Photogeekery

Recently, I’ve been saving for a new camera. Over the years I’ve had a number of cameras, I studied photography at GCSE and A-level and it was something I loved. Although I had access to (a heavy and cumbersome) digital SLR while I was married, I seemed to lose my interest in photography for some time, just dipping in every now and again. I’ve been thinking how I’d like a mirrorless camera to add to my collection; all the SLR settings without the weight.  

Last week, I discovered a new camera, a thing of beauty, the Fujifilm X. With a £700 price tag, it wasn’t for me. The thing that really drew me to it though was the retro film presets. I happily pre-date digital photography and still find joy in the imperfection of film photography. So I decided instead to buy a film SLR from eBay. It arrived on Friday and I’m beyond excited to try it out. I’m even looking forward to waiting for my film to be developed. I always remember the excitement of wondering how many of the 24 images on your roll would actually turn out well.

This won’t be my prime camera, but it’s a welcome addition to a collection that I think covers all bases now. I have two smaller digital cameras. The Canon power shot was the one I took to Paris last year, and whilst it captured lovely images then, it doesn’t perform so well in low light. I’ve told little Miss she’s now allowed to use that one on trips and holidays now. She likes to take photos and I’m happy for her to learn.

Then I have my fun Fuji Instax which is great for parties and candid snaps. I’m also recognising that the iPhone camera is pretty decent too. I’ve always discounted my phone cameras as not being as valid, but I’ve recently started looking more into the settings and how to get the best from it, so it’s just about selecting the right camera for the situation.

I’m not totally writing off another digital camera just yet, but for now I’m very happy with my little photography collection. 

Week number 27 of January

 Is it just me or does this month seem to be taking forever to pass by? I don’t know if it’s the transition back into work, or if it’s the fact that it stays dark for most of the day on most days. Perhaps I should take a vitamin D supplement. Earlier in the week I took the afternoon off to take Mum to a dental appointment. I also got my nails done. After an extended gap since I last got them done during Christmas week, my nails which grow like wildfire were starting to get in the way while typing and the glittery green nail polish was looking more than a tad worn in places. 

Fresh nails

I do love long nails though. If I didn’t have to do stuff I’d grow them very long. 

Thursday I was in the office for my end of year review, which I’m pleased to say went very well. I had a productive day in the office too. After work the chap took me to Byron for dinner. We haven’t been there in a while, it was quiet at that time of day but there seemed to be a lot of delivery drivers doing pick ups. I had a delicious chicken burger, but I always end up in a mess with burgers. Why do they make them for people with a flip top head? 

Nonetheless it was delicious. We’re definitely a foodie couple! We spent our time catching up, puzzling over the state of the world and watching the world go by while we sheltered from the freezing rain outside. 

Dark and wet streets of York

Friday arrived at long last, my car was back in the garage to have the thermostat replaced. Hopefully that’s resolved a niggling issue. After work, I popped out to meet my lovely friend Mrs. C at Wilson’s food hall for a well overdue catch up. Mrs. C is the first proper friend I made when I moved to Scarborough and even though many of our catch ups coincide with play dates (we have children of the same age) it’s always really lovely when we get to have a proper catch up.

Wilson’s was packed, even though it was early in the evening. We had wine, I had pizza, there was live music and we talked non-stop. Catching up on life in general. It was a lovely end to the week.

Live acoustic music at Wilson’s

Saturday, with a fixed car and the weather still being miserable, we decided to head over to the outlet at York. It wasn’t a burning desire to shop, just a burning desire for a change of scenery and safe refuge from the crappy weather. 

As usual most of my money was spent on eating out, and treats for little Miss who just loves to get to Claire’s accessories. I did buy myself a lovely new lip oil from Clarins though, as well as a few other small cosmetics from one of the other shops. It was good to do the trip though just for assurance that the car is fixed.

My new lip oil in my handbag makeup pouch

Today I drank my coffee while marvelling at how fierce the sea is at the moment, before heading into the gym for a workout. The rest of the day is going to be spent putting a dreaded PDF sewing pattern together ready for me to dip my toes back into dressmaking. 

Wild seas this morning 

Now, is it February yet? 

Cafe Bouchere

I definitely got back into the flow of work this week, and spent much of it focussed on project planning. My car went into the garage on Tuesday and will be back in this coming week for a new thermostat. I even managed a trip to the gym, having joined before Christmas and finding every excuse possible not to go since New Year. I’m not a natural gym bunny.

Saturday morning though, I met up with the chap at Thornton-le-dale for breakfast. Usually when we meet there we go to Baldersons, but, there’s another cafe that I had been keen to try, Cafe Bouchere.

Captured in a quiet moment between customers going and arriving 

It was very welcoming and quite busy when we arrived (and dog friendly too, we had Bruno with us). Decorated in much the same colours as my own kitchen, I was immediately at ease. 

Although the chap was as a disappointed as could be not to find a fry up on the menu, I was thrilled by French toast with blueberry compote. It’s one of those breakfasts I love but haven’t ventured to try it at home yet. Perhaps I should.

The chap opted for a chilli from the lunch menu, so all was well. The French toast was absolutely delicious and I’d definitely go back again.

After breakfast we took Bruno for a walk around the pond. I didn’t have Thelma as I am a bit nervous of my car until it’s fixed, and in the event I would need to be towed or something I’d sooner not have her in the car fretting. 

The rest of Saturday was chilled in Scarborough and today is going to be much of the same, perhaps with some swimming with little miss thrown in.

Snow way!

 Living on the coast, with all the salt in the air, ordinarily when we do get snow, it doesn’t last very long. I fully expected that when I logged on for my first day back at work on Monday, the snow that had appeared over the weekend would be well on its way to melting. It wasn’t, and throughout Monday afternoon more fell.

My garden blanketed in snow

It was really quite beautiful. The silence while out walking Thelma because cars weren’t going up our street. Little Miss being able to play snowball fights with kids in the street and the general feel of nowhere to go and nothing to do other than stay warm. I didn’t venture any further than my local Lidl for 2 days, on foot and my trusty hiking boots have been the only shoe I’ve dared wear. 

Tuesday came, and luckily for little miss, who has grown quite attached to her pyjamas, school couldn’t open. By Wednesday it was turning to treacherous ice. School remained closed, but I did have to crack the car out of its ice block to take it to the garage. I suspected a slow puncture but ended up needing two new tyres! It seemed to be a busy day for deliveries though, and amongst them was my white company candle I’d ordered from the sale. It smells amazing. That cheered me up.

Despite barely leaving the house I’ve still been making the effort to wear more than jeans, and this snuggly Michael Kors jumper I bought a few months back, paired with my old faithful TOAST cord skirt and my trusty Berghaus hiking boots (which are about 10 years old or more now) made a very cosy outfit to venture out in.

Boots - Berghaus, skirt - TOAST, jumper - Michael Kors 

Jumpers and cardigans have been a constant necessity this week with the temperature struggling to get above zero for much of it. By Thursday, school was able to reopen and some semblance of a routine could start again. 

Saturday it was still bitter, but we decided we’d take a trip over the Helmsley. I donned a lovely new dress that Mum had bought for herself but found too long (at 6ft tall this is a problem I never have), and gave to me. While boots were still very much in order, I could finally get out of the chunky hiking ones.

There were still signs of the snow all along the way, and alas our trip to Helmsley wasn’t to be. Half way along one of my engine warning lights came on, so I decided it was wiser to turn back than carry on. Another car issue this week! 

We went into town instead, which actually turned out to be a really good decision. Little miss managed to persuade me to get her a new toy in the Claire’s accessories sale, and then we had an early dinner/late lunch in a local restaurant called Lezzett.

I opted for their lunchtime bowl with chicken and it was divine. Definitely something I would have again. 

Wet and cold York

Sunday morning I caught a train down to York to meet up with chap. The weather was terrible, but after warming up with hot chocolate we set off to the gallery to see the Aesthetica art prize exhibition. Filled with a variety of works and installations in all types of media, it was really interesting.

York art gallery

The chap immersed in one of the installations 

Climate change seemed to be a common theme amongst many of the works, as well as belonging. One of our particular favourites was a massive light installation which you could walk through called submergence. I’ve linked a YouTube video of it below.

Lots of layers needed

It was incredibly relaxing. We walked back into town, where I managed to bag myself a gorgeous pair of leather boots for a steal in the Monsoon sale. Then it was off to grab some dinner at the pub, before I caught my train home. Despite the weather we had a lovely Sunday.

Slow Start

 Happy New Year. The pace since Christmas has been pleasantly slow. I don’t make resolutions, they’re too easy to break, but one of my intentions for 2026 is to slow down and enjoy the little moments a bit more. I’ve certainly made a strong start.

New Year’s Eve we popped into town during the day, just for a wander around and a breath of fresh air. It was chilly, but thankfully dry, so a warm dress and boots was the order of the day. Something else I’m intending to do on 2026 is rediscover the joy of my wardrobe by trying to wear more of it rather than relying on the same few outfits.

Little miss took my outfit shot

In town we had tea at one of our usual haunts before wandering. Earlier in the week I’d dropped two large bags of donations at a charity shop, and I think it brought me good charity shop karma because I found two tops and a fab pair of silver kitten heels.

We don’t go out on New Years Eve. So we watched films and I sipped sloe gin with tonic until we saw the New Year in. New Year’s Day I put up the door pelmet in my bedroom, that I had finished crocheting over the holidays.

Watching movies

I had been making these granny squares without an idea of what to do with them, then I saw some pelmet ideas on Pinterest and decided to make one to top my door curtain. I’m so pleased with how it turned out.

It’s been quite a crafty break for me, I’ve been planning, painting with watercolours, baking and doing cross stitch too. 

Trying a spot of watercolour 

Baked a cake 

Yesterday the snow arrived, and it really did arrive here on the coast. We made a snow man, and Thelma was so excited on her dog walk although she seems to be less impressed that there’s snow in the garden. It’s the second snow we’ve had in a few months, I think we’re in for a harsh winter.

Today is my last day before returning to work, and I’m going to enjoy a slow and restful Sunday to prepare myself. 

Walking the Dogs

Christmas was a lovely, relaxed affair, but there comes a point during the Christmas festivities where I really just need to get out of the house. I don’t just mean the daily walk around the block with Thelma, or wandering around shops but a proper blow the cobwebs away and feel the wind on my skin walk out in nature. 

So, Monday, the chap and I decided to venture to Robin Hoods Bay to walk the pups along the beach. We arrived around mid-morning and the weather was grey and murky. It wasn’t enough to put us off though, we were well wrapped up and after grabbing a coffee at the top of the village we started down the hill.

Many of the little gift shops were closed, but we wandered along the alleyways and admired the brightly coloured doors. Robin Hood’s Bay, just like Staithes, is one of those unspoilt fishing villages that I absolutely adore. At one time I dreamed of retiring to one of them (albeit I’ve got a lot of years before retirement) but given that so many of the quaint little cottages are now holiday homes I wonder how the sense of community is bearing up.

Bruno in his Christmas jumper

Nonetheless, both are within easy reach for days out. We reached the bay, and although the tide was starting to retreat, it was still battering the causeway and it would be some time before we could set foot on the beach. We decided to get some lunch in the Bay hotel, as luck would have it we managed to get the last table in the downstairs bar.

We enjoyed a pint and a burger and chips each, enjoying the bustle and olde world feel of the bar while looking out towards the bay to see when we would be able to emerge.

 

Soon enough we were scrambling across rock pools carrying dogs with us (Bruno is still so small and Thelma is afraid of water). I was thanking the heavens that I’d put my rugged hiking boots on, I needed them, but before too long we were on sand and the dogs were having a whale of a time.

The beach was busy, mostly with dog walkers. Lots of pups came over to greet our two, and I didn’t really have much sympathy with the person I over heard complaining that the beach wasn’t dog free given that for most of the summer, certainly in Scarborough, much of the beach is a no go zone with dogs. 

We walked past Boggle Hole, but then we could see our four legged friends were getting tired. We’d been walking for almost an hour, so we turned back to the village. It was starting to rain, so we took shelter in a cafe over hot latte’s, and finally finished up in a dog friendly pub, the Laurels, sipping alcohol free beers. 

By the time we were back at the top of the hill, all four of us were exhausted but happy. Sometimes there’s nothing quite like a long wild walk to wake the senses.