Twilight

In the city centre tonight, just as rush hour was starting. This is the first evening I've left work in daylight for months - good to see that the nights are stretching. The building on the left, with the tall green domes, is the old Robinson and Cleaver department store building.

climbing frame

At Ballywalter. I loved playing in this little playground above the beach when I was a child. Now my daughter plays here - though it is time maybe for the equipment to be upgraded...

empty seats

At Rowallane.

Rowallane

Rowallane gardens are just a few miles, and a world away, from the centre of Belfast city. During the summer the gardens are famous for their fabulous floral displays, but they are worth visiting in the winter months too. We spent an hour walking through the damp gardens this afternoon, and it was lovely to see trees budding and clumps of snowdrops. Hopefully Spring isn't too far away.

fishy

Fish on sale at St George's Market this morning.

the tele

The Belfast Telegraph is our best-selling local newspaper. In past times it was sold all over the city centre by old men and wee boys, all drawing attention by guldering 'tele!!!'. No more shouting and today the paper is sold from these wee red stands. Today's headline refers to the plans of a local businessman to build a nuclear power station in Northern Ireland. I think this one falls into the 'I'll believe it when I see it' category...

Donegall Pass

Gable end mural on Donegall Pass. Interesting article (though not one I necessarily agree with) on Belfast murals by Grayson Perry here.

marmalade

Wonderful Seville Oranges are in the shops now, so we spent the afternoon making marmalade. For anyone not familiar with this stuff, a good recipe from Delia here.

winter wonderland

Winter has arrived overnight...most of Northern Ireland woke up to about 5-6 inches of snow. And as we're not used to these conditions, the country has more or less ground to a halt. Apparently the snow will be gone by late this afternoon and we'll be back to our usual rain...
Sorry for not posting over the last week or so- I've had a busy Christmas - so here's a belated Happy New Year.