Skyatch Friday - Don't crane your neck

One of three large cranes being used on the construction of the new conference centre at the Boardwalk.

Visit Skywatch for more great sky pictures from around the world.

Portrait of a tortoise

This mountain tortoise reminds me of a grumpy old man. He was nonchalantly chewing away at the grass, on the side of the road at the Kragga Kamma Game Park, the last time we visited and paused long enough for me to take a photograph.

Life with Suzie - The arty one is back

When I say that the arty one is back, it is not that she left, but rather that her focus for the last three years has been on her role as chairlady of EPSAC, the Eastern Province Society of Arts and Crafts. Now called ArtEC (Art Eastern Cape) the society has been transformed into a vibrant gallery and organisation that is relevant to the whole art community in the region and the reigns have been handed over to a new team to take it forward to the next level.

It has been a hectic three years for her, leading the society with fresh new ideas and moving forward towards positive change. But as in any organisation where fresh ideas are brought in, there were also times of putting out fires and smoothing ruffled feathers, but that did not hinder the progress and the end result is positive.

ArtEC now has a new look and a fresh face and is very relevant in the community.

So now when I notice that there is an empty place in the bed next to me, at 3.00 in the morning, it is not because Suzie is preparing a news letter or a funding proposal or doing one of the many other tasks that kept her busy, it is because the creative juices are flowing and she is back in the studio, doing what she loves.

This is "Shelter" a mixed media art work, in a new body of work she is creating. To see more of Suzie's art go to Arty Farty Musings.

Addo Trip #5 - Buzzards and Behemoths

I just love Africa. Where else can you capture a view like this one of a steppe buzzard and an elephant.

Skywatch Friday - Smiley plane

A smiley plane (aka a McDonnell Douglas MD-80/90) coming in to land at the Port Elizabeth Airport.

Visit Skywatch for more great skies from around the world.

Time out from the skies

Feral pigeons taking time out at the Horse Memorial, against the backdrop of a bright blue sky.

New life - Impala

When it comes to favourite antelope, impala are on the top of my list. This impala fawn is probably one of the newest residents of the Kragga Game Park.

Skywatch Friday - High Flier

I was trying to photograph aeroplanes when this egret flew over over me. I thought his colour made a good contrast against the bright blue sky.

Visit Skywatch for more great skies from around the world.

Addo Trip #4 - Guinea Fowl

Guinea fowl are so common that they are often overlooked, but I find them interesting and comical and a challenge to photograph. That is because they don't ever seem to stop moving and always seem to be interacting with each other.

When you try and photograph them in the early morning drizzle when the light is not so good, it is even more challenging. We followed this damp hen and her chicks for quite a distance, before I was satisfied that I had at least one resonable shot. The other chicks were scurrying around somewhere in the grass, so I had to be content with this one.