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| Shirley before dinner tonight in Darlington |
This blogpost comes to you from a town called Darlington - sometimes known affectionately as "Darlo". It is just over Yorkshire's northern border in County Durham.
We drove up here this morning - stopping off in Northallerton for a couple of hours. Amazingly, I had never been to Northallerton before - even though it is the historic "county town" of The North Riding of Yorkshire.
It was a hot day with temperatures reaching 100 degrees fahrenheit. At Croft-on-Tees we saw local people swimming and paddling in the river. Maybe we should have joined them but we carried on to our hotel on the outskirts of Darlo. It is called The Blackwell Grange Hotel.
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| Down by The River Tees this afternoon |
Soon after arriving we were in the hotel's pool and then in the jacuzzi and I even had twenty steaming minutes in the sauna. We dried off on a sunny terrace, soaking up the rays as if we were in Greece or Florida or a beach in southern Thailand.
Afterwards we treated ourselves to dinner in the hotel's restaurant with a bottle of French sparkling wine. It was a gorgeous meal and the service was both friendly and efficient. My dessert was chocolate brownie with warm chocolate sauce and a scoop of homemade walnut ice cream while Shirley had a summer fruits pavlova with whipped cream and fresh mint leaves. Food to die for...or of!
Last October when I hit sixty five, my beloved son and daughter bought me a two night hotel stay and this is the one I picked from a list of over two hundred hotels available. I am presently not disappointed. The window is wide open and there's a fan stirring the sultry air. The wife is sparked out on the bed. I will have to stir her soon. Night night from Sunny Darlo!
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| In All Saints Church, Northallerton |
Just look at her, Mr. Pudding! How lucky are you to still have such a lovely creature at you side, day and night? I mean, really? Who could ask for anything more? Sounds like a lovely break from the everyday.
ReplyDeleteShe's not bad for an old lass Mama Thyme.
DeleteWhat a wonderful holiday! I hope you both enjoy every minute of your time there.
ReplyDeleteIt's only a short break Bonnie. I have an ulterior motive for being here as you may read later.
DeleteThat's a lovely photo of your lovely wife, Mr. Pud.
ReplyDeleteA couple of great days in store it would seem. Enjoy!
I like to wander...like an albatross.
DeleteThe picture of Shirley is lovely!
ReplyDeleteHow nice to have a minibreak like that together. I've never been to Northallerton (or Darlo, for that matter) myself, but I regularly read about it on other people's blogs, and it sounds like a place well worth visiting.
To tell you the truth, I don't know if we will get in to Darlo town centre as today we are going to Hannah Hauxwell's homeland.
DeleteSounds wonderful. Enjoy the rest of your visit.
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing what you can pack in to three days JayCee.
DeleteI know Northallerton and Darlington quite well from my time living in the Yorkshire Dales.
ReplyDeleteWhich dale did you live in Sue?
DeleteWensleydale, in the village of Bainbridge.
DeleteWhat a lovely picture of your wife. Never been to Northallerton, though I believe it holds the county records. Hannah Hauxwell created a myth that resounds with many people.
ReplyDeleteShe was a TV phenomenon at a time when she herself did not have a TV...or electricity...or money...or running water.
DeleteYour wife is very beautiful Mr.Pudding. Please tell her I said so. I do envy you going to Hannah Hauxwell's area but then I'm quite envious of all the beautiful places that surround you. Have a lovely day with your beloved.
ReplyDeleteI have obeyed your instruction Shelagh.
DeleteBeautiful picture of your beautiful beloved.
ReplyDeleteAnd now I have googled Hannah Hauxwell after reading her name in the comments here. I can't wait to hear about what you have planned.
What lovely children to provide such a fine get-away for their dad and mum.
The gift was to The Dad. The Mum was freeloading!
DeleteIt's great to see a picture of Shirley -- and what a great shot! You should frame it. Your little journey sounds like a fun outing, and bravo for making the most of the heat.
ReplyDeleteThank you Steve.
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