Yes! After all this time - I'm Back!

Time seems to be passing too quickly. I have lost count of when I posted my last blog. But, quite honestly, I really haven't done much to write, or, shout about. Nevertheless, I really wanted to get back to all you lovely people who followed my posts in the past. 

At the moment, I am trying to find somewhere for both my husband and I, to spend a few days away from home. Anywhere abroad is out of the question, as our passports have run out and, due to our age, we have no desire to even think about renewing them. Therefore, I'm looking at areas here in the UK - especially those not too far from where we live. Somewhere in Northumberland would be great as it wouldn't be too far to drive, But it would get us away from our house😉

Though there are several places we would enjoy staying, we still haven't made up our minds, as most of them don't have car parking on the spot. Can you believe it? Once you check in, you then have to find somewhere to park your car. That certainly doesn't go down well with me! 

One of the places I would love to spend a few days is at the Premier Inn near the Millennium Bridge. Having been born on Tyneside, I love going there. and also why I set my Agnes Lockwood Mysteries  in the area. However, though I started the 5th Agnes Lockwood Mystery sometime ago, I still haven't managed to get any further forward. 

I began writing book 5, just before the Covid pandemic stopped everyone from getting out and about. Maybe that's why my brain stopped working. Therefore, as a writer, I now need to get out into the world and catch up with what is going on. Thankfully, this hasn't happened with all authors, otherwise there would be no new books out there. 

Moving on, I am considering joining an easy-going exercise class. A friend of mine goes to one nearby and, from what she has told me, it sounds good. Therefore, it might be just the thing I need. If I do join, I'll add more about it in my next post 😉But, at the same time, don't hold your breath...

I think that is all I have to pass on at this time. Nevertheless, if anyone picks this up, I would really love to hear from you. 

In the meantime, should you be interested, my novel, A Mystery on Tyneside, is on offer for only 99c/99p. Simply follow this link to download a copy from your favourite store - books2read.com/u/bPyvVd 

Enjoy your weekend and the week ahead

Cheers

Eileen

Enjoy your weekend!

Hello Again!

 Yes, it's Me - After all this time - I'm Back!

I am so sorry to have left it so long before getting back to you all. However, I think I might have lost most of my followers, as they probably thought I had closed my blog. But the time is passing so quickly, I tend to forget what day it is, let alone when I last posted anything. 

Nevertheless, I am here today for a catch-up, even though I don't have anything to tell you; well nothing mind-blowing. I don't think anything of that capacity happens up here anymore. 

Truthfully, I don't think my husband and I have really recovered from the lockdown, even though it ended a few years ago. Back then, we both obeyed all the rules, in that we didn't go out and had all our groceries, and anything else we needed, delivered to the door. However, despite the lock-down having ended, we still seem to be following the same routine. It's almost as though we had been shipwrecked on a desert island and didn't know that things had changed. 

But enough of that. I would love to know what you are all doing at the moment. Should you reply to this post, then I will certainly be delighted to hear what is going on in your lives. 

Meanwhile, I am still having problems with the 5th book in the Agnes Lockwood Series. When I wrote the other four books, I had no problems at all. However, this one is going nowhere, which is frustrating for me and also for the people who have contacted me, saying they would love to read the next book in the series. 

Perhaps I spend too much time re-writing what I had written earlier, rather than moving forward and leaving the corrections to the editor, as I had always done in the past. 

In-between all the writing and re-writing, I have been looking for somewhere Phil & I could spend a few days away. I was looking for  place on the Northumberland coastline. Somewhere that overlooks - the beach and the sea but, more importantly, has it's own car-park.  However, I'm sure you will agree, such places are hard to find. Yet, I'll keep looking. Any ideas/thoughts on an area near the Scottish Borders would be very welcome 

I think that is all I have for you at the moment - I did say that nothing had changed in my life. 

Take care & please get back to me, even if only to say hello.

Cheers to you all and enjoy your weekend. 

Chink Chink!

 It has been so long since I last posted a blog, I guess you will have forgotten me.

Nevertheless, here I am again and, though I would love to pass on some wonderful news, I'm afraid that isn't possible. Life here in the Scottish Borders, at least for me, has been quiet, which is why you haven't heard from me for a while. However, here I am again, despite having no outstanding news. 

My novels, though they are not leaping off the shelves, have been selling well on Amazon and all other online stores. So I am quite happy about that. But now, I am having problems working in the 5th novel in the Agnes Lockwood Mystery Series. Despite ideas running through my head, I seem to forget them when I sit down to continue writing the novel. However, I doubt I am the first author to admit that. I guess it is something which happens to all writers. 

I will plod on, and, hopefully find the solution. 

In the meantime, if you are interested, Vengeance on Tyneside, will be reduced to 99c/99p on 19th Dec for a short time. Therefore, keep looking out for the offer - don't miss out. 

Cheers to your all and I wish you all a Wonderful Christmas and New Year 

Eileen Thornton 

 Hello again.

Yes, it's me, I am back. Though I don't have much news, I really wanted to catch up with you all. 

My husband and I have both had our booster covid jabs. But then, there isn't much fun to talk about on that scenario. Nevertheless, with covid 19 problems still hovering around, it's good to know that the government/s are still looking after us. 

But enough of that. On a more cheerful note, a few days ago I dropped off more copies of my Tyneside novels to the Floors Castle Gift shop. At the moment, they can be found in the Apple Shed Gift Shop which has been open throughout the winter months. However, once the grounds and Castle reopen in May, I believe they will be added to the Courtyard Gift Shop, where, last year, they almost flew off the shelves. 

At the moment, I am still trying to work out where we can spend a few day away from home this summer. We really enjoyed being in Whitley Bay last year, especially as we stayed at the Premier Inn overlooking the Promenade. It was really wonderful being able to gaze out of the window and look at the sea. However, the journey home rather spoilt our break - though I won't go into that again. 

Anyway, I would be delighted to hear from anyone who might have a suggestion as to where we could stay this year. Somewhere easy to reach from the Scottish Borders, yet has something enjoyable going on during the evening.  I understand that it will be difficult, but if you think of something, then please get back to me. 

Meanwhile, I would love to hear how you are all doing. Whether you are authors, office staff, shop assistants, canteen assistants or have held any other similar jobs, then I can honestly say that I have also been there. 

Take care all and please get back to me, 

Cheers, 

Eileen

Hello Again!

So sorry that I haven't been back to you before now. However, as I didn't have any news, I wasn't sure what to say. Yes, I know a blog, or a newsletter,  is where people can spout all their thoughts. Yet, at the end of the day, they must have somewhere to start, and that is my problem. 

Truthfully, I don't have anything exciting to pass on. Nevertheless, I felt I ought to get back in touch, as some people have kindly asked if all was well as I hadn't been around for a while. Thank you so much for your concern, but yes, I am fine, though I did have an accident shortly before Christmas. 

No, not a car accident, or anything else involving a third person. It was all down to me. I had been out around the local area delivering our Christmas cards, but on arriving home, I simply tripped over one of the steps outside our house and, without anything to hold on to, I fell to the ground - hitting my head on a large, stone plant pot on the way down. 

I still can't believe it. For goodness' sake, those steps have been there for ages. I have walked up and down them countless times! Yet, on that one day, I misjudged where I put my foot and, without anything to hold on to, I fell over. I'm sure that this must have happened to several other people reading this post. Though some might simply have staggered a little before getting their footing back in control, that wasn't how it worked for me. I was taken to hospital where I needed to have nine stitches on the top of my head - all of which have since been removed. So, guys, for your information, I am still leaping around - well sort of. I must say, haven't leaped around for some time now. 😄

Other than that, here in the Scottish Borders, all is much the same, as far as I am concerned. Though there is the ongoing election of a new First Minister. Though I'm sure you won't want me to dwell on politics. I have my thoughts on how the country should vote and I'm sure you have your own, which is why I never voice my pollical opinion here.  

Therefore, changing the channel, so to speak, I am trying to think of somewhere my husband and I can spend a few days this summer. Yes, it would be good to go abroad. However. we are both past that stage now, having been on several trips to various European resorts. Therefore, we are looking for a Hotel, Premier Inn, or Travelodge, fairly close to the Scottish Borders, but, at the same time has enough parking spaces for all people staying there. 

Looking down from the promenade

Last year, on a previous post, I'm sure you'll recall me saying that we went to Whitley Bay. For those who don't live in the UK, Whitley Bay is a coastal resort in North East England. 

Many years ago, before people started going abroad, Whitley Bay was the highlight for families all over the region. Some came from Glasgow, and even further north. 

At school, we learned Scottish dancing so we could join in the dancing at the Panama Dip. But that was a long time ago. 

Phil and I went there last year as I wanted to see the changes made to the place I lived until I was married - so many years ago. However, while the sea-front, outside what was once known as the the Plaza Ball Room, had been beautifully upgraded, streets in the town centre had been forgotten. Therefore, perhaps it would be a good idea if we went back to take another look. Maybe the council are still working on plans for that part of the town. I do understand such things take time and, money doesn't grow on trees. Hopefully, the town will be upgraded over time. 

What else can I tell you, other than I am still working on the fifth novel of the Agnes Lockwood Mysteries? However, it is going very slowly; too slowly for me. I usually have an idea on how the novel begins and how it ends. The in between bits develop as I go along. But, though I have the beginning and end in my head, the bit in the middle is not working out as well as usual. Perhaps I need a shove. 

Meanwhile, I am promoting the books which are already published. Incidentally, Murder on Tyneside, the first book in the Agnes Lockwood series, is free to download. If you have already read it, then perhaps you would be so kind as to pass the on the information to your friends. They can find it by following this link: books2read.com/u/4ElXzA  

I think that is all I have to tell you for the moment, but I won't leave it quite so long before getting back to you. 

Please leave a comment, I would love to hear from you. 

Take care 

Cheers! 

A Trip to the Coast!

I know it has been a while since I last added something to my blog, but I really didn't have anything to pass on to you... until now. 😌  For the first time in nearly three years, we decided to go away for a few days. so, we unlocked the door and ventured out. So, where did we go?

No, we didn't fly off to the moon. Though, I admit, it would have been very tempting, should we have been given a guaranteed a first-class return ticket 😉  Nor did we join the never-ending queues at the Airports, or Dover, hoping to swan off abroad. Instead, we simply took a short trip down the Northumbrian coast to Whitley Bay, a seaside resort situated a mere ten miles from Newcastle-upon-Tyne.  Having lived in Whitley Bay in the past, I thought it would be a good idea to spend a few days there to see how it had fared over the years. 

Premier Inn

We had booked a room in a new hotel situated on the main Promenade, a short distance from what was known as the the Empress Ballroom. Our room was at the front of the building and looked out over the Promenade towards the sea.

 

The following day, we set out along the lower Promenade towards the Rendezvous Café. Actually, it seemed further away than I remembered it. But then, when you haven't been somewhere for a while, everything never appears to be the same, or could it be an age thing? After all, I am older now 😒 We stopped off in the café for tea and some wonderful, large buns. Mine was filled with ham & cheese, while Phil enjoyed Ham and Pease Pudding - a favourite of his from years ago. Incidentally, if you watch Vera on TV, you will recall seeing this Café several times

Then we ambled back towards the hotel, pausing every now and again to sit on the one of the benches and enjoy the sun, sand and fresh sea air while watching the world go by. 

The Beach at Whitley Bay, looking north.

Most of the changes to Whitley Bay had taken place on the main Promenade. overlooking the sea. The road, which used to run along in front of the Spanish City had gone and is now pedestrianised. I must admit, it was all very impressive. A new road, had been built behind the Spanish City for traffic to get back onto the Promenade. 

However, the town hadn't been as well looked after. I won't say too much about that - they could still be drawing up new plans . Nevertheless, I was disappointed to find the pavements in such bad condition, especially as my husband needs use a scooter to get around. Several times, I had to grab the scooter to stop it falling over.

Anyway, we are home now. Nevertheless, I am still reflecting on my trip to the northeast coast. I can only hope I will get there again in the not too distant future. 

 

I have added another two photos below!

Cheers all, have a great time wherever you go! 

 

Looking down at the Lower Promenade.

Lower Promenade

Hi Everyone!

 Yes! It's me. I am back!

Throughout the pandemic, as I hardly set a foot out of doors, I really didn't have anything to pass on to you. That's the reason I only bobbed my head above the surface now and again. However, now that everything seems to be getting back to normal - well sort of - I thought that I would let you all know that I am still here. 

During the months we were all stuck indoors, I read more books than I had done for a long time. I began by reading the first novel in the Professor Acton Mysteries by J. Robert Kennedy and am now up to the 17th book in the series. 

In between, I also read several novels by other authors which I enjoyed so much, I pre-ordered book in the series. Should anyone be interested, here are a few names of the authors whose books I really enjoyed: Irina Shapiro, C.J. Archer and Karina McRoberts. 

However, like I said, as we are back to normal, I would like to let you all know how excited I am about my Tyneside novels. 

At the beginning of May, when Floors Castle opened the grounds to visitors, I spoke to the supervisor of the gift shop. I hoped they would accept a couple of books to put on sale. But, she asked me to deliver four copies of each title - 16 in all. 

Since then, I have delivered another 30 copies of the books. As you can imagine, I am delighted they are selling so well. 

Now, I can almost hear you asking me what other news have I to tell you? 

Well, actually, not a lot. Other than I am hoping/planning to visit Whitley Bay sometime this year. Whether it is simply for a day, or even a couple of days, I haven't yet decided. As I said, it is simply a thought whirling around in my head and might not even happen. 

However, as I used to live in Whitley Bay many years ago, I really would like to see the changes that have taken place on the sea front. Especially those outside, what was know as, the Empress Ballroom. I would also love to take the opportunity to wander down the streets I knew back in the day. Will I find them the same as I remember them? I doubt it.

Has anyone here, reading this, ever taken a trip down memory lane and found that all the places they knew, or grown up with, had changed beyond all recognition? Or, perhaps, had found that nothing had changed. 

I am sure anyone reading this would enjoy hearing your thoughts, especially me. Simply leave a message below. 

Meanwhile, I wish you all, good wishes for the months to come.

Take care,

Cheers!

Hello Again

 Hello again from the Scottish Borders.

It is such a lovely day, I thought it was a good time to drop you a quick message. The only problem being, I don't have much news. 

As usual, due to covid 19, my husband and I haven't been out much. However, we do hope to get away for a few days in May (fingers crossed) and then maybe take another break later in the year. Though we won't be travelling far, just getting away will be great. Therefore, I might have something more exciting to pass on in another blog. 

At the moment, I am still trying to work on the fifth novel in the Agnes Lockwood Mysteries. While it started well, it now seems to have come to a full stop. My brain seems to have switched off, probably because of being indoors every day for almost two years. But I now realise that I need to get to grips and carry on, if only to stop Agnes Lockwood from getting annoyed and keep popping into my head. 😉 

In the meantime, my publisher has informed me that most of my novels are now available from various online booksellers, Therefore, I have found a link for each of the Agnes Lockwood novels which will lead customers to various book stores, not just Amazon. So maybe that will keep her quiet for a little while. 😀 

However, I also understand that most independent book shops can order books from Bookshop, while large bookstores can order any books from their own supplier. I will now need to start finding the all inclusive links for my other novels. 

Later this evening, I will be watching Grantchester on TV. I have watched this series from the beginning and have always enjoyed it. However, things seem to have changed a great deal since the end of the last series and I'm not sure where this one is going... I guess it's wait and see time. Being a Geordie myself, I love to see Robson Green on screen as an actor, not so keen on the fishing programmes. Last night, I watched a repeat of  Vera. A series with Brenda Blethyn playing the part of a DCI in the Newcastle and Northumberland Police. As for tomorrow... it's wait and see time. 

I think that is all for the moment.

Take care all, 

Cheers! 

The Wonderful Tyne Bridge