Cranes towering over Cork City sit idle as the sun sets on a late October day in 2008. I suspect this scene will become more rare as the recession bites.

Fuchsia flowers are really difficult to photograph. You need a macro lens because the flower is so small and a regular lens has trouble focusing so close. The flowers hang down and catch the wind so easily it’s quite a challenge to get a steady shot. Here’s one I shot earlier in Fountainstown, Co Cork…

A few months ago I posted a photo of General Michael Collins on the wall of the Eldon Hotel in Skibereen, Co Cork. That hotel received the “Best Business Premises” award in 1997. Unfortunately it appears they’ve run out of business judging by the state of the exterior.

Reserved spaces for the apartments in Blackpool Shopping Center sit idle. Some are always used but I wonder how many they sold The location is great, but it must be very noisy to live there.

My neighbours decorate their houses with lights and decorations at Christmas time each year. Here’s a few snapshots of their efforts. Happy Christmas! Have a great day today!

Beamish Irish Stout is still on sale in Cork pubs but soon it’ll be brewed by Heineken so if you want the traditional taste, make sure to sample it before the North Main Street South Main Street brewery closes. Shot in the Mutton Lane Inn last weekend. Hopefully you’re either out enjoying yourself or shopping….

Camera straps say so much about you. Mine says “Canon”. What does your strap say? Nikon? Sony? My dad used to shoot with a Pentax SLR for years so I have fond memories of the brand. I’m curious about their DSLRs. Anyone have one?

Some times you just have to post a cliche like a pretty flower, especially in the dead of winter. I’m giving away a free print to two visitors to my blog. Leave a comment on my Carol Singers post to be in with a chance to win!

Carol singers on Patrick’s Street yesterday. It’s nice to see carollers again. It seems they haven’t been out much in previous years but this year I spotted 3 groups dotted around the city streets singing their hearts out. So, yesterday I said that Pat Phelan’s generosity giving away a phone, a 20″ LCD screen and…

Change your life, or else! Please.

Patrick’s Street Cork a few weeks ago.

A woman looks into the Mc Donald’s on Daunt Square in Cork.