The world according to Sarah

[davina61]

Well my surname is Germanic in origin and came over with the Normans in 1066, my paternal family came from the Forest of Dean . Maternal family from south Birmingham with mums dads family from Evesham area. 

[Stottie Girl]

Had a lucky escape today. Went for a bit of a walk in the sunshine this afternoon, left my phone on the roof of my car by mistake and drove home only to discover my phone was gone! Got my mum to ring it and someone answered to say one of their staff members spotted it in the middle of the road in a little village 2.5 miles away from the carpark where I set off from. How on earth it had stayed on the roof for that long on twisty single track country lanes I have no idea! They stopped the van, picked it up and handed it into reception at ....... my own office at county hall! lol! You couldn't make it up! Kind of restores your faith in humanity a bit!

Figured my lucks in so I bought a lottery ticket on the way home ha ha!

[Stottie Girl]

Sarah's world tour of Northumberland - Episode 2.

Sun was shining today so went for a wander to Bothal Castle a few miles down the road from me. This is the closest castle to where I live so only about 10-15 mins away.

Bothal Castle is a bit of an odd one, it is half ruin and half private home. Built around 1095 on the site of a former pre Norman stronghold. It's a pretty castle, nestled next to the River Wansbeck and surrounded by a steep river gorge on three sides. As it's a private home you can't go in but someone has a rather nice gaff there if you ask me!

The picture postcard village of Bothal is to the left of it and is likely estate workers houses as they all look the same. There is a lovely old church too that I will have to explore one day. There are only about 10 homes there but unfortunately a couple of the houses in the village had scaffolding on them so It didn't make for a good picture.

[KathyLauren]

You have so much history there!  Around here, 1604 is as early as there is recorded history.  (Of course, there were people here long before then, and stuff happened, but that's when the first Europeans arrived and started recording history.) 

I used Google Maps to see where Bothal Castle was, and as I zoomed out to get my bearings, saw that there is another castle just down the road (Morpeth).  And didn't you show us yet another just a few days ago?  And weird to think that any of them are still private homes.  I imagine introducing myself to a neighbour and saying, "Hi, I'm Kathy.  My wife and I just bought the castle across the street."

[Lori Dee ✅]

While touring Salzburg, Austria, my friend and I accidentally found our way into the castle. We just followed a road, and there we were. We met a nice young lady who told us that the city had taken over the castle and converted it into apartments. She lived there. We asked if she would rather live in the city, and she said, "No way!"

I wonder what her mailing address is.

[davina61]

Just the other side of the hills to me is Eastnor Castle, not a proper castle its a privet residence for the family that owns Eastnor estate just built in a castellated style .1811 to 1820 is when it was built.

[Stottie Girl]

You have so much history there!  Around here, 1604 is as early as there is recorded history.  (Of course, there were people here long before then, and stuff happened, but that's when the first Europeans arrived and started recording history.) 

I used Google Maps to see where Bothal Castle was, and as I zoomed out to get my bearings, saw that there is another castle just down the road (Morpeth).  And didn't you show us yet another just a few days ago?  And weird to think that any of them are still private homes.  I imagine introducing myself to a neighbour and saying, "Hi, I'm Kathy.  My wife and I just bought the castle across the street."

Ha ha! Nice detective work Kathy! There is yet another around 2-3 miles further on called Mitford Castle. Morpeth and Mitford are both ruins though. There are 70 castles in Northumberland so I won't be going to all of them, just picking out the nicer ones. Will probably do some of the stately homes too.

I kid you not, my boss in a previous job lived in a castle which I will go visit for you all. We used to have an annual works cricket competition on the castle lawn! We also have the second largest inhabited castle in the UK. Second only to Windsor. All to come. It's giving me an excuse to get out and about so I'm quite enjoying it.

[Stottie Girl]

Just the other side of the hills to me is Eastnor Castle, not a proper castle its a privet residence for the family that owns Eastnor estate just built in a castellated style .1811 to 1820 is when it was built.

You'll have to show us a pic one day Davina.

[Stottie Girl]

Well I've managed to make myself feel really flat and depressed tonight. Not how I thought my day would end.

Hopefully start afresh in the morning. Think it's going to be another good day weather wise so that should brighten my mood.

[Lori Dee ✅]

I hope it wasn't something I said. If so, I apologize.

You are a warm and wonderful woman, and I would never intentionally try to make you feel bad.

Cheer up, petal! We love you here!

[Charlotte Kitty ✅]

Well I've managed to make myself feel really flat and depressed tonight. Not how I thought my day would end.

Hopefully start afresh in the morning. Think it's going to be another good day weather wise so that should brighten my mood.

Sending you all my love and hugs hunni. You are beautiful and kind, so hoping you feel better soon. If anything particular is bothering you  you know I'm always happy to listen and definitely not judgemental.

Love Charlotte 😻

[Dawn Kellie]

You are a beautiful person.  Please feel free to lean on me. I've said it multiple times. In a face to face we would be great friends. Though I suspect we'd need  a translator at times.
I could see us tearing up a town shopping and making everyone jealous on how fabulous we were

[Stottie Girl]

I hope it wasn't something I said. If so, I apologize.

You are a warm and wonderful woman, and I would never intentionally try to make you feel bad.

Cheer up, petal! We love you here!

No, it wasn't anything you said. Lori. It was what I said about feeling lonely. The truth hurts sometimes. Anyway it's a glorious day in paradise today so onwards and upwards as they say.

Thanks Charlotte and Kellie. It's good to know I have virtual friends at least! Sorry to moan on, I always try to present a positive happy front on here but I let things slip a bit last night.

[Charlotte Kitty ✅]

No, it wasn't anything you said. Lori. It was what I said about feeling lonely. The truth hurts sometimes. Anyway it's a glorious day in paradise today so onwards and upwards as they say.

Thanks Charlotte and Kellie. It's good to know I have virtual friends at least! Sorry to moan on, I always try to present a positive happy front on here but I let things slip a bit last night.

You're like one of the most positive and upbeat people I know. So don't apologise for being down last night. We all have tough times which don't define you. It can be hard not having so many people in your life so get that. You definitely deserve a life partner if that is indeed what you desire. I found my partner totally by accident at a fur meet. Started as friends and he wasn't really my type per se, but now totally my type. Life tends to throw things in the mix when you're least looking for them. I'm sure you'll get such opportunity, just got to know when to grab it!

Love Charlotte 😻

[Stottie Girl]

You're like one of the most positive and upbeat people I know. So don't apologise for being down last night. We all have tough times which don't define you. It can be hard not having so many people in your life so get that. You definitely deserve a life partner if that is indeed what you desire. I found my partner totally by accident at a fur meet. Started as friends and he wasn't really my type per se, but now totally my type. Life tends to throw things in the mix when you're least looking for them. I'm sure you'll get such opportunity, just got to know when to grab it!

Love Charlotte 😻

Thanks for saying that Charlotte.

I was OK without a partner for most of my life and didn't feel like I needed one or that I was missing out as I did have friends but one by one I've been ditched to where I only have 1 friend left but she has a family and I don't get to see her as much anymore. I think it's the realisation that when my parents go I will be totally alone that set me off feeling melancholly. I have time to rectify things though so I need to look at building confidence and self esteem (which I've never really had) so these episodes are a thing of the past.

I've got a lot to offer I think if I can only get a chance.

[Charlotte Kitty ✅]

Thanks for saying that Charlotte.

I was OK without a partner for most of my life and didn't feel like I needed one or that I was missing out as I did have friends but one by one I've been ditched to where I only have 1 friend left but she has a family and I don't get to see her as much anymore. I think it's the realisation that when my parents go I will be totally alone that set me off feeling melancholly. I have time to rectify things though so I need to look at building confidence and self esteem (which I've never really had) so these episodes are a thing of the past.

I've got a lot to offer I think if I can only get a chance.

Absolutely you have loads to offer as you're a well rounded, kind, funny, intelligent and beautiful person. I mean what else can anyone ask for!!

I wish I was closer as would definitely go on some walks with you,  even though I'm a bit socially inept until I get comfortable with someone at let the guard down.

I must say I don't really understand friendships especially as an adult so in a similar position. I guess I have acquaintances at furry meets which helps. I can highly recommend geeking out at furmeets 😄

Charlotte

[Stottie Girl]

Well I'm definitely "well rounded" ha ha!

Thanks Charlotte, you're a canny lass!

I'm ok today though, not down like last night. Going to get myself spruced up to get dirty in the garden I think lol!

[davina61]

I have friends in the hot rod club but the only other friend is Deb and she only gets in touch if she wants something now as she has turned into a recluse after her son got killed in a RTC.
 I live on my own but I like it as I can do what I like, easy to get bored sometimes though at night.

[Stottie Girl]

I have friends in the hot rod club but the only other friend is Deb and she only gets in touch if she wants something now as she has turned into a recluse after her son got killed in a RTC.
 I live on my own but I like it as I can do what I like, easy to get bored sometimes though at night.

Well there is that! I have been alone so long it might be hard to adjust to not having everything my own way anymore! Not sure it's healthy though. Learning to co-exist would probably be good for me as I've not had to do that since my flatmate moved out 23 years ago!

[Dawn Kellie]

I sometimes forget not everyone is as lucky as I am. I wish the best for you. I hope you find what you are looking for.
Just from our virtual friendship I think your amazing.
My daughter is very similar to you and I nudge her out of her comfort zone alot. Just little steps at a time.
I'm also an introvert but through small steps I've learned to put on a face in public. Im usually good for 3 to 4 hours then I'm done and need to get away.