Arbor Low

The Arbor Low circle lies cradled in the midst of the Peak District in England and on private land. We parked in the small lot provided for us, dropped a £1 a piece in the tin and purchased one of their little booklets for another £4. All of this was based on the honour system that we would pay to enter and that we would pay for the book. I hope the "owner's" trust is rewarded appropriately. They certainly were under no obligation to open their land to public spectacle. But, since they did, and since they trusted, we rewarded the trust and paid our price. The stones are hidden from view until you are practically on them. Tragically, they have all fallen prone over the years and lie flat on the ground, although in itself that makes for a grand vista. The owner make no attempt to keep the sheep & cows out, and nor should they in my opinion; although it certainly made walking a little more entertainingly treacherous. In the upper right of the photo you can just see one of the many cows in the area. All in all, it was a beautiful experience; even if we were a day early. It's Friday, I've not got much impetus in me to go research footy bits, so you're spared that today; although I will tell you that the Arsenal play with Charlton on the weekend and are doing it without Reyes who pulled up early week with a hamstring problem. So, possibly, we'll see Msr. Walcott who has just turned 17. Right, then. It's been a poxy week and it'll be good to see its backside. It's also Saint Patrick's day, so go have a beer or five. I know I will. Wastrel On! (Listening to: Hymn 43 by Jethro Tull)

Marita Beth on a Stile

During our trip, I miscalculated and made an error that could have proved to be much worse than it was. My wife wanted to be at a circle on the solstice; I didn't realise how important to her this actually was, though I should have. Had I known, we'd have dallied a bit longer in the North then made a hell-bent drive South to make to London in time for our departure. However, like most things in our travels, it worked itself out just fine, when she located this ring. This unadorned, barely known ring of stones in the North of England was secluded, completely off our track and worth every bit of effort we made to find it. I don't recall the name of the circle, although I'm sure my wife does; however, it was likely one of the most peaceful places on the planet for the while that we were there. This photo is of Marita Beth stepping over the stile into the pasture where the ring rested. In the background you see a mound that encompassed the ring. Man-made however long ago, it was a nearly-closed circle that held within it a ring of stones lying on the ground. Simply marvelous. More tomorrow. Arsenal have apparently signed another youth out of Spain. Can't wait to see how he does. Arsene's faith in his youth has created gems like Flamini & Fabregas & Lupoli. Let's wait & see. In other news it appears that we are not responsible for global warming, but instead a meteor that struck Siberia in 1908 is responsible. Shrug. Whatever, however, it's freakin' hot, and it's only March. You know that no statute of limitations bit on murder? Well, I'm all for it, but this seems a little extreme. Sheesh. That's it. Gotta work now. Wastrel On! (Listening to: Piano Sonata #3 by Chopin)

The Unknown Pub Somewhere in England

How's that? I can't recall the name of the pub, I can't recall the name of the village. I can't recall where in England we were or where we were headed. Amazing. If anyone recognizes this spot, please drop me a line and let me know. I do remember that the proprietor and staff were sitting outside enjoying a pint & a smoke while we sat inside. We were essentially instructed to help ourselves if we needed anything. I love small-village Britain; it's so refreshingly trusting. Robin Van Persie & Sol Campbell both came through last night's reserve game unscathed, so we may see one or both of them on the weekend. Although personally, I believe that the back four have done just fine without Sol in the lineup and a few months on the bench may do his over-inflated ego (and belly) some good. Arsenal, according to Hill-Wood are NOT going for Beckham. Good on us, we don't need that overblown maggot on our pitch. But, Madrid have indicated great interest in Fabregas. Hands off the boy, ye wankers! Although not a Celtic fan, it's always sad when a true great leaves us. Jimmy Johnstone, a Celtics legend died yesterday at 62 years. His legacy is legendary as was his football. They didn't call him jinky for nothing. My condolences to his family. Some would have us believe that Noah's Ark has been located. Personally, I don't believe it, but I'll reserve full judgment until the facts are in. If you have the time, or the inclination, go read my other writings. Ok, that's it for today, I'm at work & headed to meeting. Until then, Wastrel On! (Listening to: Innocence by Keith Jarrett)

Dwelling

Yes, we've finally left Scotland and are into England now. Not too far into our journey South, we espied one of those rather ubiquitous brown signs that say, "Yo! There's something interesting over here. Get out of your auto and check it out." So we did. In the middle of this field was a reconstruction of a henge of wood and a series of dwelling surrounding it. Marita Beth is shown emerging from one of these structures in today's photo. It reminded me of a crannog only much smaller, less well-constructed and nowhere near water. Ok, so I guess it didn't really remind of a crannog after all. The whole "display" was all placarded well and when we finally did leave, we felt more smarter than before. Of course, I don't remember any of it now not even where in the god's green country this was; but for a brief moment in time, I was the better man for having obeyed the instructions on the little brown sign. I don't recall, prior to Saturday, when the last time I pulled for Chelsea. But, on Saturday I nearly made myself ill wishing for them to win against the Sp*rs. Of course, even through the hoping & praying that Tott would drop points, I was still vile in my threats and epithets verbally launched at the telly. There's no excuse for a grown man to behave so. I blame it on the coffee. But, in the end, Gallant Gallas the left fullback for Chelsea scorched the back of the net with a helluva shot that secured three for the Russians Blues & Zero (hear that? that's naught) for the Hotsp*rs. Now if only Bolton & Blackburn will lose a few also to give the Arse some breathing room, that'd be alright with me, too. Right, then. it's Monday & there's bugger-all going on. However, it seems that perhaps the patent process in Britain is as broken as it is here. Wallabies have been sighted at Loch Lomond, Hairy crustaceans are being pulled out of the water near Easter Island, and there's water on one of Saturn's moons. And that's the cat's knees! Wastrel On! (Listening to: Chasin that Neon Rainbow by Allan Jackson)