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JohnS

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  1. JohnS
    Many thanks taxi4ballet. Not as intimidating when seen in profile (and on one leg) - at least to me if not for the song birds. Caught a fascinating description on Radio 4 of a kingfisher successfully evading a sparrowhawk.
  2. JohnS
    Sparrowhawk - yesterday’s visitor. Seemed content to sit on the fence for some time. Needless to say the smaller birds disappeared.
  3. JohnS
    That explains comments about audience members finding themselves caught up in the 10:00 exit from pubs and packed tube trains on their way home when I’d assumed the performance ended at 10:30.
  4. JohnS
    I know you said not to ask but I’m intrigued. Does the curtain fall with Aurora still asleep? No happy ending? Or does the Prince find someone else? Very pleased to hear how well the remote orchestra worked.
  5. JohnS
    I quite agree Jan. It’s great that screening allows us to delight in performance and feel a part of an extended audience. I know screening is not the same as attending but it certainly feels like the next best thing. Many would be audience members are wary of the risks of travel, overnight stays, and attending the theatre, given Covid and perhaps underlying health conditions. So I’m certainly looking forward to further screenings. And wasn’t it just fabulous to see live ballet, that edge of seat excitement/trepidation, with an audience in the theatre, and performances to match the occasion.
  6. JohnS
    Fabulous bouquets - do hope it’s ok to post this:
  7. JohnS
    It’s always good to see the squirrels at the feeders but there’s something very special when seeing a red in the wild. I was very fortunate this afternoon in Jonny Wood, Borrowdale:
  8. JohnS
    Always a pleasure Fiz. I spent 15 minutes watching the one red. Must have been preening for 10 minutes and then decided it was time for a snack. Probably thought I could have done with a wash and brush up.
  9. JohnS
    As it’s red squirrel awareness week ending today, I thought I should share a couple of photos from this afternoon:
  10. JohnS
    Still struggling sometimes with photo size so here’s the stag with five deer. And a more familiar local on the fells. But very sad to hear of the fall in numbers of herdwick sheep, proper Lake District sheep. Fleeces are sometimes used for footpath repairs work in wet areas as a foundation although I doubt it provides much cash.
  11. JohnS
    Rather taken with this stag on Sunday’s walk: I’d seen a stag in the morning high above Thirlmere but then managed this photo in the afternoon just below Low Saddle (rather apt), on the way from Ullscarf to Dock Tarn. I then saw he was minding at least five deer. A first for me seeing red deer in this part of the Lake District.
  12. JohnS
    Fabulous and deeply moving. Another truly great programme from John Bridcut after last year’s Janet Baker: In her own words. Wonderful to have so much of Meistersinger, bringing back memories of what was as close to perfection in opera as I’ve experienced and some the finest performances in the Royal Opera House. A fitting tribute to Bernard Haitink, peerless musician yet so modest, and good to hear so much from him. His humanity simply radiates. I shall look forward to seeing this again, many times. I do hope the next Chairman of the BBC sees both these programmes as they show the BBC at its finest.
  13. JohnS
    One ‘Theatre’ always open although restricted to locals in lockdown. Here’s ‘Dress Circle’ opposite Napes Needle on Great Gable, with my rucksack bagging my seat (bottom left). Best seats for seeing climbers on top of the Needle or walkers ‘threading the Needle’ - scrambling up one side to the eye and down the other. Better detail from Row D?
  14. JohnS
    I do think Laura Morera was wonderful as Green and wouldn’t want to miss her from your list of women dancers. It’s a complex role where at times she seems to be cold shouldered by potential partners but she shrugs off any slight and dances with such elan. Her timing is exquisite and her expression shows what a fabulous character dancer she is.
  15. JohnS
    Agreed ninamargaret and bridiem . Exuberant and achingly poignant. And when will we next be able to see five couples or be a part of such a group?
  16. JohnS
    Yes 7pm - pure bliss ... and so much needed in these troubled times.
  17. JohnS
    Good to hear Kevin O’Hare interviewed by Sarah Montague. I thought he said they were looking at a maximum 950 audience capacity if all goes well with initial pilots.
  18. JohnS
    Red squirrels and nuthatches in a friend’s wood In Nether Wasdale the other day. The wood was overrun with rhododendrons but after 8 years the red squirrels have made a welcome appearance and seem completely unphased by our rhodo-bashing. Reds and nuthatches are happy to break social distancing with us at least but can be a bit aggressive to each other. Fortunate I don’t think reds and nuthatches (and many other birds) yet count under ‘mingling’ restrictions.
  19. JohnS
    Goodness - I know we often have off stage musicians but I’d never thought the entire orchestra/chorus would be off stage. I assume the conductor is with the orchestra and an assistant cues singers?
  20. JohnS
    Are people able to form theatre ‘bubbles’ in light of the difficulties of booking single seats - I do appreciate that some singles may not be wishing to take such risks?
  21. JohnS
    Perhaps the ROH would revisit its pricing and whether seats would still be ‘restricted’.
  22. JohnS

    Room 101

    JohnS replied to taxi4ballet's topic in Not Dance

    I have to say that whilst I pick up litter when out walking and will often fill my rubbish bag with orange peel, banana skins and other detritus, I draw the line at dog waste/used tissues, unless on an organised and equipped litter pick. I put something about littering on a walking Facebook site and was pleased to see the support. I’m hoping that enforcement authorities will take action. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1443502369240434/permalink/2738068236450501/ Sorry about the dog waste and crowds Kate. I did a similar walk on August Bank Holiday Saturday, setting off early, and Cat Bells was a continual procession at 9:30, fortunately when I was heading down. Complete contrast on the Sunday when I didn’t pass anyone for the first 5 hours when on Bessyboot/Rosthwaite Fell until getting to the main Glaramara path and then only a few people.
  23. JohnS

    Room 101

    JohnS replied to taxi4ballet's topic in Not Dance

    Very good of you to try to get the owners to clear up Jan. If you had your camera would you take photos and contact the appropriate local council? I’m despairing of the littering/dog waste problems and can’t help thinking well publicised prosecutions are required but councils are stretched and don’t have the resources to collect evidence. Jonny Wood, Borrowdale, historic wood with ancient walls. But left pillar spoiled by dog waste bag. No sign of dog and owners so didn’t have the quandary of calling them out or taking photos.
  24. JohnS
    Rather a wet week last week but Sunday afternoon was good with red squirrels in Dodd wood. Action photo. Success.
  25. JohnS

    Room 101

    JohnS replied to taxi4ballet's topic in Not Dance

    Close contact for potentially being infected by someone with COVID includes: close face to face contact (under 1 metre) for any length of time – including talking to them or coughing on them being within 1 to 2 metres of each other for more than 15 minutes – including travelling in a small vehicle https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/self-isolation-and-treatment/when-to-self-isolate-and-what-to-do/
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