The rape fields are in full bloom, gleaming yellow, and all the little black dots in the sky area are actually insects if you zoom in. 

I received this dear little soy sauce bottle with my sushi snack. I didn’t use it but I have kept it. And the sushi was amazing, it didn’t need any additional flavouring.

Walking at Hamsterley Forest, where they’re serious about their mountain bike trails. They’re graded moderate, difficult and severe. This is a new severe trail. Might have a go when my bikes arrive ha ha!

At Witton Castle. Not a bad place to hold a farmers market. I got some lovely pies, the lamb and sweet potato was exceptional. Also had some fabulous tasters of some local rum and vodka, made by a 5th generation Russian distiller. And all before 10:30an!

On my way to my walk group this morning I saw fields of yellow, and assumed they were rape. But up closer I realized they were dandelions. These flowers are on every verge and grassy area. So beautiful.

Another view of my front window as I love looking out onto the bushes and trees. It’s so quiet here as I wait for the electrician to arrive and put in a smart meter. The roses climbing around the window will bear yellow flowers, my favourite color rose.

Looking out the front window of my new home and wishing they’d take away the ‘for sale’ sign. 

My favourite flowers, English bluebells, are creating blue fragrant carpets throughout the woods. They should be fully open by the end of next week.

Picked up the keys to my house today and found all this alcohol in the freezer! 

I discovered that one of the largest boot fairs in England is on my doorstop, in Seaham. Lovely to walk around while smelling the sea air. Got a fabulous steak and red wine pie for tea, only £4! It was huge!

Built in 1905, the Hawthorn Dene Viaduct is the largest brick arch bridge in Great Britain. I passed under this beauty as I made my way to Easington Hive beach.

Seriously cool Brent Charlie drilling platform. Removed from the North Sea to be scrapped, it’s here at Hartlepool. Hoping my camera arrives in my crate before it changes too much, I can’t do it justice with an iPhone. This thing is huge!

I treated myself to a big Easter egg and hot cross buns today. Yum!

 

17 Apr 2025

I did a 3.5 walk in the morning with the Ushaw group, and then a 3 mile walk late afternoon with the Langley Park group, followed by a well deserved pint of Directors in the pub.

My favourite plant in the garden in FroRo was borage, so I was ecstatic to see it here in Co. Durham, where it grows wild. A little different but it still has those beautiful blue flowers.

Beautiful Durham from Consett. The gorse smells of coconut!

The whole bank across the road from my house is smothered in primroses. I’ll look forward to this every year.

Tricksie Treat sleeps next to me, in the sunshine, while I do my U.S. taxes.

A Saturday morning walking group. They were a lovely crowd, we walked about 5 miles around Causey Arch, then hung out in a tea shop afterwards.

2 very friendly piggies, Bessie and Bertha, who had a sign on their fence asking visitors to feed them! At Old Durham Gardens, admiring the celandines, cowslips, daffodils, wild garlic and the bluebells beginning to bloom.

The chapels at Ushaw Historic House were jaw droppingly beautiful. And I managed to spend time in them all on my own, which was a poignant experience.

Walking across the 17th-century bridge into Corbridge to walk around the town.

County Durham, from the top of Consett this morning. 

Enjoying the fabulous views of Co. Durham from Hamsterley Forest with the walking group, and the ‘sticky buds’ are opening on the horse chestnut trees.

Boot fairs have started up again, and this one was at Sedgefield race course. 

I love having the beach less than 20 miles away. Easington Colliery again, great exercise up and down those steps, and and a wonderful afternoon spent beachcombing.

One of 2 old limestone quarries, converted to nature reserves, within a couple of miles of my house. Both are designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest. I saw butterflies and bees today, but was too early for the sand Martins.

A fabulous mining mural on our walk today at Ushaw Moor.

Walking with a group around Raby Castle, and thinking of a very dear friend. Farewell, Myra, my No.1 Blog Fan xxx.

Goodies from a local farm shop. I had the crackers with the nettle cheese for tea. Outstanding.