Wednesday, 12 December 2018

Ken Bruce on a shelf

I discovered the Ken Bruce Christmas decoration today. There are 3 so far to collect.
Cutting them out was tricky. Well what do you expect?! I have no hands!


But it was so worth it!
Elf Ken is this years festive design. I can't wait for next years!


Wednesday, 5 December 2018

Mousing around

I made a new friend today. This is Mouse. Mouse is preparing for a Christmas photo shoot and invited me along to watch. Mouse and I got along brilliantly!


It was very interesting to watch and I learnt so much about lighting aspects and camera settings.
I can't wait for the final outcome!


Monday, 23 April 2018

RSPB Saltholme and Crossing Rails

I went to a new nature reserve today - RSPB Saltholme.
Up in the north near Middlesbrough, is a vast landscape full of unique wildlife and spectacular views.
Upon arrival, we had a second take of a road sign. it was certainly a special road and this filled us with more excitement than i care to mention!


As usual for any visit, new or old, it was coffee time and a chance to investigate the hearty menu available. It looked delicious and the coffee was strong and tasteful.


I had read the views from Saltholme's visitor centre were quite something. They weren't wrong!


Coffee and a view? Why wouldn't you want to spend your morning in such a manner?
From this vantage point, we saw sand martins swooping into the nesting wall placed at the waters edge by the RSPB. We saw numerous water fowl and a hovering kestrel!


Venturing out onto the windy reserve, we discovered a garden of giant ponds and wobbly pathways. Enchanting for any mind young and old. Filled with a variety of plant life, this was sure to persuade a mix of wildlife to the vicinity.


The Hides were new, clean and updated. so much so, the windows had a turning wheel to open them!


I may or may not have been slightly obsessed with this snazzy mechanism...
Wherever you looked was a sight which filled you with a warm glow (I know, hard to believe what with the wind!). With the industrial working life of Middlesbrough just across the water, the wildlife had adapted and settled to live alongside this built up area.


Time for lunch! The wind had battered us too much and I was beginning to feel a little chilled.
Having looked at the menu during coffee time, it was still a struggle picking something from this delicious looking menu. In the end I went for a vegetable lattice slice. It was incredible! No question about it, it certainly warmed me through.


After lunch, we explored a different section of the reserve. It is good reserves such as this one, have activities and statues for the interests and development of children. I'm only 4 and the well splash was my favourite addition!


Not to mention the house built into the wall of one hide. A tiny house specially put there for a mouse. With a dinner table and food, it was adorable!


Our last stop was a very long water pump. Well, the water pump itself wasn't long, just the water course. With mini dams and water gates to control the level of flow, why wouldn't any child love this?! It was certainly alot of effort pumping that much water but given how windy it still was, I was glad for that extra bit of warmth!


Friday, 20 April 2018

Joe the Quilter

Another sunny day, so another trip to Beamish. Can't complain, they make great cappuccinos in the tea rooms in town!


It was wonderfully sunny...


So sunny...


Next to the 1900's Town is the construction site for the new 1950's town.
There's an odd looking building taking shape...


But I'm sure it will bring back fantastic memories for many visitors and will be an educational blast from the past for youngsters such as myself.

As usual for lunch, we hopped to Davy's Fried Fish for lunch.


YUM! I maybe small, but boy can I eat alot.


Heading towards the quaint little church next to Pockerley Old Hall, we came across this small build.
The house of Joe the Quilter. Such a fascinating story.
Some day soon, I will come back and see the completed build and learn more about the famous humble quilter.

Monday, 1 January 2018

A brisk walk round Staveley

New Years Day; a new day of a new year. Starting with a fresh mind (maybe slightly fuzzy from the night before...) new year resolutions are being made up and down the country, some probably haven't even lasted!

I haven't made a new years resolution. I never fully know what to do. My best and most favoured option is to remain as I am because that is how I am most happy.

So, to start the new year off, I had a lazy morning in bed and an active afternoon at the Yorkshire Wildlife Trusts Staveley Reserve. Just like St Aidan's, I was last here in high summer and WOW has it changed!


No Orchids standing proudly towards the sun and definitely no ocean of Oxeye Daises.

The weather was kind to us. Well, besides the wind having a harsh bite and a definite chill to the air.
The wildlife was out, unbeknown of the festivities which took place the night and early morning before the dawn.


Overlooking the East Lagoon, I scanned the water for the passing chance of glimpsing one of the resident otters.


Unfortunately, I didn't see one.
To the side of the same hide, is a dedicated bird feeding station. An abundance of birds greeted us there. Including spectacular Yellow hammer and the skittish Water rail. Each beautiful in their own unique way.


Happy Tiddly New Year!

Happy game of Tiddly Winks with a happy Teddy!


Happy New Year!