In Which Pink doesn't Di

 

Most of you know that I had the unique opportunity to meet Di Overton of Designer's Block. She is such a great lady - loads of fun and whip smart, suffering no fools (my kind of girl.) The funniest part of our meeting was how both of our families had expressed a bit of concern about meeting an internet friend. Clearly, I was the one who should have been scared - what lethal weapon on my person was going to make it through Irish security on the way to England? They even made me chuck out my much needed coffee (husband, FYI: Ireland to England is a DOMESTIC flight and doesn't require being there THREE HOURS ahead of time for a 6am flight.)

The framed saw was at RE in Corbridge, Northumberland. I thought the saw was appropriate to the aforementioned fears of meeting an internet stranger. More on RE tomorrow.

Landing in Newcastle still in need of coffee. Di was so sweet and didn't complain about the 7:30 am pickup time (with the 45 minute drive to the airport.)

Luckily, Di raced me downtown to a lovely cafe for a full English fry-up. When I expressed my desire for toast (tomatoes, black pudding, eggs, rashers, sausages need toast, right?) she said, "Oh, you Americans eat a lot." Damned straight, sister. We had our fry and much needed coffee and got on our way.

Newcastle is beautifu and we had a great time walking around. Above is the statue of Lord Gray, the inventor of Earl Gray tea. It was much colder than in Dublin - what sort of twit doesn't look at the weather before traveling?!

Here's the foxy Di as I dragged her to lunch. She was incredibly patient with my frequent need for refueling. She was also very patient as I took a million photos.

Our tiny lunch at The Black Bull where we stopped for an emergency Pink feeding. She was certain the portion was increased because they heard a certain accent as I ordered. Meat pie is so Adrian Mole, isn't it?

We drove and drove for ages ("Oh no, maybe this is where the foul play occurs?!" thought I) through the most gorgeous countryside ending at her main street. The crowds came out to welcome me as you can see.

Tomorrow I shall give you the second installment of  Di and Pink in the English countryside. All kidding aside, Di and her husband were just wonderful to me. We have many blog friends in common and some of you may have had itchy ears as we chatted all about you while smoking out the back of her local pub. I hope to return with husband to stay in the new guest house that is going up (a new fellow blogger, more later) down the road.

Before you guys slag me, the beige sweater was warmer than the short sleeved thing I was wearing - don't want to hear about it!

Comments

[Tara]

Wow, Ireland looks gorgeous. Can't wait to hear more about your trip!

[Sarah]

No way, you look totally glam with the sunglasses!! The rest of your outfit is so cute, the sweater hardly matters. Everyone ends up wearing something like that when travelling! By the way, I have to admit I'm excited to actually see a picture of you... :)

[drey]

WELCOME BACK! missed you!

[Marianna]

Sounds like you had a great time with Di... The food looks great!!

We're all going to have to learn ways of screening internet friends, I guess, but one (sort of) gets to know someone who runs a blog on a daily basis, if one can only verify that it's actually them you're going to meet (I guess??). After years of corresponding with a journalist in the UK, and collaborating with him on an expose website, subsequently having gotten to know him, his wife, and all about their lives, I would have absolutely no reservations about visiting them... none. Wouldn't think twice about it. The internet can be dangerous, but I would suspect predators have very different priorities and would not be so likely to be bothered expending their energies creating design blogs everyday as a way of luring their prey.

"The New Normal" made me chuck out my (expensive!!) Starbucks-purchased tea in the Grand Rapids, MI, airport last January as I raced to my 7:00 am flight. What an aggravation!!! Wanted to suggest that coffee vendors post big signs warning us that hot drinks weren't allowed through security, and before purchasing one, customers should be certain they had enough time to finish the drink in the waiting area. Wonder how many fewer drinks they'd sell...

[FAIRFAX]

Adrian Mole...hahahaha! Great pix. Welcome back and can't wait to hear the rest of your adventures...and I know there are many!

[ambika]

Why would I slag you? You look fabulous in those sunglasses and that burgundy color. & the pictures make this look like a fantastic trip.

[Di Overton]

Hi Pink
Great pics, thank God they came out after all that clicking, I am so relieved. Love the pics of my neighbours.
I really did have a great day and next visit you (and husband) will get the right drink in my local pub I'll make sure of it. Will check in tomorrow for the next instalment.
Sweet Dreams
Di
PS - She can eat for America!!

[Flights of Fab Fashion Fancy]

Great photos! Love your report!

[eric]

are you superhumanly tall?

[frenchgardenhouse]

I am so glad that you and the fabulous DI had a fun, fun and more fun time!

Lidy

[kstyle]

Yep, you two blogging buddies look pretty safe and fun to me!
Can't wait to read the second installment. k

[mauve merino]

Looking at those photos you could have been in Southland, New Zealand and the food looks just like what we're having for dinner tonight...funny that. As for the sweater - it's kinda hard to look glamorous when you're freezing your short and curlies off!