Viv, Northumberlandia and a hot chocolate
The head of Northumberlandia from the summit
A noble profile and a glimmer of sun
What a pleasure and a privilege it was to meet Viv Blake from Viv in France this week. When a blogger suggests a meet up I’m initially delighted, then I get to worrying. They will see the “real me” behind the Restlessjo personna. What if I’m a disappointment or we don’t “gel”? I was very much in awe of Viv’s literary ability, but knew that she had a sense of humour. Isn’t that always an enormous help?
I needn’t have worried. Viv was charming. My husband, Michael, drove us up to Stannington to meet at a local farm shop. Viv and her daughter, Sally, were just arriving as we drove in. Smiles and waves- “are you Jo?” Introductions all round, then into the coffee shop for a little fortification. We needed it! If you’ve seen my post on Northumberlandia you’ll know just what I mean.
The day was biting cold but that didn’t deter us. We were on a mission to see this astounding landform sculpture, with which Sally and her husband had been closely involved. Michael, as a garden and landscape designer, was interested too. Me, I just gaped and admired!
The climb to the summit was quite steep and I was a little worried that Viv wouldn’t make it, but there was no way she was being left behind! We battled the elements and, as ever, I snapped away. The photos and the full story are on my Welcome to Northumberlandia post. I simply wanted to use my Six word Saturday to pay tribute to a lovely lady and a lovely day.
The hot chocolate? That was hard earned but very welcome. Viv sat warming her hands on the cup, while I tucked into a very delicious apple and gooseberry crumble with custard. Well, you have to put the calories back somehow, don’t you?
That warming cup of hot chocolate afterwards
Happy Six word Saturday everybody! As usual, you can join in by visiting Cate at Show My Face. Click on the header or the links for more details.
restlessjo 
This is wonderful, for both of you!
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Yes, Ann, it really was!
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How awesome is it that you two got to meet up! Sounds like you all had a fabulous time in spite of the cold.
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We surely did! Warm hearts did the trick.
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The hot chocolate must have helped you to warm up – maybe even two cups were necessary!
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I didn’t spot the naughty hot chocolate with marshmallows and cream, Meg! (unusual for me) I was too focussed on the crumble.
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It sounds like it was an excellent meeting with the ideal activity – fresh air, beautiful countryside and hot chocolate!
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I did enjoy it, Elaine. We were well wrapped, and oh, that crumble! A suitable reward for the endeavours.
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not only are the pictures amazing (as usual) but the story that goes with it is as well!
I would love to meet up with many of my blogger friends!
Have a good week
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It was quite a spectacular sight, Brenda, even on such a chilly day. It’s a lovely community we have, isn’t it?
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I love meeting fellow bloggers! Sounds like a really nice time, Jo! I love your photos of Northumberlandia! 🙂
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I’m quite shy, behind the facade, Cath, and not a little insecure. The better photos are on the Welcome to Northumberlandia post (but no Viv)
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A delightful post, Jo. I’m so glad you did meet up. And the hot chocolate… that’s the best 😀
Have a warm Saturday!
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Thanks, Marion. I was pretty warm after zumba this morning, but wrecked!
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How charmingly wonderful! I do understand your thoughts, and it goes with most any meeting even between old friends, but that is a good thing, that tells me a person has heart! I am so very happy you got to share time and hot chocolate too! Enjoy your week !
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Thanks, Karen, for your kind and thoughtful comment. Hope your week’s good too. (and a little warmer- brrrh!)
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Sounds like a great visit! Great pictures as well!
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It was really good fun, Judy, though definitely on the cool side.
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Brrrrr it just looks so cold. When will it be spring, my daffodils have struggled to get up out of the ground this year- normally they are in full bloom by the end of February.
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I was just thinking how resilient the flowers were. Our daffs have shivered their way into the world. The crocuses are not too sure. Open one day and closed the next. Snow at Easter, I hear, so I’m preparing myself for the worst.
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What an amazing land sculpture. I am glad you had a wonderful meet up.
BE ENCOURAGED! BE BLESSED!
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The highlight of my week, Francine!
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Lovely photos! How wonderful that the two of you got to meet. ☺
Happy weekend. 🙂
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Thanks, Dana. This world is shrinking all the time, isn’t it? I did enjoy Viv’s company. She’s a lovely lady.
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I know you had a lovely day because you were with Viv! And she was with you! Thanks for sharing 😀
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Shame that you didn’t have more time with her in Carlisle, Tilly. Till the next time ….
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I could do with that hot chocolate right now, it’s freezing up here today. How nice that you met up and got on well. Your crumble sounds delicious.
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Mick is usually the one for naughty puds, but the little sign on the counter had me hooked from the second I saw it, Lorna. Funny, I thought of you when I was writing this. I was sure you’d approve.
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What a magical place, not to mention the wonderful comp[any. First Tilly Bud, then the Restless Jo have the honor of meeting up with the Vivster. I’m envious.
Great 6. Thanks
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Your invitation is in the post, Ron.
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What a magical place to explore; and with such awesome company, no less. First Tilly Bud, then the restless Jo. I’m envious.
Cool 6. Thanks for bringing me along.
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so glad to read about you meeting up with viv, as i hope to meet two blogging friends this year .. one in sydney and the other in darwin!
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It’s amazing where the blogging experience leads, isn’t it, Christine? Viv was only the second blogger I have met. The other (Alyson Sheldrake) lives in the Algarve, so I’m making friends around the world. It’s wonderful.
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So cool that you got to meet up like that! I love meeting up with people I met up online or through penpalling. It’s scary, absolutely but deep down I always know whether there is a connection with someone before meeting face to face. Sounds like you had a good time together!
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We did, Cessie! And quite a special place to visit on a “first”.
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The best hot chocolate I have ever had – I loved the little marshmallows on top! I shan’t dare weigh myself today! I really enjoyed meeting you and your husband.
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I hardly dare describe it as a lovely day, Viv, but it had a certain magic. Thank you very much.
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