I had a 'phone call on Monday of this week, would I be interested in going to Scarborough for the day on Wednesday? The weather forecast was good for the whole week. Who was I to refuse? We had to put up with a mid-summers day...IN MARCH??? A nice saunter along the front with 'Granddad', Darren & Carol, not forgetting my camera. A change of scenery, great light, nice views plus a fish & chip lunch followed by a pint of Strongbow. I took several pictures which can be found in my album I have removed several pictures as they were not up to scratch. After some editing mostly re-sizing or cropping I feel a good day was had.
Below is my favorite picture of the day, a panorama. If you want to see more, just click the link.

I joined Burton U3A with the intention of joining the photography group. Sad to say, there was a waiting list of about 8 persons. It would be a long time before I got into that group. Having brought a camera (Finepix 2800HD) I thought help could be found from this group. Well, to cut a long story short, I decided to take over the waiting list. Having sent out e-mails to my new contacts I waited for the day to arrive. It was a lonely meeting, just me. Not being one to give in easily, I tried again, announcing the net meeting date. I had 4 persons turn up. Not a lot was done in photographic terms, as we had to get to know each other & also discuss what we wanted to do. It was hard work for me trying to keep the conversation going. I showed some printed pictures I had prepared for a general meeting a week later, I also showed  a Stringpod I had made to replace a tripod or monopod. That went down well. We did not want to meet at my home address every time, a field trip every other meeting would be better. We decided that the next meeting would be a field trip to Calke Abbey (NT). The group thought a theme for the next indoor meeting would be 'Street Photography' It is a start.
 I have had a few enquirers recently, thinking of joining, but past experience tells me to wait & see. Our next meeting coincides with Easter Monday, so we have put the next one back a week. Hopefully, printed pictures will be brought in for discussion.
Below are two pictures I favor from the Abbey trip.

Such a long time since July 21 2011 things have happened , too many to try & put them all in here now. I have been busy doing things & forgetting to update my blog, such is life. working out the bits & pieces on the camera. Sending it back for repair/replacement. A week in August for a holiday & wedding celebration in Ilam, Staffordshire. August saw the start of my problems with my hips & legs, walking & standing were giving me BIG PROBLEMS. September saw us celebrating our Ruby Anniversary in Calahonda, Spain 2 weeks followed by a weeks cruise on Adventure of The Seas around the Western Med' . Christmas was a good do, Dad (or Granddad as he is known around the world) stayed with us & our two lads (Men, sorry) came & went throughout the holiday period. January saw us another year older. Had another cruise from Southampton, 11 nights on "Independence of The Seas". Granddad came too, he reckons it was too much, the length of cruise & "The boat was too big". His words. But, we all had a good time.
 I have recently started a photography group within Burton U3A, the original photo group was full, so I took on the waiting list I have discovered  a new blog which looks to be promising site for my photography learning curve. Thanks for the info Holly, I'm looking forward to the next lesson.
This was just a quick up-date, let's see if I can carry on in a more regular fashion.
That's it for now, got to get my camera out & take it for a walk.