Dad's artwork

some of my father's artwork

My father was always very self deprecating about his artwork, I always thought it was rather sad that he often seemed quicker to point out what he perceived to be faults with his work than take pleasure from the beautiful images he created.

Having said that, I know that it made him very happy that we all loved his art.
The painting above is among the last of the pieces he created, in fact, he never got around to finishing it, but I think it stands as a beautiful piece in it's unfinished form.

I wanted to share some of his art with anyone that would get pleasure in seeing it, but rather than overloading my blog with lots of images at once, I will ad a 'painting of the week' over the next month or so.

If anyone is impatient to see more, or would like to have a print etc of any of the images I post, clicking the link will take you to my website, Dad's pictures are in 'Geoff's gallery' in the artwork section.

This design has been very popular already, Dad would have been amazed that other people would want to own things with his artwork on them, I'm not surprised by that at all

Welcome back, M and P Direct

A little late posting this as MandP Direct opened their new, hugely improved shop/warehouse full of bikes and accessories a few weeks ago now.

M and P  are one of the biggest mail order bike parts and accessories companies in europe with a large shop in Swansea.
Actually, it isn't just a shop, it's very much a meeting place for local bikers and also incorporates a good cafe-well worth a visit.

The old M and P shop burnt to the ground a little over a year ago now, and bikers in the Swansea area have been impatiently awaiting the opening of the new premises.

I'm happy to say the new place looks good, the range of goodies available seems to have broadened and the quality of service is as good as ever.
Best of luck with the new, improved M and P direct, and I hope we will see more for American bikes here in the future.

To check out their website, click here: M and P Direct

Dudley Perkins Harley Davidson

Today, I thought I'd talk a little about the best Harley davidson dealership I have found so far.
That would, of course, be Dudley Perkins Company in South San Francisco (click on the name to visit their website)
Now, we live roughly six thousand miles away from this shop, but we make a point of getting our Harley parts from here whenever possible, and we ALWAYS stop by the shop when we are in San Francisco.

It's like a cross between a Harley dealership and a museum, and is well worth a visit just to check out the ancient iron on display.
This is a real family affair, currently into it's fourth generation and has been around since 1914-this shop has HISTORY!
you don't stay in business that long without doing it right.
Aside from that, the people are great, service is excellent, the staff knowledgeable, the owner and manager  happy to take time out just to chat and everyone that works there seems genuinely about the bikes. (and what a refreshing change that all is!)

If you ride bikes and live in the bay area, this wont be news, if you're visiting, make some time between visiting Alcatraz, Fisherman's Wharf, riding the cable cars etc and take a trip out there

New Welsh dragon flag design

My latest design, featuring the Welsh flag resplendant with it's famous dragon, done with a little twist!
products include calenders, stationary, clothing, drinkware, cards etc and are available by clicking on this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/SidecarJonsOnlineEmporium

living with dogs

We share our home with two 'rescue' dogs, Charlie the Greyhound and Tinker the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
Today I came home to carnage, between them they had got into the fruit supplies, the floor throughout the house had the remains of blueberries, raspberries, avocados and bananas strewn across it.

Well, I couldn't let them get away with such unruly behaviour, a punishment was clearly called for.
After due consideration, the answer came in a rare flash of brilliance.
I took their dog food, biscuits and other treats and dumped them all out on the floor.
Ha, see how THEY like it, that'll learn 'em!

Harvards and Dad

A beautiful sunny day today, so the children, the dog and I went for a long walk on the downs.
We sat to admire the view and I was remembering dad when out of the blue (quite literally) a Harvard flew overhead, circled us once and went on its way.
Dad learned to fly in Harvards (amongst others) during world war two.
Just one of those moments

San Francisco- the best place in the world?

Telegraph Hill

Me, I really dont like cities, London?, hate it, Cairo, despise it and so it goes on.

I am not a city person.

So why could it be that of all the places I have seen in the world San Francisco is the place I love more than any other?

There are many reasons to love San Francisco, the architecture, both man made and natural, complimenting each other rather than battling for space (just look at the redwood grove surrounding the Transamerica pyramid to see what I mean)

 The art, oh my, the art, every where you look there is an expression of someone's ideas in paint, sculpture, music and so much more, such a creative place I have never known

 The food (why there aren't more fat 'Friscans I shall never know, I swear I could eat an amazing meal in a different place three times a day for five years at least!)

The open spaces, so many parks, there are even gardens in the sky, overhanging balconies of the skyscrapers

The people, never have I felt so welcomed in a place that is so new to me, the people are nothing short of amazing, everyone, it seems has time to chat, everyone is pleased to meet you and there is so much , well, LIFE about the city.

Tony Bennett once sang about leaving his heart in San Francisco, and I suspect that countless others feel the same way.

'You know its going to be a good day when you wake up in San Francisco'- one of my favourite quotes, was it Herb Caen that said it?, I'm not too sure, but it's always stuck with me.

 This is the place I was brought to by the love of my life, this we share, just the two of us and we will never stop coming back here, one day, to settle.

For these and so many more reasons, I think San Francisco will always be my favourite place on this planet.

Our beloved Harley Davidson Road King is for sale (located in Wales)

here she is, our beautiful Road King, she has never let us down and we love her dearly, but alas, she has to go!
She's a 2007 model which has benefitted from the addition of a Hyper Charger and vance and Hines pipes (all professionally set up on a dynamometer by Mayor's Motorcycles)
It also has a complete quick detach touring kit including two different rear racks, a tour pack, two different sized screens(standard and extra tall) and clib on leg shields(not that we ever need them,  it never ever rains here in wales,  ahem, coff)

the handlebars have also been swapped, all the wiring now runs through them and it has been fitted with replacement stainless control lines etc.

It's not showroom mint, it gets used all year round, but it is very, very good, only one owner before us and has been professionally serviced using good quality components (eg Lucas OIl)

She's only covered seventeen thousand miles, and could be yours more ten and a half thousand pounds including a new MOT.

The price ISN'T negotiable, but I might take a much cheaper part ex, be it bike (bmw?, Vmax?, 1200 Bandit?, WHY?) or car(and by car, I mean a PROPER car, Jeep, Cadillac, why?, something INTERESTING!)
oh yes, all the original bits are also included in the sale

Alison's Spiritual Art

Alison's Spiritual Art

here you will find my sister's creations, more things for those inclined toward delicate images, you won't find hot rods or bikes here, but rather  fairies and goddesses and other such things.

there are many pretty things to be found, including beautiful furniture (decorated boxes, mirrors and more) and baby items (mercifully, I'm well passed the time where I need to find baby things!)
Alison is very creative, if you don't see what you want, it's always well worth asking