CRAGSIDE

Didn't realise how popular this place has become. It was crowded this morning - far too many people in fact - we queued in the house and in the restaurant and in the toilets. Where do all these people come from? There are way too many with southern accents we've noticed. Stay the other side of Watford Gap - we don't need you up here. (My Dad used to say 'Don't tell anyone how beautiful northumberand is. just keep it a secret and it'll remain unspoiled.'

We had a minor blip when we arrived at the main entrance as Charles decided he would join the National Trust (we used to be members, but let it lapse) only to discover that he could have done so more cheaply on line as opposed to on the gate, which resulted in a lot of bad tempered haggling on his part (he lost!) followed by repeated mutterings as he stomped his way around the house. We kept telling him to slow down and make sure he got his money's worth, but he seemed to think we were taking the mickey!!!

I'd forgotten how fascinating the house is and also how extensive the grounds are, but now that we're National Trust members I can see us up there every weekend (at least until we've covered our subscription!). It'll be a great place for walking the dogs, who we didn't take with us this morning. In the old days, we used to take our Samoyed, Storm, but we would sneak in through a side entrance that has since been blocked off. Not that it matters now that we're members though!

(So Charles has now joined Alnwick Gardens, English Heritage and the National Trust. Helen says we shouldn't let him anywhere near any Army Recruiting types, or he'll have joined that before we know it. And that reminds me of the time when we took the kids up to Otterburn when they were tiny. james could only have been about three I think and we'd stopped for a drink in a pub near the range. For once in his life James was being a little monster (he was usually the easiest-going child, but not on this particular occasion) and creating a real fuss about something. In walked a load of squaddies with their kit bags which they dumped on the floor before heading to the bar. As James was in full flow by now, his Uncle Bill sternly warned him that he'd better watch it or he'd end up in one of those 'BOY BAGS' and that they were there for the sole purpose of catching naughty little boys who were having a paddy. This actually made James shriek all the more and cling to me for dear life. In fact he remembers the incident with some discomfort to this very day!)

We're all sitting round reading and generally chillin' now. (I'm having eye problems again - not as bad as least week, but it's nowhere near healed - so I'm struggling to focus on reading much at all. In fact I'm more than a little despondent about it now.

We may go out for a meal this evening - possibly to the Three Wheatheads at Thropton, or maybe the Anglers or the Cook and Barker. What a difficult decision.