A Mixed Bag

Nothing in Grimsby will ever compare to Barcelona.  But this is what I've been up to the last month.  I've spoken to the school and my family and I've made the difficult decision to stay here another year.  I say difficult but it is only because I am balancing the need to be with my family and friends against the joy of living in England and teaching art.  I would live here forever if I could.

A couple weeks ago as we entered the Camera Club, there was a double rainbow in the sky.  You have to look close, but really there were two.

This is the scene outside my home.  These swans and their 7 signets.

I didn't realize that the babies can ride on their mother's back under the wings to keep warm.  They kept slipping out as she swam.

Yesterday Graham took me to Nottingham.  I went to Sherwood forest last year but not to the town.  This is the oldest pub in England or so they advertise, built in 1650.  We enjoyed a lunch later in the day and the inside is partially made up of caverns.

Much of Nottingham is made of natural sandstone caves, more than any other location in England.

Beautiful stone mosaics at the foot of Nottingham Castle.  I can't believe I never took any pictures of the castle itself.

Inside the castle is a great art gallery and museum.

Outside the Castle was a food fair with many vintage vehicles.

New meaning to "Riding the waves".  Outside the City court house.

Court house.

On the way home we stopped at Southwells.  This is a charming home on the Southwells Minster grounds.

Southwells Minster.

Home of the Bramley apple.

Ruins of the original Minster.

Grounds of the Minster.

This is half term break at school and I am staying close to home so that I can afford my flight home.  Only 9 more weeks and I will be back in Canada, I can't wait.  It is as exciting for me to go home as it is to go to Italy or Spain.

Scarborough

What an exceptional day.  The sun was shining and the temperature soared to at least 17 in the sun.  Graham took me to see Scarborough which was about a 2 hour drive north of Grimsby.  It is a seaside town and I have to say it's maybe my favourite place so far.  The coastline was clean and peaceful with more beach than you can imagine.  You be the judge.

The sea comes up to this break wall when the tide is in.

Seaweed/moss on the walls and stairs.

A job well done.

Stone wall.

Pirate ship, why not.

This spaniel kept running into the waves searching for the stones his owner was throwing, his enthusiasm never failed.

Park in town.

So many bikes.

Lobster traps.

Every good village needs a fudge shop.

This is rape seed, it is in every other field and smells like honey.  I'm pretty sure it is the reason for my cough of about 4 weeks but it is beautiful to see.