Tales of the unexpected

Most days there are a limited number blip opportunities but, today, potential blips appeared in the most unexpected places!

After a leisurely breakfast, we set off for Alnwick to do some shopping. It had been raining on and off (mostly on!) but, when we stopped en route at Branton for a walk with Louie by one of the lakes, the sun came out (extra). Lots of birds on the island in the lake - mostly peewits and oyster catchers, but swans and several cormorants too. We continued on our way and, as we drove to the top of a hill spotted six or seven rather large, strange-looking 'sheep' in a field. On closer inspection, they turned out to be lamas. Couldn't resist taking a photo or two!

Alnwick Food Fair is on this weekend - bizarrely, as well as food stalls, there were alpacas and birds of prey! Looked round the stalls and made a couple of inevitable purchases, before going in search of a present for Tom's birthday. Item purchased, and we had a bite to eat before tackling a supermarket shop.

Stopped several times on the way home to wait for young pheasants, mostly females,  to get off the road. There were hundreds of them! Couldn't resist a photo or two of these unassuming but beautiful birds as they perched on a fence (extra).

Just about time to unpack the shopping before MrM and I drove over to Belford to pick up Andrea, to go to Tom's 70th birthday bash. 'Twas an excellent 'do' with a ceilidh! Very good to dance with MrM - for once he wasn't playing with the band - and to meet up with friends from Rag Bag Morris.