April 2025

28th

Newcastle council fined our pickup truck more than £100 for parking and clean air violations.

These are penny-pinching times, notably when crossing the Humber Bridge.

26th

Since Charlie is off from work today, we're going back to Chillingham Castle.

Full frontal view of Chillingham Castle in Northumberland, England. The castle is a large, imposing stone structure with crenellations, multiple towers, and numerous windows. In the foreground is a neatly kept lawn, and parked near the castle are a vintage green bus and a horse-drawn carriage, suggesting a perhaps tourist-oriented setting.
Large, imposing stone castle, possibly of medieval or Tudor origin, set within meticulously maintained formal gardens. The castle’s exterior is made of light brown stone, showing its age and exhibiting a crenelated battlement on top of its walls. The gardens feature neatly trimmed hedges forming geometric patterns, interspersed with ornamental stone urns. The overall impression is one of wealth, history, and carefully cultivated beauty.
An ornate stone urn in the foreground, positioned within a meticulously manicured garden. The background features a large, imposing stone castle, suggesting a stately home or historical site. The overall impression is one of elegance, history, and well-maintained landscaping.
Weathered, light beige statue of a bare-chested man, seemingly made of stone or a similar material. The statue has a crown of barbed wire on its head and is partially obscured by overgrown shrubbery and the remnants of a tree trunk. The overall impression is one of decay, abandonment, and perhaps suffering, suggested by the barbed wire crown.
Stone fountain featuring a statue of Neptune, the Roman god of the sea. The statue holds a trident and stands within a niche framed by stone pillars. A small stream of water flows from the base of the statue into a basin below. Around the fountain are various gardening tools and a watering can, suggesting a garden setting. The overall style is classical or perhaps recreating a classical style.
Close-up of a weathered stone carving of a bearded man's face. The face is centrally positioned and framed by ornate stonework that appears to be part of a larger structure, possibly a fountain or column. The man's expression is serious, almost stern, with his mouth slightly open. The stone shows signs of age and weathering, adding to its historical and possibly classical feel.
Formal garden with a gravel path winding through meticulously manicured hedges. The hedges are shaped into geometric forms, including large, rounded balls and rectangular sections. A stone urn sits on a pedestal in the middle ground, adding a focal point to the scene. The background includes some deciduous trees, suggesting a park-like setting. The overall impression is one of order, symmetry, and careful landscaping, characteristic of a formal European garden style.
Weathered stone statue of a winged lion, situated on a two-tiered stone plinth. The statue is positioned in a formal garden setting, with manicured hedges, gravel paths, and a stone wall visible in the background. The lion appears aged and worn, suggesting a long history within the garden.
Weathered bronze statue of a nude woman lying on her side in a grassy area. The statue is holding a circular object, possibly a mirror, in one hand. A portion of one leg is broken off and lies separately near the rest of the statue. The overall impression is one of decay and abandonment.
Full frontal view of a large, imposing stone castle. The castle is made of light grey stone, has crenelated walls typical of medieval architecture, and numerous windows. A stone fountain sits in the manicured lawn in the foreground. The overall impression is one of antiquity and grandeur.
Portion of a stone building, possibly a castle or manor house, with a prominent entrance. The entrance features a large wooden door, partially open, revealing a glimpse of the interior. Two stone lions flank the entrance. The building's stonework is aged and shows signs of weathering. The window frames are white and the overall style seems to be historical. A weathered coat of arms is visible above the door. A simple lantern hangs above the entrance. Part of a garden or courtyard is visible in the foreground.
Stone carving of a coat of arms, set into the stonework of a building. The coat of arms features two lions rampant supporting a shield, with a crown above. A scroll at the bottom bears an inscription. The stonework shows signs of age and weathering. Below the coat of arms is a smaller, separate stone crown. The overall impression is of an aged, historical building detail.
Close-up view of four purple tulips in full bloom. The tulips are a deep purple with striking white edges accentuating the ruffled petals, giving them a textured and almost flamboyant appearance. They are growing in a garden setting, with a blurred background of green foliage and brown earth showing some small fallen leaves. The sunlight suggests it is daytime. The overall impression is one of vibrant colour and delicate beauty within a natural setting.
Taxidermy tiger head and shoulders mounted on what appears to be a wooden surface. The tiger's mouth is open, revealing its teeth. The background is a patterned rug.
Bull skull with long horns, adorned with what appears to be metal bands around the base of the horns. The skull rests on a dark wooden surface, which is partially obscured by a dark, ornate metal fire screen. The background includes a stone panel with an embossed or carved design and parts of what seem to be antique metal fireplace tools. The overall impression is one of age, history, and perhaps a slightly morbid or macabre aesthetic.
Interior of a rustic, stone-walled room, possibly in a historic building. It's filled with antique furniture and various items, including two large, old metal serving platters hanging on the wall, a wooden rocking chair, an old wooden chest, and a collection of antique harnesses and saddles. The room also includes an old fireplace with copper pots, and several framed photographs on the mantelpiece.
Large, rusty, metal cauldron or pot affixed to a rough stone wall. It appears to be an antique or historical artefact, possibly used for cooking or some other function in the past. The setting seems to be an old building or cellar, with exposed wooden beams and stonework. A simple hanging lamp and a set of antlers on the wall provide context for the age and style of the location.
Large oil painting depicting a boar hunt. The scene is dynamic, featuring several mounted hunters attacking a boar with the help of hounds. The painting is richly Coloured and detailed, showcasing the action and excitement of the hunt. The style suggests it's possibly from the Baroque period. The painting is framed in a large, ornate gilt frame.
Crystalline skull, seemingly carved from quartz or a similar translucent material. It’s positioned within a dimly lit, earthy alcove, giving the impression of a relic or artifact found in a cave or ancient structure. The light source, not directly visible, illuminates the skull from within, enhancing its translucence and creating a warm, almost ethereal glow. The overall effect is one of mystery and perhaps even a touch of the macabre, contrasting the natural, rough texture of the surrounding stone with the smooth, precisely carved skull.
Tapestry depicting a chaotic battle scene. Figures, appearing to be warriors in classical-style attire, are engaged in violent conflict. The style suggests a historical or mythological subject, possibly from antiquity. The tapestry is aged and shows significant wear and tear, adding to its historical feel. The colors are muted earth tones with some faded brighter accents. The overall impression is one of action, violence and the passage of time.
Bedroom with a bed as the focal point. The bed has a metal frame, a patterned comforter, and a gold dust ruffle. Several pieces of artwork and other personal objects decorate the walls and surfaces in the room which appear to be eclectically styled and possibly belonging to an artist.
Cluttered room filled with various hats, boots, and other items. Many hats of different styles and materials hang from a rack and are piled on surfaces. Several pairs of riding boots are stacked on the floor. There's a general sense of disorganisation and a feeling of age and history to the objects. The scene suggests a storage room or attic filled with antique or vintage clothing and accessories.
Rusty, antique spur hanging on a wooden cross-shaped structure against a whitewashed stone wall. The spur is the central focus, displaying significant wear and age. The wooden structure appears weathered as well, adding to the overall sense of antiquity. Part of another object, possibly a piece of old machinery or equipment, is visible in the upper left corner.
Interior of a medieval-style room, possibly a castle chamber. The focal point is a long, richly decorated table laden with various medieval-style objects, including candlesticks, goblets, and what appear to be gauntlets. Behind the table is an ornate chair, a tapestry, and a suit of armour stands against the stone wall, along with various weapons and other medieval artefacts.
Close-up view of an ornate, crown-shaped brass lamp or light fixture. It's affixed to what appears to be a dark-Coloured wooden or metal post, which in turn is set against a rough, textured stone wall. The crown features intricate detailing, including floral and leaf-like motifs, and is topped with a pointed spire. A partially visible picture or print is underneath the crown within the lamp's housing.
Meticulously designed formal garden, viewed from an elevated perspective. The garden features intricately shaped hedges forming geometric patterns and compartments. There are several topiary plants, including large, rounded ones, adding to the structured aesthetic. A gravel pathway winds through the garden, connecting different sections. In the background, a stone wall and the tops of trees are visible, suggesting the garden is part of a larger estate or castle. A few people can be seen in the distance near the wall, providing a sense of scale.
Flag with red and yellow horizontal stripes waving on a flagpole against a cloudy sky. The flagpole is mounted on a small stone structure, and in the foreground to the left is a portion of a larger, weathered stone structure, possibly part of a wall or ruin. The overall mood is quiet and somewhat melancholic.
Close-up view of a stone structure, possibly part of a castle or fortified building, topped with a distinctive weather vane. The weather vane is composed of a gold-coloured bat or similar creature design atop a black metal framework, indicating direction. The stonework appears aged and weathered, hinting at historical significance. A smaller, domed structure is visible just below the weather vane, and the overall architectural style suggests a traditional, possibly medieval or early modern, building. The sky is mostly clear with a few clouds.
Taxidermy cow head mounted on a stone wall. The wall is part of a room with an exposed wooden ceiling and orange curtains hanging on a rod below the mounted head. A framed piece of artwork is visible below and to the side of the cow's head.
Taxidermy leopard rug draped over a piece of furniture in a dimly lit room. The leopard's head is positioned at the forefront, its mouth open in a snarling expression. The background is blurred but suggests a well-furnished, possibly antique, interior.
Taxidermy boar's head mounted on a dark wooden plaque against a rough stone wall. Two dark, possibly wooden, poles or rods cross in the foreground. The boar's mouth is open, revealing its teeth. The overall impression is one of a rustic, perhaps hunting-related, interior setting.
Close-up view of a section of an antique clock mechanism. The mechanism is dark green, with brass gears and other components visible. A prominent circular dial displays the maker's name cott & Son, the location Kendal, and the year 1868. The overall impression is one of age, craftsmanship, and precision engineering.

Prince Philip has visited the castle.

Group photograph of ten people, formally dressed, standing in front of a stone building with multiple windows. The group includes both men and women and appears to be a formal occasion. The central figures are an older man and woman who are significantly more prominent than the others in the photo. The architecture suggests a stately home or castle setting. The overall impression is one of formality and possibly a commemorative or celebratory event.

Fortunately, my camera has a flash when I enter a dark dungeon.

Large, rusty cauldron sitting on a smaller, pink metal base. A bellows, appearing old and worn, is positioned in front of the cauldron, suggesting its use in fuelling a fire beneath. The setting appears to be a dark, possibly old, basement or cellar, contributing to an overall atmosphere of age and disuse. The scene evokes a feeling of history and forgotten crafts.
Rusty, metal muzzle, hanging from a ceiling. The muzzle is designed to fit over an animal's head, likely a cow or similar animal, and is heavily corroded with age. The background is a rough, textured stone or concrete wall.
Large, weathered copper sculpture resembling a woman in a long dress or robe. The sculpture's head is a separate element, appearing as a sculpted face with a ruff, affixed to the top of the copper body. The sculpture is situated in what appears to be a dimly lit, possibly underground, space with other indistinct objects in the background suggesting a workshop or storage area.
Medieval torture device, specifically a type of iron maiden. The device is depicted open, revealing the interior lined with numerous rusty nails. The exterior is aged and shows signs of wear, further emphasising its historical context and the brutality it represents. The dark, stone setting adds to the grim atmosphere.

Bring back the Branks mask and the Iron Maiden as a punishment for TERFS.

Close-up view of a flowering plant. The plant features vibrant pink blossoms clustered together on upright stems. The leaves are large, broad, and have a mottled green and reddish-purple coloration, exhibiting some damage or irregularities at the edges.
Close-up of a cluster of vibrant pink flowers blooming on a green plant. The flowers are bell-shaped and clustered together, with the green foliage providing a natural contrast. The background is blurry, but shows more greenery, suggesting the plant is part of a garden or natural setting. The focus is sharply on the flowers, drawing the viewer's attention to their delicate beauty and colour.
Weathered stone statue of a dog sitting on the ground amidst overgrown vegetation. The statue appears to be old and possibly part of a garden or park setting. Parts of weathered wooden planks are visible in the background.

We thought we had seen enough of the castle and gardens so walked a winding woodland path to see the lakes.

Landscape dominated by a large, old, and partially decayed tree in the foreground. The tree's branches are bare or sparsely leaved, suggesting it may be late autumn or early spring. Several broken or fallen branches lie at its base. Other trees, some with budding leaves, stand in the background, creating a woodland border to a grassy field that stretches towards the horizon under a cloudy sky. The overall mood is sombre and somewhat melancholic due to the weather and the condition of the central tree.

Like this beech, I found the trees on the estate to be stunning.

Charlie with short grey hair smiling as he walks down a path in a wooded area. He is wearing a brown jacket, blue jeans, and brown boots. The path is surrounded by green grass and bushes. The overall mood is one of peaceful contentment and enjoyment of nature.

Charlie was too tired to walk any further to see the cows, so I took these two pictures for him.

White cow, standing in a grassy field. The cow has long, shaggy white fur, large curved horns, and a somewhat pensive expression. The background is blurred but shows more grass and some trees in the distance. The foreground includes some broken branches.
Pastoral scene. In the foreground is a grassy field. The middle ground features a white cow standing prominently in a field dotted with sheep. In the background, more sheep graze in a gently sloping field, beyond which is a line of trees forming a woodland edge. The overall impression is one of serenity and rural tranquillity. The weather appears overcast.

The consensus, after a lengthy discussion with Charlie, who is responsible for the care of cows, was that these cows are generations that have been neglected by a mentality that centuries ago believed them to be wild enough to be hunted, considering their captivity and origin. "I hope the estate will take responsibility and improve these animals' conditions as soon as possible."

22nd

I ordered new reading glasses today, six months after my eye exam.

21st

We overslept, Charlie is working in the afternoon today.

Charlie tending to a garden plot in front of a rustic white farmhouse. He is wearing work overalls and boots, and appears to be planting or weeding. A partially visible tractor and other farm equipment are in the background, along with a scarecrow wearing a tweed jacket.

I pulled weeds while Charlie planted peas and potatoes.

20th

The morning was cloudless and crisp, and Charlie was eager to return to the seaside. We drove through Hawick and then took a back road to Carter Bar. We drove through Otterburn, Ponteland. A white transit van travelling at a high speed approached our truck in front of the Tyne Tunnel, where it released a continuous stream of thick, black, acrid smoke, which contaminated us.

A Wetherspoon pub called The Wouldhave in the UK. The photo is taken from across the street, showcasing the pub's exterior. The building is brick with large windows displaying advertisements for various drinks and breakfast deals offered inside. A prominent Wetherspoon sign is visible, along with a more traditional pub sign above it.
A notice posted by JD Wetherspoon plc. It displays corrections issued by the Daily Mirror, Daily Record, and The Independent regarding inaccurate statements made in their articles concerning Wetherspoon's actions during the COVID-19 pandemic. The corrections clarify that Wetherspoon did not tell staff they would not be paid and that all staff received pay during the lock down, addressing previous claims suggesting otherwise. The notice highlights that these are not the first corrections published by these newspapers on this topic.

While travelling in South Shields, we indulged in a cooked breakfast at a Wetherspoon's pub called "The Wouldhave." The establishment was exceptional, and we thoroughly enjoyed our meal. However, a perplexing, unwashed man occupied the table adjacent to us, declined to place an order, and departed the premises in our wake. We now owe a twenty-five-pound fine after Charlie discovered that our truck had been ticketed.

View from inside Charlie's pick up truck, parked near a beach. A white picket fence separates the car from the sandy beach and the calm sea beyond. In the distance, there's a coastline with buildings and a few sailboats visible on the water. The sky is overcast with a grey, cloudy sky. A dash-cam is visible mounted on the car's wind-shield. The overall feel is one of a somewhat gloomy, but peaceful coastal scene.
Close-up selfie of a person named Leonie, with fair skin and shoulder-length light brown hair, wearing a hand-knitted green and blue hat and a black sweater. They are wearing a silver necklace with a circular pendant. The background is an out-of-focus sandy beach with a calm sea and a distant pier visible on the horizon under a cloudy sky.
Pain etched on my face makes it difficult to smile, as if a taut mesh of wire has clamped down on my face, preventing me from smiling.
Leonie seen from behind, standing on a sandy beach and facing the sea. She is wearing a dark coat, leggings, and light Coloured shoes, and a knitted hat. Leonie appears to be taking a photograph of the ocean and a distant pier with a small lighthouse. The ocean is relatively calm with small waves.
Charlie took this picture of me taking a picture of South Shields lighthouse from the beach. Happy to see that his photography is getting a lot better.

Charlie smiled for a panoramic photograph. We love this beach's soft, golden sand.

Panoramic view of a sandy beach on an overcast day. Charlie is standing in the foreground near a wooden post and what appears to be a partially damaged boardwalk. In the distance, there's a calm sea and a hint of a Ferris wheel suggesting a nearby amusement park. The overall mood is serene yet somewhat melancholic due to the cloudy sky. The sand dunes flanking the beach add a natural, textured element to the scene. The photo seems to capture a moment of quiet observation or reflection by the man at the edge of the beach.

Despite being constrained by unfavourable circumstances, we delighted in playing the beach games. Before playing me in a Sonic the Hedgehog-themed table ice hockey game, Charlie was a master at riffle gallery. He started off three points behind me but rallied to win by a slim margin of seven to six points. He also tried to win me a Highland Cow toy.

Charlie playing a shooting arcade game themed around a pirate's treasure cove. The game features a detailed diorama with pirate figures, a cannon, treasure chest, and other pirate-themed props. Charlie is aiming a toy rifle at targets within the diorama, seemingly attempting to hit various elements in the scene for points. The creative background is a whimsical, child-friendly depiction of a pirate's treasure hunt. The emotional expression is one of playful engagement; Charlie appears focused and entertained.

Received some sweet texts from my cousin Julie, and I'm excited to see her when Charlie and I next travel to South Shields. Though we typically stay within the Scottish Borders, we occasionally travel to Eyemouth or Spital (near Berrick-On-Tweed) because Charlie loves the sea. On this occasion, I brought my bridge camera with a 1200mm zoom lens.ⁿ

Tall, stone monument featuring a statue of a robed figure atop a multi-tiered pedestal. The monument stands on a raised platform with additional architectural elements at its base. The background includes a muted sky and some sparse trees, indicating a possibly park-like or historical setting. A few small figures of people and dogs can be seen in the distance, giving a sense of scale. The overall aesthetic is sombre and classical in style.
Tan-Coloured, modern building with a sloped roof situated on a hill. The building appears to be a multi-level structure with several windows and a small balcony or terrace. There are various antennas and radio equipment visible on the roof. In the foreground, there's a grassy hill with a few picnic tables.
Bright red lighthouse standing on stilts in a body of water. It's a relatively small structure with a white railing and a spiral staircase on the outside. Behind the lighthouse is a low, rocky seawall and a background of trees and a distant building. A few people are visible walking along the seawall in the distance.
Two sailboats on a body of water. One sailboat is dark-Coloured and has a single person sailing it. The other sailboat is light-Coloured, and also has a single person sailing it. In the background, there is a concrete wall and some trees, and two people are visible walking along the wall.
Close-up view of a lighthouse. The lighthouse is mostly grey stone, with a red and white lantern room at the top. There's a small weather vane atop the lantern room. A few seabirds are perched on the wall near the base of the lighthouse. The sky is a uniform light grey or blue-grey.
Stone lighthouse situated atop a stone wall, under a muted, overcast sky. The lighthouse is tall and slender, with a white lantern room at its peak. The overall mood is quiet and somewhat austere.
Close-up view of the top of a lighthouse. The lighthouse is made of dark grey stone, and the top section features a white dome covering the lantern room with its glass panes. A weather vane sits atop the dome. There are also some modern technological additions visible near the lantern, likely navigational aids. The sky is a light, uniform blue.
Large white Ferris wheel partially obscured by sand dunes and beach grass. The sky is overcast and gray. The overall impression is one of quiet solitude and a slightly melancholic atmosphere, possibly suggesting an off-season or deserted beach setting. The stark white of the Ferris wheel contrasts with the muted tones of the sand and sky.

Though we opted for a fish dish instead of meat, we enjoyed the service at Toby Carvery. A customer was denied a small amount of off-cut gristle from a carved joint, as the carver claimed it would be an additional serving. Additionally, the restaurant was overcrowded, and the air conditioning was not functioning. We also waived dessert because the salmon was off, the restaurant toilet was damaged.

Britannia Inn, a stone pub, situated on a corner where two roads intersect. The pub is a two-story building with traditional architecture. The sky is partly cloudy, with a mix of blue sky and fluffy white clouds. There are cars parked nearby, and a traffic light is visible at the intersection. The overall scene suggests a quiet, possibly suburban, location in the UK.
Sign welcoming visitors to Cleadon, a town established in 1782 and renovated in 1983. The sign is situated in a flower bed filled with colourful primroses. The background includes a quiet residential street, a few houses and trees. The overall mood is peaceful and welcoming.

We looked around Cleadon for five minutes, then went back to our truck and drove 100 yards to a parking lot, where we met Kat and her friends. Charlie promptly commenced the task of sheering two sheep (large ewes). Kat showed us her two horses, we admired her dedication to their upkeep and welfare.

Charlie shearing a sheep. He is kneeling on the ground, which is covered in wood shavings, and using shears to remove the sheep's wool. The sheep is lying on its side, and a large amount of wool has already been removed. The overall impression is one of a routine agricultural task.

Before departing South Shields, Charlie and I stopped at Minchella & Co. Ice Cream Parlour for some delicious dessert. It was a beautiful day in South Shields.

Charlie with glasses and slightly windblown gray hair, smiling at the camera while holding an ice cream cone in his hands. He is wearing a brown corduroy jacket over a plaid shirt. In the foreground, out of focus, is another ice cream dessert in a cup. The background features a seaside promenade setting, with other people visible in the distance, suggesting a sunny and pleasant day. The overall impression is one of casual enjoyment and relaxed happiness.

We took two hours to return along the A68, turning left after Carters Bar in the direction of Woodburn Farmhouse.

I endeavoured to ignite our open fire before sunset, while Charlie promptly fed the sheep. We're going to do some kitchen gardening at Woodburn Farmhouse tomorrow.ⁿ

19th

Visited grasskeep to do a welfare check, and also to drench worm and dag our flock of gimmers.

Charlie in a rural setting inspecting a flock of sheep that are penned in a wooden enclosure. Charlie is perched on the fence, seemingly overseeing the animals. The sheep are mostly white with some darker Coloured ones interspersed, and some have blue markings on their wool. The scene conveys a sense of agricultural work and rural life.

Dagging the sheep took significantly longer than drench worming them.