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Having catalogued a load of classical records, with a view to selling them (ha! fat chance). Here’s a chunk of my ‘popular music’ on vinyl.

It almost just so happened that this lot made up five galleries of 20 albums a piece. Or 100 discs. A happy accident? Well, nearly. After a quick going over or three, it’s expanded from exactly 100, to circa 105…

I’d say 80% of this lot is stuff I’ve bought. With a smattering of other misc stuff that I’ve accrued, by fair means or foul.

The classical stuff is a different story. I’m not sure I’ve bought any of it? Mostly it’s come to me from Freecycle.

Although I think vinyl a nicer format, in terms of the physicality/aesthetics, and the rituals of care/playing, etc, I’ve ended up with a far bigger CD collection. And, I guess, at least for the foreseeable, I’ll be looking to get rid of the vinyl and replace it with CDs.

Actually that process has been going on for years, already. Where once I had lots of Joni, Tom, Beefheart, Zep, Santana, Lizzy or whatever, on vinyl. Now most of those records have been sold or given away.

But, by and large, I’ve replaced the music with CD versions. There are some instances where that’s not occurred, and that galls me.

Some awful snaps of a couple of lovely looking books I picked up, in Stamford, a day or two ago.

Nice backs! Esp’ the green one…

Why has this pic focussed not on the central subject, but the periphery!?

The Picasso book is a catalogue of a 1960 exhibition. Sadly only tiny black and white pics. The Norwich cathedral book is 124 years old! And a great reminder – as well as being a beautiful thing in itself – to visit the building itself.

Small things can be great. I recently bought a new filter kit for this Hoover. Once installed? No change. Had a look underneath… brush not working/belt broken. Ordered a new’un. Arrived yesterday. Fitted today. Bongo! She’s working a dream.

After my delivery shift I was in Fotheringay, so I took the opportunity to re-visit St Mary & All Saints, a very large and noble edifice. The whole area is utterly gorgeous, as I hope these photos attest.

I always park up near the narrow little bridge. Somewhere round here would be a pretty idyllic picnic spot. Must do that!

Also visible, just about, from this parking place, is the mound of what I assume was once Fotheringay Castle.

I don’t know much about the local history. But the green plaque, shown elsewhere in this post, indicates royal connections.

So… to the church. For some unknown reason(s), I didn’t get a decent pic of the whole edifice, up close. So the above will have to do. I kind of hoped the sun behind it would create a ‘divine rays’ effect…

The interior, whilst lovely, is almost disappointingly plain. At least on first glance. But, as ever, take a while and look closely. And you are rewarded. For starters there’s the fabulous King’s College Chapel style roof, in the tower. Very grand. And very beautiful.

The pulpit is very pretty, and has its own miniature tracery roof, internally. And there are some impressive monuments, flanking the altar.

At this point, I didst ‘give wind’, as Teresa would day. And, lo… I didst follow through, a little. Panic stations! Unlike in many churches these days, I was unable to find a thunderbox.

Exit, ignominiously… waddling. Fortunately I was equipped to deal with this awkward scenario. Lessons? Be prepared.

The walk to and from the main road to the church is delightful. Through an avenue of terrific trees. In strong sunshine, like today, the dappled light is glorious.

Also in Fotheringay…

I’ve definitely stopped at St Leonards before. But was it open then? I can’t recall! Being unsure, I took a(nother?) look.

Fairly run of the mill, perhaps? But still worth the visit.

St Nicholas, at Gunby, is hidden by trees, making it look a little intriguing. I thought I’d investigate. Locked, sadly. Maybe another time?

Not far from here is an interesting looking timber merchants:

When we visited Teresa’s family, we also re-visited this ol’ haunt.

A place Teresa used to come as a child. And somewhere she’s bought me once or twice in the past as well.

She remembered her way around very impressively. And we were blessed with wonderful weather.

It’s a very lovely place, indeed. With rolling meadowlands, and ancient woodlands.

And there are lakes. And a herd of free roaming cattle. I think the walls (and occasional very tight ‘gates’) are there to contain the cows.

We saw plenty of folk – though not too many – enjoying this gorgeous green space whilst we were there.

The Giant Oak

Teresa also took us back to The Aulde Tree, still huge and venerable. But now it has an iron ring around it.

Leaving the woods…

Finally the time came to head back to the car. On the way back to where we parked we came across a lone wandering Canada Goose.

All in all, an utterly gorgeous place. And lovely to return to, all these years later.