Trapped down a mine? Sinking in quicksand? Negative equity on your outback ranch? There were very few problems that Skippy couldn't solve.

Cannot recommend The Rest Is History podcast too highly. A wide variety of topics thoroughly researched, and the entertainment value of the recent Mary Queen of Scots episodes are worth the subscription price alone.

This production is currently on tour. Saw this afternoon and was hanging on every word.

Happy Yorkshire Day! #August1

Big cats at the #YorkshireWildlifePark .

Now, about my car insurance...

This week's rogue sock that has managed to evade the washing machine. How do they do it so consistently?!!

Richmond #NorthYorks

Bolton Castle #Wensleydale Home for several centuries to the Scrope family, and prison of Mary Queen of Scots 1568-69.

High ground at Pontefract. Now a nearby play area and the roar of traffic as motorways meet. Possibly the site of the execution of Thomas, Earl of Lancaster, in 1322.

Ref my last post. Found an old map of Pontefract, and it looks as if ' St Thomas's Hill' is further east than my photo, and under houses. Drat.

A busy bee on what I think - had to look it up- is a Potentilla bush.

See they're already out hunting before the queen arrives. There'll be trouble!

Love the atmosphere and striking colours of this.

Here is a Richard II document from 1388 giving Bridlington Priory licence to crenellate. No face at the top, alas. Nice seal though.

A favorite view, and Dunstanburgh Castle is very photogenic.

If you're in or near York on 21st October and would like to hear Helen Castor 's brilliant talk on this subject, book via Events at Waterstones

Walking in the Yorkshire countryside near Sutton-in-Craven on the cusp of Autumn.

A previous period; nay,century;when wide-legged trousers were in fashion!

What cat-sitting for Blofeld would feel like.