The Leaning Shed of Hoole

I think this allotment shed is seeing just how far it can lean before it topples over.

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Northgate

Today I stood and paused on the bridge over the canal at Northgate, the part where the original Roman walls are still visible.

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Fine Dining

Today we splashed out and went for lunch at the racecourse restaurant 1539 (well, okay, it was a January special off and only £10 per head, so not much splashing was necessary). The food and service were both excellent, and the sky was blue. What more could anyone want?

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Signs of Spring

Today was very cold, and tonight the temperature is forecast to be down to -5 degrees C. Nevertheless, there are distinct signs of Spring .

Snowdrops

Leek seedlings

Catkins

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Parks

One of the best things about Chester is the number of small parks dotted around. Our dogs love to run around and train humans to throw sticks. The park shown here is called the Narrows.

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Fishmongers in Hoole

Chester's best fishmonger is in Hoole, and jolly good they are too. When they first opened the local population stood on the pavement getting excited about the prospect of getting fish from a real fishmonger, and the owner tells me that the shop has done better than he expected.

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Roadworks

Currently Chester seems to be one huge roadworks, as everywhere is being dug up to lay new gas pipes.

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The First Snowdrop

Today the first snowdrop of the year was showing white, despite the bitter cold and freezing fog of the last few days.

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Thursday 20th February

These photos were taken on the Millennium Cycle Path between Hoole and Kingsway

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On the River - Boathouses

In Chester even the boathouses come in half-timbered varieties.

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Newton Hollows

Near our house is a narrow lane called Newton Hollows. You can read more about it here:
http://www.chesterwiki.com/Newton_Hollows

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Along the Canal Pt II

Today the dogs and I walked further up the canal, to where there used to be a backyard farm. Alas, all that is left now is a pony and 3 donkeys.

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Foot fish nibbling

A couple of days ago I tried out Chester's latest craze - putting your feet into a tank of fish, who then nibble the dead skin and remove it. No less that 3 shops have opened up providing this - I can't believe they are all going to last.

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Janes Handmade Bread

Today we bought some of Janes yummy bread, and ate nearly a whole loaf for lunch. Jane lives locally and sells through a few outlets. You can find out more here: www.janeshandmadebread.co.uk
The potted shrimps came from Morecambe, and were excellent.

See our Chester self-catering serviced apartment at Black Diamond Park

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Farmers Market at the Grosvenor Garden Centre

Today we went to the Farmers Market and bought excellent game pies and some lovely Cheshire cheese.

 

 

see our Chester self-catering serviced apartment at Black Diamond Park

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Along the Canal - 12th January

Along the Shropshire Union Canal, from town to Hoole

see our Chester self-catering serviced apartment at Black Diamond Park

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In and out of town - Jan 8th

I had to go into town today, and went to see John Donnelly, the artist who paints our Christmas cards (of who more later), so I took some photos of the clock.

The Enterprise Centre burnt out at
the beginning of December

I love the tiny moon in this photo

see our Chester self-catering serviced apartment at Black Diamond Park
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Wildlife around the City Walls

It was snowing again this morning, coming down thick and fast, but then, disappointingly, it turned to drizzle and slush. The pigeons were huddled together on the Walls for warmth, and a squirrel had hijacked a birds nest box.

see our self-catering serviced Chester apartment at Black Diamond Park
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Jan 6th

It was difficult to find interesting things to photograph today - the light was very poor, and it was so cold my hands nearly froze. We went over to the allotment and picked the last of the red cabbages - most have been spoilt by the snow and ice, but a couple of them survived.

see our Chester self-catering serviced apartment at Black Diamond Park

Back to work - 5th January 2011

We went back to work yesterday, and were very busy launching a new piece of software. Today there was a brief period of sun and beautiful blue sky.

see our Chester self-catering serviced apartment at Black Diamond Park