England

Remember those clouds?
The heavens descend to Hartlepool marina!

They landed in Hartlepool marina!

So much of photography is being in the right place at the right time, isn’t it?  I’ve done a lot of walking in the past few days because it’s been too nice to be indoors.  I was wearily heading home on Saturday teatime as the sun dipped in the sky.  Looking for the shortest possible route, I headed through Hartlepool marina, and this was my reward.

A handful of clouds had fallen in!

A handful of clouds were swimming

The boats reflected sharply in the sea of clouds.  I simply stood and stared.

An ordinary view, tinged with magic

An ordinary view, blessed with sky magic

A majestic pair

I felt like this majestic pair, totally at peace.

A smile on my face, I carried on towards home.  If you didn’t see it, I was chasing clouds on the horizon earlier in the week.  I seem to have shepherded them to our marina.

I’m linking this post to Paula’s Thursday’s Special.  So is Paula.  Go take a look.

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My cloud fixation
The blue horizon

The blue horizon

These days I seem to have one eye permanently on the sky.  Cloud formations totally fascinate me.  They bump into and fold around each other with such gay abandon!  From the moment the sun slips over the horizon I’m aware of their constant movement.  Maybe it’s the restlessness in me that is drawn by them as they wander far and wide.

Nowhere are the clouds more wonderful to watch than on the coast.  Why is it that the sea seems to push the clouds away and hang on to the blue, even when the land is covered in thick cloud? I’m sure there must be a meteorological explanation.  Meantime, join me in a cliff top walk.

Layer upon layer of cloud rolls out to sea

Layer upon layer of cloud rolls out to sea

I was on the coast just north of here, not far from the former pit village of Easington.  There are few signs these days of the coal mining industry.  The occasional lift shaft is preserved as a reminder, along the coastal trail.  According to Wikipedia this is the only place on earth with dolomitic limestone cliffs on the coastline.  The railway runs up the north east coast, often providing sweeping views out to sea.

Notice the goods train in the foreground

Notice the goods train in the foreground

This is the most peaceful of images to me
Easington village straggles away in the distance
But my eyes can’t escape that blue horizon
The clouds are starting to break up
As the train rattles over the viaduct
No mistaking the ruggedness of these cliffs
The sign says it all!
I love their rugged beauty
But don’t get too near that cliff edge, like me!
Walking back the sun glints off the water

Walking back the sun glints off the water

And I return to the pit lift, where I started out

And I return to the pit lift, where I started out

I hope you enjoyed cloud gazing with me.  See you next time!

Tiptoe through the … snowdrops?
Fragile and beautiful

Fragile and beautiful

I’d better get a wiggle on!  Last Sunday I went on a snowdrop walk, but it’s March already and there are crocuses everywhere.  Soon, those tulips will be along.  Or is that wishful thinking?

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A yellow straw trail sounded much better than slithering in the mud, as I had on previous years. The sky was looking ominous and the Community Hall was already full of tea slurpers.  I had the snowdrops all to myself!

It was all done rather delightfully, with random snowdrop “facts” breaking up the sea of green and white.  You can pause the slideshow if you need to, to read them properly.

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Greatham , a small village 3 miles south of Hartlepool, is the site of the Hospital of God, founded in 1273 by the Bishop of Durham.  Originally the hospital was founded to aid the poor, but it became over time “a house of entertainment for gentlemen”, according to Wikipedia.  I’m not sure if this is a euphemism, but certainly the grounds are very grand, and contain the chapel of the parish church, St. John the Baptist.  The main building now functions as a nursing home.

It is a lovely building
But you can see the rain wasn’t far away!
The blossom was barely clinging to the trees

The rain made me scurry for the car.  Another triumph for the waterproof jacket!  But not before a quick shot of the Corn Lady on the village green.

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No wonder she looks grim!

In search of threes
Looking out to the platform
Waiting for the train
Poster detail- the good old days!

For those of you who think I spend my life languishing in the Algarve sunshine, here’s a look at Restlessjo’s everyday world.  Let’s start at the railway station, shall we?

A blue sky day!
But what’s on the horizon?
Another platform being towed into place

If the weather’s good, I don’t need to travel far.  Many of my shots are taken on Hartlepool Headland.  There are always boats, or some form of activity.  Now we have a fleet of windmills out at sea.  Look closely at the middle photo.

Can you see the pier in the far distance?
Here it is, much closer
And now, very close!

The promenade wraps around Old Hartlepool, as the Headland used to be known.  A brisk walk along it will surely blow the cobwebs away.  In the distance, signs of former industry.

The Fish Sands- well known in Hartlepool
On the town wall
And looking through it!

The town wall is probably the nicest part of the Headland, and certainly the warmest.  These were taken on a warm but strangely foggy day last Summer.  The fog disappeared as rapidly as it came.

Not such a bad old place, is it?  This is my entry for the Weekly Photo Challenge.  Did I tell my story in threes?

A Lingering look at Windows : week 8
Leo the lion looks out hopefully

Leo the lion looks out hopefully

Remember I was in York last week for Lisa and Leo’s wedding anniversary? This window would have fit quite nicely in the Valentine’s collection, wouldn’t it?  Missed the boat, again!  It wasn’t really the weather for window shopping, but everything looked so tempting.

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And when the rain finally drove me inside, I looked through the pretty stained glass windows of The York Tap at the vaulted station roof.

IMG_3485It’s been a bit drier here this week.  Did you linger outside any windows?  I know Dawn did.  Pop over and take a look.

A rainy day in York
A rose on Lendal Bridge

A white rose of York on Lendal Bridge

It was a rainy day in York and the River Ouse was swamp brown and near to bursting its banks. Was I downhearted?  Not at all!  I was on my way to a cosy rendezvous with my daughter and her partner, in Betty’s famous tea shop.

I don’t drink tea and the smell of it has been known to make me wrinkle my nose in disgust, but I soon had a small pot of coffee wafting soothing vapours at me.

Cafe a la Betty's!

Coffee a la Betty’s!

Lisa and Leo had been spending a few days in York to celebrate their 1st wedding anniversary and were homeward bound.  Just time for me to catch up with them for a breakfast brunch to send them on their way.  I know that some of you are interested in such things so here’s the evidence.

Complete with Swiss rosti!

Complete with Swiss rosti!

While Lisa was studying the menu I couldn’t help but point the camera in her direction.  “Oh, Mother!”  I can’t help exasperating my offspring.  Or of being very proud of them.

Contemplating food!

Contemplating food!

Remember that “selfie” challenge last week?  The above was almost an entry.  Only fair that Leo (who hates having his photo taken) should appear alongside his lovely wife.  I got the photo shoot out of the way before they settled down to eat.

The happy couple

The happy couple

A close up of the wedding and engagement rings, made by her friend Kay

A close up of the wedding and engagement rings, made by their friend Kay

Refined, resplendent and reserved- that's us!

Refined, resplendent and reserved- that’s us!

We sat and talked about what they’d seen and done for a couple of hours.  Fairfax House got full marks.  The Quilt Museum was pronounced a little expensive unless you were a real enthusiast, but Lisa enjoyed it.  Places they’d eaten and highly recommended included the Hairy Fig and La Vecchia Scuola, whilst the House of the Trembling Madness sounded right up their street!  By this time they agreed that they had just enough space to share one of Betty’s delectable cakes.

This was Lisa's choice

This was Lisa’s choice and it looked delicious!

All too soon it was time to walk them back to their hotel, Elmbank Mount.  Undergoing renovation, it still retains much of its original splendour, and Lisa was very happy that they’d been allocated a four poster bed.  One last smile and a hug and they were on their way.  I wandered disconsolately through the damp York streets, taking a photo or two.

Not a day for sitting by the riverside!

Not a day for sitting by the riverside!

The riverboats huddled together for comfort

The riverboats were going nowhere

Huddled together for comfort and warmth

Huddled together for comfort and warmth

A dank day but the lions remained cheerful

A dank day for the lions, too

I made my way back to the railway station with time to spare.  Feeling distinctly damp, I ventured into “The York Tap”, adjoining the station, and was delighted to find a warm fire.  I stripped off my soggy gloves and settled in for half hour to enjoy my surrounds.

Nothing like a coal fire to dispel the blues!

Nothing like a coal fire to dispel the blues!

And the ceilings provided another colourful touch

And the ceilings provided a wonderful burst of colour.

My gloomy spirits lifting, I stepped out onto the platform to discover that the sun had finally made an appearance.  It was time to head for home.

A Lingering look at Windows: week 7
A hint of mystery

A hint of mystery and the exotic behind these doors

I’m sure you can’t begin to guess where I was lingering this week?  Does Preston Park Museum ring any bells?  I thought I might do the Winter Garden and the Victorian Street separately- you know, big finale!- but I didn’t want you tiring of the subject.  So we’ll just take a quick peep in the conservatory before moving swiftly on.

Orchids are beautiful, aren't they?

Orchids are beautiful, aren’t they?

There weren’t any comfy seat pads on the chairs and the doors were firmly closed, so I took the hint and kept walking.  And this was my reward!

And this was my reward!

A toy shop window to press my nose up against

So I did!

So I did!  Sorry- I know some of you don’t like Pierrots, but he was loveable.

Maybe chocolate is more your thing?

Maybe chocolate is more your thing?

Or objects d'art?

Or objects d’art?

No shortage of that!

No shortage of those!

I do know one or two of you who don't mind sweets!

I do know one or two of you who don’t mind a sweet treat!

Remember any of these?

Remember any of these?

A few of the shops don’t qualify for this post.  The blacksmith didn’t have a window, as such- just lots of tools.  I wandered into the printers and a very nice young lady was setting up the press to print some cards.  She was well bundled up against the cold, as she needed to be with the door wide open.  I couldn’t photograph her cheerful smile as it was a little dark in there.

But I did find an ironmonger, for the practical ones among you

But I did find an ironmonger, for the practical ones among you

And a photographer, for the family portaits

And a photographer, for the family portraits

This was my very favourite! Apologies for the poor quality of the photo

This was my very favourite shop!  Apologies for the terrible quality of the photo.

I know what some of you are waiting for.  I saw this sign but couldn’t find anywhere to buy an alcoholic drink, though I looked very hard.

Promises! Promises!

Promises! Promises!

So it had to be the tea rooms and the "temperance drinks"

So it had to be the tea rooms and the “temperance drinks”

But you know what I forgot to take a photo of?  The Victorian sponge sandwich on the counter. You’ll just have to take my word for it that it was very nice.  Just in case you’ve missed any of my Preston Park Museum posts, you can find them here, and here, and here.  Understatement- that’s what I’m going for!

Meanwhile I wonder what kind of windows everyone else is showcasing this week.  Find them at Dawn’s The Day After.  I believe she’s gone all romantic this week.

A little something extra
A theatre in miniature

A theatre in miniature

I don’t suppose you were expecting this, and neither was I really!  My visit to Preston Park Museum was a series of lovely surprises.  I turned a corner to be greeted by a sign demanding CREATE!  Well, it’s not one of my strong suites, but I was quite happy to look.

Apparently Cleveland College of Art and Design had done some work for the reopening of the museum, and examples of this are on display.  A theatre made of cardboard cut outs was the chief exhibit.  My photos don’t do it justice but I thought it was enchanting.

The leading lady?

The leading lady?

Supporting act

Supporting act!

The full cast

The full ensemble

Aside from the theatre, there was costume, millinery and pure quirkiness on show.  Creative, for sure.  It made me want to see more of the students work.

A distinguished gentleman looks on

Feathers and curls!

The devil is in the detail

The devil is in the detail?

The peerless sharpshooter with the longest legs! (and his strange sidekick)
Immaculately attired
with devilishly cunning detail!

And lastly, six costumes designed for the Victorian Street.

Appropriately dressed for a trip to the ironmongers

Appropriately dressed for a trip to the Ironmongers

If you saw Gracious living, Victorian style earlier this week you’ll know how much I loved the museum.  My next destination will be the Victorian Street.  Hopefully it won’t disappoint.  I’ve already been asked if there will be cake.  What self-respecting Victorian Street doesn’t have cake?

Gracious living, Victorian style
Your genial host, Robert Ropner

Your genial host, Robert Ropner

It’s always nice to be made welcome and Preston Park Museum  does this with real warmth and imagination.  There’s even a welcoming speech, delivered by our host, glass in hand.

Built in 1825, Preston Hall was purchased by wealthy shipping magnate Robert Ropner in 1882. Major alterations added a grand entrance porch and Winter Garden, ballroom and billiards room, the whole enclosed in beautifully landscaped gardens, befitting his social status.  Ropner served as Conservative MP for Stockton from 1900-1910.  Life was exceedingly grand and a fleet of servants kept the household running smoothly.

Ropner died, aged 85, in 1924 and the hall and park were subsequently purchased by Stockton Council.  Preston Hall Museum opened its doors to the public in 1953.  As a small girl I can remember being taken there.  The house itself was a warren of rooms, stuffed full of Victorian furniture, and with the addition of a Victorian street.

The entrance porch, Preston Hall
The Winter Garden or conservatory
The Victorian street

The museum was beginning to look a little tired when Stockton Council acquired funding for a massive renovation.  In 2012 there was a grand reopening.  I wasn’t at all sure what I would find.

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But I found myself immensely impressed.  The house was light and bright, with beautifully showcased and hugely varied exhibits.  Here are just a few of my favourites.

Fabulous pottery

Fabulous pottery

Beautiful glassware

Beautiful glassware

Exquisite fabrics and jewellery

Exquisite fabrics and jewellery

Exotic sword guards

Exotic sword guards

Delicate cameos

Delicate cameos

Remember the snuff box? Here's another!

Remember the snuff box from Six word Saturday? Here’s another!

Touches of humour illuminate the commentary as you walk through the house, nor are they the only source of illumination.

This stained glass is from a former Methodist church in Stockton

This stained glass is from a former Methodist church in Stockton

There is so much that I could share, but I don’t want to spoil it for you, in case you ever go there. It’s like a Pandora’s Box of Victoriana, with each room a new delight as you wind up through the house.  There’s a nod to shipping, on which Ropner built his fortune.  A local cabinet maker’s craft is showcased.  Even some worn but lovely Victorian scrapbooks are there.  I’d quite forgotten the art!

A lovely fireplace
A delicate cup and inkwell
A Victorian bath and shower
A scary fireplace!
The symbol of Stockton-on Tees
A Victorian scrapbook
And the longest wooden paddle steamer!

Naturally our railway heritage is celebrated.  This is the home of steam, and a famous journey took place locally on 27th September, 1825.

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Overall I felt really proud of our accomplishments here in the north east of England.  Afterwards I took myself for a stroll in the grounds and down to the River Tees.

I loved the reflections in the water and that hint of blue sky

I loved the reflections in the water and that hint of blue sky

The aviary used to be full of birds, now mysteriously flown!

The aviary used to be full of birds, all mysteriously flown!
I watched a remote control aeroplane for a while- can you spot it?

Then I watched a remote control aeroplane for a while- can you spot it?

This post is a follow up to my Six word Saturday and I’m afraid the subject isn’t quite closed yet. The Victorian Street will have to be a subject for another day.  Then there’s the Butterfly House, which doesn’t open until March.  You will come back, won’t you?

I almost forgot to say that admission to the museum costs just £2 (£1 if you’re a concession!) and includes return visits for a full year.  How about that for value?

More fun with windows!
The morning looked promising through my front window

The morning looked promising through my front window

Which was good, because I planned to travel up to Durham on the bus, to meet a friend for coffee.  After a brisk 20 minute walk, I was on board.

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My friend lives in the “New Inn” and works in Durham City, which has a goodly selection of coffee shops.  Unfortunately we have to cram all our news into her lunch hour, but it does leave me time to wander with the camera.  And you know how I love to do that.

  • I managed to capture a few windows and their reflection in the river

    I managed to capture a few windows, and their reflection in the River Wear

    That way I can claim double the amount of windows!

    That way I can claim double the amount of windows!

    A little gentle window shopping never comes in wrong either

    Time for a little gentle window shopping too

    Especially quirky ones, like this!

    Especially when I can find quirky ones, like this!

    I had intended to take a few more bus window shots on the way home.  Well, I was just getting in the groove!  But the bus windows were so filthy I could barely see out.  Perhaps it’s just as well.

  • I can’t seem to get out of the habit of of taking a Lingering look at Windows.  How about you?  I know Dawn loves them.  Are you joining her this week?