel over there? Oh no – it isn’t.” Me: “Arthur, go away” … Continued

Yes, it’s all highly amusing until he manages to kick your camera lens and get glass in his foot – then suddenly it’s “Health & Safety”, and ambulance-chasing lawyers. That’s the trouble with jesters. This is the last call for … Continued

I went on a bug hunt this morning, and found quite a lot of different types on a neglected Hypericum bush at the back of the pear tree bed. Some were too small for me to get decent images, but … Continued

What does winter mean to me? Well, obviously the Carnival of Venice, which is held in late January and early February, and which R and I have attended every year since 1986. I am already working on my costume for … Continued

I’m happy today because I’ve managed to take photos of two bugs that I had never photographed before. The main image (which looks much better large, against the dark background) was taken on our pack walk this morning. I had … Continued

Hamish* was perfectly well aware that his lovely mummy wanted him to go over for a close-up portrait, but his finely honed instincts told him that his best chance of achieving virtual immortality today was to keep posing for the … Continued

My fears about the effect of yesterday’s rain on these blooms was well-founded: when I went out this morning they were lying in a neurasthenic attitude across a nearby heuchera, which was not appreciating the experience, and no persuasion by … Continued