Hastings

Went to Hastings for much needed R and R the other week, courtesy of a boost to my finances from my mum. It was an interesting experience. Had browsed on the net for places to go to nearish to London, and Hastings seemed easy. Next job, find somewhere to stay. Minstrel's Rest bed and breakfast comes out near the top if you Google it, so we went there, Phil being a minstrel and everything. Also, one of the two hosts was a Phill,(two els) and ex-minstrel. That was it then. Away we went. we got out at Ore station and walked the wrong way...it seemed very dingy near the station, but we knew we were near the sea and relaxed instantly. We phoned the b and b to say we were lost, and co-owner Michelle arranged for Phill to come and get us. Excellent. We got there, it is a normal looking house, in a normal street, but once inside, you are in a medieval fantasy. Each room is different, with meticulous attention to detail. All the toiletries have been re-bottled and labelled by Michelle, and all smell fantastic. Guess what chocolates were in the room? After we settled in, we went off to find somewhere nice to eat. Walked up to Ore villlage but didn't fancy anything there, so walked down to the sea front, a beautiful walk, and looked at the sea...then as we were wondering were there might be a nice place to eat, Phil saw a couple walking down a back street and thought that might be good place to go and look, and it was!!!! nice pubs and fish restaurants, hidden away, and we had a delicious meal at Pomegranate. Taxi back up a very steep hill, was only four quid. we slept well that night.

Back Again

A stressful couple of months here, and two weeks off work as a result. Doctor willing to give me another couple of weeks, but really, it's time to go back. Things have been bad at home, as those who know us will attest, and it has not been a good year. Good things came of it though. Dad is being properly looked after, our house is beautiful (apart from the kitchen floor, GRRRRR), the teenager is sorting himself out, adult child is being wonderful, and we have found deep and supportive friendships amongst our acquiantances and neighbours. 

Back to work tomorrow, then. Had to happen one day. Was going to practice the violin, go to daytime dance classes in Pitshanger Lane and write my blog every day, but did I?

Off to Hastings tomorrow for a three day break with Phil. Somewhere to get away. We ought to have been in Whitby this week, but the teenager wasn't well enough. Positive outcome again, though in that we have swapped our week in Whitby now, for one in November, which I imagine will be very beautiful, and we will all be healthy. We have only been in August, to date. Of course we'll be going before November, for folk week and the week after to recover. This year, Phil will be driving there...he is fortunate, having passed his test umpteen years ago and not having to take another one. He's had a few brush-up lessons with the wonderful Laura, and has practiced getting on and off the M1. We are going to share my daughter's car, and I'll be able to drive a little bit, too but not on the motorway of course.

So a lot going on, but for now, I'm back.