Barnard Castle

Framed

I very much like to frame a subject, so when I spotted East of Malaga’s challenge for this month, I had two responses:
1. I absolutely love these photos,
2. If I can possibly squeeze out a little time somewhere, I shall make a submission. After all, a monthly challenge does give you quite a bit of leaway. So, here I go!

Sunrise framed in my front window
The Museum of Hartlepool and HMS Trincomalee.
Hartlepool Headland with a good splash of the colour.
Still in Mary Rowntree’s
Frames in Pier Arts and Crafts and Saltburn Pier
Looking out from the Alhambra
Clerigo tower window, framing Porto
Climbing Porto’s Clerigos Tower for magnificent views
The old Council Chambers form a perfect frame in Guimaraes
Barnard Castle high street sedately framed
A rainy day on Durham Cathedral roof looking down on the Castle
Framing the River Tees at Barnard Castle
The statue in Hardwick Country Park, Sedgefield
Where I like to end my days- my Tavira roof top

What did you think?  Too many?  I do love the drama of them.  Click the first shot to see them in gallery form.

“Less is more”!  Another of those expressions I never quite took to heart.

Speaking of hearts, there are some very warm ones in our blogging world. Simply Charming is just such a person, so if you haven’t yet met her, make just a few minutes of time to go and say hello. If you have, pop by anyway. You’ll get a warm welcome.
Marianne likes us to share two bloggers whose posts we have commented on in the past month.  It’s never easy to choose, but I’m sure Paula at Lost in Translation won’t mind me spreading a little love in her direction. She spreads lots in mine. Paula has a very individual and beautiful style. Go take a look.

That’s me worn out and it’s still early!  Worse yet, I’ve been so engrossed that I haven’t noticed it’s snowing wildly and I’m travelling up to Northumberland today to meet Viv in France. (is that 3 introductions? oh, never mind!)  Wish me luck!

Many thanks, Marianne. Visit East of Malaga to admire and take part.

A Winter’s walk around Staindrop

Don’t all shout “where?” at once!  You know I like a wander, even if it is dull and grey.  Actually I was blessed with the occasional ray of sunshine, but don’t blink too quickly, or you’ll miss it.

You may have seen my post on Barnard Castle, a lovely riverside spot.  Whenever we drive out that way we pass through the viillage of Staindrop, and curiosity impelled me to have a closer look.  Nearby is stately Raby Castle, with its massive deer park.  Sorry- no deer photos!  They were either feeling shy or sheltering beneath distant trees.

If you click on the first photo, you’ll get the guided commentary.  Bye for now!

Staindrop village
Just a few Christmas wreaths are left on the doors
And very nice doors they are, too!
Often attached to lovely old houses
All clustered around a village green
And there’s a stream you can follow
Prettier in Summer, of course
And it leads to the local stately home
And very stately it is
With it’s own gate house
And a row of estate cottages
Those clouds are looming larger!
Could be a good time to leave

Six word Saturday

Our English Heritage – walk with me?

Well, the young uns are back at school and, as often happens, we’re enjoying a last glimpse of Summer.  Whoo- hoo!  Share with me a balmy day in Barnard Castle, Teesdale. 

A first peak at the River Tees, sparkling in the sunlight

And cascading over the rocks

I love the power of the water as it slaloms down the river

Around the bend and a hint of castle appears

And then the bridge

Isn’t this how a ruined castle should look?

While the river flows respectfully by

Over the bridge

My favourite shot

Stay close to the river and cross over another bridge

A strange one this, but you can sit in the middle and contemplate

Time to wander back up the High St

Maybe a little window shopping?

Choose between ancient pub and “ye olde tea shoppe”

Who are these little characters?

Back to the bandstand and turn right, signed Bowes

And a chateau awaits, now Bowes Museum

But who is the gargoyle waiting for?

The view from the terraces

The griffin’s spotted something

Much to our surprise, a Bengali wedding is taking place

Heritage of every kind.  Hope you enjoyed our little stroll?  It was too warm to hurry.

Still sunny today and I’m off to walk across the park to my zumba class.  That’ll tire me out for the weekend!  Have a good one, won’t you?

Many thanks to Cath of Show My Face, our lovely lady hostess.  Click on the link or the banner to see full details, and you can follow my activities on the button below.