Planet Ruby Starrs

In-between this mad social whirl we were suddenly experiencing, Dr Fred had two attempts at going on a balloon ride which I had bought him as a birthday present and in spite of some amazing weather each attempt was cancelled at the last minute due to adverse weather conditions - its set up to try again in September!! So we had some outings planned but they didn't come off so the next excitement happening was volunteering for the Durham Fringe Festival.  I had seen this on line and offered my services as I was beginning to feel a bit cabin fevered and I really felt I needed to get out into the real world and explore a bit of local life and culture - and the idea of helping out at something which was slightly alternative and a new venture appealed to me.   I was asked to help with some setting up early in the week and then to work in the comedy club for three nights over the weekend.  Richard Pulsford - A Bit Rich - crazy clever quick fire one liners - heading for Edinburgh Fringe I

Once we returned from a refreshing sojourn in Wales we had some visitors come and stay at Coundon Tower for a few days.  Two extra people and two lively young dogs make for a vaguely chaotic time.. but it was really lovely to have guests and spend some time walking around the local area.. a pleasant walk on an almost empty Crimdon beach and then a walk down the old railway line to Bishop Auckland through the deer park for lunch at a local cafe before retracing our steps back home for yet more cake.    The dogs loved the garden - racing round through all the bushes - poor Vita in her excitement actually ended up in the pond  - no harm done to dog, frogs or newts....   Time always seems to go so quick when friends stay and the house always feels very quiet when they've gone. 

Ok its been far too long since I posted but we have been very busy and I will endeavour to catch up with a series of short illustrated posts over the coming quieter week... for starters...we went camping in North Wales - Idyllic - seriously such a good break and so wonderful to be back in the van... the first day it rained all day and it was quite joyous to be snuggled up in the van listening to rain on the roof doing nothing but reading books and doodling - bliss... Then he sun came out and stayed out for the rest of our trip.  We had found an excellent campsite on the edge of the Snowdonia National park and it was almost empty - so we had a whole field to ourselves - Tal Mi Gnedd near Nantile - fabulous spot extremely pleasant hosts, lots of sheep - even some escapee cows in our field at one point- good facilities and as a bonus, lots of walks just from the campsite. We had a fabulous day exploring crags and lakes locally and then some friends joined us for the rest of the week.  We