9 August 2013

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Kendal Calling has featured here once before with a clip from Tim Peaks Diner. (cannot get the link working right now, will be there later).  We were there in person this year and a great time was had by all.  No Edwyn Collins collaboration this time – still a brilliant line up, loads for the kids to do, lots of brilliant dressing up to spot and sun nearly all weekend except for Saturday eve til 10am on Sunday. The Charlatans headlined Saturday night so the rain didn’t matter too much.  Festival going is a whole new game with children it has to be said, ours took a while to get the hang of it but all agree they would love to go again.  Less stuff next time and more food.

our little campsite, plenty of room in the family area, not too far from the action but miles from the car
our little campsite, plenty of room in the family area, not too far from the action but miles from the car
teenboy and a cuppa
teenboy and a cuppa
kids paraded round the fields on the Sunday with streamers on sticks, percussion that they had made and lots of cheering.  Brilliant team doing the kids' stuff
kids paraded round the fields on the Sunday with streamers on sticks, percussion that they had made and lots of cheering. Brilliant team doing the kids’ stuff

Cocktails seemed like a good idea just as things were getting cooler and darker ready for the rain on the Saturday.  There was a Sailor Jerry tent and off C went in search of some refreshment, and refreshing the Mojito was indeed and warming too.  Yesterday I was given a whole bottle of Sailor Jerry rum by my lovely husband for our anniversary. I’ve been having a look on the website for inspiration and  I love the idea of a Jerry Mule. ginger beer, lime and Sailor Jerry.  I’ll let you know how it goes.

This last image is from Alnwick Castle where the children loved following the Harry Potter tour telling us all about the bits that were filmed there for the first two films.  This is one of  my favourite photos of the moment, I love that the 2 of them are walking in perfect time and the little shadow under their feet match.  The castle is worth a visit and the treehouse is brilliant for a wee coffee stop, the rope bridges are a bit hairy though….

following the tour at Alnwick Castle
following the tour at Alnwick Castle

Have a good weekend everyone, especially those of us who start back at school next week.   The Edinburgh Festival is getting into gear now and it is such a buzz living in the city at this time of year, but why. oh why, do the schools go back while it is on??????

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5 August 2013 Holidays

Our summer holiday this year was spent about a mile down the road from Seahouses in the North East of England.  It’s always a gamble weather wise staying in the UK and this year we hit the jackpot.  Fantastic weather and a short walk to the beach meant the holiday was fabulous.  Our cottage was just right, not so fancy to worry about wrecking it and comfortable and homely enough to feel at ease.  ‘Our beach’ was amazing, about a mile long and each time we went there were no more than 4 other groups sitting on it – it felt like we owned it.  Evenings were our favourite time to visit and have a smokey cup of tea made with teenboy’s new gadget, the Kelly Kettle.

teenboy makes tea
teenboy makes tea
holiday shoes
holiday shoes
view from Seahouses
view from Seahouses
what are they doing?
what are they doing?
our beach
our beach

Barter Books was a real find in Alnwick early in the holiday, we were mesmerised by the layout and the feel of the place, the dogs were welcome which is always a bonus and they found some books of interest too.  The shop is an old railway station and has retained many of the original features and it only sells second-hand books.  You can take unwanted books in and collect credit for them to spend in store, so simple an idea and a wonderous place to visit.  You must go. It’s got a wee claim to fame too, have a look

and, yes, I did buy one.

Barter Books inside
Barter Books inside
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IMG_0641Lennie finds some interesting reading Lennie finds some interesting reading

At the moment I’m spending less time blogging and more time doing so there have been fewer posts recently.  Catch up is the name of the game I guess, slowly but surely I’ll get there.  No more regeneration news, nearly decided on wallpaper and flooring for the final finishing off.  Next stop, quotes for sanding the floors.

now, here’s a rarity, ha ha

a rare photo of me, make the most of it!