Brass Monkeys by judithg

Brass Monkeys

I had to collect some contact lenses for Adam today and so I thought I'd multitask and take Monty over to the Gog Magogs for a walk. Why I thought heading to our only bit of altitude (yes I know - for many of you 75m is considered sea level) was a good idea I don't know. It was flipping freezing even with so many layers I could hardly move my arms. And I thought I'd taken some good pics but I keep tossing them out of PicMonkey in frustration. I tried taking several 'sheep in snow' shots but they said that they don't get out of bed for anybody less than @fueast.
There is quite a bit of controversy about the phrase `'cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey" but in deference to my sea-faring ancestors I'm going with the theory that it is a reference to the way cannon balls were stacked in pyramids on top of brass squares known as monkeys - in very cold weather the brass would contract enough to force the iron cannon balls out of the frame.
Three good things:
1. I've cleaned half of the house.
2. I don't have to venture out again this evening.
3. I still can't seem to 'see' the pile of Christmas cards that needs writing...
And Happy Birthday dad!

Well that's interesting about brass monkeys! I can go with good thing no 3 well maybe 1 & 2 as well! Your pic is a great 'cold image'.
December 6th, 2012  
I know what you mean by the Christmas cards as I can't seem to get started on mine either. Nice cold scene though
December 6th, 2012  
Brrr! And a good laugh at your story
December 6th, 2012  
Snow! Am rather jealous of your winters hike. I wish I'd joined you. Had a terrible day at work and the sheep mentioned you'd been stalking them. I think you should post one of your efforts.
December 6th, 2012  
For the first time I am not sending buying presents (except for me) and have got some cards made with my photo so now I shall enjoy writing in the cards to all! Gorgeous snow picture!
December 6th, 2012  
Loving the banter going on between you and @fuest! This is a perfect winter scene, makes me feel cold just looking at it.... And I sympathise with you in the cold this morning as I was out there too!
December 6th, 2012  
I love it!
And I never knew why we referred to monkey balls, and now I do! Thank you, Judith. Still laughing......and I needed that.
December 6th, 2012  
@jackie8 Its a Preston thing...
December 6th, 2012  
I agree with you about the origins of the brass monkey saying, and wasn't just that this morning - brrr. Ohhh I wish I had half a clean house!
December 6th, 2012  
Great photo, loved the commentary! Your weather just made ours seem downright tropical!
December 6th, 2012  
@fueast Started off great and then suddenly I'd had enough! Sheep not up to standard - lots of long grassy stuff amongst the snow that spoiled them.
December 6th, 2012  
@judithg Well you might need to toughen up to get snowy sheep. Btw why wasn't Adam at school?
December 6th, 2012  
nice landscape, and very interesting about the brass monkeys, doesn't have the same ring anymore LOL
December 6th, 2012  
@fueast He was - I just had to collect the lenses - he was surplus to requirements. I did try to get him to go and pick them up but some boring old thing about Geography coursework at lunchtime....
December 6th, 2012  
@judithg Oh ok I've re read!! I'm always mixing up Adam and Monty but usually only when they misbehave!
December 6th, 2012  
@judithg Ok then maybe you took monty for a walk and not Adam?
December 6th, 2012  
Yes it has been a bitterly cold day here , I liked reading the information about the brass monkey's. Happy birthday to your dad Judith
December 6th, 2012  
ooh chilly, it's warmer up norf
December 6th, 2012  
@fueast Quite right & count me in too!!!!!
December 6th, 2012  
@rich57 Have you been outside today?
December 6th, 2012  
Well I have done the sheep thing & Harry has been cleaning upstairs plus I am opting out of cards this year so all is well with the world! Perfect little miniature trees in a row & not a sheep or foot print in sight!!! I am surprised how much snow you have & so interesting re the brass monkey thing!
December 6th, 2012  
@happypat There was quite a bit more over there - very slightly further south and a tiny bit of elevation = an extra inch!
December 6th, 2012  
@fueast well not really, been stuck in the office all day, but it's definitely not snowing is it?
December 6th, 2012  
@rich57 NO but its cold and icy!
December 6th, 2012  
Lovely cold pastels. Even the hike up the hill didn't warm you?!?!
December 6th, 2012  
@rich57 @fueast Well I bet we were colder - our winds come uninterrupted from the Urals.
December 6th, 2012  
@bpaquette Going up was alright Barbara - over the other side was perishing!
December 6th, 2012  
My dad always said that the high points in Nottingham had the winds straight from the Urals. Funny, you're the only other person I've heard say it :)
It's still pretty mild here, I'm so surprised the UK is getting so much cold weather already, but the forecast is not looking good for us.
December 7th, 2012  
@anron Adam's headmaster predicted it because of the Gulf Stream being so far South. It's raining now turning to sleet/snow - going to be interesting underfoot tomorrow.
December 7th, 2012  
@judithg That sounds about right. Be careful out there.
December 7th, 2012  
This makes me shiver. I've looked hard but still can't see any sheep!!! They must have more sense! It was my day to make soup for our church lunch club, so I spent most of the day in the warm, with a nice bowl of soup to finish.
December 7th, 2012  
That sky looks full of more snow! Only seen it on the mountains (20 or so miles away). And thank you for the lesson on brass monkeys! Interesting.
December 7th, 2012  
Wonderful view and the scene looks really wintery.
December 7th, 2012  
You've really captured the cold!
December 7th, 2012  
I don't know what a Gog, is but cool shot
December 7th, 2012  
@sarasdadandmom He's a giant!
December 7th, 2012  
@mejbronant I thought it would snow again but we've had very cold rain all night instead :0/
December 7th, 2012  
Fantastic capture. Love the tones.
December 7th, 2012  
I can feel the cold! Well captured icy tones in the winter sky and landscape. Brrrr! Winter hasn't really put in an appearance here yet. I'm living the cold weather vicariously through 365. That works just fine for me. :)
December 7th, 2012  
thanks for the info about brass monkeys, and bbbbrrr at least it's slightly warmer here! x
December 7th, 2012  
I totally love the look of this photo. There is a very modern feel to the composition and the colors. Me likey lots.
December 7th, 2012  
@meisen325 Yeah thanks Monica - modern - I like that!
December 7th, 2012  
judith, I like the slight red orange tint in the sky...I can see it can't I ??? A shared bottle of Rioja on a Friday night sometimes clouds my judgement !!!
December 7th, 2012  
The only thing I can say to your explanation is yeah right ;). I love the pink hue in this shot!
December 7th, 2012  
Really cool shot!
December 8th, 2012  
Oh goodness. It looks beautiful, but I bet it's cold. I was shocked by how cold Cambridge was when I was there. Much colder than London.
December 10th, 2012  
Lovely shot although this looks really cold xx
December 10th, 2012  
That looks chilly
December 12th, 2012  
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