Weekly Photo Journal

Sunday 14 June 2026

Learning to See Differently

One of the highlights of the week was my new phone. The camera is a significant improvement on my old one, so I spent Monday evening out walking and experimenting with some of its features.

At first, I was simply pointing it at anything that caught my attention, but it quickly became clear that good photographs are about far more than the camera itself.

On Friday I met my friend Doris for a walk. Doris takes amazing photographs, so along the way I asked her for a few tips.

What followed was a thoroughly enjoyable morning of chatting, taking photographs and looking at familiar scenes from a different perspective. We experimented with angles, framing and foreground interest, and I quickly realised how a small change in position can completely transform a photograph.

One of my favourite photographs from the morning was a simple buttercup picture. By getting low to the ground and using the flowers in the foreground, the image immediately became more interesting. We also experimented with portraits and selfies, including one where neither of us was looking directly at the camera.

Back on the Golf Course

Tuesday's social nine holes was my second game since returning home. There was just one small problem — my first shot was a complete duff! Fortunately a quick reload put that right and I went on to enjoy a very pleasant round.

The course was looking superb. Immaculate fairways wound their way between areas of long meadow grass, which swayed in the breeze. It was so good to be back among familiar faces and familiar surroundings.

Progress in the Garden

This week I continued working my way around the garden, weeding, cutting back and generally bringing things back under control after our three months away.

The greenhouse was next on the list. Not all the overwintered plants survived, but that's to be expected after such a long absence. A big shout-out to my son, who did a grand job keeping everything watered while we were away.

One area remains a challenge. High up on the bank, the triffids have finally gone, but the convolvulus has been having a wonderful time. Some roots have been evicted, but I suspect this particular battle will continue for a while yet.

Despite the gardening workload, there has been plenty of wildlife to enjoy. During a torrential downpour, a magpie perched on top of one of the bird feeders, sheltering from the rain. It looked thoroughly fed up with the weather and seemed quite content to wait for better conditions.

Another, rather less welcome, visitor was a large rat. I first spotted him happily munching his way through the newly filled peanut feeder, so that was promptly relocated.

Undeterred, he was back the following morning. As brazen as you like, he was attempting to work his way into a much smaller feeder by the kitchen window. I couldn't help but smile as I watched him trying to solve the problem. At one point his tail was hanging out of one side while his head appeared from the other, looking thoroughly puzzled about how to proceed.

He certainly looked a very healthy specimen and, much as I admire his determination, I'm hoping he eventually decides there are easier places to find breakfast.

The White Season 🌼

A blustery start to the day, but thankfully everyone was keen to head out on their bikes. With the wind gusting across the open countryside, we decided to seek shelter in the lanes.

Our route took us through Bont Newydd. After a steep descent into the valley, we rode through the village before tackling the climb out on a narrow twisting lane. With potholes and patches of loose gravel to negotiate, it demanded rather more attention than the scenery.

As the ride continued, I found myself noticing how much the countryside had changed over the past few weeks. Right now, we're in a white season. Oxeye daisies lined the verges, while wild roses, elderflowers and blackberry blossom filled the hedgerows.

A welcome coffee stop at the Copper Pot Café in Denbigh gave us the chance to enjoy a little sunshine.

The ride back was a different story, taking us straight into a strong headwind — payback for the shelter we'd enjoyed earlier in the day.

Another cracking ride with a great bunch of friends, plenty of chatter and lots of laughter.

A Small Reflection

Looking back, it has been one of those weeks without any major adventures, yet somehow it feels full of memorable moments.

After three months travelling around Europe, it has been good to slow down, settle back into familiar routines and appreciate the simple pleasures closer to home.

Sometimes that's more than enough.