Zedd

I knew it would happen eventually, and at the weekend it finally did. I got a new rabbit so I would like to introduce you to him.
This is Zedd the little lion head.
he is very cute and has already made him self at home as you can see. I only got up for a minute and he had alread pinched my seat.

Enlightenment

Yesterday was the last day of enlightenment in Durham. This was a light festival. It involved four main pieces of work attached to four of the many bridges in the town, as well as little pieces in shops and stuff.
I have always loved walking by the river in Durham it is one of those places that just feels right, a bit like the woods and going to the beach. Having grown up in Durham it also holds memories of different parts of my life, and every time Iam in the town I do try and get down to the river so this festival of lights on the bridges really appealed to me
So last night we went down to have a look, we where given our maps and glow sticks, and went to see the pieces. well after a brief stop for some fish and chips.
It was all spectacular to see the bridges all light up in different ways.
The first bridge was Elvet bridge this had two giant arches/gates. The images on the gates where taken from the cathedral with one being the sanctuary knocker, this piece also used the bamboo from the bridge that was recently on the Tyne.
The second bridge was Kingsgate, this is one of my not so favorite bridges it links up to part of the Union and is very concrete, although it do have its positives as well there are some nice views from it. For this bridges art work you had to go down the side of the bridge to see underneath it. The piece could be seen from the first bridge but only in a form similar to the photo from my phone.
up close it was lovely and very effective in its one colour.

The text is from St Bede and is in three languages, I also loved the reflection of this one in the water.
The third bridge was Prebends bridge witch is probably my favorite. There is no picture for this one as they did not come out well at all. From standing on the bridge you looked down to see floating in the water in green lights a picture of flowers it was lovely.
from this bridge you can also see the final bridge with its eyes. To get to the final bridge the path along the side of the river had been illuminated with lights.
The final bridge was Framwelgate Bridge this had two massive eyes suspended in the arch ways, possibly a bit eary after it just being Halloween but somehow suited this bridge and the setting

Raspberries and Orchids

Well despite the fact that that the weather has now decided that it is winter, and my mistreatment of these plants.
My raspberries have decided to ripen - they have been on the bush for a while, and despite being an autumn variety never expected any this year. So thees are officially the first edible thing to come from my garden, and tasted lovely

I then came in on Friday night to find that my orchid had decided to open another flower. I never expected this to live at all. It was an impulse buy from Lidl and has lived next to the kettle since arriving home - and obviously likes it there, it is also nice that this flower open just as the three that where already there where starting to fail. Have to excuse the quality of this photo the camera was accidiently on museum mode so everything goes slightly yellow

A present for my minstral

I decided to by her a present, so got her a distaff, purely for decorative purposes, but now its changed her and she needs a new name. her old one isn't right any more
Yes I know its a spinning wheel but

Hedgehog Mushroom

Well yesterday I went off on a fungi forage in Chopwell woods, we had nice weather and a guy who new his stuff. we also found a great big hedgehog mushroom (as well as several slightly smaller ones). So here is the giant mushroom

this of course was before he was fried in butter with garlic and put on to some toast.

Mrs Tidlewink

I have a new friend in my garden, and this time it is one that will help to get rid of all the slugs and snails. The picture aint brilliant I know but it was dark and I didnt want to scare her off.

My garden

I am now settled in my little flat, and most of the inside is sorted. So now I am turning my attention to the garden. At the moment this is the state of it.



This is a great improvement on the jungle it was, but still not brilliant.
The veg patch is starting to look like it could be planted, and each time I turn it over I uncover less junk which is good.
The other side, with regular attacks is slowly becoming more of a grass area. A few more attacks and I will sort out the boarder for the bulbs to go in ready for the spring. Although that is dependent on a bit of dry weather to cut the grass back again.
My problem now is the area in front of where the veg is going to go.

This part is plagued by tree roots and bits of trees that are trying to regrow, and a drain cover.
I have no idea what to do with this part of the garden. Other then fire to the trees that is, and now it is starting to bug me. Originally it was just going to be grass, then I thought about a herb garden now I just want rid of the trees. Any suggestions are most welcome though.