Moominland! It's so, so quiet out there! It's eerie. I've got to get 45l of paint up a hill today 🙈

This time of year can be particularly tough for some. Remember, there's help out there ❤️

This little Bulldog shovel, entrusted to me 9 years ago from the best trainer/Footplate mate I know has got me through some shakey times. Entrusted to me when I was a trainee as I was about to give up because I doubted myself It's been off for some TLC,its back now, with a nice new tip to the blade

Double hot chocolate for a Sunday night before the madness of the month ends begin tomorrow

New hair day ✂️

Beautiful skies as dawn breaks this morning.

Latest Facebook find, I can't wait to get this stripped, repaired, painted up and wearing a bit of brass! 😊

One from the archives, then by Nigel Valentine, possibly around 2016..

One of my favourite pieces of art 😍

Crompton & Soames loco decorating team🎄🎅 #toptinsel

Volunteer day today, getting the Pannier tank ready for the Santa Specials that start next weekend.🎄🎅

It might be pissing it down but I'm so glad I'm here 😍

Kermit inspired knee socks today! ❄️❄️

A day of tying up loose ends today, so if you're a loose end, watch out!

Lovely sunrise this morning, I think it's a work from home day today as I'm feeling a tad under the weather again from doing too much. Running your own business & managing a full house renovation keeps you very busy!

It's snowing, it's cold, it's time for these bad boys to come out! #SexyKneeSocks

This is why Autumn is my favourite time of year. The colours change, the air is fresh and rainbows come along to make you stop, look, smile, and lift your spirit.🌈🍂 #ViewsOvertheHill

Relaxation after a hard day's house renovating is lying in bed listening to the wind and rain howl around the chimney. Round 2 tomorrow.

It's very 'American Werewolf in London' out there tonight...

This is so helpful! Thanks @jenonthemove.com

Some more wood to admire. Started sanding the bannister...it's going to look beautiful when it's done 👍

Stripping this was almost as painful as stripping the stairs! Look at the detail though...😍

I've not been feeling right well for a few months, today being a rough one, the best place for me tonight is wrapped up with my #YogiTea, trying to take inspiration from #ThisLifeIsAGift

45 years ago today, my nan very suddenly passed away. She was just 49 years old, just a year older than what I am now.Sadly I don't remember her as I was only 2 years old. The fact that she was only 1 year older than me when she left us has played on my mind today.Family memories are funny things.

@joannecrompton.bsky.social thank you for following! Nice to see you!

The local noticeboard can throw out some right pearlers 😅 This made me laugh more than it should have.

And for those of you who are new here, here's the link of you wanting a watch. It's 20 mins long, so grab a brew 👍 youtu.be/-Z-fbYrNVD0?...

3 years ago today, I spoke at the HRA Autumn Conference in front of 100+ people about my experiences.Most listened & used my speech to better their railways.Some used it to blacken my name & some had their ego hurt & used it to try & cancel me entirely from the HR sphere🤣 #proud

There's a very purple sky amongst the murk this morning. #NoFilter

Gone are the days when this lass got excited over clothes & jewellery or footplate gear, or a cheeky little gift from Anne Summers. I've never been more excited than I was yesterday to get my sanding sheets in various grits for the Black & Decker Sanding Mouse. #GallowsHumour

Please can we all appreciate my wood? Denailed & destapled, 2 lots of PeelAway, heat gun for the stubborn bits and 1 side is stripped ready for filling & sanding. Stair case renovation will test even the most patient person. I've lost my shit 3 times today with the clingfilm.

Now, what could be happening here? #LittleProjects

If filling skips were an art form... these would be fine examples! After two days of moving a million rubble bags and various other bits, I'm absolutely flipping knackered! 2 x 8 yards skips filled to the brim.

After 3 weeks of smashing madness it's time for feet up, hot chocolate and a crackling fire, a small rest before attempting to fill 2 skips full of wood and rubble this weekend!

1 woman verses 1 pile of rubble. Work smarter not harder.

I lost count after 65....

Are we taking a guess on how many rubble bags this is going to take to shift? My rubble bags will take 7 shovelfuls each,that pile is 4ft high with a 6ft diameter I used my old Carter shovel to fire that lot down the stairs, that 'filling the back corners' skill came in handy!😅 #HouseProject

Oct 2012 - enthusiast stood in the cold on Preston station, admiring my grandads favourite engine. Oct 2018 - booked on as rostered Fireman. A special day for me, I knew my grandad was watching ❤

Misty morning in North Wales this morning! Hints of Autumn in the air.

Moody skies over the hills of #Darwen this afternoon!

Use your smile to change the world. Don't let the world change your smile ❤

Well, I've made it to another birthday, one non of us thought I'd make it to, yet here I am, still here & I'm so grateful for that👍 5 years ago today I got to take 80097 out on a test run,best birthday present ever,2 days later I found out I had #leiomyosarcoma #sarcomasurvivor

10,000 steps done, survived a sports massage, 2 new clients brought on board today and membership renewed for us both at the Great Central Railway.. A very productive day 👍👍

I love unseen photos! Just been sent this, taken at the Scotsman event in 2016. I was rostered on 'Wells' and was getting the customary drenching from the defective water column whilst taking water. Love working shots like this.

It's been a weekend of work, getting ahead on the various things that happen in Jan but still managed to get some training ideas written down & some exercise & rest in before a busy week. Crackling fire, protein loaded hot choc for muscle recovery and Shaun The Sheep. Perfect ❤

Managed to get out from some fresh air and some steps around Entwhistle Reservoir. The water was so still. Lovely and relaxing 👍

01 Jan 2018 - New Years day firing turn on 45212. A brilliant day with my mate Paul Greaves on super traction. These fabulous photos taken by Ian Hardman. I love the composition of these, if that's the right terminology? #steamloco #Fireman @FiringDays

Partaking in a little bit of snackery, reminding me of my happy place in North Wales ❤🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 Soon be back there...👍

7 years ago today, rostered on No 76084, it was a damp, dreary day but nice to experience the engine for the first time as a Fireman 👍 Photos taken whilst watering at Heywood. First photo by Richard Harnetty and the second photo by Chris Ainscough #Fireman #SteamLoco #HeritageRailway