I love experiencing nature up close. It’s not always easy to photograph birds and squirrels because they don’t sit still much, but I managed to capture these images of our furry and feathery friends as they busied themselves foraging, eating, chilling and preening!
I have taken so many photographs during 2020 at different times of the year, but this selection show all the colours of autumn beautifully.
For more autumn photographs:
Arguably, the nicest green space that Northampton Town can offer is Abington Park. It sits on the site of a medieval village, called Abington, and was gifted to the people of Northampton by Lady Wantage, the landower, in 1897.
Due to the park’s location, it’s easily accessible to most people.
The park is split into 2 halves with Park Avenue South running between the east and west sides. But, whatever side you wander around, it’s a peaceful and calming place to hang out. Photos taken Sept-Oct 2019 by Gill Morris.
The Parish Church of St. Peter and St. Paul is beautiful.
The band stand sees regular events with local bands playing during the summer months.
At certain times of the year, the gardens are full of fabulous flowers…
..and pollinating visitors.
The old Manor House is now the Abington Park Museum which holds exhibitions throughout the year – some are free!
Many people visit the park every day to do whatever they feel like.
There are stunning trees everywhere – some of which have been around for over 200 years!
There are a couple of lakes, home to a variety of birds.
The water tower, built by William Thursby in 1678, still stands today.
I also found a more modern statue made of stone.
Throughout the whole park, there are some really nice views.
Simply put – a lovely place to just be!
In June, I travelled to Leicester to meet up with some of the guys I used to work with in Bangkok. They too are currently living in the UK. It was a really fabulous afternoon – we chatted over food and drinks and it was like I only saw them yesterday.
The “photos of the day” from morrisophotography in June were these lovely flowers I spotted on my walks.
Visitors to my old garden looking for food or taking a rest.
A waterfall in the woods behind my old house.
Finally, capturing the sunrise one morning at 5 am. Just look at those colours!
The UK is experiencing some very hot weather – Who would have thought it! We are just not equipped for it here 🙂
The Changing Seasons is hosted by Ju-Lyn at Touring my Backyard, and Brian and Bushboy’s World
The Changing Seasons is a monthly project where bloggers around the world share their thoughts and feelings about the month just gone. We all approach this slightly differently — though generally with an emphasis on the photos we’ve taken during the month.
For many of us, looking back over these photos provides the structure and narrative of our post, so each month is different. Some focus on documenting the changes in a particular project — such as a garden, an art or craft project, or a photographic diary of a familiar landscape.
But in the end, it is your changing season, and you should approach it however works for you.
There are no fixed rules around post length or photo number — just a request that you respect your readers’ time and engagement.
Tag your photos with #MonthlyPhotoChallenge and #TheChangingSeasons so that others can find them.
One rainy Saturday in January 2021, I took to the streets of Northampton and captured some images of the town centre.
Up to the time I went travelling and then left to go and live in Thailand, I never took much notice of what the town of Northampton looked like. I was blase to the interesting features, some old, some new, I now see with ease.
Walking towards the town centre is Cafe Marseille, straddling Sheep Street and Broad Street, previously a nightclub, now a cafe/bar that I have yet to visit. For now, I’ll admire the lovely building from the outside.
You can see the spire of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre from there too.
Continue along Broad Street and you will come across the building of the former Friendly Societies Medical Institute. The sign at the top says it was erected in 1883.
Keep walking and cross over Lady’s Lane.
See if you can find the street art on the underpass at the bottom of Greyfriars.
Keep walking straight and turn left into Gold Street.
As you walk up the road, look above the shops to see how lovely the old buildings are.
There is also an old clock above the shop – sadly no longer working.
At the top of Gold Street, you will be treated to the sight of the beautiful All Saints Church.
To the right of the church, you will see Sessions House – which used to be the old courthouse.
Wood Hill is to the left of that.
Walk into St Giles Place.
Where you will see the stunning Guildhall.
And some signs in case you are lost.
Passed the Guildhall is St Giles Square.
To the right is Northampton’s very own “Cultural Quarter” where the theatre and museum is located.
From St Giles Square, you can go down Derngate if you fancy stopping for a refreshing drink at the Mail Coach.
Or, you can walk along St Giles Street and have a quick pit stop in the Optimist.
Turn left onto Fish Street, back towards the centre.
At the top of Fish Street, you can turn left or right into Abington Street. I turned right…
…and found the Francis Crick Statue. Crick co-discovered the DNA molecule (Source: West Northamptonshire Council.
Take a left up Wellington Street. At the top, on the right, you’ll see a little pocket park.
Across the road, you’ll see the (not so) new Crown & County Courts.
Wherever you are, it’s really up to you where you wander, just remember to keep your eyes open for the things you’ve probably bypassed many times before.
I only walked about a mile, but I saw loads and was very happy that’d I’d gone out with my camera! Peace and love 🙂
If you hadn’t noticed, I love taking photos of flowers. So many varieties and colours, they really do brighten up your day!
Peace and love 🙂
The Changing Seasons is hosted by Ju-Lyn at Touring my Backyard, and Brian and Bushboy’s World
The Changing Seasons is a monthly project where bloggers around the world share their thoughts and feelings about the month just gone. We all approach this slightly differently — though generally with an emphasis on the photos we’ve taken during the month.
For many of us, looking back over these photos provides the structure and narrative of our post, so each month is different. Some focus on documenting the changes in a particular project — such as a garden, an art or craft project, or a photographic diary of a familiar landscape.
But in the end, it is your changing season, and you should approach it however works for you.
There are no fixed rules around post length or photo number — just a request that you respect your readers’ time and engagement.
Tag your photos with #MonthlyPhotoChallenge and #TheChangingSeasons so that others can find them.
I wrote about the wonderful Sagrada Familia last week, so this week, just take a moment to enjoy the beauty and serenity of arguably the best tourist attraction you will ever visit!
Peace and love to all 🙂
Unless you have witnessed the Sagrada Familia for yourself, I would bet that you have never seen anything quite like this before. I said this about Park Guell, but the Sagrada Familia in on another (Gaudi) level!
Antoni Gaudi was put in charge of designing this fabulous basilica in 1883 and it’s not finished yet! If you’d like to read the full history, there is an interesting timeline from the 19th century until the present day on the Sagrada Familia’s official website. One of the longest ever architectural commissions, but in Gaudi’s apparent words “My client is not in a hurry!”
My first glimpse of this impressive building as I walked down Carrer de Sardenya.
Before you even enter the basilica, your gaze will immediately be drawn to the wonderful sculptures on the walls – this being part of the Nativity Facade.
Inside, you won’t know where to look first. I was wide-eyed with wonder and excitement and my mouth spilled out a silent “wow!”
The stone columns throughout the interior have been designed in typical Gaudi style – to resemble a forest with its trees and branches reaching up into the vaults. It really is stunning!
With curved lines to mingle man-made structures with natural forms. This design can also be seen at Park Guell.
Once section of the basilica is also known as the temple of light because the beautifully coloured stain-glassed windows allows natural light to flood in at certain times of the day – creating an ethereal atmosphere.
A view along the nave and aisle.
If you include it in your ticket, you can ascend the stairs to the towers.
There are other, smaller features, that can be easily missed, like this emblem of Saint Luke.
And, as part of the stain-glassed designs, the names of places and people that might have some religious significance.
Outside, you can see the Passion Facade which is dedicated to the Passion of Christ with its pediment of bone-shaped columns at the top.
The 4 spires at the top of the Passion Facade represent 4 of the apostles – James, Thomas, Philip and Bartholomew. (Wikipedia)
The exterior of the basilica is carved with beautiful sculptures and features.
Other spires have bunches of fruit and wheat which represent the Holy Communion.
If you look upwards, you can see the construction work taking place at the top of the building. Once the final tower has been built, the basilica will become the tallest church-building in the world! (Wikipedia)
The Sagrada Familia is still a work-in-progress, but it is due to be completed around 2026 – some 143 years after Gaudi started his masterpiece.
It’s a beauty now and it will take your breath away, but just look at what it’s going to look like!
It’s a definite must-see attraction when you visit Barcelona.
I’ve seen a few pieces of street art in and around Northampton, but it’s the town centre where most of it has been created.
More than a few artists came together as part of the Northampton Wall Games to bring a splash of colour and creativeness to some of the least attractive parts of town.
I think the artists have done an amazing job and their ability to create such striking pieces is admirable.
I have lived in Northampton most of my life, but it took me to live away for the best part of 10 years to realise just how green it is. And, whatever time of year, the walking paths close to town are actually very pretty. Join me for a mid-summer and mid-winter walk to see how the area changes with the seasons. (Click on the images to get the full view)
I love a good bridge – even if it’s the same one! Peace and Love 🙂
