Nathan's first football award

I was very proud of Nathan. He's about to be signed up proper for the Barnard Castle football team. He's not missed a training session and has put in 100%, every day training or out running. He was included in the team photo and given an award for the next up and coming player.

Richmond for Cake

Why is there always one in the family that makes a face...that's usually my job in photos! Anyway, while we were waiting for Elionwy in her youth club in Richmond, we went for a meal at The Turf (a superb place to eat and worthy of it's own post sometime), then after we went for a walk and found this little cake shop open. The smell in the place was wonderful, freshly made cakes being made. I can't remember the name of the place though. If I find out I'll add it as a comment, they serve Cafe Vinci hot chocolate though and freshly made cakes for about £1-2

Bishop Auckland Food Festival

I didn't even know there was a castle in Bish! Anyway, we went to the Food Festival last weekend. It was huge. It started in the town and stretched down the street into the castle grounds. It was very well done, only let down by cold and wet weather.

Blowing My Own Trumpet

The picture of me above is worrying in I seem to be starting to resemble Wallace (from Wallace & Gromit). Still, I'm (sort of) smiling.
I recently entered a couple of local competitions.
The first was the Teesdale Mercury Calender competition. I only found out after a friend showed me the article in the paper, that I was one of the 12 winners!

I also entered a competition for Durham County Council and had this reply:

Hello,

I’m delighted to tell you that your photograph has been shortlisted in our top 20 in the photograph competition.

The top 20 will be on display in our Durham Room at County Hall next week.  You are welcome to come along and take a look.

I didn't win that competition, but felt very pleased I'd got so far for a first try.

Birthday Girl

Nicky's birthday was Wednesday, so we all went to the Rose & Crown in Romaldkirk.
A very nice place, great food, if a bit pricey. I seemed to come the worst off though for portions, I kept getting dishes looking like they had just come from Masterchef, very stylish but eaten in seconds.
The best fish and chips I have ever had though. Fresh caught Sole from Whitby.

Thorp Perrow

It was a bit of a cold grey Saturday, but we thought we would try Thorp Perrow. It's a stately home, but you can't go in the house, only the gardens. They are quite good, lot's of different walks in different styles. The highlight though is the aviary. Lot's of birds of prey that they bring out a few times each day to meet the crowd and do a flying display. Oh yes, and the coffee shop...2 words...Hot Chocolate!.

Small World

A crashy pyjama day playing Small World. A great little game that my good friends Tim & Sarah sent us.