Chickadee, by Theresa (TexWisGirl)
It even came in a lovely frame!
First things first:
I doubt that anyone has been more thrilled with winning a giveaway than I am for having won this amazing drawing by Theresa (TexWisGirl) of The Run*A*Round Ranch Report. Everything about it is just beautiful. I have no idea how anyone can do this, but I am glad that Theresa has that talent and skill, and glad that I'm the happy recipient of the Chickadee.
There was so much light in every room in our house that I could hardly get a photo without reflection, but the Chickadee will definitely get pride of place, sitting on the piano between two Civil War art prints (on the wall).
Thank you so much, Theresa! I know you can take the girl out of Wisconsin, but you can't take Wisconsin out of the girl. ;-) We'll welcome you back here in Wisconsin anytime you're willing to repent of your move south. LOL
Thank you so much!
***
Now, on to Durham, England, because I know how you longed to go back there for another look. This time it's not all about Durham Cathedral. (If you missed that, check my April 10, April 17, and April 24 Anglophile Friday posts). Instead, after Evensong Service was over, we slowly made our way around the town, getting some dusk and night shots.
Durham Castle on the hill
One of the many things I love about northern England is that the majority of buildings are made of brick or stone, and to offset what could otherwise seem a cold or harsh exterior, you'll often find doors and window frames painted a bright color. The combination is so pretty!
Waterstones. I think they're everywhere
like Barnes & Noble are here in the US
We have a lot of Andersons in Wisconsin, too.
Hmmm. Hillary's Plan B,
in case 2016 doesn't work out for her.
Personally, I'd much prefer living in Durham
to campaigning for the presidency.
Personally, I'd much prefer living in Durham
to campaigning for the presidency.
I think that old man's trying to escape me,
but I followed him to the train station
and back to his B&B in York.
(Okay, it's Mr. C.)
but I followed him to the train station
and back to his B&B in York.
(Okay, it's Mr. C.)
You know I have many more photos of Durham, but I'm going to leave it there for this week. I don't want to give you sensory overload with all those beautiful English buildings!
***
But this one's irresistible
and I'm throwing it in for free:
'Gramma, take a picture of me!'
He is such a sweet little guy,
and Jazzie thinks so too.
Have a great weekend, everyone!
and
***
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Judy, those pictures are so beautiful...really seems to capture the flavor of the area!! And your little blondie is a cutie pie.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun post, Judy. I love your sense of humour. :)) First off, that Chickadee painting is adorable. What a beautiful gift to receive. It would land a special place in my home, too. At the moment I am missing my chickadees as I expect they have left to nest. Your night photos are gorgeous of your visit to England. Stone buildings are my favorite, too. I've really enjoyed your holiday photos. Hope to get there someday myself. Maybe after we have built the house I'll need a good rest. :)) Have a good weekend, Judy. Love the photo of the grand and Jazzy. Deb
ReplyDeleteWonderful, wonderful photos. Loved seeing these. What a lot of windows, which means lots of light inside and lots of window washing! Europeans and Brits sure know how to build a charming town, curved roads and buildings up close. And your last photo of course is the best of all. A boy and a dog--can you beat that? You too have a good weekend. (we have a city called Durham in our state, probably named for this city).
ReplyDeleteJudy, I must say, I have seen some awesome photos on your blog, but this one of the castle on the hill is my favorite. Just beautiful. The boy and his dog picture is so cute. Blessings, xoxo,Susie
ReplyDeleteThis was such a beautiful visit...I know that I will never get there and can only dream of wandering through the village and falling in love with it all!
ReplyDeleteYour post had the best pic in the end...they are both adorable!
JP
the free shot is adorable, both canine and his best bud.. love the narrow streets and the bright paint and all the lights in the windows. the first shot the castle is gorgeous and so is that big building with all the lighted windows
ReplyDeleteTheresa's drawing of a chickadee is a splendid piece of work, congrats for winning it.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the window shopping in Durham and found the same love for colourful doors in Ireland.
The boy and his dog is sweet.
Have a good weekend.
so glad you like the chickadee. :) loved your note about welcoming me back to wis if i ever repent. :)
ReplyDeletesweet streets to wander. that last photo takes the cake, though. :)
Congratulations on winning the drawing - it's fabulous.
ReplyDeleteMy heart is aching to go to England, and your photos are pulling on those heart strings. Hopefully, plans will soon fall into place.
i am only slightly jealous about your winnings. theresa is the BEST and i am so happy to see that chickadee with someone who really appreciates it!!! it is gorgeous!!!
ReplyDeleteLOVE the castle, that looks like my kinda area, colorful and fun....and not too crowded!!!! i really enjoyed all of your images!!!!
Love the chickadee picture! Beautiful pictures of England. Our old neighbors were from England and this post made me think of them... we miss them! Nothing better then a dog in our lives, they certainly enrich the days :-) Have a wonderful weekend!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Jill
Ha! Ha! You are a mind reader! I could view your England photos from now until to forever! I do adore that place, and hope to be back there soon!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful drawing of the chickadee! I'll never get tired of looking at your pictures, all of them matter of fact! England, Wisconsin and family. Love your blog, Kathleen in Az
ReplyDeleteI'm just a tad bit jealous of both your drawing and the trip to England! I'd love to see England someday, but doubt I'll ever get BG to go with me. And Theresa's drawings are fantastic and I know you are thrilled to win one. Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteYour grandson is so cute and looks so happy!
What a great painting/drawing of the chickadee. Beautifully done!
ReplyDeleteI thoroughly enjoy your pictures taken in England. Keep them coming!
Love your pictures of England !
ReplyDeleteSo happy you were the Giveawy Winner! That Texas gal, Wisconsin born is quite the talent. I was a lucky winner once as well . . . and have had my TexWis original Yellow Finch sitting in plain view since.
ReplyDeleteLove the Northern England photos. Brick and stone are always my favorites and I agree, a touch of color in the trims, doors presents such a charm. Did you stop in at Edinbourgh Woolen? Edinbourgh and Scotland North was one of my favorite trips . . . your photos reminded me of some of my memories.
We take pictures of the names of friends and others when we travel . . . I liked your Clinton comment . . .
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ReplyDeleteWell, this girl right here knows exactly what you are talking about...I didn't realize you were the winner! I won one of Theresa's beautiful pieces of art last year...a framed butterfly with a gorgeous hummingbird card. This little bird is just precious! She does amazing work and like you, I was so blessed! Wonderful photos, especially of the little one at the end of the post :)
ReplyDeleteThat last photo is precious! Congrats on wining TexWis' chickadee. It's beautiful. I loved your photos of England. Love the buildings/streets etc. Very charming! Hope you have a lovely weekend.
ReplyDeleteThose are extraordinary photos. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely win of one of Theresa's birds. She does lovely work. I really enjoyed the tour of Durham at dusk. Such a pretty city. Your little grandson is adorable with the dog. Enjoy the weekend.
ReplyDeletePam
Oh, how I love all the color against the stone/brick buildings. I know I would love to visit there.
ReplyDeleteAren't you lucky to win that beautiful drawing, it's fabulous! And your trip looks amazing, I want to go in every single one of those restaurants and shops! What in incredible experience, and your photos are gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteJenna
Lucky you! That's a great drawing. I also love your photos, especially the GS one. He sure has a twinkle in his eyes!
ReplyDeleteYour grandson is just gorgeous!! And what a beautiful smile! Oh my GOSH, your pictures!!! Love is not a strong enough word! I love all the normal houses, then right behind them is a big castle! And the colors of the houses! Now I want to paint our doors and window frames red! And I especially like the lights in the shop windows, so cozy and lovely. You must post nothing but this type of shots from now ON!
ReplyDeleteI'm so jealous. First of all I thought for sure I was going to win that picture and secondly because I want to be in England. Last photo is of course darling. xo Laua
ReplyDeleteOnce AGAIN, you are such a talented photographer! It was almost as good as being there!
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Congrats on your fine win!!
ReplyDeleteI loved your little tour of Durham this evening! Oh so charming! Love the color, love the windows and doors, love the peeks inside the shops.
I am glad you accommodated that sweetie by taking his picture. What a darling face! (I think I have said this before, but I am a fan of your rug too. I am still on the hunt...)
Lovely shots of Durham!
ReplyDeleteDurham is apretty place i the evening. Loved seeing all the shops lite up and the little guy and dog are so cute! Tex's art work is truely beautiful. You area fortunate one to have won it. Have a wonderful weekend.
ReplyDeleteA quaint little town where the cathedral is above all and you captured that special moment when the windows turn to gold. I must work hard not to say more than I should so will move on to the grandboy who sidled up to the dog or was it the other way around? I have noticed that boys are very good at assuming the same posture as the pet. It makes for a delightful photo.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the sweet chickadee...is he also Wisconsin's state bird?
Couldn't wait for an answer...no, the American robin is. Now that is very special, too.
ReplyDeleteCongrats Judy! I love the painting. As always, beautiful photos! The last one of your darling grandson is my fave! Enjoy your weekend!
ReplyDeleteJudy, congrats on winning Tex's lovely drawing. It is a cute chickadee. I enjoyed your England photos, the Durham castle is awesome. And your grandson with the Jazzie is adorable. Thank you so much for linking up and sharing your post. Have a happy weekend!
ReplyDeleteDurham looks lovely...Lucky you, winning the gorgeous Chickadee..Very pretty..Have a nice weekend, Judy
ReplyDeleteBreathtaking beautiful. I love the Chickadee painting too. Blessings
ReplyDeleteOh, Judy I just loved this post! How exciting to win the chickadee! And the photos of the town in England were just wonderful. Reminded me of Charles Dickens, even if modern! And your sweet little grandson and dog....well that's a treasure!
ReplyDeleteThe castle lit at dusk is gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! You took some great shots. Well done! I will buy the first coffee table book of your Photos from England.
ReplyDeleteCarla
Durham is BEAUTIFUL! I never got to the city itself only the train station and then was whisked off to the Beamish Museum (which was amazing!). I think I'll pop up there in the autumn and experience the light from the shop windows. It looks beautifully Victorian. Thanks for the lovely tour xx
ReplyDeleteI do love your photos of England. Anderson's are like Smith, they are everywhere. I am glad I don't have either to search in my family tree.
ReplyDeleteSuch beautiful shots of England!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the win! I'm jealous....and no you may not have your Wisconsin girl back....we like having her here in TEXAS!
Oh Judy I am just LOVING this series. More! More! Your images just speak to me.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful weekend!
Your last pic warms my heart!
ReplyDelete~
Nothing cuter than a boy and his dog!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the wonderful tour of parts of Northern England - thoroughly enjoyed it. I was very happy to see a Woolen store and the last photo of the doggy with the little boy.
ReplyDeleteHave a Beautiful Day!!
Peace :)
It is so charming, and your grandson is adorable. xoxo Su
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your win of the neat Chickadee art from Theresa. She does amazing work.
ReplyDeleteSome wonderful shots of England.
Loved your little Grandson.
A wonderful post here and your grands are so very cute. I loved all their photos and the others. Very enjoyable looking around the northern part of England, an area I want to explore more one day. Cute photos for the critter memes also.
ReplyDeleteGoodness, I almost forgot what I came to this post originally for and that was to congratulate you on Theresa's beautiful bird. She is such a wonderful lady to share her incredible artwork.
ReplyDeletePleased to see you got some night shots of Durham, you made a good job of them, something I've never done yet ... ooo the inspiration. My Mother used to love looking in that Edinburgh Woollen Mill shop when I took her there and the seating in Bella Pasta is funny as everyone wants to sit next to the widow overlooking the river.
ReplyDelete