Beamish and Pockerley Old Hall

What a glorious day it was today! Besides the rain on the way up to Beamish and the bitterly cold wind during the day, the sun was out and it was magical having the rays beam down once again!

When we arrived, we noticed there was a new display. It was very interesting to look at.

Straight away, we were off to the 1900's Town for a cup of their amazing cappuccino in the tea rooms, situated off of the park.

After our much needed coffee, we waited for the tram or bus (whichever arrived first) to go on to the Pitt Village for fish and chips.

Unfortunately, the fish and chip shop wasn't open. I did however notice this sign which I've never noticed before!

Over the road from the Pitt Village, was the 1940s Home Farm. I imagine during the warmer months, all the animals are out and there would be more to see. All the more reason to go back in the summer!

There were cows however in a lovely warm barn.

There was an old outhouse too... Not in use mind you!

And stables, still in use for this fellow and his friend!

Though the majority of the animals were tucked away from the cold harsh wind, there was still plenty to see. Like this blacksmiths workshop.

And all the equipment used to maintain the farm.

The farmhouse itself was very simple; inside and out.

You forget how close everything is to one another at Beamish!

Realising we needed to go back to the Town for lunch, we hopped on a tram and went straight to the tea room. The sausage casserole was scrumptious!

With still most of the afternoon to go, we decided to investigate 1820s Pockerley Old Hall.
It was a very pretty hall, much smaller than I initially thought and the gardens and surrounding countryside were very picturesque.

It was amazing to see how people lived centuries ago. Life must have been so simple and with limited technology, they managed with what tools and materials they had.

This cheese press is amazing! Used to make hard cheese, the incredibly heavy weights were used to squeeze every last drop of moisture out to preserve the cheese for longer.

I also made a new friend!

And there was a potting shed!

Soon, it was time to leave so off we went to wait for the tram.

Mmm tea!

See you in the warmer months Beamish!

Dancing and starlings

On Friday evening, I went ceilidh dancing with a couple of friends.
We did the usual; pint sized lemonades, plenty of raffles tickets and most importantly, a fan!

Saturday morning after a long lie in, I met Ed the ted and I was also given a coconut...

Early afternoon, a couple of us decided to do a rather large detour home and spend the afternoon at RSPB Leighton Moss.
As soon as we got there, we went straight to the cafe for some much needed lunch!

That chicken sandwich was amazing!
Not entirely sure when we would be home, we thought ahead and bought some cake (huge slices too!) so we were full to the brim. Then finding tea wouldn't be much of a problem!

The reserve wasn't as alive as it was back in October but there was still life lurking in the reeds.

Early evening, we were incredibly fortunate to see a starling murmuration! It wasn't massive but it was a decent size to hear the starlings wings beating.
Unfortunately, as the light was very dim, taking photographs of moving starling was almost impossible, especially when they were happening right above you!

RSPB Dearne Valley - Old Moor

We had more of a day out today unlike the small outing we had to Fairburn Ings!
Today, we went to RSPB Dearne Valley - Old Moor.
The weather wasn't the best, it was bitterly cold but at least it did not rain on us!

We arrived around lunchtime. So after signing in to the reserve and browsing the shop, we went up to the cafe for some lunch.
There was a good selection to choose from! I went with the vegetarian version of the Sunday roast and had a slice of the vegetable pie, with roast vegetables on the side, gravy and of course, a pot of tea!

It was delicious!
And for pudding, we had fruit scones!

There was plenty to see on the reserve. Some hides clearly better than others...

Near the visitor centre was a viewing screen looking over a small garden area.
This had more birds feasting on the seeds than the rest of the reserve combined! (not literally!)

I can not wait to come back in summer. The reserve will be thriving with life!

Chilly stunning sunset

Today, a friend and I had a bit of a late start to the day but that didn't stop us from going to Fairburn Ings for the afternoon!

It's amazing what you can see, just ask at reception of any nature reserve and they will happily tell what has been spotted where and when.

Arriving about mid afternoon, we were informed a green woodpecker, bearded tit and a water rail had been spotted on the reserve. Fortunately for us we saw the water rail but neither of the other 2!

There were some fantastic views of Fairburn village from across the lake.

By this point, the sun was setting but it made for a very pleasant afternoon walk round the reserve.
Further up the same path, we saw another fellow walker taking pictures. When we turned round, we understood why!

The orange of the sun was beautiful!
It was a short day out but it was worth it!

Chilly walk and Red kites

As chilly as it was today, it was a very pleasant day for a walk and where better but at Harewood House.
There were some fantastic views of the house gleaming in the sun across the field from us.

And not forgetting to mention the red kites! Dozens of them circling the small village that is Harewood.

Their magnificent rusty red plumage was even more striking in the progressively setting sun.
What a fantastic bird!

New Year and old friends

New Year at long last!
2016 for most of the country, and the world really, has been a bit of a downer.
For me, it has been full of adventure, new possibilities and lastly, new friends!

As I waited for my friend Teddy to arrive. I ate.
I ate chocolates from Christmas...

pork pies and mini sausage rolls...

cookies and shortbread...

and alot more!
Eventually Teddy arrived and we watched the annual fireworks on telly.

Happy New Year everyone!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Christmas has taken so long to arrive and yet, it went like it had never arrived!
However, the day was still filled with festivity from the moment the church clock struck midnight!

As soon as my family and friends came back from midnight mass, we cracked out the hot chocolate at 2am and hung the gingerbread decorations on the tree!

There was an awful lot of them!
I also forgot how large the tree was and how many presents there would be!

Going to bed (if only for 4 hours!) the house was still buzzing with excitement and when the sun rose, I was up and making porridge for everyone.

Might as well start the day off right!

The presents were as usual opened in a flash and with only a handful left, it was anyone's guess who they might be for!

With the chicken in the oven...

and the vegetables on the go...

the table was delicately set and very soon after, it was time to eat!

I was stuffed by the end of it!

And I even made a couple of new friends; Sock Bird 1 and Sock Bird 2!

I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas and I hope New Year will be the same!