Regular readers will know that Cragside is one of my favourite places to visit. During my recent visit to Northumberland I enjoyed seeing the gardens in a different season. In this post you can see the formal gardens being stripped back and prepared for the summer bedding.
New to me on this visit was the addition of a bird hide just outside the formal gardens. I took the opportunity to sit and rest a while within the hide. I saw many varieties of birds flying too and fro. Unfortunately they have stopped encouraging and feeding the red squirrels that can normally be seen there. A grey squirrel has been seen in the vicinity and there is the worry that it might spread disease amongst the reds…
Tags: Bird, Cragside, Formal Garden, Garden, National Trust, Northumber- land, Vacation
A couple of these views are similar to photos I took in my 2009 visit. I am pleased with the way my new camera captures the sky and details in comparison to my previous camera (which I still use).
Tags: Norham Castle, Northumber- land, Vacation
by William Allingham
Pluck not the wayside flower,
It is the traveller’s dower;
A thousand passers-by
Its beauties may espy,
May win a touch of blessing
From Nature’s mild caressing.
The sad of heart perceives
A violet under leaves
Like sonic fresh-budding hope;
The primrose on the slope
A spot of sunshine dwells,
And cheerful message tells
Of kind renewing power;
The nodding bluebell’s dye
Is drawn from happy sky.
Then spare the wayside flower!
It is the traveller’s dower.
Tags: Buildwas Abbey, English Heritage, Macro Lens, Poem, Poetry, William Allingham
Last Friday I was invited to an evening of board games and curry. I was asked to bring along Pirates Cove which is one of the games in my collection. On arrival we enjoyed pre-dinner drinks outside on the deck of the Titanic. We then moved inside for some rather delicious curry dishes served in the Titanic’s dining room (complete with portholes). I am sure that by now you think I have taken leave of my senses but, no, not on this occasion. A few weeks ago my friend’s house had been decked out (excuse the pun) to resemble the Titanic for a themed party.
After the meal we set up the game. Name cards were produced for the people who were taking part (these can be seen below). I am not at all sure about mine!!!
We play a house rule that makes it more likely to encounter legendary pirates, which are very powerful. This meant that there were quite a few battles, both with the legendary pirates and between the players. After fierce competition, I was pipped at the post by single fame point after lagging behind for most of the game.
A fun evening was had by all 
PS: In the offing is a pirate themed party so I wonder what the house will look like next time I visit…
Tags: Board Game, Friends, Life, Pirate's Cove, Red Cherry
That men do not learn very much from the lessons of history is the most important of all the lessons that history has to teach.
Aldous Huxley
Tags: Buildwas Abbey, Cherie's Place Thought, English Heritage, History, Macro Lens
