Dotted around the beautiful grounds of Rousham Manor are a myriad of statues and sculpture…some of them quite Gothic! . . . . . .

I went to Rousham at the weekend. Even though I have lived in Oxfordshire for twelve years or so, I have never visited this William Kent landscaped garden. What a pleasant surprise the visit was…an extremely peaceful experience, with loads of fantastic photo opportunities (I’ll definitely go back!) and a lovely bike ride from Banbury [...]

I am lucky to be have a variable distance option to work, depending on how far I take the train in the morning. If I’m tired, I have a six mile each way bike journey at the other end, if I’m not, my preferred route is 12 miles each way. It’s a rural route…i.e. small [...]

It’s getting to that time of year again when you notice that it doesn’t stay light until bed time and farmers are working round the clock to bring in the first of the cereal crop harvests. I must say that I rather like the change from Summer into Autumn…it’s like Nature breathes out and relaxes. [...]

Some time ago, my boat was hit by another…a hire boat. It was a hell of a collision, so I phoned the hire company up and reported it and we agreed on a sum for the damage caused. Anyway, I decided to get off my arse and go and pick up the cheque this weekend. [...]

If only all roads were like this! This is part of the National Cycle Network, Route 5, which keeps cyclists away from the danger, noise and smell of traffic…lovely!

No cropping on this image!

“Language… has created the word “loneliness” to express the pain of being alone. And it has created the word “solitude” to express the glory of being alone.” “It’s so lonely when you don’t even know yourself.”