Witton Park Railway Viaduct, one of the many splendid bridges in Co. Durham.

I had a lovely walk around Low Barns Nature Reserve, meeting and chatting to some friendly people. The woodland areas were filled with snowdrops, it was beautiful.

Coal miner cottages catching the afternoon sunshine in Ferryhill, or Fairy Hill, as someone from the U.S. put on the envelope mailed to me.

Lunch in the office today came from the butchers up the road. 2 Yorkshire puddings loaded with roasties, mushy peas, beef and gravy. Delicious and only £4!

A lovely walk on Seaham beach and lunch with these ladies.

Discovered in 1834, these sulphuric springs attracted visitors who came for the healing properties. The water, if boiled, is supposed to make the best tasting tea. I didn’t collect any, it was very whiffy.

There’s a few areas around here where you can salvage old bricks left behind from the brickworks that existed along with the coal mines. I’d like to grab a few once I eventually get the house sale completed.

Left alone and in charge of the office. Very quiet except taking in rent from one tenant.

I had to stop and watch how they clean windows now. No ladders, just a brush with water coming out of it, and no wiping down window frames or sills. It would cost this homeowner about £30 for this. And it started raining within an hour he left…

19 Feb 2025

Only a 40 minute drive to Bolihope Burn where I walked 4.3 miles along the river and disused quarry. Beautiful scenery but very muddy, it was a great workout.

Happy to do my part for International Drink Wine Day.

17 Feb 2024

I climbed up to the Penshaw Monument near Sunderland, but didn’t stay long as it was extremely cold and windy. There were plenty of hardy Brits up there enjoying the 360 degree views.

After a 3.5 mile walk through woodlands near Durham, I trekked through horrendous mud to see Wharnley Burn Waterfall in Allensford. It was beautiful here and I’ll be back when the leaves are on the trees.

A quiet night in, with a local pizza while watching Morecombe and Wise for me, and Tricksie Treat getting happily stoned on a big pile of catnip.

Looking across the alley from my kitchen window, I watched the funeral parlour load a coffin under the cover of darkness. They had no idea that I was watching.

13 Feb 2024

A freezing cold few hours spent on Crimdon Dene beach, but I did find some sea glass.

Another dreary day bout the country lanes still look gorgeous. Farmers have been trimming the hedges recently so they’ll be ready to burst into leaf in the spring.

It’s only 11:00 in Darlo, and already scooters have been parked outside the pub. 

A beautiful damp country lane, edged with a stone wall and beech leaves.

A pork pie and mince pie from a local garden centre deli. The small bacon, mushroom and cheese quiche didn’t make it home, but I can say it was extremely tasty.

Some very muddy cows enjoying their hay.

This caught my eye on an industrial estate today, it was a bit too lifelike at first glance!

Greg quickly showed me Witton Castle, with its peacocks, before we went shopping. I’ll be back for walks and cycling as it’s only 20 minutes from home.

While walking around the Botanic Gardens at Durham University, I had a chuckle at this sign.

4 Feb 2025

Colin, at the letting office, marks his home made lunch. It did smell delicious when he warmed it up!

I loved this little building gleaming in the afternoon sunshine as I drove around exploring the Consett area.

I walked through some woods today, near the coast, looking for snowdrops. I was a couple of weeks too early. Lots of green shoots were emerging from the ground, but there were no flowers, until I saw this little clump that had decided to bust out some early blooms.

Tricksie Treat enjoying some welcome sun in the armchair, and wondering if its snack time yet.