The frozen north

Back today from Co Durham. A week of driving and cold weather (including sleet, hail and snow and all stops in between). Took the Laptop with me but did not log on, just too knackered. When we left there was snow on the ground, not a lot but enough to crunch under foot.

Thinking back, we didn't 'do' a lot really. Visited father-in-law a number of times he is now in a private home, being cared for to a level required by his situation, which is pretty much everything. The home is a temporary holding station whilst work is carried out to the in-laws home, in order that equipment can be accommodated.

The boss is watching Causality.

One highlight, in fact one of a number of highlights (in my book) was the visit by my son and I to the University of Northumberland Art Gallery in Newcastle. The Guardian/Observer Jane Bown Photography exhibition was on. Quite good. I was struck by how few of the subjects were still alive. There was a photo of Thatcher at the beginning of the exhibition. When questioned about the prominence, the person at the desk said as Thatcher was an important figure, it was "considered appropriate" to give the portrait the position. All this was delivered without a hint of irony or even interest. Tell that to the Durham Miners, I thought.

The Laing proffered up the usual fayre from the collection, plus I noticed through a closed door the hanging of the next exhibition featuring works from the Gallery's '1970s Collection' Hmmmm.

Found a useful Chippy in Belmont.

The rejuvenated Model Railway shop in Darlington appears to have succumbed to the lack of cash around. Must be Labour's fault. Yeah - if you ignore the the global aspect of the recession, Mr Cameron, and the fact that the Tories ensured that we have Little (other than finance) to employ people. Now tell, that to Mrs Rimmington. Which brings me back to that portrait.