​One of my neighbours left this absolute unit of a parsnip from his allotment on my gate. What a beauty. Knife for scale. 

​Looking towards Craster, walking from Dunstanburgh Castle, Northumberland.

​Walking up into the fog at Hamsterley Forest.

​Beautiful countryside just outside Northallerton. 

​Sandra and I went to the Dick Whittington pantomime at Beamish. It was pretty funny. Oh no, it wasn’t!

​Lovely late afternoon light just outside West Cornforth this afternoon.

​Post box toppers are a big thing in England, and this one featuring Vera has plenty of fans already after being installed yesterday.

​The heated throw arrived today, and Mr Blue Skye couldn’t work out where the warmth was coming from. We are both enjoying it immensely.

​Hanging out with Peter this afternoon, and also Neville, Adrian and George, who all worked on my house, came for a visit too. It was a fun few hours.

​This area of grass in Seaham is now a famous Mole Sanctuary. It was originally a joke with a home made sign, which then began garnering reviews on TripAdvisor, which in turn led to the council putting up official signs, and the sanctuary remains. A broken sign has disappeared, I’m hoping the council is replacing it.

​We had 1.5” snow this morning, which has since been washed away by rain and strong winds. Despite the awful weather, my rose climber has insisted on sending out a few rosebuds. Incredible.

​A beautiful walk this morning, following the Hareshaw Burn in Bellingham, Northumberland. This was the final waterfall along the trail.

​I was last at this old quarry near home, now an SSSI, in early summer, and was amazed today to see it so barren with barely any foliage. Roll on spring!

​A much smaller group this morning for the Ushaw Moor walk. It was freezing cold as we admired this view across the Deerness valley. Note the cloud inversion in the background. 

​The orangery at Gibside, where Andy and I walked over 5 miles, with a few inclines.

​Got to love a bargain. A hearty stew in the slow cooker made from reduced  price chicken and veggies. It went down well on this icy cold day.

​Not many of us this morning on our sub-zero walk. Hamsterley Forest was peaceful with snow still present in a few areas. Brontë led the way as usual.

​My beautiful void, posing by the Christmas tree.

​The Christmas decorations will be coming down soon, but I may leave this tree up, sans angels and crystals.

​And so Christmas comes to an end as Sally leaves to drive south back to her home. It was magical having her here.

​Mr Blue Skye dozing and waiting, for me to finish watching tv, so we can go to bed.