England

Thursday : Lingering look at windows, week 25
A rainy day on Durham Cathedral roof looking down on the Castle

A rainy day on Durham Cathedral roof, looking down on the Castle.

Maybe not quite window in the conventional sense, but I could, and did, look through it.  Some of you wandered Durham’s riverbanks with me earlier this week, and I make no apologies for taking you back again today.

It’s quite a special week for Durham because the Lindisfarne Gospels have been returned, for a short while, to their rightful home in the north east.  Created 1,300 years ago, in honour of St. Cuthbert, they are on loan from the British Library and will be on display until 30th September.  Palace Green, in front of the Cathedral, is a deservedly beautiful location.  Ticket sales are booming.  The link above will show you why.   Meantime, a few more Durham windows.

The University Library is the location for the Lindisfarne Gospels.
While you’re in Durham, book the Castle tour- it really is fabulous!
Looking out into the castle courtyard.
The stained glass window in the castle chapel.
The lovely windows and cloisters of Durham Cathedral
More “windows” on the Cathedral roof.
The Dun Cow. And thereby hangs a tale..
The Masonic Hall windows
With fabulous detail.
The buildings in the city exude character
And finally, (for Lorna at Tearoom Delights) a nice pot of tea.

How lucky are the students at Durham University?  They get to use the castle as “digs” and dine in the fabulous Great Hall.  Taking photos isn’t allowed but I would suggest you take the tour if you’re in Durham to see the Gospels.  It’s bookable in the same building.  My post Discovering Durham will give you a lot more information.

Next week I shall be gazing through some real windows in the Algarve, so won’t be taking part in this challenge.  But I expect I’ll have a few shots to bring back.

Off now to check out the other entries at Lingering Visions.  Have you a few windows you’d like to share?  Dawn will be delighted.

Black and White weekly photo challenge : Bridges
A romantic view of Durham

A romantic view of Durham

Durham is a city of many bridges.  The River Wear threads its way backwards and forwards between the historic houses, and it’s quite hard NOT to take a photo of a bridge or two.

Here we have two bridges for the price of one. Agree?

Here we have two bridges for the price of one. Agree?

County Durham is known as the Land of the Prince Bishops and gets a small mention in the Wikipedia link.  The “Prince Bishop” river cruiser has been tootling up and down a short stretch of this river for as long as I can remember.

Under the road bridge, looking back at the Cathedral.

Under the road bridge, looking back at “Prince Bishop” and the Cathedral.

I rarely visit Durham without strolling along the riverside path.  The bustle of the Market Square and always busy Cathedral seem a world away.

This is the classic view, seen on numerous postcards.

This is the classic view, seen on numerous postcards.

The river has paths on both banks for some of its passage through the city, so you can meander like the river, and choose which bridge you want to cross.

Milburngate Bridge with castle and cathedral above.

Milburngate Bridge with castle and cathedral above.

Some years the weir is filled to the brim.  Sadly, this year, erosion has affected the riverbanks in a few places.  Part of our constant battle with nature.

There are always rowing boats tethered by Framwellgate Bridge.

There are always rowing boats tethered by Framwellgate Bridge.

Durham has a famous university, and for much of the year students can be seen sculling rapidly along the water’s surface.  In June the regatta gives them the chance to show off their skills, and it’s a fun day out.

I’m normally very much a Summer person, but there is one event that takes place in Durham every second November that I hate to miss.  During “Lumiere” many of the bridges are spectacularly lit.  You can see this in full colour in my recent post Water under the bridge, but for this challenge I have to stick with black and white.

Trying to find the best vantage point to take the shot.

Trying to find the best vantage point to take the shot.

How about this one?

How about this one?

So that’s my take on Sonel’s Black and White photo challenge this week.  I hope you enjoyed wandering the riverbanks of Durham with me.  Let’s do it in colour another time, shall we?

I’m off to check out the other entries to the challenge.  Sonel has given us quite a wide brief.  The main stipulation is that we work with black and white only- no shades, which means my sepia friend is not allowed.  The button below will take you to the home page of the challenge.

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Six word Saturday

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A week of scarecrows, and “fun”!

Castle Eden "bottle bank"?

Castle Eden “bottle bank”?

As I was updating my Six word Saturday page yesterday I realised that this is my 70th Six word Saturday post.  Amazing!  It started out as a bit of fun, and I hope it still is?  I posted my round up of the scarecrow festival in the villages on Tuesday, but I think I might just have a few more photos to share.

A "snorting good time" in Elwick

A “snorting good time” in Elwick

Elwick's a nice looking village with a beautifully well-kept green.

Elwick’s a nice looking village with a well-kept green. (and Bertie Bassett!)

But there were some rough-looking individuals there on Sunday!

But there were some rough-looking individuals there on Sunday!

But here's a pretty lady! Missummer Madness?

Here’s a pretty lady! Midsummer Madness? That was the theme.

A little nonchalant fishing was going on elsewhere in the village.

A little nonchalant fishing was going on elsewhere in the village.

And a good time was being had by all.

But a good time was being had by all.

There was even pizza for the hungry.

There was even pizza for the hungry.

And Laurel and Hardy seemed to approve.

And Laurel and Hardy seemed to approve.

And everybody loved the caterpillar!

But everyone was agreed- they all loved the caterpillar!

To see the full parade of scarecrows, click on It’s Show Time!  Wishing you a fun week too!

Meantime I should say thanks to Cate at Show My Face for hosting all my Six word Saturdays.  Don’t forget to pay her a visit, and if you’ve any spare time you can look back at my 70 by clicking on the button below.

See you next week for number 71!

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Thursday- Lingering look at windows, week 24
Sunrise framed in my front window

Sunrise framed in my front window

I’m staying local with my windows again this week.  In fact, some of them are downright personal!  You want to look through my windows?  I’m warning you- I’m a very slovenly housewife.  You may need to bring your own duster.

The view from our kitchen window through the conservatory

This is the view from our kitchen window through the conservatory

The view from the conservatory into the garden. Watch out for spiders!

The view from the conservatory into the garden. Watch out for spiders!

Our front window reflected in the mirror (no, I never clean that!)

Our front window reflected in the mirror (no, I never clean that!)

Our bedroom window. Sorry- I'm blocking the view.

Our bedroom window. Sorry- I’m blocking the view.

This looks through the conservatory into the garden

Gorgeous end of day photo from the bedroom window. Hello neighbours!

And speaking of the neighbours, isn't this sweet?

And speaking of the neighbours, isn’t this sweet?

I took some nice window photos in Durham yesterday, but I think I’d better save them for next week.  You can have too much of a good thing you know.  Incidentally, anyone know of a good window cleaner?

Please excuse my slightly frivolous contribution to Lingering look at Windows this week.  Thanks Dawn.  I’ll be round to check out some more entries later.

Black and white photo challenge : Neighbourhood
Hartlepool marina

Hartlepool marina

I didn’t really expect to take part in Sonel’s Black and White photo challenge again this week.  Then I saw the subject matter and just couldn’t resist having a little play around.

I have an awful lot of shots of my neighbourhood, so the real challenge was in finding out which ones might best convert to black and white.  I find I have a preference for sepia.  How about you?

I love the hunched shadow at the rails on this photo.

I love the hunched shadow at the rails on this photo.

The sky on this particular day was practically black already!

The sky on this particular day was practically black already!

How wild and angry does this look?

How wild and angry does this look? The houses are huddled against it!

I can watch the sea leaping the pier all day

I can watch the sea trying to leap the pier all day.

But this is undoubtedly one of my favourite shots from Hartleppol Headland.

But this is undoubtedly one of my favourite shots from Hartlepool Headland.

Thanks again, Sonel, for getting me to look at my world a little differently.  I rather like what I see.  This challenge business is a little addictive, isn’t it?  I’ve seen some wonderful entries already.  Come with me to Sonel’s Corner and take a look.  How about these for a start?

http://geriatrixfotogallerie.wordpress.com/2013/06/26/black-and-white-weekly-photo-challengeneighbourhood/

http://travelwithintent.com/2013/06/26/el-born-barcelona/

http://marantophotography.wordpress.com/2013/06/25/a-beautiful-spot-in-the-neighborhood/

http://bopaula.wordpress.com/2013/06/25/black-white-photo-challenge-neighbourhood/

http://weliveinaflat.wordpress.com/2013/06/25/abandoned-but-for-the-sun-and-moon-above/

http://shareandconnect.wordpress.com/2013/06/25/black-and-white-weekly-photo-challenge-neighbourhood/

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It’s show time!
Ingenious! The eyes flash as you approach it.

Ingenious! The eyes flash as you approach it.

It must be Summer because it’s annual scarecrow festival time again in two of our local villages.  Last year Elwick truly excelled themselves with a Royal Jubilee theme.  Can a year have passed so quickly?  This year we’re indulging Midsummer Madness.

I timed it very nicely on Sunday morning because within seconds of returning home it was bouncing with rain.  Summer, Wimbledon fortnight (sorry Rafa), rain on your strawberries- it’s all one!

Welcome to Elwick!
The theme this year was Midsummer Madness.- here he is!
And that’s “his” foot you can see round the corner!
Almost every planter has one of these.
But there’s only one caterpillar!
Some ladies sat aloof on a bench
But Bertie Bassett was right there on the village green
And the Spotted Cow’s always in the thick of things
Snowmen at the beach- that’s definitely madness!
A hula-hula girl- that’s more like it.
The village shop went a little crazy!
And every scarecrow festival needs a pink pig, right?
The village shop was selling these little guys
And gals!
It’s a pretty village, don’t you think?
With its own Queen of the Fairies- Titania
The school’s entry featured Bottom, of course
And Puck!
While over the road things were going swimmingly!
Note the umbrella pointing to the sign.
Looking at those clouds it’s nearly time to run!

And that’s just half the story, because the two villages compete.  In the interests of fairness I went to Castle Eden on Monday.  It was a grey, surly day and some of the scarecrows had had a good soaking from the downpour.  But the village spirit was still in evidence.

Cricket, anyone?
Another Bottom?
And Madness gets in everywhere!
It’s a smaller village than Elwick
But still has a lively sense of humour!
And a splash of colour here and there
Guess who?
I really like this old row of houses
With a more traditional scarecrow
Add a touch of whimsy
Barbecue time, or Christmas? I’m not sure.
But definitely not a beach day!

A good effort by both, I think you’ll agree?  Next year we’ll plan the weather better.  If you click on the galleries you’ll get my guided commentary.  All part of the service! (with a smile)  And if you still haven’t had enough of scarecrows, you can click the Royal Jubilee link for a look back at last year’s sumptuousness.

Water under the bridge

Or stunningly,as part of a "waterfall" light installation

I seem to have done quite a few posts on bridges.  But Jake is back, so how can I say no?   Jake’s Sunday Post is always a cause for celebration.  I might even have to open another of those bottles of wine!

I love the violet hues of this photo.  It was taken in Durham in 2011, during a biennial event called Lumiere.  The light installations over and beside the River Wear were like nothing I have seen before.  If you’re fortunate enough to be near Durham this November, I can promise you a beautiful evening of colour and sound when Lumiere comes to town.

Water flowing under a bridge will always hold me captive, drifting in the current.  Where would it take me, if I let it?  A lifetime has slipped past while I wonder.  All just water under the bridge.

And it wouldn't be complete without my favourite bridge, and we're back with the subtle colour.

You probably recognise this bridge, but I can share a view of it you won’t have seen before.  It hangs on the wall in my favourite cafe, Anazu, on the riverfront in Tavira.  It’s in 3-D, though you really can’t tell from my photo.

IMG_6221Not that I’m often inside the cafe.  The pavement outside has the view that I love.  I have watched so much water pass under the bridge, but some will have seen very much more.  I found this black and white photo in the Galeria Palace museum in the town.  Times may have changed but the water flows on.

Ponte Romana B & WThe evening light fades and the moon rises in the sky on a warm Summer’s night.  I stand beside my bridge and look out to sea.  I’m filled with hope that I might return.  Well, who wouldn’t be?

IMG_6522It only needs me to remind you that Jake’s place is a good place to be, on a Sunday or any other day.  Please click on the logo below or any link to pay him a visit.

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Thursday : Lingering look at Windows- 23
You'll have to excuse these windows for not being very clean. I'll have a word with the bosun.

Not too clean, these windows?  I’ll have a word with the ship’s bosun.

When I was a little girl, our town had docklands.  I remember being fascinated by the chain bridges that linked them all together.   I would walk with care over the wooden boards, water on either side of me.  Then we were no longer competitive at the shipbuilding game, and a wealth of skills were laid to waste.  Years passed, with the town in decline.  Still, we can be tenacious in this north eastern corner of England.

A happy ending, of sorts, is on display every day at Hartlepool’s Maritime Experience, our recreation of an 18th Century seaport.  The website incorporates a brief history of Hartlepool, and details of HMS Trincomalee, restored locally and the only British warship still afloat.

Come and gaze with me into the windows of an 18th Century seaport.

Let's walk round the quay together. I love this reflected windows shot.

Let’s walk round the quay together. I like this reflected windows shot.

The tailors first- you've got HMS Trincomalee too, of course

The tailor’s first- got to be suitably attired. (and HMS Trincomalee, clearly reflected! )

The swordsmith's- do take care in here!

The swordsmith’s- they’re pretty sharp in there!

Wax figures? A strange one this.

Wax figures? A little strange, this one.

Shadrach Moggridge- a fine name for a Chandler

Shadrach Moggridge- a fine name for a chandler!

The upstairs window looks good too

The upstairs window looks good too.

All very useful!

So many useful things!

A gunmakers, naturally!

A gunmaker’s, with shot, naturally!

The printer's- useful again!

The printer’s- useful again!

Head in hands- he must have got it wrong! (best yet reflection of the Trinc?)

Head in hands- he must have got it wrong! (best yet reflection of the Trinc?)

Turn around. There she is, HMS Trincomalee.

Turn around, and there she is, HMS Trincomalee.

The windows look a little cleaner from the outside. :)

Those windows look a little cleaner from the outside.

Hope you enjoyed my tour.  Come up and see us sometime.  It really is quite fascinating inside the shops.  I think I put my time to good use at Sunday’s visit to the Steampunk event.

Dawn, I hope you approve my choice of windows?   Many thanks for hosting Thursday : Lingering look at Windows.  I enjoy exploring your world too.