Day 16 - Plan B

Big Noise

We were out walking in the fields today, when we came upon an amazing sight.   The sun was behind us as we headed towards the far side of the pasture, and its light was warm and bright.  The large Ash trees looked vibrant, burnt orange seed clusters on mossy green branches, so that they appeared to glow against the dark, angry sky behind.

As we remarked on the glorious colours and the incredible light, a huge buzzard came into view just behind the trees, hounded by a couple of crows.   Even though half the size of the buzzard, the crow are always diligent in chasing him off.   The buzzard treats them as you would a yapping chihuahua...trying to ignore them but occasionally swooping back at them in mild annoyance. 

As this little scene played out the buzzard banked with his pale underside towards us.   With the sun on his belly, and wings spread to a span of 4 feet or more, he shone majestically as he wheeled and banked for a minute or so, before gliding off disdainfully, with crows harassing him all the while. 

Anna excitedly pointed out what a brilliant photo opportunity it was, and I could hardly disagree.  Views of that quality only come along once in a while, and it was perfect for my blog. 

Yeah, I'd forgotten my phone, so had no way of taking a photo.

Bollocks.

Anyway, read my little story above, then close your eyes and imagine it...it won't be half as lovely as it actually was, but you may at least share a little in my disappointment. 

You're welcome. 

So, I had to fall back to Plan B, which was to get a pic of this amazing bit of kit that Anna got for Xmas.   

It's called a Sonos Play 1.

Without going into the technical details, what it does is allow Anna to plug it in anywhere in the house, then send music to it using her phone or iPad.   This music might be on our home network, or a digital radio broadcast over the net, or an mp3 off a smartphone.   

It's very quick and easy to set up, even easier to use (the controller app can run from a phone or iPad or PC - even all three at once), and for a little speaker, it sounds amazing!  

Very loud, great bass response, and overall a full, warm sound.  

Also, it has that reassuring heavier-than-it-looks quality that all good sounds gear needs. 

Fantastic piece of kit - Anna is really pleased and I'm really impressed!