Be aware and Oh it's a snake

Whilst everyone is campaigning for this that and the other there are some simple things you can do which will make a big difference like signing a petition to introduce vaccination against meningitis and septicaemia Here,
It won't take a minute and will make a difference.


Now the sun is lower and the days are getting shorter and suppose to be getting colder but hey there is so much I am looking forward to this month, instead of watching Motocross this year Liam and I are going to Arne again to try harder than ever to get some good photo's and hopefully of a deer rut, I also want to see an Avocet or few.
At the moment photography especially of birds is challenging but in a few weeks when the leafs have fallen it should be better and all the incoming winter species should be here, now I am not a twitcher but I do prefer to take photo's of wildlife and especially birds because I find it a peaceful and challenging pastime, I am learning my species slowly and Liam knows a few already so as a family outing I highly recommend places like Arne, Radipole or Lodmoor as they are free from hassle, fumes and so relaxing but most of all in this time of cutbacks they are relatively cheap ...parking and fuel and possibly a hot chocolate ;-) my only expense ..go on give it a go and if you become a member of the RSPB you can have free parking in many reserves.
Get the kids away from the consoles and get some fresh air in their lungs while they learn about the wonders of nature.

Lodmoor on a warm September evening.

Oh it's a snake Dad.. Now this comes from Liam and I searching around Weymouth for wildlife and photography and near Weymouth tip by Lodmoor there is a wasteland and a few bits of wood are on the grass across the area so Liam and I lift them up to hopefully capture some snake action but most of the time its nothing or a slow worm. Now on this day 2 weeks ago we were just walking through to get to Lodmoor and Liam stopped and stated that there was something moving in the grass and said it was a snake its going under the bush, of course I said no way and looked over only to see the last 2 feet of this snake slither into the undergrowth, we were both elated to see it but the funny thing was after this we were a bit more tentative moving the wooden boards hehe, nervous ? us ?

RSPB   Meningitis Trust Jester's Photography

Arne and the HS10

Hi all
Yes the HS10 was finally in my hand after years of saving and it is a splendid piece of kit which I am slowly getting use to.
I have been snapping at Radipole mainly but on Saturday the boys and I headed of to Arne Nature reserve which is an amazing place, we WILL be going again more often as we all loved it.
The scenery, bird life and wildlife including Sika dear,  Oyster Catchers, Spoonbills and Ospreys to name just a few. From heath land, woodland, ponds, estuary and even a beach is has it all.
The cost was £4 for the day parking only so cheap as chips.
Arne.
take care

Just one of many ponds at Arne                                                                                 

Sika Deer must have seen dozens

Mud flaps with Poole Harbour in distance

Radipole and Lodmoor reserves Weymouth | MyFinePix UK

Radipole and Lodmoor reserves Weymouth | MyFinePix UK

Windy but warm and relaxing , that is how I describe the last 2 wanders to the local reserves, the bird life seemed non existent so myself and Liam turned to macro and on the link above you can see the results.

10 years after meningitis

10 years ago I contracted pneumococcal meningitis and a few months later was retired from work, twice in that week I was only hours from not making it. The effects for me are invisible for I have no limb loss just internal damage, Permanent headaches quite often migraine levels, spinal damage, nerve damage and painful joints and some more minor problems like sinusitis.
The emotional scars of anxiety, low self esteem, low confidence and I guess depression but I guess I don't like admitting this one, frustration I cannot work and support my family and I can get very emotional.
The emotional scars are not just carried by myself but the wife whom discovered my symptoms and basically saved my life and has had to watch me suffer since and indeed become the strength in the household.
I can't get out of my head what must my kids feel ?
Do they understand why Daddy can't buy them the latest fashion or expensive toys ?
Do they hate me for not running around after them with a football or just being a normal active Dad ?
Will they resent me for their displaced childhoods ?
So many questions are starting to hit me all at once but why now ? yes I have had these thoughts before but now they are constant nags.
Why and I blogging this ?
I have not got a clue but I guess it may help somehow.
take care all
Pat

A gentle stroll | MyFinePix UK

Well the holidays are here for the kids which I love as it's the only time I feel useful and achieve stuff these days, totally fed up with pain killers and the like as I am on so many each day I just feel uurgghh all the time but I guess it does ease the pain a little bit.

My boys are wonderful and are very patient with me when we are out and always willing to stop every few minutes for their old git Dad to rest.

After joining the Meningitis group on Facebook I feel I have learn't a lot more about what has and is happening to my body and don't feel so alone in my symptoms, there are those that don't see any physical disabilities and are to shallow to understand and in the group you get this feeling that most have been through this "judgement" and this makes me feel less of a leper so if you have a Chronic illness or such like and feel alone just find a group like I did and I promise it will open a whole new perspective in you life.

Anyway back to Blogging Liam and I had a few hours fishing on the beach last week and it was a lovely evening and stayed warm throughout, a few bites but Liam was the only one to catch a small Bass so 1-0 to him lol.

The beach days are becoming more regular with the weather warming and also time out with the camera is going well.

NOW THE BIG NEWS

James my 8 year old won a photo competition, well I say won it he had 1st,2nd and 3rd prizes so well done to him.

Today Liam and I went for a stroll so please check out the link below

all the best and take care.

A gentle stroll | MyFinePix UK

Summer begins

Ah at last weeks with my boys to hit the beach among other activities, Luc joining us for Carnival week so all is looking good.
PC now running on base graphics until funds allow replacement main card but at least I am still on line, car still off road ggrrr any others for assistance greatly received ;-)
Well apparently the road works in Weymouth are due to be completed today but I guess the moaning and groaning within the long queues of standing traffic will continue.

Plans for summer, lots of time with kids on beach, may even get my bike out, photography, and just trying to get some sanity back and do more fishing.

todays pic is one for the ladies ;-)

Take care

Tremendous success for Bailey's Zumba night

Well I believe I have sorted my PC woes out(time will tell) so on that not I would like to congratulate Claire and Bailey on having a massive turn out for the Zumba Charity Night raising over £700 for the G2 ward in Southampton.

Well done all

Vessels in Focus -

Vessels in Focus - NEW PAGE ADDED

More info on vessels with build year etc.

Jester's Gallery -

Friends and family

1st I would like to wish Pauline all the best whom is poorly in hospital love from all down south xxxx

Hopefully my son Luc will be down very soon and we can catch up and he can teach me some photography tips, Luc has done really well and has passed a few exams recently and continues to make me proud.

Jess flew for the 1st time across to Magaluf so here is wishing you a great week darling xxxxxx

Vessel Watch news

Jester's Gallery -

My gallery has 2 new additions with more being edited, the news is that GU78(Royal Escape) has had its numbers removed and WH768 numbers are replacing this, as for new name if any I do not yet know and also whether it is the replacement vessel for Rowella E521 which sank a few weeks ago remains to be seen.

Fishing

Some Mackerel have been caught on the Piers and Chesil beach but I have not been out for a week or so but plan for Wednesday and a late beach assault with Liam, although the beach has been very quiet recently but maybe a late start will sort that out.

Dogfish apparently have plagued many a boat trip.

Today's picture

GU78 now WH768

Take care

Pat

My post from an FB group

It is about time I posted a thank you to my Wife, In January 2001(aged 32) I was very ill and it was my Wife who had seen meningitis in her niece raised the alarm and basically as the doctors said saved me because if she would have left it overnight I wouldn't have seen the next day, pneumococcal meningitis nearly took me 2 days later again whilst in hospital but I am a lucky one as I have all my limbs and at least it wasn't one of my children which I couldn't bare.
10 years down the line I have not worked due to daily headaches and spinal damage but I am still mobile albeit daily pacing.
I now have arthritis in my spine and severe pains in my back but I still feel blessed that if I got this then at least it wasn't another child if you see what I mean.
So Jennifer my darling wife .. thank you x


The group is Meningitis survivors and supporters


My Poem from 2004 1 year after my normal way of living ended.


       Meningitis Bringer of Pain 



You came into my life and tried to take me down,
You grabbed me from behind and insisted that I drown,
You visited  my weakness so I had no release ,
A war within my body , no way home for peace,


Damn you Meningitis ,
I will see you die,
Damn you Meningitis ,
I will watch you fry,


Struck me down , shot gun blast to the head,
Your aim was simple , you wanted me dead ,
Like people before you have scarred , lives taken ,
The innocent , the young whole lives broken,


Damn you Meningitis ,
You time will come,
Damn you Meningitis ,
I will see you undone,


Skin infested nightmares you create ,
Disguised you lay and wait ,
Inside to the bone you destroy,
Just like an over eager child breaking his toy ,


Damn you Meningitis 
You will lose the battle soon,
Damn you Meningitis 
Your heading for certain doom,


The children you have taken can never return,
The memories still strong ,love you try to consume,
We will gain strength from their son and daughters ,
We will be strong to bring on your slaughter,


Damn you Meningitis ,
You think you strong,
Damn you Meningitis ,
You are wrong,
Damn you Meningitis ,
A message to you I send,


You Bastard leave the kids alone,
The death and destruction will soon end………………with YOUR death


                                     The Jester 2004 


                   ©Jester68uk2001

Relaxation

I have a new form of relaxation albeit not being able to sit long, I have been playing with Photoshop trying to get use to all the different techniques  but ended up mucking about with my trawler images and other vessels (see below) and even been able to transfer through printer to create 3d card effects for the wifes card making.

Big Jim from photo to print

We have not been doing brilliantly in the fishing area due to high winds and "Feather chuckers" being out in force (why they can't stick to beaches and let the kids fish on the piers I will never know).

Photography has been crap lately so I have reset the camera and I am determined to spend Saturday with my boys trying to get at least 1 cracking shot, before letting James have his £2 on the 2p machine in arcade lol.

Sunday is suppose to be a wash out but after the last few weeks off next to no rain we could certainly do with some water so maybe not such a bad thing.

Have a great weekend

Pat

Swindon Speedway Official Website: LEIGH ADAMS UPDATE

Leigh Adams a true legend and gentleman we wish you well.

The family would like to send there best wishes and our thoughts are with you all.

Swindon Speedway Official Website: LEIGH ADAMS UPDATE

Mackerel were a bubbling

1st time on float this year with Son Liam and when we arrived a load of feather chuckers and lure throwers were on the Weymouth pleasure pier and our usual spot on the wall.
We moved down the wall facing the beach with baited hooks let our floats do the bobbing and waited about an hour in a bite or 2 then about 30 mins later we both hooked a Macky each at the same time, by 9pm the water was bubbling with Macky and I ended up with 7 and Liam with 3 (with 1 pouting) we both missed triple our catches but it was fun night and at 11pm as Liam landed his last Macky we called it quits with plenty of movement still on the water but hey school for Liam in the morning ..sorry Son ;-).

Bring out ya dead !!!

Nice title for a blog I bet your thinking but inspired by my fab Son Luc whom made this comment on Facebook.
"theres so many " ooo my life sucks" and "sh** day" jesus people anyone would think you had the black death :S"


Well Luc you have a very valid point, the majority off people with real problems don't moan they just deal with it but I guess there are those that just get sucked in to the whole this is all that matters syndrome.


Take myself for example medically retired for 10 years and in pain daily with no dosh to buy my family gifts indeed to organise a day trip takes weeks to sort money out. There are a hell of a lot off people genuinely on the sick that have not only have to put up with the effects of their illness but the fact that things that may make them feel more "alive" are well out of budget.


Now take my Mother a suffer from MS and is wheel chair bound whom sadly lost her life long friend and Husband in 2007, now I know I would never have coped as well as she has, OK she does have moments and downers but that is understandable but she has moved and found a new hobby and is now living in a much better safer environment but could have so easily sat in a lonely bungalow wallowing in a pit of "life sucks" which my late Dad would never have smiled upon.


That is just 2 people out of millions but lets put this into perspective, I am ill and out off work but I am 43 and can still be with my family and live life although pacing daily life but there is a lad named Bailey whom has an illness which means that most of his days he is fed through a tube and not allowed to eat normal solids, he is in a lot of pain and is only 14 BUT he insists it will not beat him and continues to live as normally as the next person and still plays football matches even with tube inserted.
A quote from this brave lad "I am glad I have this illness and not my baby Brother" now that is just amazing.


So before you put the words "my life sucks" and other statements, do as I do and think of those that are far worse off than yourself those whom life certainly does suck.


Positive Mental Attitude


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Now for some great photography the picture below was taken by James(8) on a crappy camera but I think it 
is a fab shot of the Pelican of London.
Taken from a rowing boat in Weymouth harbour.

Pelican by James 

Jester's Gallery -

Jester's Gallery - Updated

Chesil beach on the horizon;

Liam has asked to hit Chesil beach for a spot of fishing so this week we will have a look and see if there is some sport other there, reports are good for flatties and even some Mackerel about, check back for report soon.

Some nice weather for a change but not set to last so making the most of it with beach days and fishing, also we are going to pop to Moors Valley as we have been informed it is a good day out and cheap lol.

Liam's footie season has ended just 3 tournaments left which I do enjoy as there are always a great atmosphere (good weather please).

Hopefully my Son Luc can visit soon once I have some small ops and appointments out of the way, really looking forward to seeing him and learning some photography skills :-).

Bowling Saturday and Liam didn't reach his 158 record but there is always next week !

Awaiting sponsor forms for Liam so he can start really pushing for dosh for his sail on the Pelican next year....so please every little helps.

have a great weekend and be safe

The Pelican Of London 

Jester's Gallery -

Jester's Gallery - UPDATED

Jester's Gallery -

Jester's Gallery -

More photo's added

Latest

Been a rough couple of weeks but still managed to go fishing with Liam and blank but Liam is still going on about his 158 in ten pin bowling  last Saturday, wish I could still bowl but I guess I would lose anyway.
James is over the moon about doing his Attenborough trick Woodpecker which worked in local woods near us on Wednesday.
Websites are coming on and  especially good reviews on Vessels site.

In photography it has been quiet apart from vessel pictures which myself and the boys all had camera's out on Saturday.

NOW Liam intends to sail on the Pelican Of London next year so he is after sponsorship so if you can help in anyway it would really be appreciated as we all feel this would be a life changing experience for him, Pelican

Oh well it's Friday so 2 days out with my boys so hopefully some new news next week.

be safe

Pat

Beth Sell 17-33
Coming into Weymouth last week

SEE MORE HERE 

I need to be mentally active again

Hi all

Quiet eh ?

I have been pretty inactive lately through many reasons with health and weather the main problem but the good news is I have my boys for a week or so now (no school) so I can get out and have some fun and hopefully more confidence in my photography again as some shots recently have shot me down. I also have a desire to start writing again but writers block is my main wall.
Perhaps joining a group is in the pipeline but I will see.
I hope the weather holds for better now as I believe we are all fed up with our "changeable" climate.
Liam has 3 more matches and a good chance for another trophy so good luck Liam and the Terra's, James has taken to 10 pin bowling so every Saturday a £1 a game is his choice but Dad has to sit and watch because my body will not allow the destructive drilling of a weighty ball (just as well safety wise).
Maybe some fishing for the boys, a bike ride or some walks this week so I will try and bring a more exciting blog next time although it is probably only me that reads it anyhow lol

Today a poem instead of piccy so look away none poet enthusiasts and take care all.

Thoughtless  Insanity

Sitting, staring just lost in thought,
Breathing, sighing not knowing what is on my mind,
Trying to remember skills of life I was taught,
I need something, somehow to help me unwind,

I want to write, I want to touch others with words,
I want to stun with photography,
To others this may seem absurd,
Maybe I am just creating complexity.

10 years without work have made me desire,
A desire to be useful, to be important again,
To escape these thoughts that drag me in the mire,
To erase these feelings of falling into the insane.

I have a camera but I have not the skill,
I have the writers block so the words lay silent,
The acceptance of nothingness is a bitter pill,
Creation and fulfilment the wanted statement,

I see art around me and inspiration in ink,
Pictures of the fantastic and words for thought,
I walk and look but still just think,
In empty mind syndrome my brain is caught.

Poetry, stories I have a will to write,
Pictures, stills or movement I want to capture,
The abyss of the black hole dark as night,
The words won’t come and no images in site.

Jester68uk2001©2011

Perspective | MyFinePix UK

Perspective | MyFinePix UK

I have not done much in the way off photography recently but this one is about the colours so I thought I would share it.

New life old Church | MyFinePix UK

New life old Church | MyFinePix UK

Hugh's Fish Fight - Half of all fish caught in the North Sea is thrown back overboard dead

Hugh's Fish Fight - Half of all fish caught in the North Sea is thrown back overboard dead

Fantastic day

Well my Son James had a fantastic 8th  birthday yesterday so thank you for all messages and gifts.

Jen made a home cake which James loved 

Now on to some serious stuff which we should all be  please see the big fish fight on the right and sign up to fight basically for the survival of the ocean, Henry Gilbey a legend through fishing and photography puts t way better than me here Henry's Blog.

My facebook group is growing fast Friends of fishing simulator 2 and I am very close to starting my biggest venue creation which will be a sea venue with a lot off pegs, so join up for updates and news.

Real fishing I am aiming to get out next week for my first chuck of 2011 so will keep an eye on the weather and post results.

all the best

Pat

Birthday wishes and congratulations

Firstly a very happy birthday to my Wife Jenny xxx

Secondly many congratulations to the England cricket team on winning the Ashes down under, well done lads fantastic job.

Not much to report otherwise I still have not been up to go fishing but hopefully very soon, Liam back to training for the season run in, good luck Terra's U14's.

James will be 8 years old next week growing up fast.

Photography has been held back by very bad light and bad weather so hopefully things will pick up.

take care

Pat