Greetings..........

Just a quick note to wish everyone.............

Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy and prosperous 2009.

Love, IanS.

Out and about............

It's been a wonderful weekend, weather wise. I've skipped out for a couple of afternoons to take trips to the coast, only a few miles away, but seldom visited in the last few years. The sun was warm, but a cutting breeze did what was needed to blow away the cobwebs.
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It's been a dozen years or more since I've been on the harbour side at Mevagissy. There are far fewer working boats now than there were, and very few pleasure or visiting craft at this time of the year.

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From Mev I ventured further along the coast to Gorran Haven and Vault Beach. There's a gated roadway that runs along the top of the beach for Coast Guard use, and I have memories of sexual harassment there one very warm after noon.............. but I didn't complain. It's a nudist beach on warmer days, but there wasn't a goose pimple in sight.

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Next stop Carhayes Castle, hiding in the trees, with the lake full of water birds. Pheasants from the Estate were also making an appearance................. but I didn't manage to 'bag' one on this trip.

The beach at Carhayes was empty, and even in summer there's usually plenty of room. No brave dog walkers today, just a small number of cars, enjoying the view.

A little further on, Port Holland, a few cottages, two other people, and me with my camera. Beautiful views and solitude, something I've had precious little of in the last years since mobility became a problem. It's lead me to a decision, a need for some more appropriate footwear. Town shoes, mud and wet rocks are not a good combination, So a 'call in' at the Sunday Market on the way home has solved that problem. Walking boots and thick socks.

I shall be going back, but in the mean time, there are people to see, places to be, maidens to rescue, dragons to slay, varlets to vanquish, prayers to pray.

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Step right up............

“Step right up folks. Welcome to The Roller Coaster of Life……… climb aboard……………. take your seats…………. hold on very tight. Nobody get off ‘till the end of the ride.”

……………………….. and that’s been rather like the last two weeks for me. Ups, downs, sudden tight curves………………….. and a corkscrew twist, just before the last bend.

…………………………but I’m through it, and have some how reached the other side. Yes, I’m lost at times, angry at other times, and still not sure what I should be feeling. I’m told the pain never really goes away, and I’m more than ready to believe that. I hope I am able eventually to put my feelings into a box and only open it when I have the strength to deal with them.

For now, I’m content to see out the remnants of 2008 and hopefully make something of a new start in the New Year.

Those wishes I made so many years ago in my teens. To retire at 45, have 20 good years, then go back to work at 65. Well I’m not 65 yet, but in future I shall be careful what I wish for. I may just get it !