As soon as she moves a foot, I'm off!

This morning, the other Marjorie and I met up at the Grape and Bean in Hexham for coffee and chat. It's lovely in the upstairs café area. I thought the downstairs, with all the wine racks, was a bit on the cool side. The coffee was good too.

We put our worlds to rights and talked about Queen Anne in The Favourite. I haven't seen the film but both Kendall and Marjorie had reservations. Marjorie went off to the libraries in Hexham (little info) and then Newcastle (a bit more) to do more research. Very interesting, including a pathologist writing about Anne's health. I may have to see the film now. Apparently the queen had 17 miscarriages and lost two children, one son at the age of 11. Nowadays she would have been investigated to see the cause of the problem. What a tragic time for the couple.

At another table, three women had a lively conversation. This beautiful collie dog lay on a rug beside one of them. When they were leaving he consented to a photograph, but was really waiting for the moment to move off. He was to be a sheepdog, but the shepherd didn't get on with him and sent him back to the breeder. His current owner describes his gentle temperament, willingness to please and ability to learn. She takes him running every morning and for a walk later in the day. He is four. (I couldn't help thinking of another gorgeous collie.....who we miss on Blip.)

Jenny and Kate came this afternoon and we enjoyed their visit.

The snow has not arrived, although it is very cold. Margret, next door, and I plan a short walk in the morning.

Tonight I cooked a steak while Mum had cottage pie. It's the first steak I have cooked in a very long time (and it was delicious).

Best seen on black, of course!