I didn't post before because there was nothing I could add to the sympathy expressed by everyone else but now I just want to say GREAT news!! I'm glad this has a happy ending.
david

[IMG]http://i799.photobucket.com/albums/yy273/Davidtrout2/LightontheTynever2.jpg[/IMG]
Another one from my series of countre jour shots of the Tyne bridges.
david

[IMG]http://i799.photobucket.com/albums/yy273/Davidtrout2/GatheringStorm.jpg[/IMG]
Hartlepool Quays has views like this, taken three years ago on my IstDS.
David

I just did.
david

Gareth's right, they are both cracking shots. But be afraid, I've had an idea.....
david

One of the joys of the weekly competitions is that there are very few rules. I've never read anything about recycling previous entries although its not something I would wish to do.
david

The quayside area in what used to be called West Hartlepool is quite compact so to extend the photographic interest it might well be worth a visit to the headland area as well, in the old part of Hartlepool, probably about a mile away. Many of the old terraced houses there are painted black and have colourful doors and window frames. And if there isn't thick fog there are extensive views across the Tees Estuary from here.
david

Long Exposure: that's a real challenge for me as my favourite style of photography is to work instinctively shooting from the hip. A long exposure from me is about 1/6th of a second with the camera wedged against a pillar in some medieval cathedral or museum. I rarely use the monopod and I don't even posess a tripod. I shall set forth with my thinking cap firmly wedged on my head.
PS: Love the photo of Kris lurking under a blue cloth in a cemetery. That ought to win a competition for candid grab shots.
david

[IMG]http://i799.photobucket.com/albums/yy273/Davidtrout2/TyneJewellsver2copy.jpg[/IMG]
I take your point about the position of the lamps Alan so I rearranged them a little. The steeple of St Mary's Cathedral stays put I'm afraid.
Kris, I think you could be correct about the right pier on the High Level Bridge.

[IMG]http://i799.photobucket.com/albums/yy273/Davidtrout2/TyneJewells2copy.jpg[/IMG]
No. 3 is called Tyne Jewels. I tried to upload these three together but failed miserably.