I was on the land end of Southend pier long ago with a friend in the amusement arcade and were so busy we missed the train to the end (over a mile) and walked, and were given certificates on arrival for each person who does. I don't know what I've done with it now but hope it turns up now.

These no entry signs were abolished in 1963, the writing being removed to be in line with the rest of Europe (despite not being connected to it). The catseyes are even older, being withdrawn about 1953, and one of only 3 known to survive in Britain, and actually on a public road which is the first I've got on one personally as they are all incredibly rare.

To the best of my knowledge, they don't give out certificates at Busselton. You can walk or take the train to the end of the jetty where there is an underwater observatory. We took the train because (a) we were short of time, (b) the train ride was included in the cost of admission to the observatory so you had to pay for it anyway, and (c) we were lazy!

This is inside the observatory. (Does Southend have an underwater observatory at the end of it?) I'm setting the scene for tomorrow's pic which will be a closeup through that window. My camera has an "aquarium" setting as well as an underwater setting, so this excursion was the perfect opportunity to play with it.

I haven't shared a photo of Precious for awhile, so here she is, enjoying the spring sunshine.

Ooops sorry Sharon I meant QB of course.!!

I'm waiting to see the close up, MG.

It's lovely to see Precious looking so fit and happy.

Willow in the Park...

From the underwater observatory - a close up of one of the pylons holding up the pier. You can't see the wood because the pylon is totally covered with marine life.

A typical country road in Essendon north of London

The Officers Club at Alcatraz, if this was how the officers were treated then the prisoners....lol

I love seeing your SF pics, Howie .. it's not often I an say "I've been there!" lol

This was the view on the way home from a party yesterday. Was a three hour trip and the game of eye-spy didn't last very long.

I can see that it wouldn't! Or what about The Number Plate Game, or Car Makes, or Spot the Pub name? Nah!

Another item from my daughter's teapot collection.

Just below the surface of the water.

This doesn't look very exciting, until you see each flar as a future mango. Woohoo! Our little tree only produced 3 last year but this looks promising for May.

So happy to have the camera back, I'm playing with all the modes - like Flower...

The standard view of Windsor Castle, with the Victoria memorial in front

Bourgainvillae grow wild here. This is just up the road on a piece of waste land. The commonest colour is this red. I like it though.

Spring is definitely here now



Daffodils and in the background cherry trees in blossom

More spring foliage...

The crooked house cafe next to Windsor Castle

QB: in the Malverns pic, was something on fire? And thank you for the info re: the vista - beautiful! And SO glad you got your "baby" back : )

SpanishLiz: As of today, we still have one stormwater lake open for public skating. I believe we set a new record as it's been designated "safe" since Dec 15. I don't personally consider that a "good thing" lol. So glad for Precious that she has green grass to chew on. My Zoe has had "spring fever" for about 3 weeks now, but it's still too cold for her to go outside.

Szabs: Ty for the explanation, I sort of figured it must have been something like that. Btw, LOVE the arab door - oh my!

Ren: Ok, that's IT. I'm definitely putting Gloucester on my list of "places to visit before I die".

Zorba: re: our snow. Glad you liked it, but it doesn't look like a "picture postcard" to me. It just looks like WORK lol

Auntie: well judging by your photos, I can certainly understand why you wouldn't want to live here. I am EVER so jealous!

Rather than torture you all further with more snow pictures, am posting the first orchid to bloom in my house in 2011:

Can't compete with that . But here is a little passionflar from the wall of the school over the road.

Peascod Street, the main shopping street in Windsor which has been pedestrianised, along with the bridge over the Thames a bit further up the road.