We move like the sea

There's nothing like a blast of sea air to blow away the cobwebs.

And a visit to Tynemouth means great company too.

My sister Sabena and her partner Gary; two of my very favourite people.

Jumping for joy on the beautiful Longsands beach. 

Some more successfully than others...

There is a market every weekend at Tynemouth metro station too, which Sabena and I browsed around...

while Gary took the kids to the match at St James' Park.

I am woefully out of practice at blogging, and feeling sadly adrift from my lovely community of bloggers whose support and company I value. Real Life has its distractions at present, but I'll have a good go at catching up with you all - I miss you. 

1970s hand made maxi dress - Mooch vintage shop

Boots - community fair

And it's hard to find a good spot in my new garden to take a decent photo!

xxx

Tyne and Tide

At the weekend, I headed off to the north east to visit my sister Sabena and her partner Gary. We were trying to work out the last time I was there on my own, it must have been before I had kids.

 

 

I love Newcastle, but I love these two even more!

 

 

As with so many cities which have a rich industrial heritage, there is impressive Georgian and Victorian architecture aplenty.

 

 

 Grey Street runs down to the Quayside in an elegant Georgian curve...

 

while the Central Arcade is an extravagently-tiled Edwardian hymn of praise to shopping.

 

 

A leisurely stroll by the Tyne in the sunshine was glorious.

We crossed the Millenium Bridge...

 

 

into Gateshead, to visit The Baltic art gallery.

The viewing platform offers fantastic views of the river and city...

as well as the kittiwakes which huddle along the side of the building.

Smiles all round!

Then on to have a nosey in the Sage, a live music venue on the Gateshead side of the Tyne.

On Sunday, we walked from Tynemouth to North Shields along the Tyne estuary.

The view behind us showed the Collingwood Monument and the two piers, marking the point where the estuary opens into the sea.

We saw a couple of people harvesting cockles on the mud flats.

Breakfast at Irvin's was delicious.

  We strolled back into Tynemouth through the newly-renovated Northumberland Park...

(yes, the greens really were that vibrant in the sun!)

 

before a browse around the market held at Tynemouth Metro station every weekend.

 

 

 

 

The Victorian ironwork and glass roof made it feel as though the market was taking place in a greenhouse, but it was good to see so many people enjoying the event, and the sun.

Tynemouth Longsands...

just beautiful.

And then it was time to go home.

I came back with a few finds from the market;

 

 

1970s Jean Allen shirtwaister dress

1970s floaty maxi

1960s handmade jacket

Two 1960-70s cotton day dresses

 

 

and also this 1960s dress. At a quid each, how could I leave them behind?

And the pendant is another 1960-70s stainless steel Lord Python piece, made in Sheffield by David Scott Walker. What were the chances of finding that in Tynemouth?

Or a swan brooch with the head of a diplodocus?

I'll be catching up with you soon, I promise.

xxx

Hit the north

Never mind mists and mellow fruitfulness, autumn brings half term; season of lie-ins, and a trip to the north east.

And velvet maxis, some small compensation for the nights drawing in.

Here's Uncle Gary (the old ham) laden with luggage and my children, heading for Newcastle last Saturday.

By the next day, Nina ended up in A&E (for antibiotics - yet another skin infection) and Owen had managed to fall in the lake in Leazes Park.

 

But look - all is well, despite the Biggest Bandage in the World, and a dousing.

And breathing in the sea air at Tynemouth Long Sands is always therapeutic.

The Grand Hotel, built in 1872 by the Duke of Northumberland as a summer residence. 

Famous guests include Laurel and Hardy, who stayed here when they were playing at the Theatre Royal in Newcastle. 

Stan Laurel spent some of his youth in the local area and attended school in Tynemouth.

The ruins of Tynemouth Castle and Priory. 

The decorative Victorian ironwork at the metro station has been refurbished, and looks wonderful.

How funny that my girls look more like my sister than me.  

The kids love spending time with Sabena and Gary.

And I am quite happy to admit that I appreciate having a couple of days without them!

 It's nearly time for Hat Attack over at Judith's, and I am ready and waiting.

1970s Dereta velvet maxi skirt and ankle boots - Ebay

1970s sheer blouse, bangles, necklace and hat - charity shopped

1950s tapestry bag - vintage shop in Birmingham

Belt - retail (sale)

 

Tomorrow, we'll be avoiding the trick or treaters as usual by going out, because we're arsey like that.

See you all soon!

xxxx