I was listening to Market Place on my way home this afternoon and the announcer made an interesting statement: Since the beginning of the “recovery”, more people have found jobs working in collections agencies than have found jobs working for all the manufacturing companies combined. I still have to check the exact wording; but that’s … Interesting Factoid

Last Friday I was reminded why we chose to live in Rhinebeck, NY, rather than continue living close to Manhattan. After ducking out of work an hour early, I walked into the Village and visited Crystal Lake. Along the western shore of the lake is a small waterfall which feeds a stream with a number … Advantages of Location

Although I applied the full power of my awesome detective skills to the problem, I was unable to determine the significance of this head in the wall. I spoke with a guy in a pub and he had no idea what it was all about. Hadn’t even heard of it. Imagine… But this photograph does … Complete Mystery

I suppose Anna had to get a little of her own back. After I’d made a few photographs including her, she hijacked the camera. This photograph really gives you a good feel for the paths. And yes, it really is that green.

At the boundary of every field in the Cotswolds you’ll find a gate or several gates. But you don’t always leave a field via a gate. Some times you climb over a stile — a sort of minimalist set of steps allowing you to climb over the fence. Anna models one of the more familiar … I’ll Meet You at the Gate

Not much can be said about these guys. Any time there’s a village fete or any other sort of festival, the Morris Dancers come out. Everyone gets a good chuckle. These guys were performing the morning of the Bank Holiday (31 May). The rest of the time they probably lead normal, respectable lives.

Everywhere we went in the Cotswolds was resplendent with flowers. I captured this flower just as it was waking up for the morning as we walked through Lower Slaughter. It really is remarkable. As we walked along the edge of a field sown with some sort of grain (what a great farmer I’d make) and … Flowers Everywhere

These horses had earlier devoured another walker otherwise we wouldn’t have been able to walk through their paddock unmolested. Later, we received reports that other walkers had spotted them sharpening their fangs. Strangely, Anna doesn’t believe in Carnivorous Horses. Although not nearly as numerous as sheep, horses are another Cotswold favourite. We frequently heard “clop, … Carnivorous Horses

Situated in Broad Campden (just outside Chipping Campden), this alley is actually along a public footpath. On the left is the entrance to another quaint Cotswold cottage. Obviously the owner takes pride in his (or her) home. This is a far cry from the alleyways of my acquaintance here in the US: there was no … Even the Alleyways Are Cool

We visited the church of Saint Eadburgh just outside of Broadway. It dates from Norman times (so I’m told) and is still in active use. I was struck by the casual elegance of the flowers and candles in one of the windows. Sure, the church is outside one of the more heavily touristed towns in … Church of Saint Eadburgh