The Longest Day & Shortest Night

21st June 2018

So, we are precisely at the middle of the year depending upon which way you count it. This for the Northern Hemisphere is the longest day of the year and from here on in, each day becomes a little shorted each day. However, if you measure the months as 12, and call 6 or June the middle month and the 15th the middle day based on 30 days, my Birthday is the middle day but the 21st is the precise one in reality.
So, the World Cup finally got underway and whilst I won't say too much about it on the basis that I might be repeating what you already saw or know, I will pay a small tribute to my home grown England Team who won their first game 2-1 and are playing again on Sunday. I wish them every success and hope they bring home some glory and restore some pride back into the England right now as it is truly needed. The whole event so far has been so well presented and by all accounts has been a huge success for Russia and provided them with a platform to showcase just what a great job they can do when they are given the opportunity to do so. I personally find the Russian Grand Prix one of the best of the year also and it just shows that Russia have gone a long way and taken great steps in providing the world with some amazing events and I for one hope it continues. Russia have set the tone this year in the world cup by scoring the most amount of goals and showing the there progress to the knock out stages and next round was well deserved, I only hope that England make the next round also and with Germany & Argentina floundering a little, it provides a little hope that we may go much further in the tournament..........."I live in hope more than expectation".

 So, what else has been happening around the world I hear you say.....well, President Donald Trump made the headlines with his intervention with the North Korea threat and by all accounts the end of the world date has been set back for a while due to Trump's assurance that North Korea will become a nuclear free zone in the very near future and that North Korea sanctions will continue until that undertaking has been completed but to which may be lifted later and allow North Korea to re-join the rest of the world in trading etc. Whilst we are on this subject, I do wish people would recognise what lengths Trump has gone to in order to try and secure peace in the far east and despite what you may think or say, it must be recognised that in previous Presidential terms, no progress, no attempt and no communication has taken place and as such, the problem of North Korea simply escalated and this is not good for anyone be they Western or Korean and whilst it is early days, it's fair to say that Trump has moved mountains and made history and in that respect, I salute him and thank him. I hope the good will continues and true peace and not fake emotions continue and I pray that one day, the border will be open to allow both North & South to re-unite with divided families and friends from past. I remember when German was re-united and it was such a special time and exciting for all the world to see and whilst Korea is not quite as significant, it's just as important in many ways and would be wonderful  for the country and families it directly affects.

I will end today's update with a reminder that our home grown Prince Harry got married and what a wonderful day it really was. The whole day was so special and the one thing that shone through was the reality of two people so happy in love and it truly was a romance made in heaven. We, the loyal ones in the United Kingdom are truly proud of our Royalty and the splendor it brings to our country and to see the whole world in envy of something that we have brings a lump to my throat and we sit back and enjoy the "New Royal Couple" start out on a whole new chapter of both duties and lifestyle and despite what people assume, it will be big changes for both and not just one. God Bless them both and I wish them every success and happiness ahead. 

Getting Old Happens So Quickly.

14th March 2018

It's a fact of life that we all get older but just when we need more time to do what we used to do much quicker, the clock appears to speed up and the finish line becomes much clearer and not so far away. It seems like just yesterday that I was hanging the tinsel on the Christmas tree and already the special day in every Irishman's life is upon us and St Patrick is jigging up and down all around me and for some weird reason, everyone is saying "Too sure, too sure & Top of the morning to you too".

It's always been quite a mystery why so many people in England celebrate St Patrick's day when we just brush over St Georges day without even a mention for some reason but perhaps it's because we have had such a lengthy period of usually a combination of both bad weather and dark miserable days and the excuse and I do mean any excuse to let off some steam and enjoy a party is probably the reason we enjoy becoming Irish if only for a few short hours. I myself like the rest of the people who become like sheep have already prepared myself for the big day by arranging the purchase of a very large Guinness hat, green "Celtic" T shirt and green shoes for the one day this year where I might turn out and look like a very overweight and stupid looking leprechaun called "Peter Hulbert" and for no reason that makes any sense, have planned ahead and decided that against all that is expected, I may actually be tempted to have a drink of something that can only be made in Dublin to quality to be Irish. So why.....I ask myself do I do this crazy ritual with my wonderful daughter every year and never miss. Tradition is the only answer I can offer and it's the one day that I commit to every year to spend the day with my daughter.

So, I have some news for the ones who follow crazy and enjoy ending the day with a smile and not a tear and whilst it's not particularly exciting, it's at least going to caused misery to the grumpy and a smile to the happy ones among us all........and we all know who they are...!! In this time of cut back after cut back, we in the UK are all aware that one of the things that is vanishing from our high street is the local Bank and it's causing much concern among the people who like to see the local branch and staff and down want to speak through a computer or technology of any kind. The point of digital was supposed to be better for all and be accessible 24 x 7 but if this were true, why do so many not embrace it but simply fight it. Well today I found a Bank that was clearly open but not for accepting deposits, withdrawals or complaints and whilst that in itself is a problem, it also clearly states that there is "no fishing" either from that branch......!!   Please have a very Happy St Patrick's Day and drink responsibly and stay safe so that we can all meet up this time next week to say we made it.

27th March 2018

So we are the back end of March and no matter what, we are here and in a position stronger than some and better than others and as such there is no room for complaint in a world where looking back does not work and moaning simply wastes time and energy. Easter is knocking at the door for the most part of my country as many except for the spoilers who spend their time trying to ban or prevent it for some weird reason best known to them.

I was out and about in my fine City this week and whilst I was out, I had a small window of opportunity to take some pictures and share them with you. This piece of fine engineering is a well known landmark which is the bridge over a few major roads that runs down the side of Ponds Forge Swimming & Gymnastic center that is a huge asset to our city as it attracts visitors from all around the globe to enjoy the world class facilities to which it provides to all who visit. You will notice that traveling across the bridge is our very modern tram system that once again serves our city so well.

To the left, you will see the outside of our very special swimming pool and it's leisure facilities and as you may notice in the distance, there are a series of water slides inside one of the pools here to which actually goes outside and back in again at quite a speed and the kids and adults truly enjoy both slides provided here. I am very proud of my City and the way it has recovered from some very testing times over the years that started back in the 80s with over 3,000,000 unemployed to what is today a very successful City with a thriving population and very proud of it steel industry to which was the foundation that our City was built on, although some may dispute that and say that we were more famous for our cutlery and silver business which were world renowned for there quality and style. Sadly, I remember when most of this industry was moved out of the city for economic purpose and is probably made somewhere in the far east today

This week spelled the twice a year event of the changing of the clocks to which I would be grateful if someone could actually explain to me the purpose of this crazy ritual that catches so many out and causes so much mayhem for so many for so little reward to which for some weird reason nobody challenges why. However, for those who enjoy a cheeky smile at those who don't know, here is a bunch of volunteers who turn up yearly at the "Stone Henge" stones and by working in both harmony and unison, they manage to lift all of the stones forward one hour in which to comply with EU rules that all clocks must display local time in accordance with the European demand. Most if not all of the volunteers are druids and as it is EU rule, nobody is allowed to be paid for the nights work and should be proud that they were part of this trustworthy team to which they can share the stories with there children that they were part of the European workforce of volunteers who lifted the 200 tun stones forward 1 hour in accordance with the EU law which saved them from the lefties who may argue that we didn't apply a risk assessment or health and safety officer along with a IT engineer and productivity officer and site manager to oversea the work that early Man managed before he could even speak. One last word before I go, please enjoy Easter and the time we all have. You don't need to be religious of any kind but the period in time is called and known as Easter and as long as I have the strength to speak, I will defend the right to call it that.

3rd April 2018

Can anyone tell me where my home country of Great Britain has gone today. The country of pride in your Town and respect for your neighbor and compassion towards others. Where has it all gone to.

I still remember the days when Whitsuntide held its annual march through the streets to display and show off the congregation and the children used to show off their new cloths. The ladies and girls would wear their new bonnets and the local band would play ahead of the march.

I still remember when we took assembly at school where for a few short moments we sang hymns and said prayers whilst we stood quietly and respected our teachers who led the congregation. I still recall when our local Bobby (Police) carried a small truncheon and whistle and walked our streets, they always said good morning to the public who all knew him or her by name. Where is our green and pleasant land where we used to roam and breath fresh air and where is the humanity & spirit of our great nations gone that gave the title “Great” in Britain. Nobody agrees with the changes to our country, so why do we just accept them as they happen. For evil to develop and grow, all it takes is good to people to stand back and allow it. Where did my country go......!!    

7th April 2018

So, here we all are yet again and my week has been full of it's normal up's and downs and if I (Peter Hulbert) was talking about my love life, that would be bragging but sadly it is not and it's more akin to my normal routine to which is probably more entertaining than my love life. So I started my week with 6 inches of snow on the ground and ended my week with the hottest day of the year so far and to say it is crazy weather is an understatement in more ways than one. My ability to sustain bullshit fired from a machine gun with high impact rounds is what keeps me going some-days as it come thicker and faster than ever. However, I never say die and I am no quitter and as such, quitting is for quitters and the difference between success and failure is the ability to find a way through no matter what.

So if life was so full of roses and perfume, why is there always a smell of BS when we get downwind of certain people. We all know people who are full of it and the stories they peddle is always far more interesting that the people telling the truth, sadly the reality of the BS is what affects us all in so many ways, normally in a negative way more than any positive outcome. However, for Peter Hulbert and his weird world, it is all power for the cause in the end and what doesn't kill me, makes me stronger is what I like to think. So my week started on such a positive note as it was a Bank Holiday in the UK and for the most part, much of the world too and as such it all started a little slowly with many people taking an extended break and trying to locate the rest was a real nightmare. I decided in the end that as so many people were not available or away on an early break, I might as well survive the week by doing something else and ending with a smile than a pile of frustration and because of that, I motivated myself to go out to the countryside and absorb some of natures finest fresh air, while it is still free.
So my all anticipated and eager start to April was dashed somewhat by others rather than myself but I am always focused enough to have a fall back plan and as the sun rose in the eat, so did Peter Hulbert with his camera as always. In the end, it turned out to be quite a positive experience as I rather enjoyed drinking coffee in local areas, surrounded by countryside and green fields to which I always stress that I am so blessed to live so close to.

April 18th 2018

The first real taste of summer arrived with the temperature souring into the 20% C and tomorrow is expected to be even better. I would like to stress here and now, this is not a complaint but an appeal for more after such a long winter and snow was on the ground just 2 weeks ago and as such the sight of the sun was like winning the lottery 2 weeks in a row. My local shopping center was turned into a day at the seaside today and the kids loved it. All I need is a beer and knotted hankie and I'm happy.

I took some time out today to visit my local shopping center at Fox Valley Shopping which was a pure delight to enjoy a coffee and sunshine with a few kids enjoying the fountains and the sound of music in the background. It's on days like these when I realise why Yorkshire is known all over the world as "God's Own Country" and why we who maintain it and live here are so proud of the whole place and it's magnificent history. We might be rough be we are also ready for anything the world can throw at us.  

4th June 2018

So, here we are in June and I sense that you are saying "Why was there no May post" and I would say, Good Point.....!! I would waffle a little and excuse myself before I would think up some excuse to share with you.........The truth is, my daughter was moving home and it was all hands on deck and as my past life was as a carpenter, I got the job of making all the cupboards, wardrobes and bed site cabinets. I also installed some CCTV and hung the pictures, mirrors and hanging baskets outside. All in all, it was a nice change and a real pleasure to help my daughter get a good start in life and hopefully a platform in which to build upon.  May was a time for many a record to be broken in the UK and the most notable was the temperature which set a new record of the hottest May on record. No complaints here then and if I hear anyone moan about "Global Warming", I will kick them on the shin. We had a very long and hard winter and a few weeks of sun was well earned.

For those who know me as the local cynical jokester, I couldn't miss the opportunity to share a picture that I took whilst down in my Capitol City this week and who am I to suggest a reference to whom this sign might be directed at, except that would only ever say in humor that politicians are the main target of this sign and that the warning is to the public that the people who live on this street are the political crooks who rob from the poor and give to the rich. I suppose it is always a cheap joke to send one in the direction of our Politicians and that is probably a term in general across the world but if the truth be known, I wouldn't want that thankless task as you are always between the devil and the deep blue sea and we can't please everyone. Democracy should provide a comfort that we ate least had a say but as we had a say on the future of our country and it's association with Europe to which it is almost 2 years to the day that we voted and still no change, I'm beginning to have little faith in the process of democracy today. I remember when our nation used to look down and frown upon Russia for the dictatorship and no democracy but the tables have changed in recent times and the UK is the laughing stock of the world right now.

 Whilst I am on the subject of Politics and writing about the Month of May, I would like to give a quick mention to the events that the BBC and mainstream media refuse to cover which was the events that took place in my home City of Leeds in relation to "Tommy Robinson" of which I will just offer my thoughts for Tommy and his family to whom must be truly suffering at this moment in time. I will not make a judgement as that would be wrong of me but what I will say is that I have a lot of sympathy for Tommy and his cause and his bravery and determination are to be admired in my opinion and to that end I will say no more on this issue but will refer you to Google and the press who I now believe are covering the story rather well and certainly much better than I could ever wish to.

Oh how times have change. I can still remember when the "Etch A Sketch" was the cutting edge of technology and the comments wrote on this one sum it all up perfectly for me. The age of plastic brought cheap educational tools to the world and as quick as they came, the just as swiftly went. In my lifetime, I can still remember the very distinct smell of "Bakelite"which was a very basic and cheap material that led toward the plastic revolution. It was nothing like the modern materials of today and was highly flammable, very unstable and all in all a cheap and nasty material to be involved with but it did kick of the start of plastic development as it's known today.

9th June 2018

So, we are pretty much entering the center of the 2018 year where the downhill slide back to shorter days and longer nights appear more frequently and for me, that spells cold nights and frosty days at some point..........Ok, I will shut up, we haven't reached summer yet so I will stop now for 5 months and then moan again. I was in a writing mood today and decided to write a few words to someone very special in my life from who I miss dearly in every way and I hope you read my message to them below.
I wonder how many relationships have held firm just through the invention of the phone and then on the other hand how many have been destroyed once again by the phone. Technology is a wonderful thing that helps to bring the world together in so many positive ways and yet it is so often abused by so many for such little reward, sad really when you think about it. I often wonder how our ancestors would have reacted if the technology we have today was in there hands at the times when they set off around the world in search of the new and promised land. Can you imagine if the internet was alive and kicking when the Mayflower set off for Plymouth Rock or even if Captain Cook wad sat nav when he sailed the southern seas. Can you imaging getting a text from far away saying you discovered America or a selfie saying that Kangaroos had been discovered, another weird but wonderful thought would be the reverse of that thought which would be where would we be today had that be the case.......Hmmm...!!!  Ah well, day dreaming is a wonderful thing but the reality is that here we are and it is what it is no matter what you think. For me, the reality is that my life is very dependent upon technology, despite all the problems associated with it. I just hope your world is less fraught than mine is and that your communication is better placed to work than mine is on a more daily basis as my connections in life are all so far away and I am so self reliant on many things working in order to make them work. "Don't ask the next question" as I will not answer it but suffice to say my world is complex and never an easy thing to manage but I wouldn't have it any other way.

10th June 2018

I'm thinking of introducing a change to the way we name our days and true to western democracy, I will suggest a vote and if I don't get what I want, will ignore the result. As such, I propose we change the name of Sunday to boring. "Not boring day", just boring. So from 2019, it will go as follows: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Boring, Monday etc.... If you agree, stand with me. If you do not........tough..!! So, how was your day I ask myself, followed by....how do you expect to tell me as I stopped people writing on my blog. My day can be summed in a few words. Hot, Boring, F1 Canada, More Hot More Boring.......Day over.

Have you ever just stopped what you are doing be it work or pleasure and wondered what life is all about. Are we here for a reason, for a purpose and if so why ?.....What is the reason, what is the purpose or is it just blind faith that we are all here. In nature, nothing happens for no apparent reason, everything has a purpose and nothing was created by or for design. So what is our purpose and why are we all here. We don't contribute positive things to planet earth in a way that benefits others other than ourselves and we certainly show no respect for other animals or plant life that we share this planet equally with but we do take up most of the good things that are created on earth and share non of it in a way to benefit the community of other species no matter what that are. So why was Man so successful when all he did was rape the planet of good and leave a trail of bad behind for the next generation to deal with. Did you never stop and think, did you ever wonder why or like me, did you just walk blind along the road and without a care in the world. Why do some generations and cultures appear to have everything and other cultures and countries have very little if anything at all. Who created this mad world has a lot to answer for and whilst nothing is perfect, the planet fell a long way short of being right first time. The picture to the left is a wonderful image of blind faith and it emphasis's the harsh reality of nature and blind faith in so many ways.  

14th June 2018

So, we finally reached the start of "The World Cup" of football and there is no way it could go by without a mention. I am not going to mention who we show support to or who we miss or wanted to be there (Italy & Holland) as it is too greater loss that we wish to mention and as such I am totally within my rights to say I wish our boys all the very best of luck and hope that we ultimately win the trophy in the end. 

I do find it rather distasteful that as a nation, neither Scotland, or Wales ever show support for the English team when in reality we as the English always support all four of our competing nations as if they were our own. I am beginning to realise that it is more of a fashion and not a true feeling to not like England but our history is built upon success and perhaps that is the envy to which the other 3 are lacking. The rest of the world should remember that without England, there would be no football tournament as it was a 100% English invention. England have at least won the trophy once and have on this occasion managed to make it to the finals unlike Scotland, Northern Ireland & Scotland who show there dislike by refusing any support for the one team with the ability to represent the United Kingdom in a major event. I for one am proud of my great country and wish the boys every success in there attempt to bring home the trophy.

February Is The Month Of Love

3rd February 2018

How quickly we all arrived at February and already people have ended the new years resolution and started smoking and eating like they were storing up the calories for the summer. Although Spring is closing in and the signs of change have arrived, winter is still not so far away and a severe frost overnight and the predicted snow for tomorrow is a constant reminder not to become complacent and not to expect anything more than nature can provide at a speed that it naturally moves forward at.

I ventured out today and set off to the farm before the weather turns to snow and whilst the skies are so perfectly blue, don't assume for one minuet that it was anything more than freezing. Here is one of my many places of which I visit on a regular basis to just be alone and absorb the tranquility and moment of extreme silence in which to capture the moment on my camera whilst the light and blue sky is in my favor. I often get remarks about the many pictures that I have taken and I always say that photography is easy, the skill is the patience and light and everything else is easy. These wind turbines are something of a spectacular sight when up close and they create such a spectacular silhouette on the skyline when the light is behind them. The fascination to myself is watching them turn silently but at the same time creating energy in which to power homes and whether you are in favor or against these mechanical giants, what you can't dispute is the fact that they are clean and work very well and by producing a 100% clean energy, I find myself liking them more and more.
Today was quite a special day in regards to photography and whilst I had no intention of taking pictures, I did have my phone with me of which allowed me to capture some snaps and video and the result is what you see here today. I always feel blessed that all of this natural beauty is all within 10-15 minuets from my home and whilst I would agree that there are many beautiful places on planet earth, there is only one that goes by the name of "God's Own Country" and this is what Yorkshire is known for all over the world and I assume it did not get it's name by accident.   

12th February 2018

I had good cause to take a drive out today, with the weather changing and temperature dropping fast, I had to get up to the farm and offer help in collecting and bringing inside some mothers to be from the sheep who by now and hiding out in the snow. However, they may be smart but not super smart and the call of food and an easy meal soon brings them in. The major problem is that for the most part, some of the sheep are above the snow line and the bitter cold was making life hard work and here are a few images from the hills of which I was to be seen running around with a bucket of food.

As one might imagine, the sheep are out there but despite not playing hide and seek, they were well camouflaged against the white background and although you can't judge it on a still picture, it was quite breezy and the sun was in the eyes as this field faces west and the sun was going down, the result was that it is going to be a challenge and one that requires brains over brawn and I'm blessed by having both. I always enjoy my time at the farm as the ability to clear the mind and think about other issues apart from the daily routine is truly a blessing that I enjoy despite the moans.

As you will see by the level of the sun in the distance, there is probably less that 30 minuets in which to carry out the duty today before it becomes too dark to see whats required. The ground and snow are rapidly turning to ice and when that happens, the roads around here become quite a danger and hazard to drive on and as such, it's time to get on and not waste a moment. The Mothers to be need to be indoors for the next few days, may even go into weeks until the severe cold weather passes over as the new borne lambs are not always equipped to cope with the severe drop in temperature and need to be protected from the cold. They will soon be back out again and dancing around in the green fields when the sun stays up for a few days but as the wind is coming from the North West and down from both Greenland & Iceland, as you might imagine, it's very cold and well below zero at night.

As you can see below, the sun is now disappearing over the horizon and will not appear before 07.00 am tomorrow morning and as such it's time that Peter Hulbert dropped back down into the valley below and into the car and heading home for a hot shower and nice cup of tea.

20th February 2018

How a few days makes such a difference in my part of the world. When I last gave you all an update, it was white all over with snow and ice but today was blue skies and bright sunshine, although not warm and followed 3 days of raising temperature and this gave me an excuse to escape to the countryside for a few short hours before the predicted drop in temperature arrives at the weekend with expectations of -10% for the weekend. However, it's not all doom and gloom as the days are getting noticeably longer and soon the cold will have gone for the next 8-10 months and a long and welcome period of warmth will descend upon Yorkshire and we will all smile with excitement. Today saw me heading for a small village about 30 minuets from my home and below are some images for you to see where I went.

You will note that this small waterfall is running freely through the valley of my city and this water flows 24 x 7 to connect with many other rivers that join the river don valley which is so clean today that I am often found fishing for both rainbow and brown trout and whilst it is the worst kept secret, it is also known that salmon also run in the river along with grayling and many course fish. This part of the river is probably one of the narrowest sections but even here, brown trout can be seen swimming upstream on a calm day. The main reason the the river is so rich in marine life, is due to the many years of clearing up and maintaining high standards or water cleanliness in this part of the world. The benefit being that we now have otters and some true quality game fishing along the full length of the river and the splendid views that are provided by the clean water is a true bonus. I took this picture of the river riverlin on my way out to the moors and villages where the tranquility is something to savoir and today was no exception as I headed for a village made famous for it's castle and mines of which are purely for the tourist today and they flock here in their thousands when it's a Bank Holiday of warm Sunday which is a not often enough at this time of year.       

You will note by the picture to the left that patches of snow are showing on the high areas of the hills in the background and whilst the skies are blue and the sun is shining, it is a reminder that the air is still fresh and cold and that winter will return within the next 2-3 days with yet another coating of snow before we head toward spring time. I never moan about the weather as I feel blessed that we are lucky to experience all four seasons in the UK and whilst winter is cold, the bonus is that Spring is getting closer and hopefully the end of winter will soon be here and we can all look forward to longer, warmer and drier days to come.

                 
Above is the road to the top of "Mam Tor" which is a local high point for tourists to climb to the top and enjoy the spectacular views in all directions. I have seen "Hang Gliders" in the past take off from this point as well as "Para gliders" although I believe that they no longer do this as they have formed a club and moved the operations to that destination. To the center of the picture, you will see the car park for the Speedwell Mine which in itself is interesting as it combines a long walk down a flight of stairs to which is seriously deep down and then to climb on board a small boat and travel for about half a mile inside the mine to a large open section which is very exciting and interesting. 

To the left, you will see the small Castle to which gives it's name to Castleton and whilst small, was very difficult to attack due to the very clever positioning of the structure on the top of a hill with very steep sides which meant that defending the Castle became easy as the archers were firing downwards and the attackers were heading upwards which in itself was a problem. The archers placed in the right position within the Castle could easily ward off any attack by firing arrows downward where the attacker was trying to climb a very steep hillside and duck out from arrows and whilst trying to fire back at a target much further away. The Castle had only one weakness which was it's reliance on food being stored as water was in plentiful supply and was fresh and very clean, so food was it's only weakness of which they made provision in advance of any attacking army. For myself, Castelton offers so many good opportunities to take advantage of the beauty of this wonderful and charming village. It really is an artists dream, although I maintain that I am no artist, just a hobby to me.
 Below is an image looking away from the village and as you might well imagine, it is even more impressive from the high point of the Castle or Man Tor where you can see as far as 30 miles on a good day.

26th February 2018                                                                                                                         

It's quite frightening to admit it but the time just flies by and whilst it was only a few weeks ago that we were all preparing for Christmas, already Easter is staring us in the face along with St Patrick's day which is a day I always look forward to. So where does all the time go and how come that just when we all need more time in our life, the less we have left to waste and the clock somehow speeds up. However, the one thing I have learned in life is that money and assets come and go but time is more valuable and in limited supply. If I can offer one piece of advice in this life, always give your children your total commitment of time as they will value that far more than money in later life. This week saw a very sad end to a comic actress to whom we all loved and laughed at who sadly passed away at an age that suggests she was far too young to go and this emphasis's my point that time is the most precious thing we all posses and we should value that more than anything. It's truly sad that we all lost Emma at such a young age.  

Looking forward this week with a very positive tone to my routine as I have news coming in from 4 corners of the planet that hopefully will set the wheels in motion to a stronger platform of a brighter future and something that has been on the calendar for too long but unfortunately has suffered from delays for many reasons but to which I am optimistic has now entered it's final stages of completion.

Politics, compliance and general BS all seem to be the order of the day but the weak will always find time to moan and the positive will always find the strength to find a way and to that end, I pride myself on being the latter.  

I am enjoying my time more and more as I grow older and the simple things in life appear more precious than the tangible things in life, to the right is a fine example of this sentiment as it might appear like a simple river running past a field but this water is so pure as it filters through many layers of limestone rocks to the point where it is cleaner and less toxic than the water that runs from out water system. It provides a safe haven for wild trout to live and breed and when I see the many charity adverts on the TN requesting money for people who have no clean water, I realize just how lucky I am to have this on my doorstep. The gift of life in reality is not to be counted in money but to be valued by what we have in our lives that does not cost money. I have a family, I have friends, I have my health and I have freedom. All of these things are what many people would give the world to have and I like many take them for granted. This short update will probably take me through to March unless something happens that I feel I want to share with you all but until then, I will bid you farewell and wish you all the very best. I thank you all for your kind support and I make you one promise that I know you all want to hear. "I have not quit, I am simply on pause" and ready to bounce back with a vengeance.

The First Day Of The Rest Of My LIfe

1st January 2018

Welcome back to the start of a whole new year of what I truly hope is a good one for everyone and that 2017 is gone but not forgotten for any of us as despite everything, we survived in whatever form that took. I like to look back at life as a learning curve and as we progress forward, we look back as an education to build upon. Some parts were good and some were bad, some were happy and some were sad but our regrets are few and we are blessed in as much as we survived which many did not.

Many people appear to only judge others by money, wealth and what they are worth but I have learned in life that money comes and goes and wealth is easily removed but real value is in who we are and what we know and I learned to only ever value people and not money. Good people and more valuable than hard cash and through trauma and personal experience in life, I learned that good people are worth everything and bad people are worth nothing in our daily lives. I value my friends as they truly are the very best a person could ever wish for which is more than I can say for my family on occasions. Today is the 1st of the 1st and a day to rejoice and celebrate but I pray that this is the last one I see in this condition, I spend my whole Christmas as well as new year alone and locked in my room as I was simply not welcome around the ones who should know better. However, it's onward and upward as I advance into the new year with a shadow of hope in the background and a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel that promises to bring along change and real prospect of a future outside of this circle of misery. I used to think I was all alone in my cocoon of doom and gloom but when I see the internet and so many people sharing stories of upset and depression, it makes me realise I am certainly not alone but far from it, I realise that the so called "Good Will To All" time of year is far from it and in reality, it's probably the cause of more divorce, family breakdowns or upset to so many. It's sad but so true. Ah well, so long 2017 and welcome to 2018 and a whole new chapter in the story of Peter Hulbert and what got him to this stage of his life and why. This year is a bounce back year and the plan is that certain heads will roll for what has happened and the truth will out in the end and whilst the pathway was a long and uncharted course, there was reason for everything and everything has a reason and timing is everything sometimes and my time is here and now. I have no plans to write a book or even make an issue of things but I do believe in justice and truth and both will appear this year and afterwards I can move on with my life to a new home, new wife and direction, most of which from overseas and far away. I hope on occasions you will touch base with my blog and fill in the gaps I left as I progress along through 2018 and as the time becomes right to share the valued points, I will be happy to do so. For now, wish me luck and I thank you all for your support.

5th January 2018

Well, what a week. We are into the first week of January and whilst it is winter, the rain and wind have been a major problem in the UK and as we hear the news on the TV, our thoughts are with our friends and families in the USA who are truly having some really bad snow and ice that has not been seen like this for many years. Our hearts go out to our greatest of friends the USA who always roll up their sleeves and just make it work, unlike many other nations around the world whom always shout "Money" for some reason. Tomorrow is Friday for me and I'm looking forward to meeting with "B" who as everybody knows, is always my priority when the opportunity arises and as we didn't see each other over Christmas, I have to take whatever is on offer for now. No doubt we will go for dinner somewhere as usual and I look forward to it so much.
As this week has as one might expect been a very quiet one and people on extended leave and slow returning to work, there is not much to say, except that my associates overseas have been very busy over the holiday period and I am excited about what news will hopefully come very soon. I will of course share this news with you all as and when I get updates and posted myself. Just keep the faith and we should all see a turn in direction and fortune very soon.

To the right is a large Scorpion made of steel and displayed outside of Forgemasters in my City. It is quite symbolic in some ways as I always say that a scorpion has a sting in the tail and whilst you may be watching the claws at the front, the sting is far worse that the bite should we say and my action plan for 2018 would describe that as par for course in the scheme of things. There certainly are a few names and old contacts to whom I expect to be seeing all too soon in which they may feel slightly surprised if not very uncomfortable about the reasons we all meet up again in such a circumstance. This will put the nails in the coffin that I require to fulfill my obligation to myself in order to continue onward with my life and plans to which include my planned wedding to which we are still waiting to confirm the dates but expect to once again share that with you all very soon.

16th January 2018

Today was a day of contemplation and thought and if you never step back and take some silent thought, I would suggest that it's time that you did. It is a great way of clearing the mind of confusion and replacing it with some logic without influence. Try it, you may well enjoy the moment.

There is something quite satisfying about this quite somber picture to the left and I will share this thought with you all to take with you throughout your life. "It does not matter how big your house is, or how fast your car goes because at the very end, we all have the same sized grave" and whilst I don't wish to encourage doom and gloom, I do hope you reflect on this simple message of life as everything that we have is not forever and that includes our life.

My world became very cold this week and snow, wind and driving rain followed by ice and more snow has made this part of the world very interesting at best and scary at worst for the drivers who always enjoy going just that bit quicker to the next accident. We were stricken by a major storm over the last 2 days with worse to come tomorrow through to the early hours of Thursday and cold is a word to describe the sunny areas of Yorkshire whilst freezing describes the rest.

When somebody asks me if it is cold where I am, I say no.......cold is 5% warmer than this and the description is that it is freezing her and not cold. For this young lady to the right, she discovered the hard way just what can happen on a cold and frosty morning. I would say at this point that my friends in the USA will be laughing at me right now as they truly are suffering from the cold weather and my days in Reno & Lake Tahoe were some of the most stunning of my life for snow and my time at Frenchmans lake were some of the most exciting. I recall seeing snow drifts over 12 feet deep and they were pretty special and the cold was amazing but I'm judging this in a UK context and as such it is quite unusual from the last few years point of view as we have not seen truly cold weather for a few years and it may bring problems but it also brings along benefits too that we enjoy for many reasons. 

24th January 2018

Yesterday was about as weird a day as it get's for about as many reasons that I care to forget but with some real high's and very few lows and one of those peaks is to be found below:

Despite what appears to be quite a boring scene from a country view, if you look toward the bottom and enlarge the picture, you will see the birth of a Rainbow to which took about 4-5 minuets to open up into a perfect arch but as I was driving along and heading for West Yorkshire and the town of Huddersfield, I saw this out of the corner of my eye and not having my camera was a problem but today the cameras we all have on our phone are very good at capturing snaps or moments in time such as this very well indeed. Below are some follow on moments of the Rainbow as it created such a spectacle in the skies above Yorkshire and a splendid moment in which to put into my special moments in time that I will never forget for a long time to come.

The bonus with this picture was the bright blue skies that came as part of the package and changed very quickly to grey and eventually the dark of night and I was very lucky to capture this moment with such clarity on a phone.
The Rainbow eventually covered a large area across the blue sky and as you will see below, it kept fading in and out a little due to the light conditions and changing of wind direction and wet conditions that were to follow but all in all I was quite impressed with one of those miracles of nature that we take for granted so often as just a part of life.

The image below whilst a little affected by the light, shows in the distance the famous Emley Moor TV tower that is quite the spectacular landmark and can be seen for miles around on a clear day.

29th January 2018

It's been a bit of a fast start to the week for some reason and whilst it is only Monday, I do appear to have managed to get a lot done in a short space of time for some strange reason. It's not a moan or complaint, more a pat on the back for getting on with it to which on a Monday was quite encouraging. My week ahead is generally guided and influenced by others as I need to speak to someone from overseas but am struggling to locate of connect with them. I always find with people overseas that because of the time difference and culture and prior commitments, it just becomes very frustrating and hard work and I often find myself looking in the mirror and telling myself to be more patient...........but I confess it has little affect on the final outcome. I have had some good thinking time over the weekend and my thoughts were focused upon a very special person in my life of whom is a Doctor and based outside of my country. They are suffering with a natural disaster and my thoughts are with them through these special moments as they are about to start working at an "All New Practice" from Monday and as a result of this natural disaster, it has made travel and daily routine very difficult in so many ways. Sometimes we just don't stop and think what it must be like to live under the present danger of the earths many faults and imperfections and coming from the UK where these things are almost unheard of, makes it even more shocking when our friends far away are so badly affected by these daily problems of which we have little if any understanding.

 Has anyone noticed how quickly this year is moving forward, it seems like only yesterday that we were all shouting "Happy New Year" and yet we are knocking at the door of February already. In many ways, it's a stark reminder of just how short a time we spend on Earth and how much we should value that moment in time that is so precious and yet we all so often treat is so wastefully by not enjoying the moment. Time is the one thing that we cannot replace no matter what. I always justify this by saying to people that the time we spend with our families and especially our children is far more valuable than the money we spend on them, I know as I grew up in a world where I was crying out for attention to which I never got except from my chosen friends and that feeling of emptiness is something that can never be replaced in later life. It has a lengthy and lasting affect in so many ways and depending on how your life and time was spent, defies if your life is filled with positive or negative memories in which to reflect and look back upon. I am often reminded of this with my own children and no matter what time they want with me, I give it as the pain of rejection is something I know all too well and I never want them to feel that no matter what. If there is any advice I can offer parents that I truly believe, it is that no "Play station, Nintendo or any other Video Game" will ever replace the memory of being in the park with your child and a ball. I guarantee it....!! Try it, your children only want your money when they can't get your time.

The Long Cold Winter & 2017

The Cold Is Finally Here

We are well on our way to Christmas and it feels like only yesterday that we were all enjoying the Indian Summer but whilst summer was a long one this year, the change from warm to cold came very quickly and the prediction is for a white Christmas which is always nice and romantic but often a problem for travel and movement of people in the snow and ice.

The Autumn was a very colourful time in the UK and the farms as always were so busy gathering up the wheat, barley and hay for the winter. I spent much of the summer up at the farm and as always, many hands make light work although it always provides the ground rules for a good night sleep too after a hard day loading and carrying hay. The fields this week are showing all the signs of frost and cold as the Northern Wind blows in a fresh breeze the we describe as biting because of the severe cold. Many of the cattle both sheep and dairy are ready to come inside for a respite from the wind and soon the cows will be in for the winter and long days doing nothing.

November is a time for remembrance in the UK and the whole country falls silent at 11.00 am on the 11th day of the 11th month as a mark of respect for the fallen hero's of both world wars and on the right, you will see a small tribute to our very own Dambusters who practiced their run in the Derwent Valley in Derbyshire which is on the Sheffield border and the fly past as a mark of history was a special moment.

The Christmas build up started early this year and my thoughts a far away with a very dear friend to whom I hope to be united with very soon and whilst I don't want to wish my life away, I do wish the clock would move on a little faster so we can meet up and catch up on some lost time. Looking back over 2017 is a reminder of just how many people we lost from our lives both famous and personal to ourselves and the loss to the celebrity world has left many empty seats from both the acting and music world and a fitting reminder that we are only here for a short time and every moment is precious in so many ways. I always say we should live each day as if it were our last and treasure the moment.

I want to leave this post on a little lighter note with a reminder that Christmas is nearer and the stock has arrived at the farm ready for the big day. I named the guy on the left "Fred" although the experts will tell you it's a female but whilst everyone is getting excited for the bid day, I'm pretty sure this guy is in no mood to celebrate. I will leave it for now that I (Peter Hulbert) wish you all a very pleasant Christmas and lets all look forward to a good start to 2018 for all. The time of Christmas is a magical one for many, especially children who become very excited about the prospect of Santa visiting on his sledge pulled along by Rudolf and carrying lots of good things for children to enjoy and appreciate into the new year and beyond. For me, I simply look forward being around nice people who appreciate kindness and sharing and whilst it is a bit too much to expect, I would hope my Daughter might want to see me but alas I am learning that the black sheep is only welcome when needed but rarely wanted. When I look around the world at the poverty and starvation, I find it quite vulgar just how much the western world shows such little value toward the huge waste and expense of Christmas when there are children who would be grateful for a drink of clean water on Christmas morning but sadly it is the way of the world and no one ever said the world was a fair place to live.

I am expecting 2018 to be an eventful time with many changes and much progress in which to build some serious foundations and turn a corner. The farm is busy and I do not need to spend as much time there any more and as the stock comes and goes, the preparation is for March and lambing season when the hopeful start of an early spring might bring a good season of new lamb and allow the dairy and beef to stretch there legs and enjoy the sun. Most people around that time will be looking toward summer holidays and we will be hopeful and a warm season through both March & April and heading for stock sales in May through to July. I posted the picture to the right as it often sums up just how I feel and whilst life is a lonesome place, sometimes we just have to keep going. Sadly, 2017 saw too many famous people leave our lives and for me, the gap I miss the most was the music and memories of George Michael who was such a talent and huge loss to the music world. for those who wish to see or follow the daily nonesence as it happens, please feel free to follow us directly at www.peterhulbert.club and we will always welcome you on board.

11th December 2017
It's certainly took a change toward the severe winter in time for Christmas here in God's Own Country. Winter came with a vengeance over the weekend with plenty of snow to keep the streets looking like a place for Santa to park his sledge in safety. There have been many accidents on the roads but as I always say, "The only thing that has changed is the weather" and for some reason, people assume that driving at high speed in the snow and ice is fine.........until they come to a sudden and painful stop..!! Just set of 5 minuets earlier and drive slower and you might discover that the car survives the winter in one piece and your life remains stress free but it's rather like talking to the wall in many cases but I do love seeing the speed freaks who pass me at 70 mph rebuilding a tree 5 miles down the road when I pass them with a smile on my face. Brains not brawn is required, similar to the tortoise and the hare and we all know who won that race. Please just spare a thought for safety, the grave yard is littered with heroes and the scrap yard is full of the mistakes.

For those who are not quite sure just how much snow is a lot, the picture to the right is more than enough snow for most folk but here in God's Own Country, I would say that when it's this deep, it's time to put away the shorts and start thinking about wearing a long sleeved shirt in the county where Men are Men and hairy chests are the fashion and that includes the Men......!! I have no updates from the farm as I have not been up there this week but what I can say is the sound of gobbling turkey was silenced last week and maybe that is why I didn't pop over this week. I know it's the reality but I still find it difficult for some reason. Maybe next year will let you all pick one to save and all the money raised we could give to the local animal rescue center or something similar along the good cause avenue.

18th December 2018
Today was one of those beautiful bright blue skies and typical winter days in which the air is cold but so fresh and still and as such, a walk in the country was on the top of my list today and as I always enjoy the scenery where the famous "RAF 617 Squadron" (Dambusters) undertook their training, the order of the day was to head for the valley and reservoir on the Derwent valley.

As you will see in the background, there was snow on the hills and ice on the ground but this allows for the sense of winter and charm of the fresh air. Along the walk today, I met with a professional video surveillance and photographic team and spent a while learning how they capture true quality pictures & video from as far away as 7 miles and I found it truly interesting. As many people know, Peter Hulbert has a passion for photography and this takes another step up the ladder to which I may look into in the near future. Whilst I was not alone today, there were so few people about that the silence was deafening at times and I only saw 3 people in 2 hours which was akin to Heaven. The pictures to the right were only taken from my phone but they give a good indication of just how pretty the lake was today with it's mirror finish and sound of ducks in the distance, it was quite a spectacle to see and in the very far distance, the snow capped hills gave it a look of Switzerland in spring time. The world famous Dambusters chose the Derwent Valley because of is many similar features to the target they were due to attack in Germany and whilst Ladybower was not the reservoir they practiced the dummy attacks upon, it was used as the fly over from the Dam above which was where they released the non armed bouncing bomb.

The bridge to the far end of the lake is quite a land mark and feature of this wonderful reservoir and recently featured on TV as a memory of it's past, to which underneath the area around the bridge, is a submerged village which was flooded to allow for the positioning of the lake and on occasions such as drought or as I myself remember a few years ago when a maintenance team needed to inspect the lake, the reservoir level was lowered and at that unique time, one was able to see the village as it poked through the surface of the water one last time as a reminder of it's past. It was a strange sight if not a little eerie in some way. My distant memories of the lake are of about 30 years ago when I spent the day fishing with my old friend and fly fishing expert "Jack Charlton" whom at the time was the manager at Sheffield Wednesday and as this was a mid week fishing day, we agreed to meet on the Saturday at the Lady Bower Dam Hotel for a beer before he went off to the match. Ironically, we met a few weeks later at Filey Riggs where we sat for most of the day catching very little. Today, Jack casts his fly mostly in the River Tweed and I see very little of him.

24th December 2017
I never expected or planned to be writing any updates to this blogg in regards to the life and antics of one Mr Peter Hulbert on the eve of Christmas but one has to do what one has to do and as I'm not really doing anything right now, then this signaled the right time to sit and write a few words of mainly thanks to all of my friends and family who supported and guided me through 2017 and got me to this point in my life. It's true that there are many things planned for 2018 and all are very exciting and whilst I would love to share them with you, I'm reliably informed that I need to keep them under wraps for now but soon you will see a burst of excitement and at the time most appropriate, I will share the planned events and news with you all.

Christmas is truly a special time for most people and whilst I missed out on a few memorable times with my loved ones, I'm looking forward to a change in fortune that will make up for this in 2018 and whilst one can never replace those times and precious moments, I will try harder than ever to improve as a person in the new year and hopefully this will reflect the outcome in the end. Today, I sit alone and miss certain people both near and far so much, all that I wish is that my sacrifice is not gone in vein and they have a wonderful time where ever they are or whatever they are doing. Life is too short and I am a great believer that we should live each day as if it were our last one on earth and not look back in anger or regret.
It's been quite an eventful year and looking back at the many people to whom we lost in 2017 seems to be endless and often departed this world far to early, which left a space in our hearts that quite simply will never be replaced for whatever reason. I am not going to name anyone in regards to this as it's disrespectful but suffice to say there are many people whom I would give anything to be with right now and spend some time with that sadly are no longer here and are greatly missed by so many. Our short burst of snow appears to have gone for now but as winter has only just officially arrived, one must never assume it has gone for good as January, February & even March have often provided a blanket of snow to remind us all that the weather is in control in many ways but I'm pleased to say that great miles stone of the 21st December which is the longest night and shortest day in the Northern Hemisphere has passed us by and from now on, the days become longer and summer is on it's way, so all I can say is "Back on your heads Australia as it's our turn to have the sun". I wish to send my very best wishes to my friends in Australia, New Zealand, & Philippines whom I send my love to you all. 

Whilst we managed to miss the snow this weekend which caused problems for Santa, we are expected to take a serious drop in temperature over the next few days and while it always looks so good on a post card, the one thing you rarely want is the disruption that is caused when drivers ignore the logic of slowing down but instead show a complete disregard for common sense and speed up. This type of behavior often results in a bad end by accident or even worse, injury but all too often the innocent driver is affected by this madness by being involved in said accident of caught up in the delays caused by the accident and my logic always says "who gained what"from this type of stupidity and actions of the reckless. Please think in front and prepare for your journey in times of bad weather, please set off earlier and expect the unexpected and prepare for the worst and hope for the best and if we all slow down, we might just reach the other end on time and in one piece and with the added bonus of no insurance claims to deal with or accident repair garages to negotiate and argue with well into the new year. Better to keep the car we have in one piece that to collect the bits and hope they can be repaired which as we all know, is in itself a major inconvenience which if we admit it to ourselves, could well have been avoided by slowing down. Please stay safe and enjoy your Christmas and hopefully I will see you here in the New Year in the world and life of Peter Hulbert and his antics.

29th December 2017
It's just 48 hours to go for the UK to the count down to the New Year and whilst we have quite a time to wait, we all too often get absorbed in watching the other countries launch there New Year ahead of us and enjoy the spectacle and splendor of their excitement with just as much as our own New Year had started. I'm not one for looking back in a remorseful way but it has been a year of events both happy and sad and I pray that 2018 is a year of rejoice and happiness around the world and a lesson that war resolves nothing but peace brings people together.

 The world has many news channels and there is never a day goes by when we are not reminded of starvation and poverty somewhere in the world that is not associated or connected either directly or indirectly from war and whilst my heart bleeds for these people, I always ask myself why they have money for guns but not for food, why do they have children they can't feed and why do the Politicians always have a very large car and belly while the nation starves ?. There is something sick and morally wrong with the world that allows this on mass and we all have our differences and share our own space on the same planet no matter what your thought process is. When I breath out, that air passes to others and it goes around the world in the end and it's time we learned to work our differences out without fighting and war. I am a great believer that laughter has no boundary or border and while comedy has different levels, a laughter anywhere usually has a knock on affect to others where we all finish up laughing and I vote to ban wars and tell more jokes. I do hope that the world reflects one day and accepts that the only fight we should have on planet earth is a joint force to save our planet and pool our resources to do so. It would be a great turning point in history to think we left our planet in a better state when we left it than when we acquired it and that the future of our species went on protecting and preserving it for future generations to come.

31st December 2017

The countdown has started, the Fat Guy with the Big Red Coat has done his yearly task and now we are all getting excited that the end of 2017 is finally here and a whole new era and start to an exciting time is finally arriving and the anticipated 2018 is about to start with a variety of celebrations around the world. For the world of Peter Hulbert, it is always an exciting time filled with opportunity and hope that the new year is a step up and improvement over the last one.
For me, I have no plans except to stay up as I do every year and have a glass of whiskey at 12.00 to celebrate. I hope that next year I am with my future wife and my daughter to enjoy the moment together. For many around the world, the extremes are worlds apart and as diverse as it gets, from pure wealth of enjoyment on a private yacht drinking champagne to trying to keep warm inside a cardboard box that is called home. Sometimes, I think the world is so crazy with it's wealth when there is always enough to go round. In this day and age, there is no justifiable reason why people should not have a home or place to call home, where they live in safety and peace. Lets all wish for a better 2018 in which to learn from the mistakes made in 2017 and if we all just do one good deed for someone else in 2018, in our hearts we can feel some sense of kindness and fulfillment that will last our whole lives through.
I will be enjoying 2 New Years this year as I did in 2016/17 when I shared the moment with someone special who is 8 hours ahead of me and will be celebrating 12.00 at my 16.00 and the noise I get from that hour on the phone is amazing as they go quite crazy in that part of the world. Later, they link back up with me and share my New Year which is their morning 8.00 am and we both enjoy two special moments that is so precious to us both. For now, I will leave it quite simply that I wish you all a very safe night wherever you are in the world and sending you all my very best wishes for the New Year ahead and hoping that all of your dreams come true.