Some recent things

Recently

Spent a day in Walberswick and got whipped with rain and sandblasted by the North Sea wind. I won't have to exfoliate for a year. (Like that happens anyway).

The wind, along with tidal surges, means that coastal erosion is a major problem. I don't fully understand the geographical forces but suffice to say that nearby Dunwich, once a thriving port, is now in the sea. Defences are in place but the problem is ongoing and expensive.

In Walberswick churchyard are the ruins of the former parish church. During the Reformation, large, showy catholic churches with their theatrical incense, brass and twinkly glass were pulled down. Austere protestant churches were built in their place. (I know you knew that. I'm just checking that I did). I walked back and forth through the remaining little doorways and stroked the stone. It never ceases to amaze me that we can walk in the actual footsteps and touch the actual things that people (little people judging by the height of the doorways) touched hundreds of years ago. 1493 in this case.

Had a good look at the gravestones and noticed that many of the inhabitants had lived well into their 80s and 90s. In the 'olden days' this was unusual so I surmised it must have something to do with the sea air. Or the fish. Or the austere church.





Discovered that Norman the toad has moved on. I do hope to a better place with plenty, plenty hot toad action. I would like to see Norm Jr under that wheelie bin in the near future. I have a water feature (cat bowl) ready for him.

Heard a woman in TK Maxx. She'd picked up armfuls of those tapestry Union Jack cushions that are everywhere now. These were £29.99 a pop. Oh I just love these she said extremely loudly to no one in particular. And I'm not even much of a patriarch. Younger Daughter looked at me. I know I shouldn't have felt smug. But I did.

Wore yellow. My mother has always told me 'yellow is not for you'. She repeats this pointedly every time I make a beeline for yellow in a shop. 'Move away from the yellow, she'll mew. There's nothing for you there'. But I decided to try it. And I like it immensely, whether it suits or not. Never mind- with my hair - that I look like a fried egg.

Talking of yellow - walked along a river lined with yellow irises. I'm sure there's a special name for them but I can't remember the names of people, let alone flowers. The evening river walk came complete with full midge attack. Several were inhaled. More were ingested. I do hope they're high in protein as I'm trying to up the protein and cut the carbs. Just a smidge. (Or should that be s-midge)

Read Maya Angelou's 'Letter to My Daughter'. Professor Angelou never had a daughter but this book is for you, you and you. And you. Even if you're a man. It's a small book but weighty with experience, clarity, humility and humour. She is only too aware of the paths that have been walked before her. And I'm sure she would approve of wearing any colour which delights you, regardless of 'suitability'.

Cooked my favourite dinner several times. It is difficult to tire of an oily, garlic fuelled ratatouille. For me anyway. The fact that it's impossible to mess up is a strong reason it's a favourite. Yes, I have photographed our dinner.

Do you think in years to come, people will look back, just as we look back at artefacts and ruins, and they will smile or grimace as they view the stored data of our lives. Did they actually eat that? And wear that? they'll ask. And if sea defences aren't maintained they may well ask And where the hell is Walberswick?

(Gosh, monster length post. Apologies. It didn't look that long in 'draft')