Such a scenic corner of Scotland I have set up a Group on Flickr for others to share their images.
http://www.flickr.com/groups/2004906@N25/
Rod1871
Sunday 5 August 2012
Upper Loch Torridon
Such a scenic corner of Scotland I have set up a Group on Flickr for others to share their images.
http://www.flickr.com/groups/2004906@N25/
Tuesday 31 July 2012
Friday 27 July 2012
Thursday 19 July 2012
Beware Cyclists
There are times when you do have to question the actions of others. Today it is the turn of cyclists. While walking along the main road this morning Blue and I were happily minding our own business, when it happended. A cyclist on the path, which they are allowed to do so as it is also for the use of cyclists. Appeared out of nowhere without any warning. The first I was aware that he was there was when Blue lunged at him. Thankfully Blue went across my path in front of me, which alerted me that there was a problem. I managed to grasp his colour and prevent him connecting with the cylcist. If Blue had gone behind me, it would have been a different story. As Blue is a German Shepherd, and a large one at that, the likely hood is that he could have injured the cyclist, or forced him into the road into the path of traffic. Because of his breed he would then have been reported for attacking a passer by. No one was injured, and no apologies exchanged, Blue has the traits of a guard dog and he will do what he thinks necessary to approaching danger. We can all move around in harmony, we will gladly step aside to allow you save passage if that is what is required, all we ask from cyclists and joggers. If you are approaching people from behind them, you need to either make sure they are aware of your presence or give them a wide birth. For the record as well as dog walker I also cycle on occassions, and have a bell on my bike to alert people that I am approaching, simple and polite. So if you are in the Reading area and cycle on the path, if you see me and Blue walking along ahead of you minding our own business,
We will gladly step aside and let you pass
give us a ring
on your Bell
Saturday 14 July 2012
Eustachian Tube Dysfunction
About 9 months ago, my hearing became abnormally poor, to be fair my hearing has never been tip top. Having been identified as having hearing problems from the age of six months old, throughout my life at best my level of hearing had been decidedly average at best.
Following a visit to my GP, a hospital visit was arranged to attend the Audiology Unit of the Royal Berkshire Hospital. There I was to undergo a very comprehensive assessment of my hearing.
It was of no surprise, the results confirmed I had severe hearing loss at the low level frequencies, however what did surprise me was that within two weeks I had not only been assessed, but fitted with BTE (Behind the Ear) digital hearing aids.
Anyone who has ever worn them will understand how difficult they are to tune into, but after a few weeks, and some minor adjustments, we were to become life long companions.
At this point the NHS Doctors and Staff had been very supportive and informative, as also had been family, friends and work colleagues.
It was brilliant, I now heard things so much clearer, and engaging in groups had become a bit easier, though with some limitations. Of an evening it was still better to watch the TV with cordless headphones, a Christmas present from my long suffering wife,Sue.
"I hear voices", was the statement I made to my wife's amusement. But we were now having proper conversations. With a setting to pick up Teleloop, information was so much easier to understand.
Strangely enough I had realised that due to the visual presence of my hearing aids, people were actually ensuring that they faced me when they spoke, their speech was slower and clearer, and their patience was heartwarming.
My appointment arrived to visit the ENT clinic, (Ear Nose and Throat). A consultation with the Doctor had concluded that their was no change in my condition, the possibility of surgery may provide a more permanent solution, or at least an explanation into my current condition. My opinion was that the ends needed to justify the means. If any surgery was required what would be the level of risk to reward, s dangerous operation, achieving only minor improvement would not be attractive to me. On this basis, the Doctor said that he would prefer me to see a Specialist to discuss the options, an appointment was duly sent through a week later in the post.
The day had arrived, not really knowing what to expect from the day, my anticipation was that the status quo would remain, no surgery, but hearing aids for the foreseeable future. At this point I can honestly say apart from the mild discomfort while bedding them in, my hearing aids have been a constant companion, without which my life would have remained quiet and muffled.
The customary hearing test, revealed there had been an improvement since my last hearing test.
The Doctor whom I had seen on my last visit, was in attendance, but the consultation was to be with the ENT Specialist. We discussed at length, my recent problems along with my deafness as a child.
The Specialist then after looking inside my ears, looked up my nose, strange as no one had ever done this before. He said he wanted a more detailed internal inspection. This was performed by the Doctor, a camera was inserted up the nostril and through into the cavities beyond. This does not sound pleasant, but it is merely a strange sensation, one of which is only mild discomfort.
He believed he had found the answer, EDT, Eustachian Tube Disorder. The result of which is that the inner ear is unable to function correctly due to an imbalance of air pressure on the ear drum. I was asked if I was able to pop my ears, which I did with mild success.
The Specialist explained, the ET was the essential tube that equalises pressure on both sides of the ear drum, when this becomes blocked or contaminated with mucus, the air cannot enter the inner ear.
Using a small device called an "ear popper" he placed the unit against my nostril and instructed me to swallow, repeating the exercise on the nostril after. As the unit was placed against the nostril it was switched on, like a small pump.
Pop, my ears popped as they had not done in a long time, the result was, without realising I was having clear dialogue without hearing aids.
EDT was explained in greater technical detail, and that with the aid of nasal steroid sprays, my condition could be controlled.
I thanked the Doctor and Specialist, after agreeing to a follow up appointment in six months, left the Hospital and returned to my car, wearing my hearing aids. Started the car and the radio was deafening.
The next day my wife order a unit called an Ear Popper on the Internet, £130.00+ VAT. I went to work with my hearing aids in my pocket , just in case, they remained there, and not only had my hearing returned but it was far better than I ever recall it being.
The unit arrived two days later and now the hearing aids remain in a box on the bedside cabinet, I see no reason for them to be further required, but will know for sure in six months.
The best of all, no surgery, and a positive result through a simple and effective process. A small investment on my part.
Thank you to my long suffering wife Sue, who now has to learn not to shout.
And a big Thank You to the NHS Doctors and Staff.
Following a visit to my GP, a hospital visit was arranged to attend the Audiology Unit of the Royal Berkshire Hospital. There I was to undergo a very comprehensive assessment of my hearing.
It was of no surprise, the results confirmed I had severe hearing loss at the low level frequencies, however what did surprise me was that within two weeks I had not only been assessed, but fitted with BTE (Behind the Ear) digital hearing aids.
Anyone who has ever worn them will understand how difficult they are to tune into, but after a few weeks, and some minor adjustments, we were to become life long companions.
At this point the NHS Doctors and Staff had been very supportive and informative, as also had been family, friends and work colleagues.
It was brilliant, I now heard things so much clearer, and engaging in groups had become a bit easier, though with some limitations. Of an evening it was still better to watch the TV with cordless headphones, a Christmas present from my long suffering wife,Sue.
"I hear voices", was the statement I made to my wife's amusement. But we were now having proper conversations. With a setting to pick up Teleloop, information was so much easier to understand.
Strangely enough I had realised that due to the visual presence of my hearing aids, people were actually ensuring that they faced me when they spoke, their speech was slower and clearer, and their patience was heartwarming.
My appointment arrived to visit the ENT clinic, (Ear Nose and Throat). A consultation with the Doctor had concluded that their was no change in my condition, the possibility of surgery may provide a more permanent solution, or at least an explanation into my current condition. My opinion was that the ends needed to justify the means. If any surgery was required what would be the level of risk to reward, s dangerous operation, achieving only minor improvement would not be attractive to me. On this basis, the Doctor said that he would prefer me to see a Specialist to discuss the options, an appointment was duly sent through a week later in the post.
The day had arrived, not really knowing what to expect from the day, my anticipation was that the status quo would remain, no surgery, but hearing aids for the foreseeable future. At this point I can honestly say apart from the mild discomfort while bedding them in, my hearing aids have been a constant companion, without which my life would have remained quiet and muffled.
The customary hearing test, revealed there had been an improvement since my last hearing test.
The Doctor whom I had seen on my last visit, was in attendance, but the consultation was to be with the ENT Specialist. We discussed at length, my recent problems along with my deafness as a child.
The Specialist then after looking inside my ears, looked up my nose, strange as no one had ever done this before. He said he wanted a more detailed internal inspection. This was performed by the Doctor, a camera was inserted up the nostril and through into the cavities beyond. This does not sound pleasant, but it is merely a strange sensation, one of which is only mild discomfort.
He believed he had found the answer, EDT, Eustachian Tube Disorder. The result of which is that the inner ear is unable to function correctly due to an imbalance of air pressure on the ear drum. I was asked if I was able to pop my ears, which I did with mild success.
The Specialist explained, the ET was the essential tube that equalises pressure on both sides of the ear drum, when this becomes blocked or contaminated with mucus, the air cannot enter the inner ear.
Using a small device called an "ear popper" he placed the unit against my nostril and instructed me to swallow, repeating the exercise on the nostril after. As the unit was placed against the nostril it was switched on, like a small pump.
Pop, my ears popped as they had not done in a long time, the result was, without realising I was having clear dialogue without hearing aids.
EDT was explained in greater technical detail, and that with the aid of nasal steroid sprays, my condition could be controlled.
I thanked the Doctor and Specialist, after agreeing to a follow up appointment in six months, left the Hospital and returned to my car, wearing my hearing aids. Started the car and the radio was deafening.
The next day my wife order a unit called an Ear Popper on the Internet, £130.00+ VAT. I went to work with my hearing aids in my pocket , just in case, they remained there, and not only had my hearing returned but it was far better than I ever recall it being.
The unit arrived two days later and now the hearing aids remain in a box on the bedside cabinet, I see no reason for them to be further required, but will know for sure in six months.
The best of all, no surgery, and a positive result through a simple and effective process. A small investment on my part.
Thank you to my long suffering wife Sue, who now has to learn not to shout.
And a big Thank You to the NHS Doctors and Staff.
Thursday 5 July 2012
One year on after the fire
Earlier this year we stayed at Annat, Upper Loch Torridon in the Scottish Highlands.
We have stayed there annually for a number of years, in 2011 two days after we went home back to Reading, Berkshire, we were alarmed to see images of raging fires in Glen Torridon.
Passing through the area caught up in the fire I noticed the damage still in evidence from the fire.
It was quite eerie the way the trees still stood but bore the scars of the fire.
Sunday 24 June 2012
Painting with light
While looking on you tube for information on circular polarising filters for my Nikon D90 I stumbled across a subject entitled Painting with light.
Some of the effects are truly amazing, it would be worth looking up.
Inspired I have decided to give it a go. Although as with most things it can look simple but is a lot harder to do.
So here we go, camera set to manual, ISO at lowest setting 200, Aperture set at 5.6 and shutter speed 10 seconds. Camera mounted on a tripod in a naturally dark room, what to paint with light.
First attempt was a metal sheep on the dining table
Some of the effects are truly amazing, it would be worth looking up.
Inspired I have decided to give it a go. Although as with most things it can look simple but is a lot harder to do.
So here we go, camera set to manual, ISO at lowest setting 200, Aperture set at 5.6 and shutter speed 10 seconds. Camera mounted on a tripod in a naturally dark room, what to paint with light.
First attempt was a metal sheep on the dining table
Feeling pleased and amazed with the simplicity, further images were taken but spoilt with light entering into the frame, so with my new found skills I wondered what else could be done.
Lighting up a bottle looked good on you tube, so with a towel for background and a Bacardi bottle, half full on this occasion, though sometimes in my life it would have been called half empty, all the same settings on the camera as previously, hey presto
The second image I delayed switching on the torch and switched it off before the camera closed.
Now we were cooking with gas, time to sign my name, keep it simple, Rod
Oh well Rome wasn't built in a day.
As with anything in life you should always try to finish on a positive, there were a few failed attempts to write my wife's name, Sue, that was harder than I thought. Several failed attempts later I wrote her name on a pad backwards, set the camera as before, but this time with the shutter speed at 15 seconds, really pleased with the result.
I hope this inspires others as it has me, for some truly stunning images, including light spheres etc search You Tube under "Painting with light"
One final comment, no alteration of images post photography took place, there is software out there that will alter and enhance your images to make stunning pictures, but where is the fun in that, unless you are seeking to sell them on or use them for publicity.
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