Our splendid stay up North

There are few greater pleasures in life than that of watching your children enjoy the company of the children of cherished friends. Annabel and our friend Ruthie's daughter Lily have known each other all their lives. I just came across this picture taken of them in February 2001, when Anni was 6 and Lily was 3. This half term Anni and I ventured up to Barnard Castle to visit them and to continue enjoying their lovely company.

They live in a beautiful cottage in a most tranquil spot and we love going to visit and just switch off from the world. Ruthie is very artistic and has a gift for making every corner of her home look splendid.

We got to spend lots of time outdoors and since sometimes in my job in the winter I hardly see daylight, it felt good to breathe in some fresh, country air and be a little crazy.

Lily and Ruthie always make us laugh, not least at their hilariously named chicken Gordon-The-Moron, who is something of a monstrosity!

We visited some pretty shops in the picturesque little town of Yarm. 

Since Peter was in London anyway, we spent Valentine's Day there and Ruthie put some lovely touches to our dinner, such as little tubes of love heart sweets.

We walked from Low Force to High Force waterfall and on the way spotted some daredevil kayak-ers. Well, I suppose not so daredevil as kayaking goes, but far exceeding any daring we might have.

 Everywhere was just so scenic. 

 We had a lovely break with Superlily....

 ..and our hostess with the mostest. Looking forward to them making a return visit to us before too long.