Thank heaven for small mercies...

Well its been an eventful few days since I last posted.

On Thursday morning, bouyant from the relative successes of the week, small though they were, I decided to join Sarah in Northumberland.  Sarah had been up there since the weekend on a break that we had both planned to take to celebrate her 40th birthday.  I checked out the train prices and was amazed to find I could get a ticket from Sheffield to Alnmouth (between Newcastle and Edinburgh) for just £13.00.  Even First Class tickets were just £22.00 - and, well you know me...

I boarded the train, found my seat and almost immediately a carriage attendant offered me a menu of items I could have for free as one of the priveliged few who had chosen to ride first class that morning.  And it was a few - there were 3 of us.  There were numerous drinks (I'd only just bought some water and a Coca Cola), as well as numerous paninis and all day breakfast rolls - to have the mouth watering.  Well, it did mine.  I declined the food and decided on a bottle of water and a Coke - discreetly popping my purchased bottles in my bag for later in true Yorkshire style.

The journey passed very  quickly and it wasnt long before I was pulling in to Alnmouth.  We had a look round and then made our way back to the beachside log cabin we were renting at Beadnell - which was lovely.  That night we called for fish and chips because Sarah had not had any all week - which seems rude when you ar eby the coast!  Well, I am delighted to report that having stolen 3 forks worth of fish, and one chip - I was able to not only taste them - but swallow them too!  It stung immensely - but that was only temporary until I swished the Coca Cola round my mouth.  We then went on to a gorgeous pub, http://www.shipinnnewton.co.uk/  where we met two friends Sarah had made earlier in the week on one of her many walks.  We had a cracking evening and a good chat - and I believe Annie and Steve (and of course Marley the dog) have already found the blog!

Friday came and we decided to visit Holy Island.  I've never been before and was pleased the tide was well out before we made our way across the causeway.  During our visit, apart from Lindisfarne Priory - a highlight was our visit to http://www.cafebeangoose.co.uk/  where I am delighted to announce I took on some vegetable soup and a cafe latte.  The first cafe latte I have had since February.  After Holy Island we called in at Bamburgh then back on to our accomodation, where I fell asleep and pretty much stayed that way til the Sat morning.

Saturday was our last day in Northumberland, and with a trip to the Lake District in the offing we did what all sensible people would.  We went to the beach.  The weather was gorgeous....  We also stopped at The Village Bakery in Melmerby on the way over to Grasmere - the home of organic bread. (I didn' thave any!).  I dd have another latte though!

On Sunday I was again encouraged to try something and so I sampled a spoonful of Angelas (from our fave gusthouse Banerigg) scrambled egg - and that went down very bell.  Later that day at Lucys On A late restaurant in  Ambleside I was very tempted by the tomato soup but it just proved to be that little to hot.  Not sure if the picture does it justice.

It was also far too spicy - however - err - the bread and butter was very nice.

Final choce on the menue was custard.  As you can see I didnt do a bad job with the custard!!
  

Obviously it was Sarah's birthday last night and I can't go any further without wishng her a happy birthday - HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWEETHEART - HERES TO MANY MANY MORE...

And to MOnday - not to many after effects from the meal other than usual - and I left to come home.

Have you ever typed while falling asleep?  The above few words in bold were typed while I was falling asleep (long day) and I will leav them as they are.  I have no idea what I was talking about whoth the 'all the best to everyone who sent me a car in hospital) - thats an entire mystery!!

All the best

Nigel xx