This is one of 4 'Bristol nails' which were used in the past by
merchants when closing deals. The expression 'pay on the nail'
is thought to have originated from this practice. The nails are
now located outside The Exchange building in Corn Street,
having been moved from a narrower street at some point. The
oldest of the nails is thought to date from the Elizabethan
era, the 'newest' from 1631.

I just checked and I haven't posted on this forum since Nov. 2011! I've definitely improved with my photography since then and would like to share some more. I'm wondering, though, if it is acceptable to post photos with a watermark (either my real name or just my username if need be)?

You're definitely not on your own there. It seems like it was only just a couple of years ago that he was born!

I know, MG! And thanks Liz for your wishes

The Bristol Nail is interesting, Martin.

here's first light a couple days ago. I love the colours.

One or two dollars worth of boats at the Whangamata Marino on the Coromandel Peninsula.

This is the view from our balcony in Surfer's Paradise. Normally we head for the snow at this time of the year - this year we decided to be snowbirds instead and head north to southern Queensland....

I can't see that being a problem. It will be great to see some more of your work.

Okay, here we go!

The other day I took some pictures of glasses, and this was one of the best results (except for the uneven water levels). I used an external flash pointed at the wall from underneath for the lighting and held up pieces of construction paper for the colors. It's supposed to be red, white, and blue for the Fourth of July, but it reminds me more of a backwards French flag. I didn't have any dark blue paper, so I had to use the lighter shade.

That's amazing. Welcome back!

Thank you!

It is the only picture I have in mind. Reminding of happy summer days spent in the countryside. I needed to share this, it is from Southern Transylvania, a few years ago. I even asked an expert on the net the name of this flower and he did not know for certain. Its color: blue-violet. Odorless. Blooming in the summer months until early autumn. I know I am new on this forum, please excuse me, I am shy. And my English is not perfect. I am not a photographer, but if you know the name, at least in Latin, of this plant, please send it to me. I think this flower is beautiful, otherwise I am happy to look at other pictures.

The water glasses are fabulous.

Alpinesquill, I think your flower is a wild geranium. They grow right across the northern hemisphere and have many different names and colours. In Europe we usually call them "cranesbill", either spotted cranesbill or wild cranesbill and they have other names depending on local traditions, such as "old maid's nightcap". You can get blue ones, pink ones, purple ones... some have dark colours, some are pale, and they will grow more or less anywhere, on walls, in meadows, in woodland, and on the side of roads. There are also cultivated varieties but if you let them grow uncontrolled they soon go back to a wild variety. They also cross-pollinate very easily which is why there are so many colours - and why it's very hard to say exactly which variety your picture is. It's a lovely picture though, you should post more.

If I am right and it is a cranesbill, the Latin name is Geranium Maculatum.

Alpinesquill, I agree with flopsy on it being a wild geranium. If you go to the June photo a day thread, which is about halfway down the Our Photos main page, and then go to page 2 you will see a photo posted by Chavs of a blue geranium that is the cultivated variety. You can see the similarities then.

It's a lovely photo you've posted. Please put some more on, you don't have to be a brilliant photographer, or have English as your first language. Just put on photos you like, that's all the rest of us do.

I can't compete with Mike's skyscrapers, this is a tower block in Walton on Thames

I love that photo zebra101! It's really clever and well composed. Where did you get teh idea?
And a VERY cute puppy, Copago - and that's a big call from a life long cat lover! (I actually really like dogs too)

Alpinesquill, from the posts addressed to you, you will see how unscary and welcoming we are (thanks team). I am glad they were able to name your lovely flower. Please do as we ask and stay around , post some more. You are very welcome.

Thank you, both!
I've just seen photos like this online and wanted to try my own.

Great photo, Zebra. Welcome back! And a new welcome to Alpinesquill Hope to see more pics from you both!

Back to Chip today. And we wonder why he is so fa .... err, has big bones.

Funny how some of your photos stick in my mind.

I went for a walk this morning and found myself wondering just where the nearest fountain is.

He's not actually going to eat all that is he? I think even Susie would struggle

Welecome alpinesquill.

I grow the cultivated versions, in various colours, I love them.

Zebra, your photo is totally amazing.

Looking towards Tuhawaiki (Jacks) Point and the lighthouse there from South Beach by the Otipua Wetlands in Timaru. I think the coastal walkway will continue to at least the lighthouse and tomorrow there will be a photo taken from the same place but zoomed in on the lighthouse. Of course, a bird just happened to get in the photo.....lol

And here's a pussycat that both Precious and young puppies should avoid! A two year old Sumatran tiger (at Dreamworld).

I looked at that meat and thought "that looks just right for a tagine" - then realised it had Chip attached to it!