Friday, May 15, 2015

Chickadee, Durham Night Scenes, Anglophile Friday

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.




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.)


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!


This post is linked to

Amaze Me Monday

and


and




***

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52 comments:

Arlene G said...

Judy, those pictures are so beautiful...really seems to capture the flavor of the area!! And your little blondie is a cutie pie.

Deb said...

What 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

podso said...

Wonderful, 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).

Susie said...

Judy, 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

JP said...

This 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!
Your post had the best pic in the end...they are both adorable!
JP

MadSnapper said...

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

Judith @ Lavender Cottage said...

Theresa's drawing of a chickadee is a splendid piece of work, congrats for winning it.
I 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.

TexWisGirl said...

so glad you like the chickadee. :) loved your note about welcoming me back to wis if i ever repent. :)

sweet streets to wander. that last photo takes the cake, though. :)

Tired Teacher said...

Congratulations on winning the drawing - it's fabulous.

My heart is aching to go to England, and your photos are pulling on those heart strings. Hopefully, plans will soon fall into place.

Debbie said...

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!!!

LOVE the castle, that looks like my kinda area, colorful and fun....and not too crowded!!!! i really enjoyed all of your images!!!!

Jill said...

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!

Blessings,
Jill

21 Wits said...

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!

Unknown said...

What 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

Cheryl @ TFD said...

I'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!
Your grandson is so cute and looks so happy!

Unknown said...

What a great painting/drawing of the chickadee. Beautifully done!

I thoroughly enjoy your pictures taken in England. Keep them coming!

Elizabeth said...

Love your pictures of England !

Lynne said...

So 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.

Love 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 . . .

Debby Ray said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Debby Ray said...

Well, 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 :)

Anonymous said...

That 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.

Joanne Noragon said...

Those are extraordinary photos. Thanks!

Pamela Gordon said...

What 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.
Pam

Rose said...

Oh, how I love all the color against the stone/brick buildings. I know I would love to visit there.

thepaintedapron.com said...

Aren'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!
Jenna

Judy S. said...

Lucky you! That's a great drawing. I also love your photos, especially the GS one. He sure has a twinkle in his eyes!

Ginny Hartzler said...

Your 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!

SImple and Serene Living said...

I'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

lulu said...

Once AGAIN, you are such a talented photographer! It was almost as good as being there!
Blessings!

Cheryl said...

Congrats on your fine win!!

I 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...)

Anonymous said...

Lovely shots of Durham!

Margaret Birding For Pleasure said...

Durham 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.

Vee said...

A 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.

Congrats on the sweet chickadee...is he also Wisconsin's state bird?

Vee said...

Couldn't wait for an answer...no, the American robin is. Now that is very special, too.

Preppy Empty Nester said...

Congrats Judy! I love the painting. As always, beautiful photos! The last one of your darling grandson is my fave! Enjoy your weekend!

eileeninmd said...

Judy, 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!

This N That said...

Durham looks lovely...Lucky you, winning the gorgeous Chickadee..Very pretty..Have a nice weekend, Judy

Linda said...

Breathtaking beautiful. I love the Chickadee painting too. Blessings

A Colorful World said...

Oh, 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!

Magali@TheLittleWhiteHouse said...

The castle lit at dusk is gorgeous.

Carla from The River said...

Beautiful! You took some great shots. Well done! I will buy the first coffee table book of your Photos from England.

Carla

sweetbriardreams said...

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

Ruth Kelly said...

I 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.

Janey and Co. said...

Such beautiful shots of England!

Congrats on the win! I'm jealous....and no you may not have your Wisconsin girl back....we like having her here in TEXAS!

Decor To Adore said...

Oh Judy I am just LOVING this series. More! More! Your images just speak to me.

Have a wonderful weekend!

ifthethunderdontgetya™³²®© said...

Your last pic warms my heart!
~

Anonymous said...

Nothing cuter than a boy and his dog!

GreenComotion said...

Thanks 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.
Have a Beautiful Day!!
Peace :)

Butterfly 8)(8 Bungalow said...

It is so charming, and your grandson is adorable. xoxo Su

Ida said...

Congrats on your win of the neat Chickadee art from Theresa. She does amazing work.
Some wonderful shots of England.
Loved your little Grandson.

DeniseinVA said...

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.

DeniseinVA said...

Goodness, 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.

J_on_tour said...

Pleased 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.

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