We came across an unusual sighting today on our walk. This young oak tree was covered with galls that looked like young cones created by the Artichoke Gall Wasp, and also reddish smooth berry-like galls on the underside of the leaves, created by the Smooth Spangle Gall Wasp. I’ve never seen anything like it!

30 July 2025

I went walking with a new group today, this time around Barnard Castle.

My brother dropped by unexpectedly, so we went to this pub in Tudhoe. Nice pub but poor ale selection, yet we met some lovely folks in the beer garden.. 

The magnificent firs at Hamsterley Forest.

The Lionesses win the European Football Cup again. So proud to be English!

A touching tribute that I passed in a small village, to a young man who lost his life by a stabbing. The murderer, only 18, is in prison.

I walked to the community allotments to see how large they were. This is my neighbour, David’s. He’s had it many years, and it’s impressive. I’d like one about the third of his size. I’ll see what, if any, are available.

Today, Derek led us on a favourite wander, except everything had grown so much, it was like a jungle. Plenty of laughs, and lots of wild raspberries to munch.

This shop on our High Street is undergoing refurbishment. I’m excited to see what it will be, but wish Annes was still open.

Finishing a long uphill slog with the Consett crew this morning.

An abandoned limestone quarry close to home that is now a site of special interest.

These chaps looked quite happy this morning, but I wondered if they enjoyed the torrential rain that came through in the afternoon.

I have 2 panels in the dining room which I’m filling with pictures. It’s a bit like a jigsaw puzzle!

A stone’s throw from my back door is this little park area. I’m keeping an eye on the blackberries, I see an apple and blackberry crumble in the future. So looking forward to using apple ‘cookers’ again, instead of having to rely on Granny Smiths.

A field of large daisies, and a mountain ash loaded with berries, on our walk this morning.

This is a house along the High Street, with an Alice in Wonderland theme. Locals have told me the theme changes periodically, so I’m looking forward to the next one.

Thanks to my neighbour, Susan, I’m now part of a crew of 8 at Bingo Night, held in our local pub on the green. Lovely ladies and lots of laughs. And I won a line, woo hoo!

The jackdaws have a party on the community centre roof every evening, before settling down to roost in the trees behind the houses.

Paul, on our walk this morning, took a photo of me taking a photo, and Victoria taking a water break.

Early morning in the village with the Ripon City Band and our mine banner before getting on the coach to march at the Durham Miners Gala.

Watching the Ripon City Band at the West Cornforth pre-gala concert, just across the road from my house. I’ll be on the early morning banner march with them tomorrow and riding on the bus with them to Durham for the Miners Gala. They’re fabulous.

One corner of the lounge is beginning to look like home, but I still need more bookcases!

Tricksie Treat was getting very concerned, wondering if I’d be stopping my painting to give her lunch. I did stop, and then carried on. Another day or two of painting the lounge and dining room. 

8 July 2025

A pretty tree tunnel on our Consett walk.

Beautiful firs in Hamsterley Forest.

Our walking group today after strolling around the Derwent Valley Reservoir.

A lovely farm topper in Chester-Le-Street, where I was picking up a bookcase.

I laughed so hard when this came up on my map directions as I made my way home from Bedale. Can you imagine having a stammer and asking the way to this place?

Starting our walk from Usher Moor this morning.

Looking out across the road with a sudden heavy downfall of rain thundering on the roof, then strong winds, followed by bright sunshine and stillness in the evening.

We have quite a few of these chonky chirpers in the area, and this one was perched by my car when I came back from my walk. These wood pigeons are about 18” long and are huge. And not easily scared. I had a little one way chat with this chap and he sat there, even when I started up my car.