Winter Beach

There is something about the beach when it's cold. I love to be by the sea whatever the weather or season, but when it's cold and bright - and often much less busy - it's particularly beautiful. 

We spent the weekend back home on the south coast to celebrate my mum's birthday. A big number, although she wasn't keen on us constantly mentioning it. She didn't want a big party or a fancy meal, just all the family together. We went for a walk on the beach on Saturday morning. It was perfect - the weather was cold but the sun shone and the sea was a flat calm, there was hardly a breath of wind. It clouded over after a while, creating that strange and dramatic light that comes with dark clouds and bright, low sunshine. I was happy snapping away - it's not a particularly beautiful stretch of coastline, but it's mine and I love it. After our walk we had hot chocolate and cake at the beach hut and Bella and Angus ran around with their cousins, building sandcastles and playing football. It was really nice. Then we had a big, long lunch at my parent's house, with my sisters and I, partners, children. The house was noisy and full, and family and neighbours dropped in throughout the afternoon. It was a lot of driving for one weekend - ten hours in the car in total - but worth it to be there with everyone.

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Thank you so much for your comments on yesterday's post. It was so comforting to know that I am not alone in my desire for a little luxury, a little something extra. No-one's life or home is perfect, we are all juggling this and that, choosing between A and B, and just doing the best we can. I forget that sometimes. And thank you for your concern and kind words about the job situation, it's tough out there! But there are a few things in the pipeline, nothing definite but very promising so we are hopeful. Skint, but hopeful.