Welcome to Planet Usky.... where nothing is real... but everything is true...

You can't beat a good bit of fantasy... it spices up everyone's lives... well it should spice up everyone's lives... in an ideal world...

Someone pass the suspenders please.......

I spotted this growing in Roath Park, Cardiff last summer...

I've absolutely no idea what it is, but I liked it so I photographed it. The thing sort of reminded me of bromeliad, but also in some respects of an orchid, or one of the succulents... I suppose the flower-head must've been getting on for two feet tall.

Quite an amazing thing... so I thought I'd share it.

When Mr. Praline (John Cleese) realises he's been sold a dud he takes it back and complains to shop owner (Michael Palin)... the shop owner does his best to persuade Mr Praline there's nothing wrong, which for me leads to one of the funniest outbursts in Python comedy:

Owner: No no! 'E's pining!

Mr. Praline: 'E's not pinin'! 'E's passed on! This parrot is no more! He has ceased to be! 'E's expired and gone to meet 'is maker! 'E's a stiff! Bereft of life, 'e rests in peace! If you hadn't nailed 'im to the perch 'e'd be pushing up the daisies! 'Is metabolic processes are now 'istory! 'E's off the twig! 'E's kicked the bucket, 'e's shuffled off 'is mortal coil, run down the curtain and joined the bleedin' choir invisibile!! THIS IS AN EX-PARROT!!

Excellent stuff!

I kind of digress though because I really wanted to share this image of pine cones growing on of my local trees with you... in a few short months these little chaps will be huge, full of seeds and potential food for all kinds of animals and birds... except perhaps parrots!

Oh yes, back to Monty Python... you can watch the original Dead Parrot Sketch if you've a mind to.

Hope you're all feeling bright and cheerful this morning? If not, this may help a little... I hope.