'Those Summer Days'

Annual Holidays, whether we are staying at home or going abroad, are always something we look forward to. This year we are doing the 'Staycation'. Days here and there. Doing something if we want to or not as the mood takes us.

On saying that we are very nearly at the end of our holidays. So far we have been to see the Stars and their Cars exhibition (my husband's choice) at Alexandria, a town near Balloch and Loch Lomond. It was an exhibit of about twelve cars from programmes such as the Saint and Only Fools and Horses to movies such as Back to the Future, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Batman and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. We then headed further on into Balloch. Well actually it was the other side of Balloch where we went to Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre. A place we have been before. It has moved premises and is looking absolutely fabulous. It was great. The tour round was great as we got to see the owls, falcons, hawks, buzzards, and eagles. Orla the golden eagle managing to steal the show at every opportunity. It was great.

Thursday saw us roll out of bed at 7am. By 8.20 we were heading to Northumberland and Alnwich Castle to be more precise. This is the kind of Castle that, as youngsters, we dream of having and being a knight in some big adventure. And it has been in umpteen adventures through various television series and movies. It is surrounded by gorgeous gardens and farm land. It is such an easy place to fall in love with. There was plenty of things for all ages. For the older Knights and Ladies not able to keep up with their younger counterparts a wander round the Castles interior was awe-inspiring. Whilst outside there was archery for those 11 years old and older, being able to dress up as a knight (or a lady) before practising the finer points of swordship. On the particular day we were there Hagrid and Dumbledore from the Harry Potter series were there to help amuse youngsters of all ages. The gardens were spectacular and we even went into the Poison Gardens. A part of the garden where we were not allowed to wander willy nilly and could only go in twenty at a time with a guide and the gates were unlocked to let the group in and locked behind us once on our entrance and after we left. It was a great day out and we didn't even see all of it. We will need to return other day to see the rest of it.

This week we have spread our wings towards Stirling and headed for the Bo'ness section of Stars and their Cars before heading to Bannockburn and the National Trust Property which tells us about Robert the Bruce's fight at Bannockburn. This is a place which we could readily go back again and again and to admire the views as well as learn a little Scottish history.

The weather has been great and even though we have seen the occasional rain. We have seen a great deal of sunshine also. It has been great to see.