Each year, for my Birthday, I think about having fruits de mer, lit’ fruits of the sea – sea food platter. Each year I leave it too late and my Birthday being in October means there is much less choice of seafood to be had. This year, the Deckhand will be away for my Birthday – first time in 21 years. Friday, we decided we’d get out the lifeboat and sail out to get some fish. In reality, we went to a renowned fish market not too far away. I don’t think I’d have the patience to actually fish, and I’m less sure I could kill the fish myself and gut it. I guess if I was literally starving, then I would. However, as I’m thankfully not in that position, I’m happy to pay someone else to do it.

We arrived at the market early, bought a selection of various fish, lemons too, and some very nice-looking bread. We’d come well-prepared with ice packs and a cool bag. Once we’d loaded up with fish and so on, we went to a lovely delicatessen in the town and I had a very nice pot of Earl Grey, he had a mocha (the heathen). We then bought some chocolates for my ‘unbirthday’. On the way home, we detoured to an Italian place to buy some cake. Suitably loaded up, and spent out, we made our way home.

Well, being so adventurous was a little bit of a mistake and whilst none of the fish was off, there was some of it that we really didn’t like mainly due to the smell. The salted caramel cheesecake that the Deckhand chose did not taste of caramel, and nor did it remotely resemble cheesecake in the slightest. Being the generous soul that I am, I cut my slice of amaretto gateau in half, and we shared it. It was nice, but honestly, we’ve had nicer cakes from a supermarket and paid a fraction of the price. So, mistakes were made and lessons have been learned. The bread from the market was great, and the chocolate I ate already; a rose cream encased in dark chocolate, was heavenly! All in all, not a bad unbirthday meal, though I wouldn’t do it again. Next year, I think a steak dinner or a meal out will be better. Who knows where I’ll be living by then…

We’ve had yet more rain here and I’m checking my toes daily for the start of any webbing LMAO. I think in a week, we’ve had 2 dry days. It’s getting tedious.

I had a fantastic sleep one night recently, but since then sleep has been a little unforthcoming which I’ll mention when I see my GP next week. Recently I’ve lost my shoes, my house keys, and the Ship’s Dog has, I’m sure, conned me into giving him a second breakfast. My memory is so bad and I’m sure the lack of sleep isn’t helping. The dog is an easy fix: I have a wall calendar, and each morning I tick to the left of the day that I’ve fed him, and to the right that he’s had his dinner – the Deckhand’s idea. He’s worried the dog will starve whilst he’s away. He wouldn’t, because he’s quite capable of pestering me and looking at his food bowl meaningfully; the calendar will ensure he gets fed correctly.

After being out on Friday for four hours with the Deckhand, and slashing my way around the market with my trusty cutlass, I’m ready for a quiet weekend of not doing a whole lot except ironing. It’s calling to me…

Have a great weekend.