Pink Mohair

This is where Di does her research and blogs. I love to see where people blog, as I imagine them in certain places. It would be difficult to beat this picturesque setting.

Di drove me down the road to Falstone to the home of another blogger and good friend of hers. Check out Raising the Barns to see what fascinating things (such as construction workers using the new sink as a potty) are happening in Falstone.

We got a bit wet but at least there was a rainbow for our troubles!

This is from the inside of one of the barns. It is an absolutely fascinating conversion and I can't wait to go stay in one of them. Ride a horse or two, nip down to Di's pub. It's all very civilized, isn't it?

And it wouldn't be complete without a trip to the pub at the end of the day. Di's friends were so welcoming and charming and I couldn't resist the photo of Charles and Camilla's autographs. Thank you, Di, for such a wonderful day!

I'm having a bit of computer trouble this week so I have just a couple of snapshots today. This is Di's stunningly charming cottage. It is everything one might imagine of a cottage in the middle of beautiful nowhere.

I was particularly taken with her carpet which had grass bits coming out of it.  This woman is my doppelganger! While her husband was making me coffee I asked him if he thought it odd that his wife bought a carpet that had fake grass in it. Without missing a beat he met my gaze and replied, "No, that's just Di and it's the way she's always been." (or something to that effect - add the charming accent and the dashing professorial looks and I'm sure it was much more erudite than that.)

RE - the best little cool store

We spent a long time at RE in Corbridge, Northumberland, which had a collection of vintage globes. Now, you might have read about my Celtic Bitch experience in the Dublin Shops (even my sister-in-law, Niamh, complains about it and she's a fashionista!) Well, I had a completely different experience at Re. I met both owners and they were just lovely. They took time for a chat and they perfectly packed a large old map for husband so I could take it home without damage. You must look at their online store - the prices are excellent and the stock just as great!

Vintage glassware

As a complete aside, I had to post about this bad behavior punishment for Thai police!

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!