Toon Army

Yes, that's right you've guessed it, we're in Newcastle.

Well, somewhat west of the city actually, in the small but active village of Allendale, where we spent New Year this year if you recall, & the home of Jen's parents, Ian & Jane.

We trekked up from DEmily's (Dan & Emily) going via the Metrocentre for some last minute summer holiday shopping. If you haven't been, it's a huge complex with parking, shopping & people galore. It's an acquired taste, one done, we've found, when adequately fed & watered on cake & tea, & ideally not done more than once every 6 months. And living 300+ miles down south, we can just about manage that!

After we'd hiked around the shops & Jen had made a few choice purchases, we met up with Emily & carried onward up North.

Once we arrived, we set dinner going, my creamy lamb korma, & then shot off quite happily to join the rest of the family, Dan too as he'd driven up after work, for some Friday drinkies at one of the local pubs. Lovely.

After our nice curry we all settled down to view DEmily's wedding photos. Jen & me hadn't seen them before & they really were very good. The last minute photographer did a fantastic job as they're perfect quality.

A note on the above. The moment we'd walked into the bedroom, Jen was riffling through the cupboards & she pulled out this tiny retro number. In a flash she was modelling it. Jen recalls that she had worn this classic Newcastle United FC away strip first at Christmas 1996. She's thrilled that she can still fit into it, a mere 17 years later.