The Farne Islands

A glass in the hand is worth two in the bottle... just in the interests of tidying up the half full (life is never half empty through the bottom of a glass) wine bottles in the fridge so I am slurping while blogging.

I am also celebrating a family event- the engagement of D2 and M- Smashing news!

I could also say I am celebrating retirements as we were at a triple celebration at Gosforth Park Marriott (£35 each!!! a great night but food & loud, poor tracks choice disco was not worth that) and another more sedate, just as nice, at the Grand Hotel, Tynemouth. Just as well my department were kind to me (was a suitcase a hint?!!) & D1,D2 and D3 and their friends gave us a (big) bit of a 'do' because my employers did nothing, their gift was not to be looked in the mouth but was little compared to the 4 celebrants this week.... and my employers have fleeced me with 'equated hours' underpaying me all those years.

A group of us walked in sunshine in 'Lord Armstrong's Garden'(Jesmond Dene) with a city guide; however on St. Swithin's Day ie July 14th it stotted down from the heavens.... the legend is - if it rains on St Swithin's Day then it will rain for 40 days; it has been trying and achieving a little drizzle at some point each day but not a deluge at all.




On Tuesday we joined D2 and M. at Seahouses and went to the Farne Islands; I include some helpful suggestions; consider carefully which boat to make the trip out on......eg we tripped out on the 'Golden Gate'; the commentary was good but the boat was uncomfortably crammed, the vision of seals and birds was really poor(fenders too high plus erect, babyless pushchairs filled with coolboxes on the raised, mid section.




Compare prices of tickets at all the booths on the pier; we were told by expassengers that Billy Shiel's boat did virtually no commentary; we think Inner Farne is more interesting than Staple Island (and has toilets- primitive with buckets you may have to swish into the loos but needs must when the devil drives); when we got to the chapel there was a notice claiming there was a service on so 'No entry'- at £6 National Trust landing fee on top of the pricey boat fare- done without permission and disappointing for other visitors !! Nesting season is more May and June - by July lots of (but not all) birds have flown; take a hat to protect your head from pecking, winged parents



Lewis' fish & chips are £7+ in the cafe & chips were not as good as Waterline on the Fish Quay (North Shields). M may have JUST beaten me at Pitch and Putt but H1 captured the tenpin bowling prize (having experienced golf disaster).

Inspiration choir at the Sage was once again worthy of applause especially the tenor section !! The soloists (except M) and emsembles were not so worthy of admiration - and children in the audience were noisy ,disturbing and parentally illprepared! I shall not go to the matinee again.... ooh! but the signer is fantastic