Signscape blog

I couldn’t resist putting these piccies up of Paul and Colin taken at the beach last week. When they are not working on anything to do with signs, they like nothing more than hitting the beach. Now Jeremy has moved over from Windsurfing to Kiting and Sue is having a go as well, I feel I’m letting the side down a bit, by just mountain biking, rowing etc.

So there I was, in the office, baking hot day and only 5 minutes to go before lunch. And as you may know from my previous blog, lunch is not just a time to stuff my face with scrummy sandwiches, but my chance to stretch my legs on Dolbury hill.

Anyway, I made the rookie mistake of answering the phone just as I was about to leave. After a 25 minute conversation with the customer, I started on the quote I had just promised he could have back within the hour, curses!

Fifty five minutes later my duty was done and the quote was hurtling across cyberspace to my expectant customer.

Right, time to get some fresh air. (And look forward to a very short afternoon)

As I walked up the track, my reward for this tireless dedication to my job ran across the path in front of me. The little fella in the picture is a juvenile Field Mouse and if I hadn’t been delayed by the urgent quote I would never have got this great shot.

So there you go, when things don’t go quite as you expected, just look forward to the good things that will happen as a result!

Firstly, the ‘sickly shade’ – I’m just recovering from a viral sickness which has been a real ‘pig’ to get rid of; I’ve done my bit for medical research though, having contributed a donation for analysis and possible inclusion in the next generation of Flu vaccines!

EcoVision - Solar Powered Noticeboard

 Second shade of Green has a more ‘natural’ feel about it. My eldest son, George, an ‘A level’ student at Gordano School, North Somerset came home after lectures yesterday and said “EcoVision”  - that’s one of yours isn’t it?

With some surprise (never knowing what teenagers take in), I replied, “Yes, how…why what etc!!” It transpires that the School are having a ‘ZERO Power Day’ on July 17^th & their Head of Faculty for ‘Design & Technology’, Mr Paul Wilson, had incorporated our innovative product within his lecture about alternative power solutions etc and had a slide showing one of our models!

I went onto our website – is it one of these – “No” said George – “it was a close up shot , unless cropped” – quickly moving to our ‘Flickr Image Gallery’, he pointed out this one as the most likely, to which I commented – “ this has been modified already – the movement sensor is really small now & is within the unit!” – “That’s good” he said!!!!

 It is pleasing to learn that our expertise in product design incorporating environmental issues is being discussed with the future ‘Earthkeepers’ of our Country!

So thank you, Mr Wilson – you know where to turn for further information!

Kitesurfing Jeremy

Congratulations to Jeremy on officially becoming a Kitesurfer.

After having the first part of his lesson earlier this year, plus a few sessions of kite flying and ‘body dragging’, he succeeded in getting up on his board for the first time this weekend.

Now he just needs a good westerly wind (and to sell his windsurfing kit and buy some board shorts), and he’ll be jumping in no time!

Remember Kitesurfing may look like fun, but it can also be dangerous, addictive & can lead to a serious adrenalin rush.

Well done again to Jeremy

Paul

Pyramidal Orchids

 It’s my first day back to work after nearly 2 weeks in sunny France.

Feeling refreshed and inspired I thought it might be a good time to start blogging. (Especially as Colin was good enough to keep my desk clear while I was away!)

I thought I would share the fact that I actually looked forward to coming to work this morning. And before you think ‘what a creep’ and delete this, it’s not because I’m a workaholic, or because the work is so much fun, or even because I fancy one of the girls in the office.

It’s because I’m lucky enough to have the Mendips on our doorstep and I get to spend my lunch hour walking up to Dolbury Warren.

Owned by the Woodland Trust and the National trust, this is a beautiful area and if you like walking or mountain biking you should check it out.

Even though I had a great holiday, walking, cycling, kitesurfing, drinking and generally chilaxing, I still missed my ‘local haunt’.

During the different seasons I get some great views and see some interesting wildlife. I have also managed to get some good images, some of which I will post.

Today’s observations were:-

I was pleased to see that the dozens of Pyramidal Orchids haven’t yet gone over.

I still haven’t found any sign of the Bee Orchids. (Any advice welcome)

I picked up a Slow Worm, which poo’d on me, charming!

The trail was dry and it was warm and sunny.

I will write again if I see anything of interest. Paul