friday film

Today's photos were taken using my plastic-but-fantastic Holga. It is such a fun film camera, but so hard to find anywhere that will process 120 film anymore. The old place I used has shut down but hopefully I'll find somewhere else so I can take more photos like these..

beach trip

We had a great weekend with some of our favourite people. The weather was perfect so we headed to the beach with a picnic and explored the ruins of pillboxes, which were used as defence in world war two. The rest of our time consisted of more food, rounds of Articulate, a movie and lots of laughing. It was so much fun!

birthday

Friday was a lovely day. We headed over to York to eat at a local restaurant which we discovered on our last trip. It was just as yummy second time around and pretty good value for the standard of food they are serving. They specialise in sherry which makes for a great accompaniment to the food. If you're in York (or Leeds) make sure you check out Ambiente Tapas.

After eating we wandered around the beautiful city and then headed home for birthday cake, made (very well) by my amazing husband.

friday film

Today is my birthday. As I turn another year older, I once again have no idea what the next year will bring..however I am determined to make the most of each day, to focus on the positive things life brings and be more thankful in general. Right now I am looking forward to spending this weekend eating good food in the company of great friends and having lots of fun!

a lovely evening

A couple of weeks ago we took a trip to Hebden Bridge where my parents had got us tickets to see The Staves as an early birthday present. It is such a gorgeous place, though sadly the cold and very wet weather meant we rushed inside for dinner after quickly wandering around. Old Gate turned out to be a wonderful restaurant with unbelievably good food. The music venue was small, but perfect for The Staves' beautiful voices. We got a seat on the edge right at the front. Their voices are better live than recorded and, as my husband would say, they sound like angels! I first saw The Staves supporting Joshua Radin back in 2010 and I am so pleased that they are doing so well. Hopefully we will return to Hebden Bridge one day to explore, or just to eat at Old Gate again...

friday film

:: The view from my window, August 2011 ::

ireland.. part three

Hope you've enjoyed my holiday photos! Here's the final installment..

The sea. The North Atlantic Ocean to be specific. It's so crazy to think that at the end of the water, way beyond sight, lies North America. We explored several beaches during the week, each boasting a different point of interest..dark rocks and mountain views, huge waves and cliffs to climb, rock pools and a beautiful ruin. And there was also the pier. I love life on the coast.

ireland.. part two

If you asked me to describe Ireland in colours, I would choose green and purple. They were everywhere! I developed a particular fondness for heather which turned from purple to coral as the flowers died, and the result was beautiful.

One day we all agreed to accompany Dad on a mountain walk. It started as a lovely, gentle stroll and abruptly turned in to a brutally steep scramble to reach the top. We grumbled, and claimed to be dying, but the view was incredible. Despite the pain of exerting myself, it is a satisfying achievement to complete a hike. I must be getting old or something...

:: group photo by my lovely husband ::