I have pretty much used my time in Consett to relax and unwind. It took me three days just to slow down enough to sit still for more than 30 minutes.
On the first day, Haley took me into the Metro and just like Dawn of the Dead, there was masses of single-minded people out in the mall. Of course, there was a lack to Zombie flesh eating which I say is a bonus. I got some crazy mugs for Jim and James, and a pretty scarf for Jen and Haley. For Grandad I brought him a ten pack of John Wayne DVDs. I had to ask Uncle Jim what to get for Grandad from Mum and Dad and while we were going to go with a jumper, Jim explained that he has plenty. So Jim saved the day and secured him some new boxes for his flies for fishing.
I spent Christmas at Uncle Jim and Aunty Jens. Grandad and I headed over at around 11am. Haley had taken me out the night before into Consett which wasn't nearly as bad as I had been thinking. Mainly a bunch of young ones, no old ones in boobtubes and receeding hairlines - whew!
We had a lovely day and it had been snowing up until then so everything was white. One White Christmas - Check! After a lovely and filling dinner we went for a walk along the lane then headed back for pudding. Aunty Jen lit it with some brandy but it went out before it got to the table so it got another soaking. By this point, I was feeling rather jolly and warm.
On boxing day I stayed in and ate food that will give you a sugar high within minutes. I am sure I did something else, but I cannot for the life of me think about what it is. I did not go shopping. Oh, I remember. I went over to Haley's for a few hours and met her family, and was giving a very warm welcome from all, but especially from Clive's mum, who said I was a spitting image of Mum. I have actually now heard this a few times from people who knew mum and it was lovely to hear.
Day after Boxing Day was a Sunday and so Grandad cooked a HUGE dinner for us to eat at midday. Haley came over feeling a bit fragile from the night before and the three of us tucked into the food with barely a sound. I struggled through the huge pile of potatoes and meat and then Grandad suggested pudding to which I inwardly groaned. So I struggled on and added a triffle to the top. Now, extremely full, and barely able to move we retired to the couch for a well earned rest. Grandad was out within five minutes and me and Haley chilled on the couch watching Alice in Wonderland and debating how many 'shrooms he must of eaten to come up with such a trippy storyline.
Yesterday I went out to Durham and went into the Cathedral. It is an absolutely amazing piece of architecture and I would love to spend a day sitting and looking. We had a cup of coffee and a cake in a small shop in the courtyard of the cathedral. Aunty Jen pointed out where they had shot parts of Harry Potter to which I got all excited and had my photo taken beside it.
We then headed out to Tynemouth which was something out of a fantasy that day. The sun was out, the sea was crystal blue, and the skies clear. The monastry, all crumbling was in full sun, as was the two massive wharves that went right out to sea. I only wish I had more time to sit and contemplate. We went and got some fish and chips which I could barely stomach. The fish was the size of a dinner plate in all ways and the chips were stuck together. I don't think they ever mastered the art of shaking the oil from the food because there was oil everywhere. I could feel my arteries clogging just by looking at it. I picked it apart and got the fish out the middle and could do little more.
Today, me and Grandad went to the cemetery. Grandad had been and got wreaths for the graves so we first stopped at Grandad Knapps and laid a wreath. I got a wee bit emotional. We then headed down to Aunty Julies grave and laid a wreath there, to which I got all emotional again. It was very beautiful up there and there was deer tracks up and down through the snow.
I have just been out to lunch with Uncle Jim and Aunty Jen, James and Grandad in Corbridge. It is a lovely little village, and I had a hot meal of Stew Steak in Ale sauce. Mmmm. I had this huge craving for red meat right now. Must need the iron.
I am all better on the cold front. Between the cough syrup, the wine, the shandys and the hot toddies, I can safely say, all is well.
Off to Scotland tomorrow at 1040. Looking forward to it. Next part of the journey and a new adventure.
Love you all, and hope this is long enough for you mum = )
xxx
