January grinds to a start...

We've had various amounts of snow over the last three weeks, which has given a stuttering start to 2010. Our trip to London tomorrow is now off, due to BA canceling flights from Newcastle to Heathrow. So no visit to the Toggies, Aaron and Nicola, no theatre visit, and no joining in with Pauline's 60th birthday celebrations. We'll have to get out for a 'nice brisk walk' in the snow (family joke!).The Christmas decorations came down on Wednesday... baubles back in the box... cards recycled... tree up in the loft... always more than a landmark as it is also Nicola and Megan's birthday.
We did manage to see our good friends Kate and Terry, and took Gracie for a bracing walk on the beach before going back to their place for lovely soup. Other pictures here show our field and environs in a lovely blanket of white. It's nice to look at but it's also nice when it melts. It does remind me of Norway though.... mmmmmmm yes, Norway.... perhaps time for another visit this year...?

Ex-Nun in toon....

Our friend Jo was in Newcastle today. We happened to be browsing in a Jesmond shop and the owner said she thought Jo looked like an ex-nun(!)... "So, what DO you do then?" she said. "I'm a comedian" says Jo. Here she is. What do you think.... Ex-Nun or Comedian?

Northern Forum

Bren and me were away this weekend at the Pioneer Northern Forum weekend at Swanwick, Derbyshire. A beautiful place, and a good time to catch up with old and new friends.

Jarvis Time and Bede's World...

Yesterday we had a visit from the lovely Jarvis family. Alissa entertained as usual, pulling faces and generally bringing out all her cute moves. Keona took it all in her stride by going upstairs for a nap, and then rejoining the shenanigans later, only to look on with a mild air of indifference to the antics of her older sister.
Today a lazy day.... but starting out actively with a trip to Bede's World at Jarrow to view the Northumbrian Scribes autumn exhibition. I have two pieces in the show this year, which were the result of my time at the Calligraphy Symposium during the summer. Loads of great work has been produced by the Scribes this year and they are a great bunch of people to be involved with, though I have much to learn regarding this exacting art.

Ruby Ruby Ruby Ruby!

Today was Ruby's very first birthday. We went along to join her and her proud parents in the celebrations, which also included a service of dedication. This is a Christian service which is akin to infant baptism without the water, and simply dedicates a child to God. It also draws support from those friends and family present to do their bit in terms of supporting the child as they grow, encouraging and stimulating their faith in God. Ruby is a very beautiful child, as you can see, and behaved herself impeccably throughout the proceedings. The celebrations coincided with 'Ladies Day' at Newcastle Racecourse. Being at an adjacent venue led to some interesting logistical issues, but it was entirely appropriate for Ruby to be the centre of attraction on Ladies Day!
Later in the day me and Bren took Gracie down to Blyth beach again and had a very nice walk along the coastal path to Seaton Sluice. This was a place I knew well in my youth, as my folks used to take us here occasionally on a Sunday afternoon. Gracie loved all the nooks and crannies in the sand dunes, and meeting other dogs along the beach on the way back. She emerged on one occasion with a large briar branch protruding from her tummy. Bren insisted I got a shot of it before we removed the offending item.

Birthday boy

Last evening me and Bren were out in the Toon, helping Andy celebrate his birthday. Thanks Andy... thandy. Here is the main man coyly opening his card before getting stuck into a fabulous Persian meal. Andy's birth sign is Cancer, which spookily was visually displayed as I took this shot.

Diversity Central

I had a birthday last week, and celebrated with a few friends round at our place for a BBQ. From there throughout the weekend there were various and diverse happenings, which I shall briefly describe as we go. Firstly, the birthday get together on Thursday...

A small, select band of partygoers were assembled. Eating, drinking, nattering and laughing were all in evidence... oh, and a small amount of dancing too! Photos were taken, with separate poses for girls and boys for some reason.

Then a complete change of surroundings and company as I joined members of the Northumberland church leaders network for a cliff-hanging prayer session on Lindisfarne on Friday.

During the last few days we have also had the pleasure of the company of our young friend Mandy. We showed her the delights of Whitley Bay (including the compulsory Rendezvous ice cream) on Sunday.
Over the weekend we were dodging the extensive thundery showers, so weren't surprised that our field (the council think of it as theirs!) was shrouded in mist Sunday evening.

Then to underline the range and nature of my diverse lifestyle, I was summoned by friend Nick to take photographs of his fitness training session on Monday for the web site I am developing for him.

Congratulations!

Say what you like about the institute of marriage, but any couple who can get along for fifty years have my deep respect. Our friends Gavin and Rosemary are just such a couple, and the other morning I went along to their church to join in the celebrations for this milestone. G & R have been a big influence on me and the Lady Brenda for many years. They are people who 'walk the talk' in terms of their faith, and their love for God and his world is utterly infectious to pretty much anyone who comes across their path.

Shoreline

I submitted a painting (not this one!) to an art sale fundraiser. Hope you can support this worthy cause. Sixty artists were asked to submit a painting 6"x6" on the theme 'Shoreline'. The paintings are all for sale at £150 each and the proceeds will go towards renovations to a community building on the Isle of Tiree. Some of the paintings are by well known professional artists, and some are by novices such as myself. We won't find out exactly which artists did which of the paintings until they have all been sold. Tomorrow morning me and my buddy Jason will drive to Tiree to visit and work for the organiser of this project, Mr Colin Woodcock. Jason will be taking photographs around the island and also doing some web training. It promises to be a lot of fun... I am mildly excited!

Wedding bells...

Tim, the son of our good friends Kate and Terry, got married recently to Cornelia. We were invited to the evening do at their home. A barbecue was provided by Cornelia's family and friends (excellent bratwurst!) and Bren contributed some lovely singing to the proceedings.

Tim and Cornelia have a beautiful daughter, Teresa, who made an appearance before snuggling down for the night.Kate was rushing around preparing puddings 'n that...

... while Terry was keen to have a dance with his daughter in law...

... and muscle in on the singing too!

Supper and dancing

Yesterday evening we were out for supper at our friends Terry and Kate. Mike and Christine were also there and the food was followed by a masterclass in neat footwork from M & C, who are experts in the 'swing' stylee. The 'Charleston Stroll' was soon mastered by us with more than two left feet, and from there we went on to further foot trickery of the 'Lindy' variety. A great night of fun and friendship.

Anna drops by...

It's always great to get a visit from a good friend, and the other evening we were delighted to welcome Anna for some supper and an overdue catch-up. We took Gracie for a walk over the field under the banner of an amazing sunset.

Weekend Bulletin

Great weekend! Starting on Friday when we took Leon over for a visit to Longstone lighthouse. Unfortunately this is an experience which he must wait for, as I had omitted to read that the place is closed on Fridays! We settled for fish & chips in a lovely little cafe in Whitburn, and ended up at South Shields market.


Saturday was the day of another reunion of friends from way back. A get together at The Rendezvous cafe was our starter for ten, followed by a meal at Picasso's. Great to be together with old friends and to welcome Sue and Bengt from Sweden. Lots of trips down memory lane and plenty of laughs into the bargain.


Today the sun finally appeared and we took Gracie out to Plessey Woods for a long and exhausting walk. A plunge into a mud pool resulted in a shower for her when we got home. Then it was sleeves rolled up and a spot of gardening to finish the weekend of nicely.