Photography

Six word Saturday

Oh, the weather outside is frightful…

But I’m one of the lucky ones- safe and warm! It must have been a horrendous Christmas for those who were flooded or without power. Nothing to do but try to smile and carry on.

Here, it’s been a mixed bag. I didn’t have much luck on the beach at Crimdon on Christmas Eve.

I should have kept my eye on those clouds!

The blue was disappearing at an alarming rate!

Our skies have been very mean and moody!

How about this for a mean and moody sky?

But I wanted to reach the end of the cove

I think that might be far enough!

Time to make a run for it!

Of course, we got wet!

But 2 minutes later, it looked like this.

But two minutes later, it looked like this.

Then we had a decidedly frosty day- our first this Winter! The park looked very pretty.

Crisp and bright!

The wildlife pond was looking rather handsome

(if cold)

And part of the pond was frozen

But I loved the dramatic light through the trees.

Since then the winds have been wild, but I have no reason at all to complain. I’m sitting tight with my little snowman friends.

Oh, the weather outside is frightful…

Hope you’re having a peaceful time in these days between Christmas and the New Year. I won’t be around for Six word Saturday for a week or two. Keep Cate company, won’t you? And a very happy New Year to you!

Nostalgic reflections

You know what’s coming, don’t you? Earlier in the week a delicious sunset drew me into Sue’s Word a Week Photo Challenge. Reflect was the subject, and as Sue seemed to be suggesting, time for a little nostalgia and a few reflections of my own.

It’s been a great year, from Barcelona in November all the way back to my daughter’s wedding in February. If you click on a photo it will take you back to the original post.

Sagrada Familia, reflected in the lake in Gaudi Square

Sagrada Familia, reflected in the lake in Barcelona’s Gaudi Square

Crossing the pond to the Scottish Parliament building

The tip of Holyrood Palace, Edinburgh, reflected in the pond

Girona was one of my favourite cities this year

I love a novelty shot! Looking up, reflected down, in the harbour at Barcelona.

And the shadows lengthened as I crossed over the bridge.

One of Durham’s lovely bridges reflected in Autumn shadows

Reflections of Newcastle’s bustling city centre

I spent some lovely days in Whitby, North Yorkshire, this Summer

And with Aunt Lusia in Zawady- this is her garden pond.

You can get a better impression of size from here.

It was a little cloudy for reflections- can you see the Transporter Bridge?

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

HMS Trincomalee, in the Georgian windows of Hartlepool Maritime Experience

A sparkling, clear day on Hartlepool beach- a “day in my life”

Not possible to leave out that bridge, is it?

Haven’t seen this bridge for a while, have you? I’m returning soon.

I don’t know if you’ve noticed but recently WordPress has started to include links to “related posts” at the bottom of the page? I presume it encourages people to stay with you and wander through your site in a way that the page layout often doesn’t. I guess Be With Us found my Weekly Photo Challenge post A Day in my Life in this manner? However it happened, I was delighted to return with them to an April day this year and a stroll on my beach. It prompted me to write this post.

One of my New Year’s resolutions must be to introduce some changes into this tired old Restlessjo site, or even be bold and start a new blog. Hope you’ll stay with me for another year, good or bad. Meanwhile, huge respect to Sue for her challenge, and all the other folks who mount challenges throughout the year. Thanks for reflecting on 2013 with me.

A festive walk round Pooley Bridge

Winter sunshine? Well, maybe!

After all the hustle and bustle, it’s nice to get out and about again, isn’t it? Especially if the weather cooperates. I can think of few nicer places to stretch your legs in the off season than Pooley Bridge, in England’s Lake District.

I was lucky enough to be there recently, and even though the day was grey, I managed to catch a hint of sunlight on the water. Pooley Bridge sits on the River Eamont, at the head of Lake Ullswater. The 7 mile-long lake slides off into the distance, and the temptation to follow is strong. From the village you can walk round to the ferry point, or follow the lakeside path along the shore.

The path from the village leads over the bridge

and a nice old Pooley Bridge it is!

Crossing the bridge you can see right down the lake

Or look back at the tranquil riverside homes.

The ferry beckons in the distance

Subject to the weather, of course, the ferry sails all year. A Round the Lake Pass gives you the option to hop on and hop off anywhere on the lake. The villages of Howtown and Glenridding lie at the southern end. If you time it right in December, you might even catch Santa and his Happy Elves on board. For details see Ullswater Steamers.

The sign is so long

I had to photograph it in two halves!

If you’re full of energy you can take the turn off in the village and head down to the lakeside path following the shore.

Soon the ferry is back in sight

And a couple of upturned boats

The jetty looks a little frail

But you the view from the pebbles is just fine.

The village is well supplied with pubs so retrace your steps when you get hungry. The atmosphere in the “Sun Inn” (a natural choice for me!) was very convivial and the chicken curry quite spicy. Just right for a December day.

Back into the village

The “Sun Inn” looks welcoming

And promises to be festive inside

And on the bar, the jolliest snowman beams through falling snow.

The waterproof jacket and pink scarf came too, but I was fortunate with the weather. Enjoy your Christmas celebrations and don’t feel guilty about that naughty pud. You can walk it all off later.

Have a very Merry Christmas!

The Award Fairy is simply worn out!

I have to admit it. I have been so naughty this year, I really don’t think Santa will be coming to call. What should I do to make amends? I could start by acknowledging a few kind people who have bestowed awards on ungrateful me.

A good place to start, don’t you think? It made me smile and pretty well sums up my attitude to writing. Sandcastles in Portugal– isn’t that a lovely image? Alicia loves crafting so I’m sure many of you will enjoy her blog.

Whilst on the subject of Portugal, I’m long overdue a visit, and delighted to say that I’ll be back there on 2nd January, in time for Epiphany. Alyson Sheldrake of Algarve Blog is a powerhouse of activity, and the creator of the Blog of the Year 2013 award. If I don’t speed it up I’ll be just in time for 2014! Aly’s artwork is legendary in the Algarve and you can visit her at either of her blogs.

Now you might wonder why I have awarded myself one of the six stars that go with this award. Pure laziness is the answer! I did warn you that Santa had crossed me off his list, didn’t I? Michelle at Kidazzleink shone on me twice, giving me a star and the WordPress Family award too.

Do you like this cute snow fox?

I’m sure you all know Cee! She is an amazing lady who illustrates Cee’s Photography with a rainbow of colour, and produces challenge upon challenge. I owe sincere thanks for being included in her Sisterhood. And Valentina, a fashion concious lady at Low Rise, High Hopes kindly gave me the Best Moment Award.

Cuddly snow bunny companions

In the true spirit of naughtiness I have no intention of fulfilling all the rules in the above awards. Why should I bore you when you’d rather see another photo or two from Chatsworth House? But if you follow all the links you can introduce yourself to the people you don’t know, and surely that’s the point?

Happy together, like the blogging family

My awards all appear in my sidebar, or on my Awards page. Thank you very much to all concerned, and I do hope I haven’t missed anybody out. So now that poor old Award Fairy can have a nice rest. She must have earned some time off for Christmas!

Six word Saturday

Tis the season to be jolly!

And jolly I have been! But I’m starting to run out of steam. Yesterday evening was spent in the lovely company of the lady friends I have known since school days. We ate and we drank. We laughed and we hugged. As always, when together, we were jolly. None of us knows what tomorrow may bring. So I’m wishing you, as I wished them, a wonderful Christmas and the happiest of New Years. Peace and love!

Almost time to climb that chimney, Santa!

I seem too have a thing about reindeer this Christmas!

I seem to have a thing about reindeer this Christmas!

See what I mean?

This one’s an old, old friend

And this one was among the finery at Chatsworth.

Tonight I’m just going to curl up in front of the TV to watch the final of “Strictly”. As I have from the very beginning, I’m supporting Natalie, but it doesn’t really matter who wins. I just watch and admire.

I may find time to pop in on your blogs, but if I miss anyone, go right ahead and be jolly without me. And don’t forget Cate at Show My Face!

Thursday : Lingering look at Windows- week 49

Central Arcade in Newcastle-on-Tyne

When it comes to shopping, I’m a bit of an old-fashioned girl. I like nice surroundings. I can be totally seduced by a beautiful arcade, especially when it’s prettied up for Christmas.

Like this!

And this!

In fact, I might as well admit it, I’m a hopeless shopper! I much prefer to admire the buildings. As I put this post together, I’m watching the TV series on Libertys of London. Many years ago, when I was finding my feet in the city, I did some temp work in the store. It’s really beautiful and I’ve had a soft spot for it ever since.

These days “the city”, for me, is Newcastle-on-Tyne. The highlight at Christmas time is Fenwick’s Department Store and its window display. Click on a photo to see it in more detail.

Fairy Dell

Skating on the pond

And who might this be?

Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your long hair.

Next comes Little Red Riding Hood

Grandma, what big ears you have!

The ice palace

And the Ice Queen, with a foundling?

Ice perfection!

And, of course, the gnomes in Santa’s workshop.

My kind of shopping! The window kind. Which ties in very well with Dawn’s Lingering Look at Windows challenge. I bet there are some more Christmas windows to see this week. Click on the link to find out.

A Chatsworth Christmas

Can you imagine spending Christmas in a stately home? Chatsworth House in Derbyshire would be the one for me. With the house beautifully themed and decorated all through December, wouldn’t it be wonderful to close the gates on Christmas Eve and have it all to yourself, just for a little while? With a select few friends, of course.

Ideally I suppose there should be a carpet of snow, so you could hop, skip and jump your footprints into the lawns. Which fire to drink your mug of hot chocolate by afterwards could be a big decision. Of 126 rooms, almost 100 are never seen by the public. Think of the game of Christmas hide and seek you could play!

You could hide behind a statue?

But not this well pruned hedge!

Lots of scope in the conservatories.

But maybe not these statues?

Come on! Let’s go inside, shall we? The house has been the family home of the Cavendish family since 1549. A lady called Bess of Hardwick determined to settle in her native county, with her Suffolk born husband Sir William Cavendish, Treasurer of the King’s Chamber. The riverside house was Bess’ project, carried on even after her husband died and she remarried.

Of course the house has changed greatly since it was first built, and, in the manner of all grand mansions, has a colourful history. Mary Queen of Scots is known to have stayed here, whilst a prisoner. In 1608, when Bess died, the house passed to her eldest son, but was purchased from him by his brother, William Cavendish, 1st Earl of Devonshire, for a measly £10,000.

Where to look? Christmas trees or up at that ceiling?

I mean, seriously- who lives in a house like this?

It is quite extraordinary!

And that applies to almost everywhere you look.

Bizarre yet wonderful sculpture

Exquisite wood carving

Beautiful candelabra and light fittings

Fabulous timepieces

And heart stopping modern works

Over time the house was added to and altered. After World War II, the upkeep proved impossible. Debt and death duties had accrued, and in 1946 a trust was established to administer the estate. Today the house has a separate trust, and visitors pour through the gates, especially at Christmas. The current Duke and Duchess of Devonshire are happy to be able to maintain and share their family home in this way.

How about this for a dining room?

The curtain headers are lovely!

The candelabra so stylish!

And I think I know that bright-haired lady!

Opulence doesn’t even begin to describe it.

And I haven’t even shown you the Painted Staircase yet.

The White Queen was here, but she’s gone now.

Just a small clue left behind.

I expect you guessed, I came here to see “Narnia”. And now I’m waiting for Boxing Day when “Death comes to Pemberley” will be screened on TV. It was filmed in part at Chatsworth. Based on the novel by P.D. James, it is a fictitious continuation of Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice”. Fittingly this year is the 200th anniversary of Jane Austen’s novel. I find that quite amazing.

It may not be in a stately home, but wherever you spend it, I hope your Christmas is beautiful.

Oh, Christmas tree!

Oh, Christmas tree, how lovely are your branches!

I tend to be an early riser, even on these dark days before Christmas. I love to watch the morning sky flush with colour at daybreak. But sometimes I pull the cover up and think I’ll just snuggle a little while longer.

Until my Christmas tree goes up! Then it doesn’t matter if I’m still half asleep. The second I plug my tree lights in, the magic of Christmas is there. The warm scent of pine needles tickles my nose. I make my morning coffee, and settle down beside the Christmas tree, to start my day.

Like the hearts? My daughter’s crafty contribution.

Twas the night before Christmas…

And everything’s dark!

Small cherubs sit up high

Little Miss Wishful!

Beneath the tree, the Nativity Scene; above, the angel smiles fondly down.

Unto us a child is born, king of all creation.

More of Lisa’s handiwork!

I had no intention to write this post today, but when an old friend comes calling, what can you do but respond? As if by magic, Jake’s Sunday Post appeared in my Reader, bearing a beautiful Christmas Tree. I’ll supply the carols. Coming round for mince pies, anybody?

Six word Saturday

Santa Claus is coming to town!

Are you ready yet?

Ready or not, it’s time for Six word Saturday. Don’t forget to stop by at Show My Face to say Merry Christmas to Cate. Have a good week everybody.

A Grand Day Out!

Looking out from the Cascade

I suspect that whatever your criteria for grand might be, Chatsworth House could fulfil it. I honeymooned in the Peak District almost 25 years ago, and the memory of its grandeur and the beauty of the surroundings remains with me. The house sits in extensive grounds, with a wooded hill rising up behind it. I returned, with my daughter Lisa, on a day unbelievably lovely for December.

Statuary is everywhere.

But first, into the Conservatory to search out some delicate blooms.

No idea what these might be?

And could these be melons?

Then up through the Kitchen garden

The arches pleasing to the eye

And the Sensory garden, with its reflective prism,

Then into the woodlands.

I noted from Wikipedia that during World War II the house was occupied by 300 schoolgirls, for six years. The Duke felt that they might be easier on his home than the soldiers who would otherwise be billeted there. I’m not so sure! In any event, they grew vegetables in the Kitchen garden to contribute to the war effort, and skated on the Canal Pond when it froze over.

Eventually you arrive at the top of the Cascade

To be bewitched by the dancing fountains

And the suitably disguised Pump house

Onwards and upwards to the Grotto next, where you can sit in the bandstand, mistress of all you survey. A lady visitor was obviously much pleased with her surroundings, and I tried, in my halting French, to exchange a few words.

Five relaxed and carefree minutes in the bandstand.

Lisa had a strong affinity with the Maze

While I rather liked this romantic-looking gate

But the curves of the beech hedges were my favourites

Several busts gaze at each other across a glade

And another beech hedge leads to the Rock garden.

Then it’s back to modern art at the bottom of the Cascade.

And if you’re very good, you just might try

A cream tea!

I don’t feel that I’ve really done the gardens justice. Maybe it’s because I was so overwhelmed by the beauty of the house. The “Narnia” Christmas theme made it very special. I’ll be writing more about the house and its occupants later this week.

In the meantime, I hope you feel you’ve had a grand day out? (yes, I quite like Wallace and Gromit too) I’m linking this post to Cheri’s Weekly Photo Challenge. Join me there?

restlessjo

Roaming, at home and abroad

Photography

Six word Saturday

Oh, the weather outside is frightful…

Nostalgic reflections

A festive walk round Pooley Bridge

The Award Fairy is simply worn out!

Six word Saturday

Tis the season to be jolly!

Thursday : Lingering look at Windows- week 49

A Chatsworth Christmas

Oh, Christmas tree!

Six word Saturday

Santa Claus is coming to town!

Are you ready yet?

A Grand Day Out!

Oh, the weather outside is frightful…

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Tis the season to be jolly!

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Santa Claus is coming to town!

Are you ready yet?

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