The Best Type of Rainy Sunday is a Cornish One

This afternoon we took a trip out on one of our regular quay walks. There was not a soul in sight for most of it (if you don't count the majestic swans, cormorants, seagulls and these brave little chaps in the background).

Some places are depressing in the rain. Cornwall is simply enchanting: a timeless magic seems to descend. 

The boats were soundly moored in preparation for the next storm to crash in off the Atlantic, expected tonight. 

This is another of our favourite haunts: Portmellon. It seems to capture the essence of Cornwall: the sea comes up and laps over the road, washing up sand, seaweed and its secret treasures. The pub is called The Rising Sun, as the bay faces east. Whilst I am not really a pub person, somewhat conversely I love them as landmarks, and I love their history and heritage. I would bet that this one has seen a good amount of smuggling over the centuries. 

Personal Anniversary

I am the first of our little clan to have a birthday in Cornwall, our new-ish part of the world. And what an amazing few days I have been treated to! 

Amongst my many pleasures there was a few sneaky yoga poses on a deserted beach we had walked to. 

This was followed at home by lime cake with clotted cream, and a pot of lapsing souchong- what an indulgence! 

 The weekend also gave me paella, which I would happily bet is the best paella in the UK, cooked by my honorary Spaniard.

There were lovely presents (including an extremely thoughtful 'Running Songs' cd given to me by my nearest and dearest, a fantastic cable cardigan, and a new nightie with proper Victorian-style trimmings- just how I like them!), heartfelt birthday cards which drew the odd sentimental tear, there was coffee from a thermos in a cave watching birds, some great workouts, breakfast in bed... it's embarrassing how spoilt I am! 

But also impossible to describe how lucky I feel and how grateful I am to all the lovely people in my life, as well as to the circumstances that have given me so much in terms of health and good fortune.