My connection to the earth is reinforced through the rhythm of the waves - Mike Dolan

It was another lovely sunny day. I was up before before Robbie and I wandered out into the garden and stood looking over the gate at the waves lapping up the beach. It was a very special because it is rare that I have the time to just stand and enjoy the moment without having to dash off to do something more important. The most precious thing about coming to Norfolk is being able to take time to do nothing and to recharge my batteries.

By the time Robbie emerged to face the day I had already done some washing and hung it out, and been for a walk along the beach. The tide was in so there wasn't much beach but I like to look at the beautiful colours and shapes of the sea washed pebbles and with the sun shining on them they almost sparkle. A percularity of this beach are pebbles with holes worn all the way through, I am not sure why it happens, but when the children were young a friend told us that they were special because the ones with holes all the way through are wishing stones.I still look out for them, I need all the wishes I can find and it brings back happy memories of collecting shells and pebbles with the children.

We were happy to stay at the bungalow to enjoy the sunshine and the luxuary of time, it was a lovely relaxing day. We popped out to Stalham briefly in the afternoon to get milk and a few other bits and bobs and then back to the bungalow to enjoy a nice quiet evening, just us and the bats - they really are amazing. The sunset was amazing too, it looked as if the sky was on fire, there is nothing quite like a Norfolk sunset.

A Question of Time

This is a delicate subject to mention on the blog, but it is one of those situations that either makes you laugh or scream and when Robbie is more 'Robbish' than usual he can be very funny. We were sitting outside looking at the sunset when Robbie asked if I would mind him watching Skins at 11pm, I wasn't that bothered so I said that it was fine as long as he gave me lots of attention afterwards! He looked at me very seriously and said that he wanted to watch something else at midnight but he could fit me in between 10pm and 11pm. He may be a train planner, but if he thinks he's going to have me working to a timetable he can think again!

After the Rain

Monday was wet and miserable, it rained relentlessly all day and it was too heavy to venture far so we enjoyed a leisurely day in the caravan. It worked out quite well because I had some writing work to do and Laura had loads of revision to keep her occupied so that left the boys free to enjoy the television - such a hardship for them!

Today was a much better day, we went to Newquay in the morning to check out all Laura's favourite shops. Sam had his own ideas about shopping, but the things he wanted were either too rude, too expensive or downright dangerous, so I was not his favourite person. He has his heart set on a new hoody, but we haven't found the right one yet.

When we got back I went for a walk along the coast path, it was such a beautiful day and I never tire of the beautiful views around here. We enjoyed some time on the beach, it was low tide and I watched the children fishing in the rock pools. It seems such a short time ago that Emily and Laura spent hours at the rock pools with Grandad, they would come running up the beach with their bucket to show off their latest catch. Where has all the time gone?

There was an amazing sunset this evening. I hope you enjoy the photos.

Withdrawal Symptoms

Wednesday 15/8/07 Withdrawal Symptoms.

Robbie was suffering withdrawal symptoms - from trains, he must have told me 8 or 9 times yesterday that it was 6 whole days since he last travelled on a train! I let him think that he was getting his own way, but actually it was the poor weather forecast that made me think it would be a good idea to go to Norwich by train today. North Walsham to Norwich is not a bad journey by train if you can cope with the embarrassment - Robbie does tend to draw attention to himself! This morning he was dressed in purple Dr Martin boots, jeans, his Ordinary Boys T shirt and a light weight coat that looked like Paddington Bear's summer uniform. If that wasn't eye catching enough he stood there on the platform in the rain with his bright orange notebook jotting down the unit numbers and details. I chose that moment to pretend that I was invisible, or at the very least to pretend that I was travelling alone.

It was a good day in Norwich, the heavy rain didn't materialise and for most of the day it was lovely sunshine. We were able to visit all our favourite shops, for me that was Waterstones and Hawkins Bazaar while Robbie couldn't resist a foray into Marks and Spencers, I don't think he has worked out yet that they sell the same stuff in every M&S - or maybe he leads a double life as a mystery shopper! Sam visited his favourite haunts too, he bought a couple of new T shirts - and of course he had to wear one as soon as we got home! Robbie struggled back to the train carrying the equivalent of his body weight in railway magazines - a special treat because we are on holiday. He doesn't know it yet, but when we get home there has to be some serious recycling because magazines are taking over the house.

Norfolk Sky

Sunday 12/8/07 Norfolk Sky

It is so nice to be here, we had a lovely restful day today. We made a brief trip to Stalham to buy groceries then this afternoon we sat out in the garden enjoying the sun. It takes time to unwind and forget the everyday concerns of home, but relaxing in the garden looking out across the beach with only the sounds of the sea in the background feels so good. There is something about the huge Norfolk skies and the power of the sea that helps to put everything back into perspective. I took this picture this evening, the sunset was amazing.