A rather civilized lunch today, corned beef and onion pie with peas, sweet potato fries and gravy. Tasty!

The centre of town from the Bishop Auckland Tower.

Walking through the fields, after a night of rain, at Langley Moor.

I parked behind this car, then laughed out loud.

We had a hefty climb up a lot of steps this morning on our walk in Consett, and was greeted by this fabulous steel commemorative stone at the top.

I’d never paid much attention to the Dean and Chapter pub in Ferryhill, named after the coal mine that used to be here, but I read the wording above the doors today,

On our walk around the Derwent valley this morning, the Column to Liberty could be seen as we walked over the viaduct. Interesting information on it:

https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/5646794

Colin the Caterpillar cakes with a cup of tea. I spent a small fortune in M&S.

An interesting building that I drove past in Durham this afternoon. Great bricklaying skills.

Some farm fields are now blooming with tansy, a cover crop, which the bees are loving. The lilac fields look gorgeous from the road.

This is how they refill the AC over here. Getting it done as the weather’s really warming up.

Tricksie Treat enjoying the sun coming through the window.

My yellow rose has exploded into fragrant blooms since I started feeding and watering it. I discovered a smaller pot with another rose, so will monitor that one too. The hebe by the front door has improved, and my sweet pea seeds have shot up. My weigela in the foreground acts as a partial fence. There’s a darker one further frown the garden,

 

We walked a 4 mile circular at Burnopfield this morning. On the higher elevations, there a still a few trees that are slow to show their leaves, but the hawthorn hedges and abundance of Queen Anne’s Lace are pretty.

We started at the bottom of Derwent valley this morning and climbed up to the top of Consett for this spectacular view. I’m loving these walks and meeting some fabulous people. Beginning to feel like I’m fitting in.

There’s a few of these sculptures by local artist, Graeme Hopper. This is in Ferryhill, and titled, ‘Light, Land and Sea’. I walked all around it and didn’t get it it, but he seems to be popular.

15 May 2025

My favourite hawthorn. It’s in full bloom everywhere at the moment, along roadsides and edges of fields. Hedges and free standing, there’s white fragrant blossom everywhere.

I did a double take when I spotted this hideous toilet in a showroom. I wish I’d asked if they’d actually sold any.

My kitchen. I have to place faith in my crew to install the new kitchen I have planned, but this desecration is hard to take in. Peter laughed, since he’s done about 80 of these.

I went to the doctors and the dentist today, and was amazed that Tony Blair officially opened both practices. 

4 of us walked up 1000ft for 6 miles over the beautiful landscape of Weardale. A gorgeous walk I’ll do again.

Goodies for Tricksie Treat and me for the evening, paid for with our lottery winnings today of £7. And I had change.

A lovely post box topper in Barnard Castle.

The rhododendrons are resplendent at Ushaw Historic House as we set off on our walk this morning. 

Making a decision on kitchen cabinets and worktops. This was second choice.

My favourite tree, the hawthorn, is beginning to burst into bloom, alongside the gorse. Pretty little white flowers with a wonderful fragrance. 

I visited Hopetown in Darlo today, where they were celebrating VE Day.

Bluebell woods at Durham. Loving it knowing I’ll see these and smell their wonderful fragrance every year now.

Down the Ferryhill Carrs today for a wander, and spotted a rare white bluebell.

A day spent visiting kitchen centres. There’s so many choices, it’s overwhelming!

Our walking group passed these 2 owls at each end of the village, Esh. Made by a local craftsman, they are regularly petted, especially by school kids on their way home.