Bob Fry
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bobfry.bsky.social
Bob Fry
@bobfry.bsky.social
950 followers 950 following 4.5K posts
Overly fond of oolite, stars, folklore, photography, beetroot, fossils & other old things (& The Fall). All photographs my own, unless stated or reposted.
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bobfry.bsky.social
Here are some paint colours spotted in a local paint store.
Rocky Horse.
Ballet Shoe. Smidgeon.
I have rather dodgy colour vision so I really am not sure what colours these are. Sigh.
A photograph of a sample of Rocky Horse. It seems to be a sort of muddy brown. A photograph of a sample of Ballet Shoe. I guess it’s a sort of vaguely creamy ballet shoe colour. A sample of the colour Smidgeon. I have no idea what colour this is.
November 11, 2025 at 1:58 PM
bobfry.bsky.social
#Folklore The Ankh. No15 from
Lucky Charms,a series of 50 Wills’s Cigarette Cards (from 1923). When I was in my teens there was a fashion for wearing an ankh for a while, before punk did away with all that hippy stuff.
A charm in the form of an ankh (a T shape with a loop set on top). The Ankh, or Crux Ansata. Throughout Egyptian civilisation, which lasted some 6,000 years, charms and talismans played a conspicuous part, both in their religious and civil life. The Ankh, the symbol of life, one of Egypt's most popular and ancient amulets, was supposed to bestow upon the wearer, intelligence, power, and abundance. It was formed by the hieroglyphic RU,O, set on a cross, the loop RU representing a fishes mouth (supposed to give birth to water), and in this form represents the key of the Nile, which inundates the country, fertilizing the land and bringing prosperity. Most of the Egyptian gods are shown holding an Ankh, and their kings always carried one at their coronations.
November 11, 2025 at 7:12 AM
bobfry.bsky.social
#Folklore The Abraxas. no 14 from
Lucky Charms,a series of 50 Wills’s Cigarette Cards (from 1923). A bit of research reveals Abraxas to have been a very commonly used charm with many complex meanings, even more than those suggested by the text.
A charm in the form of a ring set with an intaglio of the figure Of Abraxas. Chicken headed, whip and shield bearing with serpents for legs The Abraxas. Abraxas stones were commonly worn and bighly esteemed in the Roman Empire about the time when Christianity was becoming established there. Much importance was attached to the word Abraxas, ἀβρασάξ in the Greek notation making up the number 365, signifying 365 heavens, occupied by the 365 gods, who according to the Gnostic religion, formed the earth and ruled its destiny. The Abraxas, the curious device Jeo, or Jehovah of the Gnostics, has a fowl's head, signifying watchfulness and foresight; the shield, wisdom; whip, authority; two serpents, mystery, eternity, vitality. These rings were worn as talismans for protection against physical ills. W. D. &H.O.WILLS
November 10, 2025 at 6:24 AM
Reposted by Bob Fry
hwaet.info
"Hear"
Beowulf: A New Translation, 1987
Bernard Felix Huppé 🇺🇸
November 9, 2025 at 9:00 PM
bobfry.bsky.social
The “Summer Triangle”
Deneb & Cygnus at the top, Vega & Lyra on the right & Altair & Aquila at the bottom
November 9, 2025 at 8:41 PM
bobfry.bsky.social
A little Sunday afternoon trip down memory lane.
November 9, 2025 at 3:53 PM
bobfry.bsky.social
#SundayStonework
The lion footrest on the Tomb of Edward II, Gloucester Cathedral.
A sculpture of a lion on the tomb of Edward II. The king’s feet rest on the back of the lion.
November 9, 2025 at 12:09 PM
bobfry.bsky.social
One of those books that repays re-reading. I always find something new every time.
pjrobichaud.bsky.social Paul Robichaud @pjrobichaud.bsky.social · 2d
A very occasional reminder that ‘Pan: the Great God’s Modern Return,’ published by Reaktion Books, is available in paperback through your favorite bookseller.
November 9, 2025 at 11:13 AM
bobfry.bsky.social
10 years ago my pickled ash keys won the Pickles category in the Crown & Sceptre Grand Autumn Pickle Off. I sometimes think that this was my finest ever achievement and it’s all been downhill from then 😉.
November 9, 2025 at 11:08 AM
Reposted by Bob Fry
hwaet.info
"What ho!"
Beowulf, a New Verse Translation for Fireside and Classroom, 1923
William Ellery Leonard 🇬🇧
November 9, 2025 at 3:00 AM
bobfry.bsky.social
#Folklore The ABRACADABRA
No13 from
Lucky Charms,a series of 50 Wills’s Cigarette Cards (from 1923). We have moved on from the Zodiac signs. The remaining lucky charms in the series are rather more interesting. Has anyone tried casting this charm into an eastward flowing stream to remove ague?
A charm in the form of a triangular shape with the words ABRACADABRA BRACADABR RACADAB ACADA CAD A Written within it. The Abracadabra. One of the most famous of all talismans, and used as a magical formula by the Gnostics in Rome for invoking the aid of beneficent spirits against disease, misfortune and death. Sammonicus, the celebrated Gnostic physician; instructed that the letters of this magical triangle which he used for curing agues and fevers, were to be written on paper, folded into the shape of a cross, worn for nine days suspended from the neck, and, before sunrise, cast behind the patient into a stream running eastward. It was also a most popular charm in the Middle Ages. During the Great Plague, 1665, great numbers of these amulets were worn as supposed safeguards against infection.
November 9, 2025 at 7:31 AM
bobfry.bsky.social
Hurrah!
gregorynorminton.bsky.social Gregory Norminton @gregorynorminton.bsky.social · 2d
Headbangers with suspiciously deep coffers: "Oh well, see you again next year."
meadoak.bsky.social Lurking in London @meadoak.bsky.social · 3d
#NationalTrust #NT members have followed the board's recommendations and elected sane candidates to the NT's Council at the 2025 AGM

The right-wing #RestoreTrust candidates were defeated again.
November 8, 2025 at 6:23 PM
bobfry.bsky.social
#PostBoxSaturday
Rodborough Ave, Stroud.
A pedestal ERII stands at the end of a drive on a quiet suburban road. A recycling bin bearing the number 13 is adjacent to it.
November 8, 2025 at 2:14 PM
bobfry.bsky.social
#PostBoxSaturday
A nice ERII, Stroud.
A pedestal postbox stands in front of an ivy topped wall. The road sign BIRCHES DRIVE is to the right of the frame.
November 8, 2025 at 7:22 AM
bobfry.bsky.social
#Folklore Pisces the Fishes. No 12 from
Lucky Charms, a series of 50 Wills’s Cigarette Cards (published 1923). I will be posting one a day. The art is splendid and the information provided is an intriguing 1920s perspective on lucky charms and associated folklore
A charm consisting of two silver fish swimming in opposite directions. Between them is an amethyst. The symbol for Jupiter / tin and the Roman numeral XII are incorporated into the design. Pisces, The Fishes. Twelfth sign of the Zodiac, Feb. 19th to March 20th. Ruled by the planet Jupiter; correct metal, Tin. Those born under the influence of Pisces were believed to be highly emotional, imaginative, observant, artistic. musical, precise and prudent. The gem for Pisces is the Amethyst, whose occult properties were firmly believed in by the ancients. The Egyptians wore these stones as amulets against witchcraft, and for success in their undertakings. The Amethyst is also called "The Bishop's Stone" from its supposed soothing influence, imparting a pious calm in time of danger. The stone was believed to confer happiness on the newly married.
November 8, 2025 at 7:07 AM
Reposted by Bob Fry
hwaet.info
"Lo!"
A translation of the Anglo-Saxon Poem of Beowulf, 1837
John Kemble 🇬🇧
November 8, 2025 at 3:00 AM
Reposted by Bob Fry
taliskimberley.bsky.social
May I never grow too old to be interested in bits of stone & old china that I’ve found in the garden & elsewhere.

#PocketMuseum
#Geology #BlueAndWhiteChina #GardenTreasures
Collection of interesting little stones & a few bits of broken china, one with a blue and white railing that might be from the willow pattern bridge, one saying ‘Albany’, several of the stones show multiple textures together. All are laid out on a dark surface.
November 7, 2025 at 6:03 PM
bobfry.bsky.social
If you are in Stroud, Gloucestershire make sure you catch the last day of the art exhibition at the old police station tomorrow (Sat 8th November. There are many wondrous things to behold. The old police station is on the roundabout at Beeches Green at the junction with the Slad Road.
November 7, 2025 at 9:56 PM
bobfry.bsky.social
When you need to put some distance between you and everything else, play this loudly on your ear buds as you walk around. One of the finest pieces of music ever created.

youtu.be/zndpi8tNZyQ?...
NEU! - Hallogallo
YouTube video by groenlandrecords
youtu.be
November 7, 2025 at 8:29 PM
Reposted by Bob Fry
hwaet.info
"Lo"
Beowulf: A Translation and Commentary, 1926
J.R.R. Tolkien 🇬🇧
November 7, 2025 at 3:00 PM
Reposted by Bob Fry
wihtlore.uk
This 👇
cyreq.uk Cyber Crypt Requiem @cyreq.uk · 3d
I have come to the conclusion that billionaires are saving their money just to be cruel. That is all. They so devoid of any emotion it’s thrill of pushing more people into poverty that is giving them pleasure.

Eat the rich!
November 7, 2025 at 4:05 PM
bobfry.bsky.social
Tonight’s viewing / listening.
radiolento.bsky.social Radio Lento @radiolento.bsky.social · 3d
The waves of Chesil Beach. 🎧

Watch for 90 seconds and if you need more, listen to the full 32 minute episode. 🌊

A tonic for the end of the week (and beyond). 🎧
Waves on Chesil Beach in October
YouTube video by Radio Lento
youtu.be
November 7, 2025 at 8:09 PM
bobfry.bsky.social
Current mood
Captain Kirk covered in a mound of tribbles
November 7, 2025 at 8:08 PM
bobfry.bsky.social
Are you looking for some fine fox/fossil art? Them look no further. @mariastrutz.bsky.social can meet all your needs.
mariastrutz.bsky.social Maria Strutz @mariastrutz.bsky.social · 3d
An autumnal fox wandering through a rosehip thicket.
Painted with black tea, rosehip ink and watercolours.
Also: Spot the micraster echinoid 🤍
#FoxFriday 🦊🐾🌖 #FossilFriday
a fox wandering from right to left slightly at a diagonal and looking back at the viewer, surrounded by rosehips, a fossilized heart shaped sea urchin, Micraster, in front of the fox on their left. Linedrawing, watercolours, rosehip ink, black and white, shades of buff and orange brown red. Maria Strutz
November 7, 2025 at 8:03 PM
Reposted by Bob Fry
christine-lee.bsky.social
I've been a Labour voter for most of my adult life, but they have so lost their way. I voted Lib Dem at the last Election, but I'm not seeing any strong strategies there. It's got to be @greenparty.org.uk. Don't let Reform turn our country into Trumpland. Please listen to @zackpolanski.bsky.social
electionmaps.uk Election Maps UK @electionmaps.uk · 4d
Westminster Voting Intention:

RFM: 33% (+1)
GRN: 18% (+1)
CON: 16% (=)
LAB: 15% (-1)
LDM: 11% (-1)
SNP: 3% (=)

Via @findoutnow.bsky.social, 5-6 Nov.
Changes w/ 29 Oct.
November 7, 2025 at 7:30 PM