Henry's Naming Ceremony

Fortunately we allowed just enough time for our journey from Hexham to York this morning, the traffic on the A1 was dreadful, about 20 miles of the road is being rebuilt.

We arrived at the venue to find this one and only instruction, somewhere in this wood, the ceremony was being held!  Ten or fifteen minutes later we found the site, in the dappled shade of an old beech tree. Beautiful!

As you can see, there was a small circle (literally) of family and friends surrounding little Henry and his older sister who were sitting on a make-shift alter.

In this picture you see the parents making a vow to Henry, after which we all made an offering by way of a small flower and our public or private blessing to him.

All said, I think that this was the nicest and most sincere 'Naming/Christening' ceremony I have been to.  Thanks to Lucy and Ian for the invitation, we will never forget this wonderful day.

Oh yes.  And Granny looked happy too!!

Henry's Naming Ceremony

Fortunately we allowed just enough time for our journey from Hexham to York this morning, the traffic on the A1 was dreadful, about 20 miles of the road is being rebuilt.

We arrived at the venue to find this one and only instruction, somewhere in this wood, the ceremony was being held!  Ten or fifteen minutes later we found the site, in the dappled shade of an old beech tree. Beautiful!

As you can see, there was a small circle (literally) of family and friends surrounding little Henry and his older sister who were sitting on a make-shift alter.

In this picture you see the parents making a vow to Henry, after which we all made an offering by way of a small flower and our public or private blessing to him.

All said, I think that this was the nicest and most sincere 'Naming/Christening' ceremony I have been to.  Thanks to Lucy and Ian for the invitation, we will never forget this wonderful day.

Oh yes.  And Granny looked happy too!!

An Apple a Day (would be very expensive!)

Frustrating problems with our various laptops led to the purchase of an iMac.

There now follows a short interlude for the absorption of pain in the wallet!

Off to York in the morning to attend a friend's "Pagan" naming ceremony.

Now that should be interesting.

An Apple a Day (would be very expensive!)

Frustrating problems with our various laptops led to the purchase of an iMac.

There now follows a short interlude for the absorption of pain in the wallet!

Off to York in the morning to attend a friend's "Pagan" naming ceremony.

Now that should be interesting.

Back Home

I arrived back home in Northumberland in the early hours this morning and I am too weary for pictures today.

Perhaps tommorrow?

Back Home

I arrived back home in Northumberland in the early hours this morning and I am too weary for pictures today.

Perhaps tommorrow?

Last Look at Stommeln

After saying goodbye to No1 I had some time to fill before leaving later.  Finish the book I was reading, The Ghost´ by Robert Harris, the first book I have been able to concentrate on in two years of illness, and ´Ésprit de Corps´ by Laurence Durrell.

Lunch and a final walk round the village.

Staying in this clean,tidy and peaceful village, it is easy to forget that it sits in one of the largest industrial and commercial regions in Europe.  When I turned to my left here....

I could see this, one of four huge power plants in the 20/25 km panorama.

The local Mayor even provided a pair of benches at the little crossroads so that we weary travellers could sit and admire!

Still, Stommeln is a very pleasant little village....

Oh, I and not looking forward to the drive from Leeds to Newcastle,  It will be midnight when I get home.....

Last Look at Stommeln

After saying goodbye to No1 I had some time to fill before leaving later.  Finish the book I was reading, The Ghost´ by Robert Harris, the first book I have been able to concentrate on in two years of illness, and ´Ésprit de Corps´ by Laurence Durrell.

Lunch and a final walk round the village.

Staying in this clean,tidy and peaceful village, it is easy to forget that it sits in one of the largest industrial and commercial regions in Europe.  When I turned to my left here....

I could see this, one of four huge power plants in the 20/25 km panorama.

The local Mayor even provided a pair of benches at the little crossroads so that we weary travellers could sit and admire!

Still, Stommeln is a very pleasant little village....

Oh, I and not looking forward to the drive from Leeds to Newcastle,  It will be midnight when I get home.....

Off to work

This evening I have to go back to the UK, and I few minutes ago I said goodbye to No1 daughter and Fredi who are starting work at lunchtime.  This was also the first time that they have gone together on their bikes but No1, who hates cycling, looked so happy as I watched them head off down the road. They won´t be home again until 7 or 8 tonight by which time I will be in Dusseledorf waiting for my flight, so as I watched No1 go down the road, I was also very sad to be leaving her.

Off to work

This evening I have to go back to the UK, and I few minutes ago I said goodbye to No1 daughter and Fredi who are starting work at lunchtime.  This was also the first time that they have gone together on their bikes but No1, who hates cycling, looked so happy as I watched them head off down the road. They won´t be home again until 7 or 8 tonight by which time I will be in Dusseledorf waiting for my flight, so as I watched No1 go down the road, I was also very sad to be leaving her.

Köln Again (Naturaly!)

It has been a nice day here today, Sadly Fredi had to work (a 24 hour shift!). Tell me again No1, why do you want to be a Vet?

We went back to Köln as we had a mission!

Just as you enter The Hautbannhoff, there is this mural painted on the wall of a hotel.  As you can see, Batman and Robin are protecting Gotham City!

Outside the Dom today there was an Angel, Charlie Chaplin, a Centurion and a King!  The Angel was the best.

The object of today´s mission was the Lindt Chocolate Museum, A suprise choice by No1!

Inside was the biggest Chocolate Fountain I have ever seen and No1 had to be physicaly restrained!

Lunch outdoors in one of the many squares,  at the end of October, wonderfull!  Then a little window shopping and back to the Dom and the station and the train home.  This vast face of the Dom represents about two thirds of it´s overall height.  I have tried several times to get a picture of the whole building, but it is just too vast for my lenses.

Köln Again (Naturaly!)

It has been a nice day here today, Sadly Fredi had to work (a 24 hour shift!). Tell me again No1, why do you want to be a Vet?

We went back to Köln as we had a mission!

Just as you enter The Hautbannhoff, there is this mural painted on the wall of a hotel.  As you can see, Batman and Robin are protecting Gotham City!

Outside the Dom today there was an Angel, Charlie Chaplin, a Centurion and a King!  The Angel was the best.

The object of today´s mission was the Lindt Chocolate Museum, A suprise choice by No1!

Inside was the biggest Chocolate Fountain I have ever seen and No1 had to be physicaly restrained!

Lunch outdoors in one of the many squares,  at the end of October, wonderfull!  Then a little window shopping and back to the Dom and the station and the train home.  This vast face of the Dom represents about two thirds of it´s overall height.  I have tried several times to get a picture of the whole building, but it is just too vast for my lenses.

Köln

I have just about mastered this German keyboard so I can now write Köln correctly!
Fredi returned from work at lunchtime having been delayed by an injured dog (all ok now) and insisted on taking us to Köln for the afternoon and evening.

Immediately outside (100m) the rail station is the Dom or Cologne Cathederal a ´must´to see.  Outside we found this chap, he was very good, no idea who he was supposed to be but that wasn´t the point I guess.

The Dom is vast and magnificent and took 800 years to complete, so there is hope for the Edinburgh Tramway!

Fredi, left and No1 admiring the Dom.

We spent ages in the Dom untill hunger drove us down beside the Rhine to find a very late but delicious lunch and a beer.  A quick walk up into the main shopping area and then back to the Dom and the Hautbahnhof a coffee and the train home.  On the way back to the flat we called ´briefly´to see No2´s Boss for the next two weeks and collect a bike so that she can get to the Klinik.  Several hours, and several Croatian Schnapps later we made it home, exhausted.

Guten nacht!

Köln

I have just about mastered this German keyboard so I can now write Köln correctly!
Fredi returned from work at lunchtime having been delayed by an injured dog (all ok now) and insisted on taking us to Köln for the afternoon and evening.

Immediately outside (100m) the rail station is the Dom or Cologne Cathederal a ´must´to see.  Outside we found this chap, he was very good, no idea who he was supposed to be but that wasn´t the point I guess.

The Dom is vast and magnificent and took 800 years to complete, so there is hope for the Edinburgh Tramway!

Fredi, left and No1 admiring the Dom.

We spent ages in the Dom untill hunger drove us down beside the Rhine to find a very late but delicious lunch and a beer.  A quick walk up into the main shopping area and then back to the Dom and the Hautbahnhof a coffee and the train home.  On the way back to the flat we called ´briefly´to see No2´s Boss for the next two weeks and collect a bike so that she can get to the Klinik.  Several hours, and several Croatian Schnapps later we made it home, exhausted.

Guten nacht!

Samstag Morgen

Saturday morning, all showered and breakfasted.  No1 is settling down to some music theory work in preparation for her exam when she returns home.  I don´t know how she fits it all in!

No1 really enjoyed her first visit to the Klinik, though understandably she found it really hard work coping with the language, she doesn´t speak German, trying to work out the routine, connect new names to faces and most of all, trying not to look too stupid!  She returned exhausted but happy.

We are waiting for Fredi to return from her night shift at the Klinik.  She is late so things must have turned hectic over night.  I think  No1 and I should go to Cologne by ourselves and give Fredi a chance to sleep.
She seems to keep control of her hectic life by keeping notes on the window, but my German isn´t up to translating.

My curtains were open last night and through this window I could see a wonderful clear night sky with Orion and The Plough sitting next to each other in the blackness.

I just liked the contrast in this shot, between the cranes and the church. An early morning picture from the balcony.

Samstag Morgen

Saturday morning, all showered and breakfasted.  No1 is settling down to some music theory work in preparation for her exam when she returns home.  I don´t know how she fits it all in!

No1 really enjoyed her first visit to the Klinik, though understandably she found it really hard work coping with the language, she doesn´t speak German, trying to work out the routine, connect new names to faces and most of all, trying not to look too stupid!  She returned exhausted but happy.

We are waiting for Fredi to return from her night shift at the Klinik.  She is late so things must have turned hectic over night.  I think  No1 and I should go to Cologne by ourselves and give Fredi a chance to sleep.
She seems to keep control of her hectic life by keeping notes on the window, but my German isn´t up to translating.

My curtains were open last night and through this window I could see a wonderful clear night sky with Orion and The Plough sitting next to each other in the blackness.

I just liked the contrast in this shot, between the cranes and the church. An early morning picture from the balcony.

Koln (well almost)

Two days absence due to getting ready to bring No1 Daughter to Germany.  We made it here late last night after quite a good journey and some expert guiding through the excellent German railway system from Dusseldorf Airport.  Thanks Fredi!

The Germans have adopted Halloween in the last few years and a week before the event all the houses seem to be well prepared.  This ´Welcome´ is on the door of the flat below Fredi´s

Fredi is a Veterinary Surgeon here and she has kindly arranged for No1 to spend two weeks in the clinic to gain some valuable experience before applying to Veterinary College in 12 months time.

This is the Klinik, in a large village on the outskirts of Cologne.  I have just left No1 there to become aquainted with everyone before she starts properly on Monday.  I would have to say that this place is just a little more impressive than my local Vet´s!  and everyone is being so helpful and friendly.

We plan to visit Cologne tomorrow (poor Fredi is working tonight!)  so perhaps some more to report then.

By the way.  This is Loki, one of Fredi´s patients who was run over by a car and who she has since adopted.

Koln (well almost)

Two days absence due to getting ready to bring No1 Daughter to Germany.  We made it here late last night after quite a good journey and some expert guiding through the excellent German railway system from Dusseldorf Airport.  Thanks Fredi!

The Germans have adopted Halloween in the last few years and a week before the event all the houses seem to be well prepared.  This ´Welcome´ is on the door of the flat below Fredi´s

Fredi is a Veterinary Surgeon here and she has kindly arranged for No1 to spend two weeks in the clinic to gain some valuable experience before applying to Veterinary College in 12 months time.

This is the Klinik, in a large village on the outskirts of Cologne.  I have just left No1 there to become aquainted with everyone before she starts properly on Monday.  I would have to say that this place is just a little more impressive than my local Vet´s!  and everyone is being so helpful and friendly.

We plan to visit Cologne tomorrow (poor Fredi is working tonight!)  so perhaps some more to report then.

By the way.  This is Loki, one of Fredi´s patients who was run over by a car and who she has since adopted.

Saturday

It was the usual round of mucking out etc this morning before I took No2 to a birthday party lunch, (why are children so much more sophisticated today?)  The Children's Mother took No1 to a music theory lesson in Newcastle before some last minute shopping for the German trip on Thursday.

No2 eventually returned this evening having tracked down the only two pairs of the white trousers in the North East that she needs for her uniform!  Some white trainers and the ensemble was complete.

In the mean time I sorted a few household chores and went up to the cottage to put animals to bed. This is the view we have from the top of our fields.  Everyone in our family has lived in less salubrious surroundings and we all think ourselves very lucky to see this whenever we wish.

As the sun was setting I caught this bracken, I just thought it was nice!  Not much time to linger as the horses were yet to bring in......

Saturday

It was the usual round of mucking out etc this morning before I took No2 to a birthday party lunch, (why are children so much more sophisticated today?)  The Children's Mother took No1 to a music theory lesson in Newcastle before some last minute shopping for the German trip on Thursday.

No2 eventually returned this evening having tracked down the only two pairs of the white trousers in the North East that she needs for her uniform!  Some white trainers and the ensemble was complete.

In the mean time I sorted a few household chores and went up to the cottage to put animals to bed. This is the view we have from the top of our fields.  Everyone in our family has lived in less salubrious surroundings and we all think ourselves very lucky to see this whenever we wish.

As the sun was setting I caught this bracken, I just thought it was nice!  Not much time to linger as the horses were yet to bring in......

Starship From The Planet Fungi

Picked some more mushrooms this morning.

Further up the yard drive I found this fascinating fungi.  Its delicate but incredibly structured form is amazing.  About 30mm in diameter, it is almost translucent and quite alien in appearance.

The Childrens Mother and I ate yesterdays mushrooms for lunch and delicious they were too.















 

 Later, at the cottage I bumped into these two ladies in ernest conversation

"Don't talk to me about the 'Credit Crunch' dear, Have you seen the price of eggs at Waitrose?) !!!

Starship From The Planet Fungi

Picked some more mushrooms this morning.

Further up the yard drive I found this fascinating fungi.  Its delicate but incredibly structured form is amazing.  About 30mm in diameter, it is almost translucent and quite alien in appearance.

The Childrens Mother and I ate yesterdays mushrooms for lunch and delicious they were too.















 

 Later, at the cottage I bumped into these two ladies in ernest conversation

"Don't talk to me about the 'Credit Crunch' dear, Have you seen the price of eggs at Waitrose?) !!!