Feeding the Ducks

This is Langstone Harbour. It is about a mile away from my parent's house and I spent a lot of my childhood here, walking around the mill pond and feeding the ducks. I think it is utterly beautiful. I can't quite explain how happy and peaceful I feel when I come here. I think it is partly the effect of being by the water, and partly the many happy memories I have, and the pull of "home".

It was very cold. And misty.

The children were very entertained by the sight of the ducks waddling on the frozen pond.

Even in the winter it is a lovely spot. I do so like doing these same things with my children, twenty years on.

The tower in the distance is the ruins of Warblington Castle.

Colour is provided by winter hats, coats and wellies.

This is a view so familiar to me. I told my parents how lucky they are to have this on their doorstep. I didn't appreciate it until I moved away.

We nearly stopped in this pub for a drink, until we realised that none of us had brought our wallets. You can just picture this same scene in the height of summer, the benches full of people enjoying a drink and looking out over the water. Heaven.

Happy Valentine's Day. I hope you have a nice day, whatever you may be doing. We are celebrating it by avoiding restaurants full of overpriced set menus, and plan to go out later in the week.