Fuji IS-1 (part 1)

It seems a long while since I took the IR Fuji out for a session.
For infra red b/w it's best when Sunny with some decent cloud formations
Over the next few posts I will put up some of the results taken using an R72 IR filter.
This one was is from the end of my lane:

Last Flutters Before Winter

While the Sun was beaming down on the Ivy there was a sudden rush of insect visitors. Bees, wasps, a whole variety of flies and several pristine looking Red Admirals:



Also spotted was the occasional Comma:



Apart from Cabbage Whites which have been seen in abundance for months I have rarely seen a butterfly all Summer. The same went for Bumble Bees. I have seen far fewer this year. I did read a short while ago of one possible reason. Apparently there are fewer bees, wasps and some other insects this year as last Winter was too mild for them. Yes, too mild. They need cold enough temperatures during the Winter months to force them into hibernation otherwise they use too much energy whilst awake with few or no food plants to provide nourishment.

Wordless Wednesday

Pleased and Disappointed

Sunrise over my lane this morning, with the telephone wires removed.




Really disappointed later on though. A Robin stayed close singing its little heart out and let me video it with the Nikon. I had a feeling the sound wasn't working properly a few days ago and yes, none was recorded! At first I though the Nikon was broken but I went into the menu and reset it. Too late for that Robin but at least the sound is working again. How it got switched off  I'll never know as I can't find anything in the menus to switch it on or off.

Another Nice Sunrise

There have been quite a few lovely Sunrises recently. This morning was no exception:



It's a pity they last such a short time but that tends to make them even more special.

Wordless Wednesday

On a Different Subject

I usually get round to cooking from scratch twice a week. Fish for one meal; skate, plaice, haddock or sea bass in order of choice. Always covered with plain flour and shallow fried in olive oil.

Fairly recently I found the local Post Office stocked locally sourced sirloin steak. Usually I shallow fry in olive oil for a short while to seal it then steam it in the pressure cooker. This time after the frying I added OXO stock to the frying pan, enough to cover the steak, and covered the pan to leave it simmering for an hour. A first for me was cooking a baked potato in the microwave. Had to research the timing. Finally some mixed frozen vegetables gently boiled for a short while. For once everything came together just right:



A bit of 'I Can't Believe It's Not Butter' on the potato and OXO stock from the frying pan completed a thoroughly enjoyable, tasty meal. Lovely moist, tender meat. Must stock up on more of those.

Oh yes, Penny did get her share.