[WPRESTO]

First love B&W, sunny day and a bonnie lassie... it don't get better for this old Kerrowdown.

Ah, yes. Even we men who are "past our prime" (yes, believe it or not, I have reached that age) have pulses that will quicken and dormant thoughts that will awaken at the sight of a lovely young woman. A good friend and colleague, one of the most honorable, admirable, responsible people I've ever known, once observed that the vast majority of men upon first seeing an attractive young woman, will reflexively evaluate her for bed, the lecherous thought emerging in a flash. It's a reflex that even the most decent of men find essentially impossible to suppress, even when they are past the possibility.

[Kerrowdown]

Ah, yes. Even we men who are "past our prime" (yes, believe it or not, I have reached that age) have pulses that will quicken and dormant thoughts that will awaken at the sight of a lovely young woman. A good friend and colleague, one of the most honorable, admirable, responsible people I've ever known, once observed that the vast majority of men upon first seeing an attractive young woman, will reflexively evaluate her for bed, the lecherous thought emerging in a flash. It's a reflex that even the most decent of men find essentially impossible to suppress, even when they are past the possibility.

Good grief... where did all that come from?

Pretty profound stuff too.

[Kerrowdown]

A grave slab found inside the North Transept of St Clements Church, Rodel, on the Isle of Harris in the Western Isles. It is dated 1725 and came from a caibeal outside near the tower, the initials probably stand for Roderick Campbell and his wife Ann MacSween (Campbell may have been a former Chamberlain of Harris).

I remember it being really quite dark in there and with my "Special Lady” (Pentax-A 50mm F1.2), I was on the limits of my hand holding capabilities.

[lesmore49]

A grave slab found inside the North Transept of St Clements Church, Rodel, on the Isle of Harris in the Western Isles. It is dated 1725 and came from a caibeal outside near the tower, the initials probably stand for Roderick Campbell and his wife Ann MacSween (Campbell may have been a former Chamberlain of Harris).

I remember it being really quite dark in there and with my "Special Lady” (Pentax-A 50mm F1.2), I was on the limits of my hand holding capabilities.

Great pix and using natural light. For this type of photograph...natural light if it is possible, is the way to go in my mind.

I wonder what the symbols carved into the rock mean ? I've been a fan of Scottish Highland history for a long time. I have some MacLeod and Black (MacGregor) way back in my DNA, which I'm sure is why this interest is there.

[Erictator]

Takumar 35.0mm F2.0 1/640 iso200

[Erictator]

Takumar 35.0 mm F2.0 @ F3.5? 1/640 iso200

[fs999]

I actually agreed with Ross Blainey (the Whisky expert specialist who works for William Grant & Son's that own both Balvenie and Glenfiddich line), that the standard 12yr Balvenie is better than the 17yr! The 17yr sure packs a punch, the vapours are just a little extreme for my liking (I found it harder to pick up on the flavours etc, vapour and strength overpowering), it's probably made better with a splash of water. The 14yr Caribbean however was excellent too (hints of rum).

You're probably right. I had the chance at a tasting to buy it, but they didn't offer to taste it, so I didn't buy it... But please, pretty please, never, I say NEVER, ever, put something in a single malt Scotch Whisky ! Should it be water, ice or everything else ! The taste is so delicate, that you will dilute it... Believe me, I begun with ice (mea culpa maxima). The taste is so different and so good without ! (I'm Pentaxian, beerian, whiskyan, ginian and rhumian )

But the 12 year Balvenie is so smooth compared to the rare Talisker Dark Storm which I like too for it's salty taste...

---

Last edited by fs999; 07-08-2018 at 10:50 AM.

[fs999]

K-1 • FF Mode • 100 ISO • Tamron SP AF Di 90mm F2.8 Macro

[fs999]

K-1 • FF Mode • 800 ISO • Tamron SP AF Di 90mm F2.8 Macro

[fs999]

K-1 • FF Mode • 800 ISO • Pentax FA 35mm F2 AL
Le Resto des Arts
Nyons • Drôme • Provence • France

[fs999]

K-1 • FF Mode • 100 ISO • Pentax FA 35mm F2 AL
Hoya HD nano CPL polarising filter
Gordes • Lubéron • Vaucluse • Provence • France

[acoufap]

... both made with K-1 • DFA100WR • C1P

[Kerrowdown]

Great pix and using natural light. For this type of photograph...natural light if it is possible, is the way to go in my mind.

Thanks, I was kinda stuck here, small building, short on time, no flash and tripod rules, just had to go with what I had available, breath slowly, lean on a wall and squeeze one off like a marksman.

I wonder what the symbols carved into the rock mean?

The emblems of mortality and immortality were seldom used after the 18th Century, but I am able to give you a wee bit of insight into them...

Left Top, Coffin - The shape was usually realistic and is normally recognisable, in 18th Century as here, one coffin was often placed in a row of symbols.

Middle top, Death's Head - The skull was used to represent death, a reminder that death comes to everyone. Its is often shown as here, with deep eye sockets and triangular nose.

Top Right, Hour Glass - This indicates the passing of time and can be portrayed either vertical or a horizontal position. It is usually carved realistically and it's plump shape lent itself to carving in high relief.

Lower Left, Bones - These often accompanied the Death's Head (Middle Top) and were shown like this crossed.

Lower Middle, Deid Bell - The Deid Bell was rung to give notice of funerals and at the funeral itself.

Lower Right, Sexton's Tools - The spade and the turf cutter, the latter has a triangular blade and very often the tools are shown crossed, as here.

Hope you find this additional information interesting.

[Mikesul]

K1 dfa 24-70

[c.perkins]

Nice one Mike S;

Barrel cactus flowers are just amazing.
I have a few from the desert myself,

Clarence