Friday 11 September 2009

Another Castle - I've Got So Many, Ho Hum...

You know, of course, that the film director, Alfie Hitchcock, liked to appear at some point in his movies. So why not me? I am the producer, director, sound engineer, camera operator and narrator. This, however, is not likely to catch on in my case. I don't do mysteries. Not deliberately anyway! This little Flip Ultra video thing is so cheap and cheerful. It is easy to use and edit. OK, the definition is way below ideal - but good enough for the occasional amateur user. The novelty will wear off I suppose. Being a bloke, I'm a bit of a mug for gadgets and gizmos. Keeps me happy, as my missus would say, for about nine days. Perhaps I should call this blog The Chronicles of a Nine Day Wonder Bloke. What'dya think.

This short video is part of the extensive garden centre at Floors.

14 comments:

Land of shimp said...

There you are! Quite distinguished and handsome, too :-) Philip, you really do just have the most pleasantly pitched voice, it isn't the accent, I'm sort of immune to accents, you really have a love timbre to your voice.

Plus, excellent taste in artwork ;-) We have the same Mad Dogs painting by Jack...Vetriano (sp? I should know, he was once a Scottish coal miner) as well as the ultra popular Singing Butler.

As usual, just such lovely surroundings and a true pleasure to witness. Thank you for sharing them. I, for one, am darned grateful that you got your new toy! It's made for a lot of enjoyment for me.

Plus, it keeps you out of your wife's hair ;-) There's another possible blog name, Nine Days Out of the Wife's Hair!

Land of shimp said...

Lovely, not love. Jeez. Typos, get your typos here! Fresh from the keyboard, going fast!

Lynn said...

Lovely, lovely garden. I wonder if there are honeybees flying around?

ToBlog today said...

Mystery or not, it was delightful to watch your short documentary. I like that the lady you came upon gave you such a nice greeting. Added an unexpected surprise. Perhaps you do have a mystery after all, who was she I wonder...

Cliff W said...

Wasn't that Gymnopedie playing in the background? - very tasteful. Film editing will be another skill to add to your long list of credentials.

I've tried with limited success to upload "Flight of the Bumblebee" (Rimsky-Korsakov) onto my beekeeping blog!

Full marks for going front of stage anyhow. We await the next episode with bated breath or even the odd cameo...

CHummelKornell said...

Philip, What an interesting blog you have. I love the videos. I have dabbled in romance writing and Scotland, Ireland and England are, of course, always the countries of choice. Thanks for sharing such beauty with those of us who may never have the opportunity to actually come experience these places first hand.

Argent said...

I have to agree with Milady of Shimp, you have a lovely speaking voice - I could imagine you with your own late night radio show, playing the classics and murmuring into the microphone. What a gorgeous day to be out and about in such fine surroundings. I'm starting to think I might like one of the flip thingies now. Perhaps the blog should be Nine Days of Cecil B deHarfleet.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for the glimpses! Very cool. And I too like your narration.

PhilipH said...

Alane: Thanks very much; you are far too kind. My favourite Jack Vettriano painting is the one obscured by my (big) head: "In Thoughts of You", showing a woman just sitting in a window in, I think, New York. Jack V's work is not to everybody's taste (especially art 'experts'); I think envy may have something to do with it.
Lynn: There are certainly plenty of bees, hover flies and butterflies in this garden, but not sure if they are honeybees. Plenty of food for them all though.
Angelina: Welcome, and thanks for popping in. The lady who passed by was just visiting the gardens. She was not the Duchess of Roxburgh otherwise I would have had to tug the forelock respecfully and simply saying: "Good morrow, your Grace".
Cliff: Yes, I like Erik Satie's works and the Gymnopodies and Gnoisiennes are especial favs.
CHK: Thank you. I was most impressed by your beautiful painting. I loved the blend of colours even though it seems you were not 100% satisfied.
Argent (or Silver as I've named you!): Your generous comment is appreciated. However, I think Philip de Mickey Mouse might be the highest I could aim for.;-)
Jason: Hi, and thanks. That's a great poetic picture you paint.

Goodnight and blessings to all.

Monkey Man said...

Tell me...do most of the castles have public access for tours or viewing or is it by invitation or appointment only? Love the combination of video and writing.

the walking man said...

Philip...I truly am enamored of the new video series. Much better than static pictures.

You know you may try for a children's television show. I'd watch.

PhilipH said...

Hi MM. The vast majority of castles and stately homes are open to the public from around Easter to September. Charges vary per person, averaging around £6.50 or so I'd guess. Most will also be pleased to open at any time in the year for a group visit, by appointment. These old piles cost a lot of dosh to maintain and so they are all only too pleased to get visitors - the income helps to keep the places going.

G'day Mark. I'm making some use of my new toy video gadget. It's called 'Flip' - and if you say my name quickly it sounds a bit like the video name.

Cheers, Flip!

Pauline said...

that was fun! please do more!

Derik said...

I say go for it. And there's no reason not to get excited about technology--I mean, where would we be?