A beautiful afternoon out doing an urban ramble around Newcastle with Clifford and Fiona . We walked around the castle which goes back to Norman times . Views from the top amazing under a wispy cloudy sky. Then over the high level bridge which is a double decker one . Road on the bottom and railway on top . Coffee at train siding cafe on the Gateshead side . Biscuit break next to the Sage and great views over the Tyne . Lot of Goldfinches. Walked through Sage then nice climb of the stairs up to  the top the Baltic Art Gallery . Great views! I was last person across Millennium Bridge when it was raised to let two boats through . Onward up more steps to Costa Cafe for iced coffee and melon drinks . The meatballs are cooking and we're about to watch Eyes on the Prize episode 4. A brilliant 14 part documentary about the US Civil Rights Movement. Great feelings of love for friends and family .

A wet Saturday walk was done by myself this afternoon. Fiona and Clifford didn't feel like going out .Wandering out from Shincliffe down the lane next to the River Wear   wonderful with all the wet pungent smelling vegetation . Wet weather sporty youngies   out  sporting it. No one else   around .  A reflective walk thinking a lot about family and how it has it's mostly ups but sometimes downs . Nothing us parents are not equal to. We've cracked difficulties with the lads before always ending up at a higher level. That's what life is about . Progress.  Coffee break   at Esquires packed out with damp people . A comradeship of the soggy prevailed. Worked out a couple more songs. Reflected on the great times   with the family  in this City and surrounds . Got back to a very asleep Fiona . I'm now cooking the Italian fresh pasta tea  . Fiona's growing Basil in my music room and the place smells wonderful. She will cut some fresh leaves soon. She's just done it . Gorgeous. The Basil is good as well.  Eyes on the Prize a video history  of the US Civil Rights movement part 2 coming up. Inspirational. I keep my eyes on the prize at all times. What's the prize? Loving humanity and removing injustice.