My December 2019 In Pictures.

To see My December 2019 In Pictures, click on the link below:-

https://susanvale.tumblr.com/post/189978229292/my-december-2019-in-pictures-click-on-a-picture

The picture at the top shows a tree in a puddle, at 10:53 on Saturday 21st December 2019, Pylewell Road, Hythe, Hampshire.

To read about Hythe, Hampshire, click on the link below:-

https://www.visitsoutheastengland.com/places-to-visit/hythe-p985631

My November 2019 In Pictures - Flowers & Leaves.

To see My November 2019 In Pictures - Flowers & Leaves, click on the link:-

https://susanvale.tumblr.com/post/189708751667/my-november-2019-in-pictures-flowers-leaves

The picture at the top shows a Rose, at 11:39 on Wednesday 13th November 2019, Hythe, Hampshire.

To read about Hythe, Hampshire, click on the link below:-

https://www.visitsoutheastengland.com/places-to-visit/hythe-p985631

My November 2019 In Pictures - Grey.

To see My November 2019 In Pictures - Grey, click on the link below:-

https://susanvale.tumblr.com/post/189533080647/my-november-2019-in-pictures-grey-click-on-a

When the boat comes in. The picture at the top shows cruise ship Spirit of Discovery entering the Port of Southampton (two tugs & a car carrier in the foreground), at 09:25 on Monday 18th November 2019 - seen from the Hythe Ferry, crossing Southampton Water, from Hythe to Town Quay, Southampton, Hampshire.

To read about cruise ship Spirit of Discovery, click on the link below:-

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spirit_of_Discovery

To read about the Port of Southampton, Hampshire, click on the link below:-

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port_of_Southampton

To read about the Hythe Ferry, Hampshire, click on the link below

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hythe_Pier,_Railway_and_Ferry

To read about Southampton Water, Hampshire, click on the link below:-

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southampton_Water

To read about Hythe, Hampshire, click on the link below:-

https://www.visitsoutheastengland.com/places-to-visit/hythe-p985631

My November 2019 In Pictures.

To see My November 2019 In Pictures, click on the link below:-

https://susanvale.tumblr.com/post/189393209737/mynovember-2019-in-pictures-click-on-a-picture

The picture at the top shows Fireworks for cruise ship Queen Elizabeth, at 17:47 on Sunday 3rd November 2019, Southampton Water, Hythe, Hampshire.

To read about cruise ship Queen Elizabeth, click on the link below:-

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MS_Queen_Elizabeth

To read about Hythe, Hampshire, click on the link below:-

https://www.visitsoutheastengland.com/places-to-visit/hythe-p985631

My October 2019 In Pictures - Fungi.

To see My October 2019 In Pictures - Fungi, click on the link below:-

https://susanvale.tumblr.com/post/189102837362/my-october-2019-in-pictures-fungi-click-on-a

The picture at the top shows Orange Peel fungus (Aleuria Aurantia), at 12:32 on Sunday 27th October 2019, The Grove Garden, Hythe, Hampshire.

To read about Orange Peel fungus (Aleuria Aurantia), click on the link below:-

https://www.wildfooduk.com/mushroom-guide/orange-peel-fungus/

To read about Hythe, Hampshire, click on the link below:-

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hythe,_Hampshire

My October 2019 In Pictures - Black.

To see My October 2019 In Pictures - Black, click on the link below:-

https://susanvale.tumblr.com/post/188905945347/my-october-2019-in-pictures-black-click-on-a

The picture at the top shows Seamed Stockings, at 11:43 on Sunday 20th October 2019, at home, Hythe, Hampshire.

To read about Hythe, Hampshire, click on the link below:-

https://www.visitsoutheastengland.com/places-to-visit/hythe-p985631

My October 2019 In Pictures.

To see My October 2019 In Pictures, click on the link below:-

https://susanvale.tumblr.com/post/188729553782/my-october-2019-in-pictures-click-on-a-picture

The picture at the top shows Crab apples (Malus 'Evereste'), at 15:17 on Tuesday 1st October 2019, School Road Allotments, Hythe, Hampshire.

To read about Hythe, Hampshire, click on the link below:-

https://www.visitsoutheastengland.com/places-to-visit/hythe-p985631

My September 2019 In Pictures - Lost Gloves.

My photos of Lost Gloves from the past twelve months.

Click on the link below to see more:-

https://susanvale.tumblr.com/post/188605156927/my-september-2019-in-pictures-lost-gloves-six

The picture at the top shows a lost glove, at 09:47 on Saturday 28th September 2019, West Street, Hythe, Hampshire.

To read about Hythe, Hampshire, click on the link below:-

https://www.visitsoutheastengland.com/places-to-visit/hythe-p985631

My September 2019 In Pictures - Flora & Fauna.

To see My September 2019 In Pictures - Flora & Fauna, click on the link:-

https://susanvale.tumblr.com/post/188306344142/my-september-2019-in-pictures-flora-fauna

The picture at the top shows the spider & the hydrangea, at 10:51 on Saturday 28th September 2019, West Street, Hythe, Hampshire.

To read about Hythe, Hampshire, click on the link below:-

https://www.visitsoutheastengland.com/places-to-visit/hythe-p985631

My September 2019 In Pictures - Rust.

To see My September 2019 In Pictures - Rust, click on the link below:-

https://susanvale.tumblr.com/post/188191609757/my-september-2019-in-pictures-rust-click-on-a

The picture at the top shows a rusty can, at 12:14 on Friday 20th September 2019, at home, Hythe, Hampshire.

To read about Hythe, Hampshire, click on the link below:-

https://www.visitsoutheastengland.com/places-to-visit/hythe-p985631

My September 2019 In Pictures.

To see My September 2019 In Pictures, click on the link below:-

https://susanvale.tumblr.com/post/188050048307/my-september-2019-in-pictures-click-on-a-picture

The picture at the top shows the Bee & the Cranesbill (Geranium), at 10:33 on Thursday 19th September 2019, Beaulieu, Hampshire.

To read about Beaulieu, Hampshire, click on the link below:-

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beaulieu,_Hampshire

My August 2019 In Pictures - Flowers.

To see My August 2019 In Pictures - Flowers, click on the link below:-

https://susanvale.tumblr.com/post/187604948047/my-august-2019-in-pictures-flowers-click-on-a

The picture at the top shows a Coneflower (Echinacea), at 15:58 on Saturday 3rd August 2019, The Medicine Garden, Cobham, Surrey.

To read about The Medicine Garden, Cobham, Surrey, click on the link below:-

http://www.themedicinegarden.com

My August 2019 In Pictures - Velvet.

To see My August 2019 In Pictures - Velvet, click on the link below:-

https://susanvale.tumblr.com/post/187539120877/my-august-2019-in-pictures-velvet-click-on-a

The picture at the top shows a velvet spectacle case, at 17:46 on Sunday 18th August 2019, at home, Hythe, Hampshire. (Case & specs from Auerbach & Steele, King's Road, Chelsea, London SW3.)

To read about Auerbach & Steele, London  SW3, click on the link below:-

https://www.auerbach-steele.com

To read about Hythe, Hampshire, click on the link below:-

https://www.visitsoutheastengland.com/places-to-visit/hythe-p985631

My August 2019 In Pictures.

To see My August 2019 In Pictures, click on the link below:-

https://susanvale.tumblr.com/post/187397132962/my-august-2019-in-pictures-click-on-a-picture

The picture at the top shows MS Queen Victoria, shrouded in a sea mist, as she passes the Hythe Pier, at 05:29 on Friday 23rd August 2019, Port of Southampton, Hampshire. Home from a 12 night cruise around the British Isles.

To read about MS Queen Victoria, click on the link below:-

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MS_Queen_Victoria

To read about Hythe, Hampshire, click on the link below:-

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hythe,_Hampshire

My July 2019 In Pictures - Seeing Red.

To see My July 2019 In Pictures - Seeing Red, click on the link below:-

https://susanvale.tumblr.com/post/186818297477/my-july-2019-in-pictures-seeing-red-click-on-a

The picture at the top shows a Post Office letter box, at 11:42 on Thursday 4th July 2019, New Road, Hythe, Hampshire.

To read about the Post Office letter box, click on the link below:-

https://www.postalmuseum.org/discover/collections/letter-boxes/

To read about Hythe, Hampshire, click on the link below:-

https://www.visitsoutheastengland.com/places-to-visit/hythe-p985631

My July 2019 In Pictures.

To see My July 2019 In Pictures, click on the link below:-

https://susanvale.tumblr.com/post/186259525692/my-june-2019-in-pictures-daisies-click-on-a

Balancing act. The picture at the top shows an Oystercatcher, at 12:53 on Tuesday 2nd July 2019, Southampton Water, Hythe, Hampshire.

To read about the Oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus), click on the link:-

https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/oystercatcher

To read about Hythe, Hampshire, click on the link below:-

https://www.visitsoutheastengland.com/places-to-visit/hythe-p985631

My June 2019 In Pictures - Daisies.

To see My June 2019 In Pictures - Daisies, click on the link below:-

https://susanvale.tumblr.com/post/186259525692/my-june-2019-in-pictures-daisies-click-on-a

The picture at the top shows African daisies, on Friday 7th June 2019, near Delapré Lake, Northamptonshire.

To read about African daisies (Osteospermum), click on the link below:-

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osteospermum

To read about Delapré Lake, click on the link below:-

https://delapreabbey.org/park/

To read about Hythe, Hampshire, click on the link below:-

https://www.visitsoutheastengland.com/places-to-visit/hythe-p985631

My May/June 2019 In Pictures - Swan Song.

It was mid May when I first saw the local swans with their newly hatched brood. I counted seven cygnets. I watched them until the beginning of June, when suddenly one was missing. Bad weather stopped any sightings until mid June and then four were missing. A week later five had vanished. Happily, at the end of June there were still two surviving cygnets. A cygnet's life can be short and (probably) savage.

To see My May/June 2019 In Pictures - Swan Song, click on the link below:-

https://susanvale.tumblr.com/post/186091893712/my-mayjune-2019-in-pictures-swan-song-click

The picture at the top shows a Mute swan and seven cygnets, Southampton Water, Hythe, Hampshire, at 12:52 on Saturday 18th May 2019.

To read about the Mute swan (Cygnus olor), click on the link below:-

https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/mute-swan/

To read about Mute swan cygnets, click on the link below:-

https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/mute-swan/nesting-and-breeding-habits/

To read about Hythe, Hampshire, click on the link below:-

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hythe,_Hampshire

My June 2019 In Pictures.

To see My June 2019 In Pictures, click on the link below:-

https://susanvale.tumblr.com/post/185953568387/my-june-2019-in-pictures-click-on-a-picture-for

The picture at the top shows the sunset, at 21:13 on Saturday 8th June 2019, Hythe Marina, Hampshire.

To read about Hythe, Hampshire, click on the link below:-

https://www.visitsoutheastengland.com/places-to-visit/hythe-p985631

My May 2019 In Pictures - Liquids.

My Life in Liquids - click on the link below to see my pictures:-

https://susanvale.tumblr.com/post/185408939762/my-may-2019-in-pictures-liquids-click-on-a

The picture at the top shows Champagne, at 18:34 on Monday 27th May 2019, at home, Hythe, Hampshire.

To read about Champagne, click on the link below:-

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Champagne

To read about Hythe, Hampshire, click on the link below:-

https://www.visitsoutheastengland.com/places-to-visit/hythe-p985631

My May 2019 In Pictures.

To see My May 2019 In Pictures, click on the link below:-

https://susanvale.tumblr.com/post/185270448637/my-may-2019-in-pictures-click-on-a-picture-for-a

The picture at the top shows Flora & Fauna, St John's Churchyard, Hythe, Hampshire, at 12:07 on Thursday 16th May 2019.

To read about Hythe, Hampshire, click on the link below:-

https://www.visitsoutheastengland.com/places-to-visit/hythe-p985631

My April 2019 In Pictures - Village Life.

A lovely afternoon walk around the village of Hythe, Hampshire. Click on the link below to see a few more photos:-

https://susanvale.tumblr.com/post/184918610217/my-april-2019-in-pictures-village-life-click

The picture at the top shows a Healthy Walk path marker, at 15:26 on Sunday 7th April 2019, Jones Lane, Hythe, Hampshire.

To read about Hythe, Hampshire, click on the link below:-

https://www.visitsoutheastengland.com/places-to-visit/hythe-p985631

My April 2019 In Pictures - Chelsea, London.

A day trip to Chelsea, one of my favourite places. Click on the link below to see a few more photos:-

https://susanvale.tumblr.com/post/184782901167/my-april-2019-in-pictures-chelsea-london

The picture at the top shows Chelsea Fire Station, at 14:05 on Wednesday 3rd April 2019, King's Road, London SW1.

To read about Chelsea, London, click on the link below:-

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chelsea,_London

My April 2019 In Pictures.

To see My April 2019 In Pictures, click on the link below:-

https://susanvale.tumblr.com/post/184674783782/my-april-2019-in-pictures-click-on-a-picture-for

The picture at the top shows a beetle on the balcony glass, at home, Hythe, Hampshire, at 16:02 on Friday 19th April 2019.

To read about Hythe, Hampshire, click on the link below:-

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hythe,_Hampshire

My April 2019 In Pictures - Pictograms.

To see My April 2019 In Pictures - Pictograms, click on the link below:-

https://susanvale.tumblr.com/post/184554333567/my-april-2019-in-pictures-pictograms-click-on

Only in Chelsea. The picture at the top shows a 'Quietway' pictogram, at 15:03 on Wednesday 3rd April 2019, St Leonard's Terrace, Chelsea, London SW3.

To read about Pictograms, click on the link below:-

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pictogram

To read about Chelsea, London, click on the link below:-

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chelsea,_London

My Father the Hero.

It's been six years since my father died and I've only recently really understood what he did in WW2. I knew that he served in the Royal Navy, minesweeping from bases in Grimsby, Lincolnshire, and Lowestoft, Suffolk (the most easterly point in Britain), but my mother uncovered his campaign medals a couple of months ago and amongst them was a small silver badge with a very special history. It's the badge awarded to Royal Naval Patrol servicemen for six months operational service at sea minesweeping.  A sleeve badge, to be worn 4" (10cm) above the cuff. 

Here's the history, with a quote from Winston Churchill at the beginning of WW2: "I am told that the Minesweepers men have no badge. If this is so it must be remedied at once. I am asking for designs within one week, after which production must begin with greatest speed, and distribution as the deliveries come to hand."  Never before had one section of the Royal Navy been similarly honoured.

... and a message from Winston Churchill to the officers and men of the  minesweeping flotillas, towards the end of WW2: "Now that Nazi Germany has been defeated I wish to send you all on behalf of His Majesty's Government a message of thanks and gratitude. The work you do is hard and dangerous. You rarely get and never seek publicity; your only concern is to do your job, and you have done it nobly. You have sailed in many seas and all weathers.... This work could not be done without loss, and we mourn all who have died and over 250 ships lost on duty. No work has been more vital than yours; no work has been better done. The ports were kept open and Britain breathed. The Nation is once again proud of you."

I'm proud of you too, Dad. Love you.
Arthur Anthony Vale 22.07.22 to 24.04.13 RIP

The picture at the top shows my father's military campaign medals, from left to right:-

The War Medal 1939-1945 (awarded for 28 days of service in the second world war)

The Royal Naval Patrol Service Silver Badge (awarded for 180 days of operational service at sea Minesweeping)

The Atlantic Star (awarded for 180 days of operational service in the Battle of the Atlantic)

The 1939-1945 Star (awarded for 180 days of operational service in the second world war)

To Read about the War Medal 1939-1945, click on the link below:-

https://www.forces-war-records.co.uk/medals/war-medal-1939-1945

To read about The Royal Naval Patrol Service Silver Badge, click on the links below:-

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Naval_Patrol_Service

http://www.harry-tates.org.uk/history1.htm

To read about The Atlantic Star, click on the link below:-

https://www.forces-war-records.co.uk/medals/atlantic-star-medal

To read about The 1939-1945 Star, click on the link below:-

https://www.forces-war-records.co.uk/medals/1939-45-star

My March 2019 In Pictures.

To see My March 2019 In Pictures, click on the link below:-

http://susanvale.tumblr.com/post/183842176642/my-march-2019-in-pictures-click-on-a-picture-for

Swan-upping? The picture at the top shows a Mute Swan, on Saturday 23rd March 2019 at 15:56, Delapré Lake, Northampton.

To read about the Mute Swan (Cygnus olor), click on the link below:-

https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/mute-swan/

To read about Delapré Lake, Northampton, click on the link below:-

https://delapreabbey.org/park/

My February 2019 In Pictures - Tulips.

To see My February 2019 In Pictures - Tulips, click on the link below:-

http://susanvale.tumblr.com/post/183404179232/my-february-2019-in-pictures-tulips-click-on-a

The picture at the top shows a sunlit tulip, at 10:22 on Thursday 7th February 2019, at home, Hythe, Hampshire.

To read about the Tulip (Tulipa), click on the link below:-

https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=684

To read about Hythe, Hampshire, click on the link below:-

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hythe,_Hampshire

My February 2019 In Pictures - Daffodils.

To see My February 2019 In Pictures - Daffodils, click on the link below:-

http://susanvale.tumblr.com/post/183299242302/my-february-2019-in-pictures-daffodils-click

The picture at the top shows sunlit daffodils, at 11:03 on Tuesday 19th February 2019, at home, Hythe, Hampshire.

To read about the Daffodil (Narcissus), click on the link below:-

https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?PID=365

To read about Hythe, Hampshire, click on the link below:-

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hythe,_Hampshire

My February 2019 In Pictures.

To see My February 2019 In Pictures, click on the link below:-

http://susanvale.tumblr.com/post/183115348747/my-february-2019-in-pictures-click-on-a-picture

The picture at the top shows a drift of crocuses, at 11:30 on Sunday 17th February 2019, Queen's Park, Southampton, Hampshire.

To read about the Crocus, click on the link below:-

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crocus

To read about Queen's Park, Southampton, Hampshire, click on the link:-

http://sotonopedia.wikidot.com/page-browse:queen-s-park

My January 2019 In Pictures - Portsmouth.

To see my January 2019 In Pictures - Portsmouth, click on the link below:-

http://susanvale.tumblr.com/post/182634450237/my-january-2019-in-pictures-portsmouth-click

The picture at the top shows aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth and the Spinnaker Tower, on Friday 4th January 2019 at 13:29, Portsmouth, Hampshire.

To read about the Spinnaker Tower, click on the link below:-

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emirates_Spinnaker_Tower

To read about HMS Queen Elizabeth, click on the link below:-

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HMS_Queen_Elizabeth_(R08)

My January 2019 In Pictures.

To see My January 2019 In Pictures, click on the link below:-

http://susanvale.tumblr.com/post/182452501717/my-january-2019-in-pictures-click-on-a-picture

The picture at the top shows a Cormorant, on Friday 4th January 2019, at 09:03, Hythe, Hampshire.

To read about the Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo), click on the link below:-

https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/cormorant

To read about Hythe, Hampshire, click on the link below:-

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hythe,_Hampshire

My December 2018 In Pictures - Trees in Winter.

To see My December 2018 In Pictures - Trees in Winter, click on the link:-

http://susanvale.tumblr.com/post/181954189632/my-december-2018-in-pictures-trees-in-winter

The picture at the top shows a stand of trees and the winter sun, Lymington Road, Brockenhurst, Hampshire, at 13:58 on Friday 7th December 2018.

To read about Brockenhurst, Hampshire, click on the link below:-

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brockenhurst

My December 2018 In Pictures - Night Lights.

To see My December 2018 In Pictures - Night Lights, click on the link below:-

http://susanvale.tumblr.com/post/181771099777/my-december-2018-in-pictures-a-photographic-essay

The picture at the top shows the beauty of coloured lights and reflections, on my balcony, at home, Hythe, Hampshire, at 17:44 on Tuesday 30th December 2018.

To read about Hythe, Hampshire, click on the link below:-

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hythe,_Hampshire