Sunny start to the day

We'd got to Cragside cottage late the previous night, after a delayed departure and long journey - but it was great to see Chris and Joanne, who seemed to have had an excellent week's holiday.

After the traditional cottage feast, we went outside to do some stargazing: brilliant to be able to see the Milky Way so clearly.

Had to leave the cottage fairly early, then headed over to Hartlepool where the lads went to the cinema for their cousin Jack's birthday party.

In the evening we all went to Natalie and John's engagement party, which was great fun. Like an eejit, I forgot to take my camera though. D'oh. Call yourself a blipper, Red?