Everybody and anybody who knows me will know that although I've lived in busy Newcastle all my life, I like escape to the countryside whenever I can. So when a warm sunny evening and a trip to my good friend Haley's house beckoned...I couldn't resist! Haley lives in the most beautiful farmhouse near Morpeth, nestled amidst wild meadows, paddocks and beautiful woodland, needless to say I was very jealous! So after a busy day in the office, I needed no persuading to hop in the car, wellies in tow for a girl's night out (or in should that be)
Almost as soon as we got to the house we ran straight outside with the dogs and went for a walk with Haley's labradors Poppy and Bonnie who were exceptionally well trained (my two could definitely learn something from them!) Poppy is the latest addition to the household after their older dog Bella sadly passed away earlier this year. She is such a sweet natured dog, I definitely had a soft spot for her! On our travels round the surrounding woodland we met one of Haley's horses Jamie. I'm really rubbish with horses and their breeds, so I'm afraid I couldn't tell you what he was, but he was certainly handsome, and huge! I'd never been riding before, but couldn't resist getting a leg up and going for a gentle stroll around the peaceful paddock.
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| Meet Bonnie and her new baby sister Poppy |
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| I got to meet Jamie, a rather handsome chap happily grazing in his meadow |
My favourite picture of the day, Victoria and I playing ball with Poppy
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| Riding bareback! |
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| Me and Poppy |
Just at the bottom of the paddock behind Haley's house is a large lake where they often go fishing. It was still a beautiful warm evening so we hopped in the boat and went rowing. The lake was surrounded by swans and geese honking and flapping in the water, but as we rowed we met a gorgeous family off for a gentle swim with their baby cygnet in tow. I can only imagine how amazing it would be to have all this at the bottom of your garden!
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| The beautiful lake at the bottom of Haley's garden |
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| Just about to find my sea legs and go for a row! |
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Haley's love for Jamie was plain to see!
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We sat outside and shared a pizza and bottle of wine in the fading sun, enjoying the amazing views before heading inside to snuggle up on the sofa with a film, candles and crisps (well it was a girl's night). All too soon it was time for bed ready for work the next day, but I had a fantastic evening, full of my favourite things: animals, fresh air, food and friends. Don't laugh, but it felt like I was on a mini holiday! Haley, please can I come live at your house!?
