Sunday Stamps - Food: USA

In 1999 a series of 4 stamps was issued on one sheet. Each one showed a different berry.

USA - 10 April 1999 - Blueberries

Strawberries

Raspberries

I thought I had all 4 until I scanned the last.

Blackberries

The date gave the game away - this was issued with the set the following year on 15th March.

For other types of food check the links you will find at Sunday Stamps - Neeps

Softness - Thematic Photography

When my life model refused to pose I felt I had been frozen out and reverted to; 

Soft fruit instead

Which didn't need a scarf to keep it warm.

 To combat any excess stress you may squeeze two 

Soft balls

There's no need to get 

Stoned

Just resort to the cosmetic cabinet

Pampered softness

But even softness comes to an end.

For other softness contributions you need to visit the links at Carmi's thematic-photographic-377.

Food - Sunday Stamps II

I have had problems with this topic before. Two stamps from a previous post were:

USA - Berries

I must admit that these are fruits that I enjoy and I understand that blueberries are now regarded as 'superfoods'. 

I have since acquired the other two stamps that were issued with those above in a se-tenant block on 10 April 1999.

USA

The four stamps were issued in different formats as well in 1999, and as strips in 2000. You have to check the date in the bottom left corner to know which you have for single stamps.

For other food feasts please check out the links at Sunday-Stamps-II-84. Meanwhile I'm happy with my fruit.

Messy - Thematic Photography

"To find a form that accommodates the mess that is the task of the artist now."

If you substitute photographer for artist in the quote from Samuel Beckett you get the task that Carmi has set us this week.

Where to begin?

Messy corner

Having loaded up with cameras, backpack and hat I only had to travel to the bottom of my drive for another messy corner created by a sycamore tree losing its leaves.

Autumn's first mess

With autumn taking a step forward, it does seem to have been long since something in the pink has turned into a messy sight.

'Browned off hydrangea'

Then there is a mess that is becoming more useful as it ages.

Maturing horse manure

And a sign that nature can take care of its own mess as it rots.

Blackberries past their best

Some autumn sights add colour to a scene.

Grass verge carpeted with leaves from an ash tree

But there is some mess that I wish some people would not leave behind.

Messy litter (5 months old) dumped in a lay-by

Have I succeeded with this 'messy' post?

"Success is relative. It is what we can make of the mess we have made of things." (T S Eliot)

To view others' posts check out the messy links at Thematic-photographic-310.

Escargots anyone? - Thematic Photography

Carmi's photographic theme this week is 'edible' so I thought I would go out on a limb and offer you the choice of snails.

Snail ( and one blackberry for desert)

If you don't fancy the pattern on the shell perhaps the morsel inside will tempt you.

Snail (no blackberry this time)

The next offering is larger (well a bit) - but could you look it in the eye before consigning it to the pot?

Another snail that likes blackberries

The observant amongst you will recognise another type of leaf on the right of this shot. You could always collect a few and try a drink of nettle tea.

If drinks are not allowed with edible things I wonder what happened to those in my final picture this week.

Mince pies, sweets, and sherry for a tipple

Just a few things prepared for and despatched at an earlier Christmas time.

Still feeling hungry? Then visit other edible treats at Carmia at thematic photographic 167

To Autumn - Thematic Photography

Carmi's theme this week is Keat's 'Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness.'
But I think I have to agree with Joyce Kilmer:

 'I think I shall never see

A poem lovely as a tree'

Beech in autumn

'But ah! the leaves of summer that lie on the ground' (Robert Bridges)

Autumn beech wood

Beech leaves

Oak apples

Meanwhile, 'At the top of the house the apples are laid in rows.' (John Drinkwater - Moonlight Apples)

Apples (in my office)

'O Autumn, laden with fruit, and stained, ' (William Blake) what is there better to mix with apples in a pie than:

Blackberries in October

But, 'Now is the time for burning of the leaves.' (Laurence Binyon) so to see other hues please visit

Welcome Autumn