I spent the weekend in Durham with Keven, Viv and Ian.  It’s a long way to go for a weekend but it was worth it and I had a lovely time.

On Friday morning, I had fruit for breakfast, a quick weigh in at Slimming World (I have lost another 2.5 pounds which makes an 11 pound loss in three weeks which I am delighted about) and off I went.I left London from Kings Cross which is a stunning building.Keven met me at the station and we walked up to our weekend rental.Viv cooked dinner for us all and she likes to cook veggies which is great.  I don’t think I have ever had so many different veggies in one meal before.  The others had fish and I had chick peas.  I enjoyed my meal very much.Saturday was sunny which was unexpected.  Viv made me a large bowl of fruit for breakfast which I had with some coconut yogurt (we shared a small pot).We all walked in to the centre of Durham together.  The town centre is within a large bend in the River Wear.  These are some views of the cathedral (which seems to have a bandage on its head) and the castle from the bridge leading in to the heart of the city.

Its a very hilly city so good exercise as you walk around.We walked along and came up by Elvet Bridge.

After an early lunch (I had jacket potato and baked beans with a large salad), Viv and Ian went shopping and Keven and I set off for a walk around Durham.

This beautiful 3D display is of the St Cuthbert’s Cross which appears on the city’s coat of arms and the County of Durham flag. They are made of succulents and I thought they were beautiful.My favourite part of the day was the long walk we did along the river bank.

The reflections of the trees in the river created some stunning scenery.

We had a fun evening back at the property we rented.  I have only very recently discovered the joy of a good stout and Keven and Ian really enjoy it so we shared three different types.  I liked them all and the Durham Brewery ‘Temptation’ was my favourite.

Viv prefers gin so we bought her a local brand which we all enjoyed sampling.

Viv cooked another vegetastic dinner for us but I seem to have forgotten to take a photo.

My visit was only brief and after another lovely fruit salad which Viv added fresh ginger to, it was time to head home.I do confess I enjoyed being cooked for and having drinks served to me.  It made a pleasant change.It was sad to say good bye and I really hope these three make the long journey from Australia and come again next year.

A long journey ahead of me.It was good to get home.I did a lot of walking on Saturday (nearly 16,000 steps) and ate a lot of healthy food but I also ate some crackers, humous, cakes and bread things which are not diet food.  Neither is stout or gin.  I need to walk and swim a lot tomorrow and eat very strictly for the rest of the week to keep adding to me weight loss.