Had a lovely surprise with my son and his wife, together with her nephew, Luke, visiting me. It's been a while since I last saw them, and it was a lovely surprise. They arrived early and they'd come in Stevie's new car - can't remember the name, but it was a gorgeous CRV/SUV which meant I could get in and out easily. It was that much higher up to get into which helps me.

Well we chatted and caught up on things and then they decided to take me out for lunch. We went to Appledore because we fancied fish and chips and the best ones are there. However the weather wasn't all that great with a cool wind blowing and the clouds were definitely heavy. So instead of getting the take away and eating it on the quayside, we went next door to the Seagate Hotel which has certainly expanded and improved such a lot since I was last there. We had a gorgeous fish and chips with mushy peas and tartare sauce. The fish had been caught this morning and it was fresh cod - mmmm absolutely super taste.


My lovely son, Tony,



This is the nephew of Stevie - Luke - he's a lovely boy and is hoping to study ITT at college this year...



We thought about having a dessert there, but the prices certainly worried me, but then luckily Tony remembered that Hockings ice-cream was the best to taste and he hadn't had any for ages, so we sat outside on the quay where the Hockings van was parked, it had brightened up somewhat since we'd gone in. It was great - it's been ages since I've had any too and it is by far the best ice-cream ever.........

While we were there, I looked down on the mud below the quayside [tide was out] and I saw an old tyre stuck in the mud which looked as if it had been the subject of curiousity for the seagulls, judging by the many footprints.....





Then they washed their feet and played around the boat......





There was an utility boat moored, or should I say stuck in the mud til the tide comes in and it was so far down I got quite giddy looking down - about 25feet........




There was a small seagull which was quite cheeky and sat nearby and squawked his head off...........



There was also a lot of this year's fledglings flying around and flexing their wings........



We decided to drive around and show Luke the area because he's never been up here before. We went to Westward Ho and managed to find a space to park because it being August Bank Holiday, it was heaving. I do feel so sorry for these people who have waited all year for their holiday and it was cold, and dull and very windy..........

We went to one of my popular places and Stevie and Luke explored the beach.....



The tide was out and there were only a few hardy souls bearing the cold to go into the water - only with wetsuits on though.......



We eventually came home and I asked Tony for his thoughts on some luggage I was considering buying for my trip to Turkey and I showed them to him. Then Stevie piped up - if you like them we'll buy them for you. I said no way, but they were adamant and proceeded to purchase them for me. So now I will have matching luggage, one for the hold and one for the cabin. I felt awful for having mentioned them, but they were quite forceful and said that now they were both earning good money - Tony had recently had a rise this month so they could afford it.

You know I am really lucky with my family and my neighbours and friends - who could ask for more