Letterbox toppers are really big in England , and last night, one appeared on our village letterbox. Made by a local lady, it’s gone viral on local Facebook pages, and all of us villagers are very proud of it!

 Mr Blue Skye and Tricksie Treat enjoying a snack with barely 6” between them. They’re gradually accepting each other. 

 I went on a tour at Brancepeth Castle this afternoon, a medieval castle with a rich history, and one of the 13 castles in County Durham.

 A puddle reflection on our walk this morning.

 The view from my desk in the attic was like a painting this evening.

 200 years ago the Locomotion No.1 with 3 coal trucks and the Experiment carriage for passengers made the first passenger journey in the world across this bridge. Skerne Bridge in Darlington is the world’s oldest railway bridge in continuous use. It was wonderful to be part of the celebrations, and see the same scene from 200 years ago reenacted today.

 This is a replica of George and Robert Stephenson’s Locomotion No.1, traveling the same route as 200 years ago, when it was the world’s first railway using a steam engine to carry passengers and freight. What a privilege to see this famous engine on this equally famous railway. And that’s Prince Edward at the back giving me a wave as he passed!

 While out collecting berries for my Hedgerow Jelly, I came across a herd of Dartmoor Ponies. Strange to see them up here, but they were in wonderful condition and quite friendly.

 Mr Blue Skye sitting in the sun, while Tricksie Treat watches me from her chair.

 Outside B&Q were these monstrosities. I couldn’t believe beautiful living heathers had been dyed artificial colors. Needless to say I gave them a wide berth.

 While on a foraging workshop, we spotted an unusual fungus on a tree, known as King Alfred’s Cake. King Alfred lived in the 9th century when parts of Britain had been overrun by Vikings. Trying to escape them, he took refuge in the home of a peasant woman who asked him to watch over her cakes, baking by the fire. He let them burn and was scolded by the woman for his negligence. It is said that embarrassed and ashamed, he scattered the cakes to get rid of the evidence. As the fungus looks like small, burnt cakes, especially as they get older, the name King Alfred’s cakes went into common use.

 I’ve seen this scene a few times and wanted to photograph it. Today, I sat on the side of the road and waited for the farmer to turn around in the field, and be immediately followed by a flock of seagulls.

Friday, September 19, 2025

 I spent over 2.5 hours yesterday taking advantage of this mast year, and picked over 7lbs of hawthorn berries. I’ve made 2L of hawthorn berry brandy, and started a gallon of hawthorn berry wine, both should be ready by Christmas.

 I’m loving sitting at my desk, with the computer and monitors finally set up, and the rain lashing down on one of the windows directly in front of me. We badly need it so no complaints from me, and I’m enjoying the sound of raindrops splashing all around me on the glass windows with occasional thunder rumbling in the distance.

 It shocked me to see this in a Sunderland bus stop. I also realized I hadn’t seen any homeless people since I moved to the north east, yet there had been many in Virginia…

 A fun day in Durham with Greg. Durham Castle looms over us as we walk into the city.

 Some of the ladies on today’s walk. Steep hills and just over 6 miles, it was a splendid walk.

 I never tire of these magnificent upright firs in Hamsterley Forest. 10 minutes into our walk it poured for the rest of the way. But we did have coffee and home made ginger biscuits when we got back.

 Back to the pictures again, this time to watch The Long Walk, a Stephen King film. It was done well, but was very depressing, so it was nice to get back to the foyer again. I love the decor, it’s almost futuristic.

Saturday, September 13, 2025

 Watching the finale of Downton Abbey. I’m so sad this has ended, it’s been a beautiful saga.

Friday, September 12, 2025

 I went on a tour of a POW camp, used during WW2, and only half an hour from home. Harperley was built by Italians and housed Germans. English Heritage are helping to protect it.

 I took my friend Karin around Ushaw Historic House after our walk, and showed her this glorious chapel.

 A wonderfully varied collection of chimney pots in Corbridge.

 A day out with Greg in Richmond. This is looking across to the castle ruins from a back cobbled street.

 Another great walk in Hamsterley Forest, a lot of hills this morning. 

 A farmer was selling vegetables at the market in Sedgefield today, and I couldn’t believe my luck when I bought his last stalk of brussels. Although I love brussels, the real prize for me was the leaves on top; I haven’t had those for about 35 years. I never saw them once in America. 

 Had a superb 5.5 mile walk with this bunch today. Steps and hills, plenty of wild fruit, then posing here with The Willow Man, before finishing with a pot of tea at Causey Arch.

 I explored another nature reserve close to home today and discovered thickets of sloe berries. I’ve already begun a batch of sloe gin, but will come here next year for my berries.

 Apparently one of Robson Green’s favourite views of Langley Park. The Silly Steps, as they’re known locally are to the left. We trotted down those to the village, but of course had to climb the hill later to get back to Ushaw.

 

 The lounge is coming together. Just need a mantle mirror and some curtains, then I’ll be happy with it.

 A road less traveled. I love the many narrow back lanes around here.

 It’s blurred, but I love the moment. Me and Mr Blue Skye hanging out. 

 Time for a quick breather in Thornley Woods. Our leader, James, on the left, had us climbing so many steps, it was a real workout. Loved it!

 Walking with a group around Lintzford, we passed this house that once belonged to Si King, from The Hairy Bikers. A fabulous fully natured monkey puzzle tree at the front.

 The view from my desk in the attic. Grass and trees and a cool breeze.

 We saw this shepherd’s hut on our walk this morning, and chuckled that someone had written, ‘Dave’s Lunch Box’ on the side of it.

 Bless him with his underbite, Mr Blue Skye gets a messy chin when lapping up liquids. This was after his cat milk, and yes, I wiped his chin for him.

 On our walk today, we came across this gorgeous tree. With pale leaves like rosemary, but soft, and orange berries, I looked it up and discovered it’s a native coastal tree called Sea Buckthorn. The berries are edible but also provide a food for overwintering birds.

 Blast Beach, used as an alien planet scene on Alien 3, when it had been used as a tipping ground for slag waste from the collieries. It has since been cleaned up and is a wonderful beach for exploring.

 My friend, Peter, standing next to Tommy, a steel sculpture in Seaham, made by a local sculptor, Ray Lonsdale.

 A lovely day on a coach trip to Holy Island.

 Tricksie Treat and Mr Blue Skye are co-existing peacefully so far. My hopes of friendship between them could be possible.

 Well, with the summer nearly passed, and I’d yet to create my yearly slushy, so with that in mind, and now being in England, it’s time for a new one! And what a winner! Local plums, with vanilla essence, cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice, a few blackberries to garnish, and this time, a fuck if shot of brandy! So wish you were here for this one, Spring Daye! The photo was taken indoors this year, it’s a bit nippy outside.

 Today we welcomed Mr Blue Skye into our home. At 15 years old, he deserves a peaceful forever home after his owner passed away. He’s settled in very easily and loves lots of fuss.

19 Aug 2025

 I had to stop and take a photo of this new garage roof. Look at those tiles! 

 A superb evening spent with my brother at local pubs and finishing at The Ship Inn.

 I seem to be doing things right with this spider plant that I’ve had a few weeks. It still looks very happy! 

 A beautiful and huge oak tree, surrounded by Himalayan balsam flowers, on our walk today.

 This guy at The Heart Foundation had a great sense of humour. We loved his seagull with a stolen chip in its beak.

 While we were out walking the fields at Ushaw, we were waved at by this farmer as we stopped to munch on a large patch of blackberries.