365:2010

365/365:2010 Expiry Date

2010-12-31T16:14:00.001Z

Well folks, it's the end of my 365 project of 2010, and very appropriately, the parking ticket also expires on 31/12/10. Thanks for looking at and commenting on the photos this year. I've learnt a lot - including never to do a 365! My photography will continue, just not a legalistic photo per day. Happy New Year!

This blog will remain as a memorial to my 365 project - here's a slideshow of this past year:

364/365:2010 Foggy Fivemiletown

2010-12-30T23:36:00.000Z

The fog never really lifted today in vast swathes of the province. This was the scene tonight in Fivemiletown.

363/365:2010 Orange Antlers?

2010-12-29T23:30:00.000Z

Pippa's new toy, and a last minute photo this evening. It's like a mini space hopper, with a squeaky noise.

362/365:2010 Out of Reach

2010-12-28T23:28:00.000Z

Just about! Pippa sometimes needs to take time out from playing with her ball, but she can now almost reach the top of the washing machine. Here she's just staring up at it contemplating her next move!

361/365:2010 Shopping the Sales

2010-12-27T23:28:00.000Z

We hit the shops in Belfast today and got a couple of bargains...

360/365:2010 Mulled Wine

2010-12-26T23:27:00.000Z

A wee pot of mulled wine warming for a nightcap before bed. Non-alcoholic, in case you were wondering!

359/365:2010 Christmas Dinner

2010-12-25T23:26:00.000Z

This bird was having some dinner on Christmas Day out in the garden as we were doing the dishes.

358/365:2010 Chocolate Santa

2010-12-24T23:25:00.000Z

Christmas Eve, and I had a wee chocolate Santa!

357/365:2010 Christmas Soundtrack

2010-12-23T23:24:00.000Z

Wrapping the presents we had a good selection of Christmas carols, including this one.

356/365:2010 Christmas Communion

2010-12-22T21:50:00.000Z

Home Communions today with some of our housebounds.

355/365:2010 Wrap Star!

2010-12-21T23:46:00.000Z

Well, ok, I'm not very good at wrapping Christmas presents, but at least these ones have now been wrapped up to stop prying eyes seeing what they are before Christmas morning!

354/365:2010 Red Ribbon

2010-12-20T23:44:00.000Z

Attached to a very kind gift which was sitting on the doorstep this evening when I got back from the staff Christmas dinner.

353/365:2010 Oh Crumbs!

2010-12-19T23:38:00.000Z

Didn't take any pictures at the Carol Service, so my toast crumbs will have to suffice!

352/365:2010 Mince Pie

2010-12-18T23:36:00.000Z

A seasonal supper

351/365:2010 O Christmas Tree!

2010-12-17T23:33:00.001Z

The Christmas tree is up!

350/365:2010 One Snowy Night

2010-12-16T23:20:00.000Z

I think Dundonald was one of the last places in Northern Ireland to get snow tonight, but it's certainly falling thick and heavy now. This was taken from inside the warmth of the front room looking out!

349/365:2010 Testing the Tangle

2010-12-15T23:48:00.000Z

Checking the tangle of Christmas lights to make sure they're all working. Not sure if I'll string these up the stairs bannister this year as the puppy might make short work of them and be electrocuted in the process!

348/365:2010 Dundonald's Christmas Tree

2010-12-14T23:47:00.000Z

Stands opposite the Ulster Hospital in the park - Dundonald lacks a real village centre at the heart of the community.

347/365:2010 Christmas Bokeh

2010-12-13T23:26:00.001Z

The Christmas tree in Conway Square, Newtownards with the out of focus bokeh effect. Cliche, yes, but where would we be without cliche?

346/365:2010 Carol Concert

2010-12-12T23:25:00.000Z

The RBAI carol concert was this afternoon. The view from the very back row of the balcony!

345/365:2010 Ravenhill Return

2010-12-11T23:24:00.000Z

I was fortunate to get to Ravenhill for the Ulster v Bath Heineken Cup match thanks to the kindness of a friend. And they won this time!

344/365:2010 Twenty to Midnight

2010-12-10T23:24:00.000Z

Bedtime and no photo taken!

343/365:2010 Bauble

2010-12-09T23:23:00.000Z

The only photo I took today, and it's shaky... The church Christmas tree is up!

342/365:2010 Stormont Snow

2010-12-08T23:22:00.000Z

The snow was still lying in Stormont estate today, making for some nice pictures.

341/365:2010 Seniors' Christmas Lunch

2010-12-07T18:38:00.001Z

A great event this afternoon for our older parishioners. Two course meal, catered by McKee's, comedy from a Jimmy Cricket impersonator, Bible Talk from Raymond Magowan, and carols by the P5 choir from the Primary School. We even managed to set alight a party hat and a tablecloth in two separate incidents with tealights!

340/365:2010 Christmas Cheer

2010-12-06T23:37:00.000Z

Went out for a meal with the youth group from church tonight - Johnny had a great time, as you can see!

339/365:2010 Cutting Edge Photography

2010-12-05T23:36:00.000Z

Scissors!

338/365:2010 Belated Birthday

2010-12-04T23:35:00.000Z

A little family party for our wee niece (and her mum) who both recently had birthdays.

337/365:2010 Snowy St Elizabeth's

2010-12-03T23:34:00.000Z

The new church and the old church side by side, in the snows of December 2010. Sadly someone had already been for a spin in the car park by the time I got up to take some photos!

336/365:2010 Christmas Markets

2010-12-02T23:33:00.000Z

A quick look around the Continental Market.

335/365:2010 Fresh

2010-12-01T23:32:00.000Z

Late night photo with toothpaste for inspiration.

334/365:2010 Ards Advent

2010-11-30T23:30:00.000Z

Ards Shopping Centre.

333/365:2010 Mini Darth Vader

2010-11-29T23:28:00.001Z

The idea for this photo came from this one, but I was thinking of how to use the Darth Vader mask for a while. Perhaps appropriate given that the news of the death of the director of The Empire Strikes Back was announced today.

332/365:2010 Snow Sunday

2010-11-28T23:27:00.000Z

Out the back, we've got some snow!

331/365:2010 Snowy Donard

2010-11-27T23:26:00.000Z

A brisk day in Newcastle with snow still on the top of Slieve Donard.

330/365:2010 Birthday Girl

2010-11-26T23:25:00.000Z

Margaret the mother-in-law, on her 60th birthday.

329/365:2010 King Kong

2010-11-25T23:24:00.000Z

Pippa's chewy toy, the Kong, gives her plenty of fun. You can even hide food inside it for her to try and get out.

328/365:2010 Devouring the Classics!

2010-11-24T23:23:00.000Z

Pippa has developed a hunger for great literature - or at least wanting to chew on the corner of my copy of CS Lewis' The Great Divorce. Dog-eared in a different sense... Low level bookshelves maybe aren't such a good idea when she's around.

327/365:2010 In The Spotlight

2010-11-23T23:22:00.000Z

The last time out for Pippa before bedtime. Cold and dark, hence the torch!

326/365:2010 Be Bold!

2010-11-22T23:21:00.000Z

Two books I'm reading at the minute both have the word Courage in the title.

325/365:2010 Collared

2010-11-21T23:03:00.000Z

My full (Roman) collar, which I rarely wear. I much prefer the wee slip-in collar rather than this one, which once it's on, it's on for the day!

324/365:2010 Portadown Found (ry)

2010-11-20T23:02:00.000Z

Spotted this on the corner of a building at a lane in Portadown. The ironwork came from the Portadown Foundry. Suitably worn over time.

323/365:2010 Webcast

2010-11-19T23:24:00.000Z

This spider's web has appeared on our black bin, and it was catching the sunlight when I went out to it earlier.

322/365:2010 Running Low

2010-11-18T23:23:00.000Z

Arrived home tonight with not much petrol left. Are we sometimes running on empty?

321/365:2010 Fellowship Group

2010-11-17T22:30:00.000Z

Tonight at Fellowship Group I was tasked to take some photos for inclusion in our Christmas parish magazine, and here's what the finished article looked like. We have five groups of varying sizes meeting through the week in homes and halls studying the Bible in a small group and encouraging one another to live for Christ and his glory.

320/365:2010 NIMA Day 2

2010-11-16T23:49:00.000Z

The second and final day of NIMA for this year, with Vaughan Roberts preaching from Titus in the closing session.

319/365:2010 NIMA Day 1

2010-11-15T23:48:00.000Z

The annual Northern Ireland Ministry Assembly began today in Lisburn, and this is Bryan Chapell, the President of Covenant Theological Seminary, St Louis, USA, and Trevor Johnston, one of the steering committee and Ireland Team Leader of Crosslinks.

318/365:2010 We Will Remember

2010-11-14T23:47:00.000Z

Remembrance Sunday, and the poppy was used as my illustration for the Childrens' Talk at Church this morning - black centre reminds us of our sin; red poppy reminds us of the blood that Jesus shed on the cross for our forgiveness; green leaf reminds us of the new life that is ours through Jesus' death for our sins.

317/365:2010 Wife's Birthday

2010-11-13T23:47:00.000Z

Lynsey's birthday, but I forgot to bring my camera when we went out for afternoon tea, so this was the shot for today, one of her cards!

316/365:2010 Half Moon

2010-11-12T23:46:00.000Z

Probably not a brilliant photo, but I was just seeing how these things turn out.

315/365:2010 To Read

2010-11-11T23:22:00.000Z

Above my desk, this is my 'To Read' shelf. When I finish one book, I begin on another from the shelf. A mix of theology, history, politics, fiction and general.

314/365:2010 Mini Daggers

2010-11-10T23:58:00.000Z

A box of cocktail sticks is tonight's subject, but they were harder to photograph than I imagined!

313/365:2010 Minstrels Madness

2010-11-09T23:53:00.001Z

A little bit of chocolate to end a busy day, and another photo down in the 365 challenge!

312/365:2010 The Thin Yellow Line

2010-11-08T23:25:00.000Z

The mark of the original Dr Martens boots and shoes.

311/365:2010 Stormy Night

2010-11-07T23:31:00.000Z

Looking out at the stormy night, the only near light is from the neighbour's garage, revealing the water rolling down our bedroom window. A bleak night.

310/365:2010 Watching TV

2010-11-06T22:30:00.000Z

Pippa watching TV with a little man on her head!

309/365:2010 Bald Bear

2010-11-05T20:49:00.000Z

Pippa's teddy has seen better days.

308/365:2010 Pain Relief

2010-11-04T23:38:00.000Z

Strong painkillers from my trip to A&E this morning thanks to our little puppy dog.

307/365:2010 Key to Understanding

2010-11-03T23:37:00.000Z

It is of course, the key to bleeding radiators, but I spotted it on my desk and thought it would be appropriate for today's photo. I considered making it a face by giving it a mouth, but then saw the almost mirror image the shadow was casting on the white paper. And I've written far too much about this for one night, so off to bed!

306/365:2010 Bursting Open!

2010-11-02T23:13:00.000Z

This satsuma is bursting out of its skin - too bad it wasn't very nice!

305/365:2010 Thirsty Work!

2010-11-01T23:12:00.000Z

A nice refreshing drink to keep the 365 on track, as well as me working this evening.

304/365:2010 Early Sunset

2010-10-31T22:38:00.000Z

The clocks went back an hour this morning from BST to GMT, which meant an early sunset and it was dark when we were going to evening church.

303/365:2010 Stormtrooper Checkpoint

2010-10-30T22:37:00.000+01:00

Ann Street, Belfast. Star Wars Stormtrooper on checkpoint duty as a PSNI car approaches.

302/365:2010 Stand Up!

2010-10-29T22:36:00.000+01:00

For the Ulstermen. Got the chance to get to Ravenhill tonight for the Ulster - Munster rugby game. Lost 16-6. Disappointing!

301/365:2010 October Rose

2010-10-28T22:35:00.000+01:00

Even despite the frost and bad weather, we still have a couple of roses just blooming and flourishing!

300/365:2010 Rotten Egg?

2010-10-27T22:34:00.000+01:00

Another milestone, reaching day 300 in the 365 challenge - we're on the downward slope now, just over two months left.

This morning, as it was a bit colder, I put on my heavy winter coat, and found this in the pocket. A lovely Cadbury's Creme Egg, which must have been there since the spring! The best before date says July 2010, but I'm sure it's fine... shall have it later on!

299/365:2010 Royal Portrait

2010-10-26T22:33:00.000+01:00

Another frustratingly late and bad photo... must do better (and must use the proper camera more often...)

298/365:2010 Frosty Grass

2010-10-25T22:32:00.000+01:00

iPhone rubbish photo.

297/365:2010 Stormont Shining

2010-10-24T22:31:00.000+01:00

A great sunny October afternoon, following a big frost this morning. Nice day for a walk up to Stormont again.

296/365:2010 The Off Button

2010-10-23T22:30:00.000+01:00

Another late, rubbish shot taken on the iPhone...

295/365:2010 Her B-A-L-L

2010-10-22T22:29:00.000+01:00

Can't even say the word ball in the house any more. A rare moment when Pippa is just sitting chewing it, rather than chasing after it or wanting it thrown!

294/365:2010 Scaffolding

2010-10-21T22:27:00.000+01:00

The Catholic cathedral in Letterkenny is having some building work done to it.

293/365:2010 Donegal Light Trails

2010-10-20T22:26:00.000+01:00

Night time in Donegal, and a car zooms past the parish church.

292/365:2010 Light Circle

2010-10-19T22:24:00.000+01:00

Spotted this in the Baptistry of Raphoe Cathedral. Looking directly up at it from the font.

291/365:2010 Name Tag

2010-10-18T22:24:00.000+01:00

Stowed away in Donegal at the Diocesan Clergy Conference. A time to get to know some of the new members of the diocese as well as see old friends.

290/365:2010 Justin Time!

2010-10-17T22:23:00.000+01:00

Couldn't get it much closer to midnight, could I?

289/365:2010 Bubbles

2010-10-16T22:22:00.000+01:00

Water bottle bubbles

288/365:2010 Westward Leading

2010-10-15T22:21:00.000+01:00

The new variable speed limit signs on the M1 heading west between Stockman's Lane and Dunmurry. Does anyone actually stick to the reduced speeds? Is it making any difference to traffic?

287/365:2010 St Finnian's

2010-10-14T22:20:00.000+01:00

Perfectly lit up, with a hint of the city beyond. A well known sight on the Knock dual carriageway.

286/365:2010 One on One

2010-10-13T22:19:00.000+01:00

One to One Bible study this evening. Starting Philippians

285/365:2010 Stripes v Spots

2010-10-12T22:18:00.000+01:00

Getting in on the Cadbury's ads

284/365:2010 Belfast Dusk

2010-10-11T22:17:00.000+01:00

Looking out from the tower of Belfast City Hospital. Patient pixelated for privacy.

283/365:2010 Great Catch

2010-10-10T22:15:00.000+01:00

Harvest decorations in St Elizabeth's Church, Dundonald. The pulpit becomes a boat, complete with fishing nets, a lifebelt and lots of silver fish!

282/365:2010 Bishop Wallace Benn

2010-10-09T22:14:00.000+01:00

As seen on Top Gear, our speaker for the weekend is the Bishop of Lewes, Wallace Benn. Today we had three Bible teaching sessions (on the book of Acts), as well as some family activities in the park during the afternoon.

281/365:2010 Swing Your Partner!

2010-10-08T22:13:00.000+01:00

It's Harvest Weekend in church, and we had our Harvest (Sausage/Chicken/Pasty) Supper from the Golden Chip, followed by a Barn Dance. I think this was the only dance I wasn't up for all night, so got a photo taken.

280/365:2010 Furry Docs

2010-10-07T22:12:00.000+01:00

Saw these in TK Maxx in Belfast, but didn't buy them!

279/365:2010 Bible Study Materials

2010-10-06T22:11:00.000+01:00

Tonight our Fellowship Group was meeting. No prizes for guessing what we're studying this term!

278/365:2010 Ask Seek Knock

2010-10-05T22:10:00.000+01:00

An ordination present that sits on my desk, with a good reminder!

277/365:2010 Wicker Man

2010-10-04T22:09:00.000+01:00

Inspiration in the bathroom!

276/365:2010 Shhh!

2010-10-03T22:08:00.000+01:00

Tuck Shop duty at SET (St Elizabeth's Teens). The young people certainly don't wispa!

275/365:2010 Walled City Market

2010-10-02T22:07:00.000+01:00

I sometimes like to get out and about on my day off, so today I headed up to the Maiden City, Derry, Londonderry, Legenderry. There was a wee 'Walled City Market' on in Guildhall Square, so I sampled a burger on offer. This picture was taken from Shipquay Gate on Derry's walls. Not bad weather for an October Saturday!

274/365:2010 Walled In!

2010-10-01T22:06:00.000+01:00

The view of St Macartin's Cathedral in Enniskillen from Peg o the Bull Lane. By night.

273/365:2010 First Christmas Card

2010-09-30T22:26:00.000+01:00

Yes, it's the last day of September, and I've just received my first Christmas card! It's part of a mailing from Hayes and Finch, the clerical outfitters and church supplies stockist.

I don't think we'll put it up just yet!

272/365:2010 Funderland

2010-09-29T22:26:00.001+01:00

Just a quick shot taken from the Boucher Road, near the Driver and Vehicle Test Centre. I wouldn't be a fan of these sort of things - at BB Camp, I was always the designated bag and wallet carrier as I didn't go on any of the rides!

271/365:2010 Doggy Dinners

2010-09-28T22:26:00.000+01:00

The huge bag of Pippa's dogfood. How long will it take her to munch through all this?

270/365:2010 Fish Eye Lens

2010-09-27T22:26:00.000+01:00

Having experienced the taste of 'typico canarias', we made some seafood paella tonight. The prawns we got had been beheaded, otherwise we would have had a real fish eye in the picture!

269/365:2010 Ballyvea Hall

2010-09-26T22:26:00.000+01:00

Preached tonight at a harvest thanksgiving in Ballyvea Church Hall, in the townland of Ballyveaghmore in the parish of Annalong. The wee hall is up in the Mournes, and you park in the field beside it! It was great being back with the people of Kilhorne.

268/365:2010 Lost and Found

2010-09-25T22:26:00.000+01:00

The other issue with our flight home was the rerouting due to French air traffic control striking. A longer route over the Atlantic needed more fuel, but the plane would have been too heavy to take off from Arrecife airport. Most of the luggage was removed from the plane, to be returned to us at some point. Two days later than us, Lynsey's bag arrived home.

267/365:2010 A Joyful Reunion

2010-09-24T22:26:00.000+01:00

Pippa returned home from her holiday at the kennels, and we had a time of playing out in the garden to welcome her home! Lots of excitement all round!

266/365:2010 Last Resort

2010-09-23T22:17:00.000+01:00

Our last day in Playa Blanca, and another warm one. We had loads of time before the flight to take a walk up the town, and then it turned out we had lots of time at the airport with the flight delayed by four hours...