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Tuesday 30 August 2011

Home Alone!

Well, my daughter is still living the high life in Ibiza, my granddaughter returns to school today, and my son-in-law is at work, so I am home alone! Wonder what mischief I can get up to?!


It's been a long time since those films were out, but I used to love watching them with my daughters, and the little boy was SO cute!!

Of course, I'm not strictly alone, because I am looking after little Alfred, who is looking up at me now with his big eyes, so I guess it's time for me to take him out for a walk.

I spoke to hubby on the phone yesterday, and he was feeling a bit lonely.  Then I heard little voices in the background - my daughter had just arrived with Eli and Ruby, so he would have been delighted to see them (and I bet you can guess who's missing them, can't you?!)..

It was the last Bank Holiday of the year (apart from Christmas) over in England yesterday, and, apparently, it was hot and sunny, which is almost unheard of! LOL! I expect everyone was heading off to the beach to make the most of the sunshine.



This is our local beach, which is about a 20 minute drive away.  It really is a delightful spot, being in an Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty.  The waves gently lap the beach, which is flat, so it is ideal for swimming, even with little children in tow.  The beach is also dotted with rock pools, filled with marine life, so we always take a little fishing net when we go there.

To me, being on a beach always takes me right back to my childhood, as my mum, dad and I used to go there every weekend on the bus during the summer months.  How is it that, thinking back to your childhood, the sun always seemed to be shining in a perfect blue sky?! In fact, I have a photo of me as a baby, with my mum and dad (well, I wouldn't be on my own, would it?!) on this very beach.  It is an old black and white photo, but I love it.  I must put it in a post for you to see when I return home.

It's that first glimpse of the sea through a field gate as you are driving along, and then taking your shoes off and feeling the sand beneath your toes.  Then looking behind and seeing your footprints in the sand - pure heaven!

This is a photo of Eleanor when she was nine, having fun in the rockpools :


They're very lucky because when they go to the beach, they always take their vintage VW Camper Van, which is great fun to ride in!


“Don't grow up too quickly, lest you forget how much you love the beach.”
-- Michelle Held






47 comments:

Shelly said...

I LOVE the beach. We have ones close to us, as well, and we don't go nearly often enough to suit my tastes. So glad you are having fun!

Glenda said...

Love the post today! Sometimes being alone is nice - you get to catch up on your thoughts. Your beaches look beautiful - ours are pretty here too but we're about three hours away from them.

Sush said...

Well well Thisisme...Home Alone? You must dream up some mischief to mark the moments! Did you know if you use a toothpick on banana skins you can leave messages to be revealed as they ripen? Now that's a way to pack a lunch! LOL! I'm thinking...Gawgus Was Here on some skins before you return home?
Your beach looks enticing...I'd be there all the time if I lived near. Soothing waters and tidal pools, what's not to love?!

I'm sure you will catch up with Ruby and Eli and your husband will be dancing in the fields!
Love to Alfred and special love from me to you dear friend~

Shady Del Knight said...

Dear, dear Alfred. Do you mean that Ruby and Eli are coming to visit while he's with you? When my dog Toto looks up at me it usually means I have 10 seconds to get her out the door before she has an "accident" on the rug. I would love to see that early picture of you. Your childhood memories of going to the beach are similar to mine. The drive from my home to the shore took two hours and I could hardly wait to arrive. When I smelled the salt air I knew that we were getting close and I kept my eyes peeled for that first exciting glimpse of sand and water. Each of us should strive to recapture that same giddy excitement of early childhood. We can learn from observing children like Ruby and Eli, always curious, always exploring and learning. Have a delightful day, Thisisme!

Anne in Oxfordshire said...

We used to go to the beach alot when I was younger, and lived over in Suffolk.. Not anymore :-(

It is such a shame I was not over there too, we could of met up and gone walking :-) with the dog of course :-) xx

Southhamsdarling said...

Shelly - there is really something special about the beach and the sea, isn't there?

Glenda - glad you enjoyed the post today. Yes, you are right - sometimes it is nice to be alone, think, do your own thing, and not have to worry about anyone else!

Sush - now then, you're trying to lead me astray there, what with the toothpick and the banana!! I really must try that! I can always blame you!! Hee Hee!!

Shady - Hi Tom, dear friend. I'm glad that you have happy childhood memories of going to the seaside as well. I agree, it's lovely to experience it all over again through a child's eyes. I did smile at your comment about Toto. Perhaps one day we might get to see a photo of him. That would be good! No, Ruby & Eli aren't coming over here at the moment. They popped in to see my husband at home yesterday. Enjoy your day my friend.

Anne in Oxfordshire - Suffolk must have been nice. You're pretty far away from the sea where you are now, aren't you?! :( Yes, we could have met up, although I don't think you're up for too much walking at the moment! Lovely to see you here today.

Grammy Goodwill said...

I love the beach, too. But I would also enjoy some "alone" time. I feel like I have so many demands on me, but I know it will all be okay. Enjoy yourself.

Southhamsdarling said...

Grammy Goodwill - hi there. I think, these days, we all have so many demands on us, so that it really can be a blessing to actually have some time alone. Glad to hear that you love the beach as well. Perhaps it's because it brings out the child in all of us!

Bethe77 said...

I so love the beach and what a delight to go to the beach with you today.
Home alone. Oh yes! I remember watching that movie along with many others with the girls over and over again.
Some classic movies to be for sure and memories chalked full of childood delights with the girls.
Enjoy your quiet and alfred and you enjoy that walk. CK girl cannot walk much any more. She has good days and bad. I so treasure each walk we have had. Hubby and I have started walking in the evenings a bit.
Blessings

orchid0324 said...

My Dear Lady,
To tell you the truth, I love being "home alone" sometimes. It is marvelous to have free time and think what to do today♬♬♬
But lovely to hear that your husband miss you and you miss your loved ones♡♡♡
MARVELOUS beach, isn't it!!!
My father loved to take us beacch (30min. drive) I reminisce catching shellfish, I loved just being in the sea water.
Blessing to all of your family from east, xoxo Orchid.

Aunt Amelia said...

(Nearly) alone. And still in Paris. What a delightful predicament. :-)

Aunt Amelia said...

Oh and btw, I survived Hurricane Irene.

But so many people had/have such terrible losses, from it. -sigh-

But then, the Paris news probably doesn't cover troubles, over in the US.

Plumrose Lane said...

What a lovely, lovely post ~ I've missed the beach so much lately, we really must plan a trip soon. Growing up near the shore affords some of the most treasured childhood memories ~ thanks so much for sharing yours!
♥Sharon

rainbow said...

The beach sounds great, for me I have been to the beach only once when my sisters took me when I was 29. They were 49 and 44, we also went to Disneyland (my first time there too). I had a ball. So much FUN Bob and I took the boys the next summer (so short on time that trip we didn't get to go to the beach, just Disneyland). We don't have many beaches in the Texas Panhandle just lakes help us out. We always spent the summer at Buffalo from the day school was out til school started in the Fall. GREAT MEMORIES, thanks for the reminder.

Enjoy your remainder time in Paris.

Southhamsdarling said...

Bethe - I was so sad to hear that CK girl isn't u to walking much these days. I know howych you used to enjoy your walks with her :(. ThOde Home Alone films were always on at Christmas, and we all loved them!

Orchid - I'm glad you have happy memories if being at the beach with your dad, my friend. You're right that it's good to have some time alone, especially with a retired husband! Hee Hee!

Plumrose Lane - I'm so glad you enjoyed the post today. I like going to the beach, even in the Autumn, when it's good to wrap up warm and go for a nice walk by the sea.

Aunt Amelia - I've written a comment on your blog about Hurricane Irene, and I am so pleased that you and your family are all safe. I've enjoyed my 'Home Alone' day!

rainbow - Eeek! I can't believe that you have only been to the beach once in your life! But Disneyland sounds like such good fun! I'm glad my post brought back memories of your time spent in Buffalo. Happy times!

PencilGirl said...

I'm very very rarely home alone since there are ever so may people here. I love staying home alone! :D
Also, I absolutely love the beach! We used to go to the beach almost every week when we lived in Goa, but well, no beach in Bangalore.. :( The picture of the beach is gorgeous.. I love the one of Eleanor as well! :D :D
It's been a while since I dropped by, hasn't it? The blog looks amazing right now.. :D :D
I have an award for you at http://wp.me/p1u9lJ-be :) I guess you must have it already, but I still wanted to pass it on to you.. :) Hope you'll accept it..

Southhamsdarling said...

PencilGirl - you're right! It's been a long time since I've seen you my friend. It's really good to see you here today though. Goa must be an amazing place. Lots of people go there on holiday from England. That is so sweet of you to give me an Award. I'll pop over to see you now. Hugs .

Teresa said...

great pictures! love the ones of the kids, of course, but the VW - that's some high-styling ride!

Olive said...

Love that VW bus. What fun to have that at the beach. We will not see the ocean this year I am afraid but that's okay as I have so much to get done and cannot finish anyway. Have fun and enjoy your kiddos.

Anonymous said...

Just beautiful...lovely beach..can see that it would be a great place to run along the beach ;)
You're right about the childhood...the summers seemed so much warmer than now, and it was sunny. Remember going to the swimming school every summer :) nice memories.
Dublin is just.....Dull at the moment.
Enjoy your evening.

Southhamsdarling said...

Teresa - yes, the camper van us fab!

Olive - hopeFully you will get to the beach next Summer! I can imagine you've got enough on with your two houses to look after.

EvaMarie - it is a lovely beach, but I've never dine any running on it! It's funny how we always see the summers of our Childhood as being hot and sunny, isn't it?!

Chatty Crone said...

I love the beach and I love being alone for a day - it is a win win situation for me! sandie

Never get to old to go to the beach!

Southhamsdarling said...

Chatty - I knew we would be as one on this one! Hope all is well with you my friend.

Unknown said...

Home Alone - what a blast from the past! :)

The beach is beautiful!!

Being home alone can be nice - but at the same time, it's nice to have some company at home! :)

Claudia Moser said...

I'm sure Alfred takes good care of you! And enjoy the quietness, take a rest :) you'll be busy upon your return home! Sending happy thoughts!

Belle said...

Growing up in California I learned to love the beach too. If I could live anywhere I wanted, I would live near the ocean. Since my sisters are moving to Western Wasington or the Oregon Coast, I will get to see the ocean more often!

Becky said...

Love your post, my friend!! I know that you are enjoying your time with your lovely family. I loved yours stories about that beautiful beach of yours! I sure hope to see it someday! :)

Rebecca said...

i love those movies and great quote. by the way can i borow Alfred for awhile he is such a cute puppy

Southhamsdarling said...

Kristina - you're far too young to remember "Home Alone", unless you watched it when you were a baby! LOL!

Claudia - hi there. Yes, you;re right. It will be busy again when I get home, and I have had a lovely rest whilst I've been over here. Alfred looks after me very well!!

Belle - it must have been lovely growing up in California - all that warm sunshine! That will be nice that you will get a chance to visit your sisters when they move and be near the ocean again.

Becky - so pleased you liked the post and it was lovely to see you here today. I've missed you my friend!

Becca - those movies were so good, weren't they. Perfect family entertainment as well! I'll book Alfred in for his holidays with you!!

Unknown said...

So very nice to meet you (Thanx Carol). Your beach is a beauty, but then, I love them all! Sounds like you really get around as Globe Trotter. I welcome you to Steadfast and hope to see you aboard often.
Rosemary

LindyLouMac said...

Home Alone and what happens you miss the blog sphere and break the rules. You are not setting a good example to the rest of us blogging away from home. :)

Denise said...

oh my, what a wonderful time you seem to be having-it makes me want to go back on vacation.Be safe,God bless.Thanks for stopping by.Denise

romance-of-roses said...

Yes, those movies were fun to watch used to watch also. Our beach is approx. 40 minutes from us by freeway. Our daughter lives there so we see it often. Thank you for visiting. Hugs...Lu

Southhamsdarling said...

Steadfast Ahoy- hallo Rosemary.lovely to see you here today. Thank you for visiting.

LindyLouMac in Italy - well, i had a few hours to spare and just couldn't resist blogging.Sorry!!

Denise- it's funny, but when I'm visiting my family, I dont really think if it as a holiday. Thanks for popping By.

romance-of-roses. - that's nice that you are able to go to the beach quite often.Also good to see you here today as well.

LV said...

That is why it is so important to love and enjoy children. Time passes much too fast for all of us. I have no been to a beach in so long. It think it is fun to walk in the warm sand barefoot.

Southhamsdarling said...

LV - hallo! How lovely to see you over here today. You are SO right, time passes far too quickly, and we must make the most of every precious moment. Hope all is well over there with you.

Pat MacKenzie said...

Your beach is lovely - makes me homesick for the Atlantic beaches of Nova Scotia. What a cool van. We used to have a VW van back in the 1970s but it didn't have the cool pop up on it.

Southhamsdarling said...

Pat Mackenzie - hi there! Yes, the camper van is really cool. There another sleeping area in that pop up bit! Novia Scotia sounds lovely.

BB said...

No need for me to tell you how much I love the beach. It's my heaven on earth. Glad your kids went to visit Grandpa while you were gone. Nice to know you were missed by him isn't it? Awwww. So cute.

Desiree said...

I missed this post yesterday, Diane. Sorry! :( My life has just not been the same since we adopted all of these pups. Don't get me wrong...I love them all, but right now, they are a lot of work, or should I rather say, they need a lot of attention and input. If I disappear for any length of time, they find mischief to get up to...just like you...ALONE, (yesterday) and so, the natural urge is to do something fun. I hope you didn't dig up the garden and chew up all the plants on the kitchen floor? That's what our pups do when my back is turned!

Southhamsdarling said...

Bouncin'Barb - welcome back!! I've missed your awesome comments! Yes, I know how you adore the beach and Myrtle Beach looks just wonderful. Hugs.

Desiree - no need to apologize my friend. Good to see you here now. No, I wasn't naughty like your pups, and behaved myself very well whilst I was home alone. It's just like having little children, isn't it?! But I know how much you love them all.

Suzanne said...

A beautiful beach, and,yes, you must post the old photo of you as a baby on the beach. What fun it must have been as a child, and you must know this beach forward and backward. Glad I stopped by Thisisme. Have a wonderful weekend.

Southhamsdarling said...

Susan - yes, I will post that photo next week. Hopefully I will remember!! LOL!! Yes, I probably know every rock on that beach! Lovely to see you here today by the way.

Katherines Corner said...

lovely post my friend. Days spent at the seaside are never days wasted. hugs!

Empty Nester said...

Such a beautifully written post! I could so easily visualize the whole scene! We live about 5 minutes from the beach and I loved taking the lovelies there nearly every day!

Southhamsdarling said...

Katherines Corner - Thank you! How lovely to see you here today. Thanks for popping by. Hugs.

EmptyNester - Your lovelies are so beautiful!! How wonderful to live only 5 minutes from the beach. That would be my dream. Thank you so much for leaving your comment today.

kyna... said...

Your local beach is beautiful! Love this post!
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