Brighton

My Ozzie daughter J has never been to Brighton, so we had a trip there last week.
Brighton is a seaside town on the south coast of England. Originally a small decaying fishing town it rapidly turned into an established seaside resort for the rich and famous thanks to the Prince of Wales and its proximity to London.
In the mid 1780's George, Prince of Wales, rented a small lodging house overlooking a fashionable promenade. He had been advised by his physicians that his health would benefit from Brighton’s mild climate and sea water treatments, which included ‘dipping’ (total body immersion into the salt sea water). We didn't even dip a toe in the water, we were more interested in walking around The Lanes, a historic maze of narrow, traffic-free pedestrian alleyways known for traditional jewellers, antique shops, independent boutiques, and lovely eateries. 

I like this shop and had visited last time I was there

 it's full of tat or treasure

I loved this hat but didn't buy it, I'm such a practical person and asked myself "When would I wear it"? and the answer was "Probably never".

This is a very small selection of items for sale,

the shop was almost bursting at the seams! 

Brighton has two very different historical piers: the Palace Pier is an amusement park, while the historic West Pier is now a sad skeleton. It was closed to the public in 1975 after decades of declining popularity. In December 2002 it suffered major storm damage, followed by two suspected arson attacks in March and May 2003 leaving a rusted framework.

But there is a positive outcome though - it now serves as a protected roosting site for local starlings.

oOo

We have been doing some retail therapy, enjoying afternoon cream tea, and going to a lovely lake where my eldest daughter does wild swimming. J and I walk around the lake and then have a picnic in the shade until A joins us.

Last time we were there we jokingly said the ducks were having a meeting to discuss what they were going to do about all those humans in their lake.

Yesterday it looked as if they were intending to sabotage the swimmers! They wouldn't though, ducks and swimmers exist in mutual harmony. 

On the subject of waterfowl I saw the Canada Geese family recently. The gosling with the deformed wings was preening itself and then spread it wings and flapped them and they looked perfect fully open, so hopefully it will be able to fly. Maybe it's just a problem when it tucks them back in. 

oOo

We have been to watch my son-in-law bowling this evening. It's a lovely way to spend a couple of hours with a glass of something chilled. The birds were chirping before settling down for the night, the very quiet bowling and the sound of the bells from the church next door, it is the quintessential English village. 

My son-law's team won.

∼ Be safe and well∼ 

Polly x 

She's Here

My darling Ozzie daughter arrived on Tuesday and will be here for a whole month. She has never been to Brighton so yesterday my eldest daughter drove us there for a day trip. I thought she might be too tired but she has acclimatised very well. My eldest daughter has created an excellent itinerary (we love an itinerary), so we have lots of things to do as well as down time just sitting in the garden with wine and nibbles chatting.

I am so happy.

∼ Be safe and well∼ 

Polly x 

A Good Read

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

The Hunger Games #3

My name is Katniss Everdeen.
Why am I not dead?
I should be dead.

Katniss Everdeen, girl on fire, has survived, her home has been destroyed but her family is safe. Gale has escaped and Peeta has been captured by the Capitol. District 13 really does exist. There are rebels. There are new leaders. A revolution is unfolding.

It is by design that Katniss was rescued from the arena in the cruel and haunting Quarter Quell, and it is by design that she has long been part of the revolution without knowing it. District 13 has come out of the shadows and is plotting to overthrow the Capitol. Everyone, it seems, has had a hand in the carefully laid plans—except Katniss.

The success of the rebellion hinges on Katniss's willingness to be a pawn, to accept responsibility for countless lives, and to change the course of the future of Panem. To do this, she must put aside her feelings of anger and distrust. She must become the rebels' Mockingjay - no matter what the personal cost.

∼ Happy Reading∼ 

Polly x

A Nice Day Out

On Wednesday my WI group had a lovely trip on a canal boat

There were lots of people on paddle boards

It was a lovely tranquil trip on the water

and the weather was glorious, sunny with a nice breeze

The only dissapointment was we didn't know the cafe closed at 4 which was when our trip finished, so no coffee and cake ☹

∼ Be safe and well∼ 

Polly x 

Spot The Parents

It's very difficult to identify the parents from the children now!

I'm pretty sure this is a parent

One of the goslings has deformed wings. The Essex Wildlife Trust have received

a number of calls but there is nothing they can do. I've asked around and other wildlife organisations say the same.

The poor little thing won't be able to fly, it will have to do the best it can.

I know it's nature, it happens but it's distressing, and I felt very upset. But watching it for a few minutes it is behaving exactly the same as its siblings, cleaning itself, eating and chasing off any of the ducks attempting to steal its food. A good friend B said "It might surprise you and end up being the strongest" I hope so.

∼ Be safe and well∼ 

Polly x