Heartbeat, why do you miss when I want to watch you?!

I can't believe that the much loved TV programme, "Heartbeat" is finishing production! I'm actually quite cross about it as it is one of the last programmes that the entire family (from children to granny's) can sit and watch together!

I know that there are bigger problems in the world to solve, but little changes like this do have a long-term effect on society. If we don't make good quality drama that the whole family can watch, it is just one more nail in the coffin. It makes me want to start a petition to keep "Heartbeat" (and "The Royal"!) going! I don't want to watch anymore reality TV - I have enough reality in my own life - thank-you very much! Let me know if I should start a petition!!!

By the way, if you have not been to Goathland up in the North Yorkshire Moors , where "Heartbeat" is filmed, it is worth a visit in August/September time when the heather is in full bloom - FANTASTIC! I like it in winter too - so desolate, the landscape so harsh - after a brisk hike, a hot drink in front of a cozy fire is just what the doctor ordered!

April in York

Well, it's still a bit nippy but spring is ALMOST here.... because the daffodils are starting to open their pretty little heads all around the city walls of York. I usually prefer the pastel coloured flowers, but seeing the swathes of yellow all around the city walls is breathtaking.

I have to say, there is nothing like April in York. I keep humming "April in Paris" but if truth be told, I think "April in York" is just as good, if not better, because it is a more intimate city! There is a reason York is rated highly on the "romantic break" barometer!

One of my favourite walks (which I would also classify as romantic!) is along the City Walls - starting at the Skeldergate Bridge entrance, just across from the Penthouse and Apartment. You can start here and follow it all the way around past the train station where the Minster comes into view - this view still takes my breathe away (no, the walk isn't difficult, and no, I'm not that out of shape!) You have to come off the walls to cross the river and join it again at Bootham Bar. If you carry on from Bootham Bar along the city walls, there is a little spot behind the Minster were you can either sit on the bench and have a picnic lunch whilst enjoying the views of the Minster and its gardens in the warm sunshine, or carry on until Monk Bar where you can descend and walk back into the centre to find a bite to eat!

Then after the daffodils come the cherry blossom.... Oh, I wish I could capture the feeling in a photo! But I can't.

Now it's time to get out and sow some more "lily of the valley" in the garden - another of my favourite flowers - the smell, intoxicating!!

York Open Studios - 27 - 29 March 2009

Each year, the artists of York get together and open their studios to the public for a weekend. This year, it's 27 and 28 March. So mark your calendars!

It's really nice to meet the faces behind the amazing artwork - it gives the pieces more meaning when you are investing in something so personal.

For more information on the who, what, where and when's - see http://www.yorkopenstudios.co.uk/