Wednesday 26th August

[adesmith]

Well its a grim day in Newport, South Wales. Very overcast and it has been raining. Its a bit windy as well and the river looks a bit choppy. I hope it clears up later because I am going on a visit later with the Monmouthshire Antiquarians to Llangibby Castle. Its a castle not open to the public so I am pretty determined to go, whatever the weather!

Has anyone noticed how much the nights are drawing in. I think I have noticed it more this year for some reason. We were aware that it was getting dark earlier when we were in Cornwall. I am doing an autumn tidy up of the garden, taking out summer bedding plants etc. Lots of them are past it already but I generally tidy up the whole lot because I am always so busy when I get back to school. Normally I feel that I do it a bit premature but this year it really does feel autumnal. I always leave the fuschias and geraniums out because they give some autumn colour and I think Rupert and I may go to the garden centre later to look for winter pansies.

[Liz]

Yes - autumn certainly seems to be on its way. I noticed yesterday that the leaves on two poplar trees near here were already turning brown.

However I quite like autumn and now I'm away from teaching, I can appreciate it more fully. I remember feeling that summer was definitely over once I returned to school but now realize that it actually goes on for quite some time.

Then of course there's the fruit harvest to look forward to - I put the first batch of blackberries into the freezer yesterday and also made sloe gin. I found a pack of sloes hidden in the bottom of the freezer from last autumn so I hope they'll be ok!
One of these years I might manage to keep a bottle of SG longer than Christmas as I've heard its supposed to get even better with age - anyone here managed to keep any longer than a couple of months I wonder?

[jane jackson]

:rain:We notice the nights drawing in as I bought some solar blue fairy lights (on offer at Wyevale last Christmas and found they didn't have enough daylight hours to work properly) and have used them since the spring around the fence opposite where we sit in the lounge. They were coming on at 10.15pm through most of the summer but last night they came on at 8.30pm. They are pretty though and the bonus is we can see them for longer ~ Bryan would rather have the light evenings though! Now I'm retired and don't have outside animals anymore I'm not so worried by the evenings drawing in as long as the days have plenty of sunshine ~ I can always hope..........

Hope you enjoy your castle visit Adrian. We're off to The MInack this afternoon so do hope the wind and rain stop before then ~ the rain is horizontal at the moment.:rain::rain:

I love sloe gin Liz but have never made it. A friend usually gives me a small bottle at Easter and I do have a tiny amount left still. Actually I think I'd forgotten about it which is why it's still there. Haven't picked many blackberries yet as it always seems to be wet when I think about it.

[Kath Mulligan]

We were commenting on the longer nights last week too. Leaving the hospital at 8.00pm I was finding I had to put sidelights on straight away, then headlights before we got home. It's also getting darker in the mornings too.

I used to hate it when I was at work and in a building with no windows because it meant that I went to work in the dark and came home in the dark, only seeing daylight at the weekends, but now I am a lady of leisure it doesn't bother me so much. I do find it a bit depressing though to think that another summer is almost over without us having very much actual summery weather. Shall be keeping my fingers crossed for an Indian summer instead.

Hope the rain stops for both you and Adrian, Jane. It's damp and breezy here too, but nowhere near as bad as they were forecasting last night. Plenty of leaves floating down off the trees though, and the occasional branch on the road too.

Just seen a dead mole at the side of the road up above our house! I am used to dead rabbits and squirrels, but it's the first time I have come across a mole.

Kath

[adesmith]

Even though I am not enjoying teaching at the moment there is something about going back to school after the holidays. I really dont know what it is, maybe something to do with a new start or just those cooler and often misty mornings. It could be that I just love autumn. Its always been my favourite time of the year.

We picked lots of blackberries in Cornwall when we visited an old mine engine house near Godolphin. We managed to pick many more than we usually do at home. In fact last year we couldnt find any (I think it might have been a bad year for them) and we had to buy some from Sainsburys! Anyway Rachel put the blackberries from Cornwall in sandwich bags and froze them, bringing them home in the cool bag still frozen. When we make a crumble we wont just savour autumn fruit but also have memories of Cornwall as well! I make a bottle of sloe gin every year but sometimes found it hard to find enough sloes. Last autumn though I found a whole hedgerow of blackthorn trees down by the river - a plentiful supply! I usually wait until Later in October to make it though but I guess if the berries are ripe.

Hope you enjoyed Minack Jane. I think the horizontal rain has just arrived in Newport! I noticed that our solar lights barely came on yesterday.

I quite like the darker evenings because they make you feel all cosy but I have to admit last year the winter got to me a bit. I wouldnt like to have to work in a room with no windows though Kath!

Now I feel all autumnal I am going to dig out my Keats, ... season of mists and mellow fruitfulness ... one of my favourite poems!

[Kath Mulligan]

I was windowless because the office was in one of those big industrial sheds, Adrian. You got used to it after a while but I did feel a bit like a mole in the winter months!

I quite enjoy the dark evenings too, or I do once I know the girls are safely home. One thing I do enjoy is snuggling down in a warm, cosy bed listening to the wind and rain howling outside.

And, of course, there are usually better programmes to watch on TV in the autumn. Being a Strictly Come Dancing addict, I can't wait for the new series to start next month. That will see me nicely through to Christmas!

Kath

[Linda]

aha! this is the one time I feel smug! UP here in ole Scotland we have longer days in the summer months and so at present we are still enjoying the daylight hours....havign said that I too noticed there was a change but where it wouldnt get dark much before 11pm...its starts getting dark at 8.30-9pm and is dark by 10pm...its gets darker by about ten minutes a day hereon.

Sloe Gin was a wonderful tiple...I used to make it with a friend in the Lakes...and we wouldnt touch it until Xmas...when it would be like liquid gold...yummmy!

[adesmith]

I never thought of that Linda. Does that mean that it gets darker in Cornwall before us in South Wales? (My unscientific brain is whirring!!!).

Well all I can say is that I am glad that I wore wellies! The rain stayed off and the ruin is the most wonderful, romantic and atmospheric place. Apparently it will be on Time Team after Christmas. It did get dark and it was a bit of a treacherous walk through the woods, back to the cars.

I am not really a Strictly fan I am afraid Kath but one of my favourites came back on TV whilst we were in Cornwall - The Tudors. I think its brilliant even when it departs from the actual history and is plain daft (when they filmed the Pilgrimage of Grace in Lincolnshire last episode - surrounded by mountains! I am from Lincolnshire and we are not famous for mountains!). There is usually some good stuff on.

[jane jackson]

Thankfully it was a lovely afternoon at The Minack for "The Music Man" by Redruth Amateur Operatic Society ~ very good and lively performance. We took our coats but they weren't needed and at one point I was very glad to have my hat on with its brim as the sun was shining strongly and reflecting on the paving slabs! Mostly it was overcast with one bit of very slight drizzle ~ quite refreshing really as it was very warm. This evening should have been fine too as it was in PZ, that's a benefit of living in the far west as the rain goes through quite quickly.

Glad you enjoyed the castle Adrian even if you did need your wellies.

We like "Strictly" too Kath, I'll be interested to see Lynda Bellingham as I like her and Natalie Cassidy ~ not too sure of some of the others as to who they are.

I've been enjoying "The Tudors" too Adrian even if it does go into fantasy land every so often. It does get a bit graffic sometimes. I used to like that sort of thing but somehow as I've got older I'm not so keen ~ not sure why unless it's because I now realize the nasty things shown really did happen to people. As a child I was dying to go in the Chamber of Horrors at Madame Tussauds (spelling?) and my grandmother wouldn't let me.

[adesmith]

I've been enjoying "The Tudors" too Adrian even if it does go into fantasy land every so often. It does get a bit graffic sometimes. I used to like that sort of thing but somehow as I've got older I'm not so keen ~ not sure why unless it's because I now realize the nasty things shown really did happen to people. As a child I was dying to go in the Chamber of Horrors at Madame Tussauds (spelling?) and my grandmother wouldn't let me.

I know what you mean it is a bit gruesome and quite tragic. It gets a bit explicit at times as well which I found a bit embarrassing when I watched an episode with my in-laws! Interestingly when we were at Trerice they were doing a survey for the National Trust about their interpretation and presentation of history. As much as I love the National Trust I think their presentation of the history of the houses and the people that lived there can sometimes be lacking. They actually asked the question should they present history without the gritty realism of harsh life then and all the nasty bits. I think you can portray the reality of life then without being graphic and I am certain you shouldnt distort it. I love Trerice however they present it and think it would be the ideal home for me (Lanhydrock would be a touch too grand).

Glad you enjoyed the Minack and that the weather brightened up.

[gloria townsin]

Darker evenings ... well now I know exactly how it goes with me, initially I am quite o.k. with the change of season and actually think of all the evening things I can do with no distractions of wandering round the garden. Things such as - knitting, embroidery, sewing, catching up on writing to people.....trouble is in no time I am hating the dark evenings and find that I don't get down to these things which makes me feel I am wasting time. As Jane says it is probably the one time of the year and day that I am glad not to have outdoor animals, some wet miserable days all you seem to do is feed, change rugs, let horses out, muck out, do haynets for the night and fill water buckets. In no time you are catching horses in, brushing off mud and picking out feet, rugging up for the night and feeding. It is just one round of jobs with no standing about time, although different if you keep them at home, which I never managed to do.
I'm a 'Strictly...' fan so look forward to that...I also don't know half of them though. Bit sorry Karen isn't doing it anymore, hope Flavia is....and feel really miffed about Alene being thrown off, hope it doesn't unbalance the judges too much.
We took load number 6 to the dump today and that's in two and a half weeks!! As Eddie said it would have been easier to have one of their huge skips at home. Having dug out an area I was sort of dreading it looked so daunting - we found - it was!! But having got it done it brought a real sense of achievement, however now it's dug and re-shaped we don't really know what to do with it. Autumn being the best time to put in shrubs I would like to get it organised so that by next year it is established. Then there's the other bit of garden behind the small lawn.......it just goes on and on.
I had hoped to see 'The Music Man' but as ever it hasn't worked out. Glad it was good Jane, I was in your neck of the woods collecting my beautiful painting and not managing to resist a lovely Mim made pot. In fact there were at least three others I could have come home with.

[Kath Mulligan]

So you've managed to stave off the return to Hertfordshire for a bit longer then, Gloria? I did wonder if you were on the road yesterday when I read a news report about a section of the M25 being closed because of a gas leak at an hotel bordering the motorway.

Glad you've got your painting at last, and not surprised you couldn't resist one of Mim's pots. The only reason I didn't buy in 2007 was because I didn't fancy my chances of getting it home in one piece, especially since I was flying on that occasion, so had the baggage allowance issue to contend with as well.

Jane, please keep me firmly under control in October!!

Kath

[jane jackson]

I'm no good at that Kath ~ I like encouraging people to spend their money!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I could get tempted too. You will still have the train journey to help you with restraint, cannot buy anything too fragile or bulky.:dance3::wave:

[gloria townsin]

I just couldn't resist.....tell the truth I was tempted by so many items. John is working on something for the Arts Festival and Eddie couldn't stop talking about it on the way back to Bryher. They are both so talented.....I am in awe of their work and it doesn't stop there one of their sons has done some fantastic drawings. Absolutely Brilliant!! Although both of John's paintings and Mims pots are for Bryher I just couldn't resist bringing them back to Herts, which is where we now are, came back today. I am never going to manage to come back from the Arts Festival without another.
Dissapointingly we will miss John's talk on the 18th Sept. as I am going to see my friend in Spain on the 21st leaving from Luton, so will be in Herts getting sorted before I go. But back in time for the beginning of the Festival.

[Kath Mulligan]

I shall be sorry to miss John's talk too, but lots more to look forward to at the Festival. I have been perusing the catalogue and have decided that my credit card is staying at home then I can't be too tempted!!

Enjoy your trip to Spain, Gloria.

Kath

[Janet Swan]

I have been perusing the catalogue and have decided that my credit card is staying at home then I can't be too tempted!!

Kath

Do take it with, dear Kath, and treat yourself to an early Christmas present - the hardworking artist/potter will be so pleased ;). Afterall, those of us in our prime will again be receiving a Winter fuel allowance, and to use a little bit of that in a studio in Lamorna will give you such pleasure and warm your heart, if not your toes :biggrin:.

Janet :kiss:

[Kath Mulligan]

Don't tell anyone in Govt circles but my winter fuel allowance is earmarked to pay for my trip to Memorial Weekend next March! Not quite what was intended I know, but I shall enjoy it all the more for knowing that my trip is funded by Gordon and his cronies!!:flirt:

Kath

[gloria townsin]

Don't tell anyone in Govt circles but my winter fuel allowance is earmarked to pay for my trip to Memorial Weekend next March! Not quite what was intended I know, but I shall enjoy it all the more for knowing that my trip is funded by Gordon and his cronies!!:flirt:

Kath

Well you have to put it to good use and - Memorial Weekend is pretty good use.....but so is a painting and or pot.....any or all of these choices will warm you through the Winter, as Janet says.

[Liz]

Don't tell anyone in Govt circles but my winter fuel allowance is earmarked to pay for my trip to Memorial Weekend next March! :flirt: Kath

Had a giggle at this Kath - I bought a new pair of riding boots with mine last year........ and boy, did I feel guilty, in fact I still feel guilty every time I wear them! However you can't really send the money back can you?

We're really lucky as my niece who has a farm and lots of land provides us with all the wood for our wood burner but I suppose I could have put it towards the electricity/gas.........or maybe not....

[Kath Mulligan]

Well, both my gas and electricity is paid by monthly direct debit out of my pensions, so I don't really notice it being any different during the winter months. I justify it to myself by thinking that it gives me a warm glow throughout the winter just looking forward to being in Penzance in March! Besides, I don't really feel guilty since I have paid enough in taxes and contributions over many years to feel that I have earned this little extra. ;)

Kath

[Dex Cameron]

I bought a new pair of riding boots with mine last year........ and boy, did I feel guilty, in fact I still feel guilty every time I wear them! However you can't really send the money back can you?



But you talk as though you spend nothing on heating bills! If that was so then maybe you'd have a point but as it is the allowance probably covers little more than the fuel price increase each year. Besides, riding is good for you and, provided you stay on board, you'll be saving the NHS money by being healthier than you otherwise would be!

Feeling better about it now?

[gloria townsin]

Brilliant thoughts on how best to get the 'rosy glow' of the allowance.......:whoo:

[jane jackson]

Agree there Kath. It's part of the fun of reaching 60 ~ has to be some compensations. I'm enjoying the free swimming too. I really thought that might not come off this April with the credit crunch but it did. I'd always given up using the pool in the school holidays but this summer I thought if it's not costing me anything it wont matter if I can't swim up and down very easily with all the activity. However I've been very pleasantly surprised as they still have 2 lanes and it hasn't been too busy around the lunchtime period so it's been well worth continuing.:clap2:

Free logs for your wood burner sounds good Liz.

[gloria townsin]

I envy anyone who can swim as I never had the confidence to let go of the rail.......odd really because both of my parents swam, my sister never learnt either. We must be a pair of real woosies.

[adesmith]

Jane, have you ever been tempted to use the outside pool (is it the Jubilee Pool?) in Penzance? We have often looked in but I have never plucked up the courage. I dont know why because I happily swim in the sea in the cold but that pool just looks colder.

The Tudors was a bit gruesome tonight. I found it a bit disturbing!

[jane jackson]

I've always swum Gloria, cannot remember not being able to. My Dad was keen but not my Mum who was ill as a child so never really got the opportunity to learn. We had an outdoor pool at school and had to swim one length and jump in at the deep end to be able to wear a white cap instead of a red cap. My friend just couldn't jump in so even though she could swim the length she never got to progress. I've never liked diving and haven't jumped in for years, prefer to keep my face out of the water. I just love swimming up and down ~ not fast!.

No Adrian I haven't plucked up the courage yet to swim in the Jubilee Pool even though it looks wonderful. It's not the cold that stops me but nobody to go with and for the cost you need to do more than stay for just 1/2 hour or so. Don't think the over 60s would be free there. Also, unless things have changed since I first came here, there are no doors on the changing rooms due to (I was told) youngsters using them for drugs and drink. Parking also an issue. Having the option of the Leisure Centre is too easy.

I agree re The Tudors ~ made me feel quite funny. I was thinking while watching it, I wonder if it's because we see and hear so much about war and torture that's happening nowadays that it seems more real what went on all those years ago. In History at school everything seemed so remote from our lives and a lot of the reality was skimmed over. Good programme though! Although Jane Seymour seemed a bit too sophisticated and confident, lovely as the actress is, I thought she was a younger girl.

[Dex Cameron]

It's part of the fun of reaching 60 ~ has to be some compensations.

I had no idea until I reached 60 that I was entitled to a free bus pass (not lived on or near a bus route for years!), free prescriptions (only usually hay fever stuff) and only found out about the winter fuel allowance from a friend when I was 62!

Now that 65 beckons I'm starting to wonder what, apart from a state pension, might be coming my way!

Compensations? Well it's compensation enough to be here when, for example, I think of my best man who died at the young age of 48. And then there are the animals who continue to regard me the same, year in, year out, as, fortunately, does my wife!

So I'm prepared to carry on thinking of age as not worth thinking about really....

[Dex Cameron]

I envy anyone who can swim as I never had the confidence to let go of the rail.......odd really because both of my parents swam, my sister never learnt either. We must be a pair of real woosies.

No you're not, Gloria. Yes it is your confidence and that can be instilled at any age so you could swim if you wanted to. A combination of simple rules and technique and you'll be away. The fact that so many others can tells you you're no different.

The sea around Cornwall, at its warmest about now, is a good place to swim if you observe the lifeguards' instructions and choose the right, gently-shelving beach on a calm day because you can choose your own depth! Though, I guess you'd start in a nice warm pool somewhere - just trying to help you enjoy ALL that Cornwall has to offer - and, of course, it's such a healthy thing to do.

[jane jackson]

Dex your tax allowance increases at 65 to £9490 for this tax year. Not a lot significant happens after that I don't think so we can all just appreciate being alive. I expect we all have a friend who has died far too young, a friend of mine died in her 30s leaving a 5 year old son.

Anyway the sun is shining in PZ as I hope it is everywhere and we've been on Sennen beach watching the surfers trying to surf but the waves are too small. Sure they're enjoying it anyway.

[Kath Mulligan]

I will happily (if not very efficiently!) swim in a pool, but I hate swimming in the sea, largely because of an incident some years ago when I was in the sea at Folkestone, put my foot down ready to come out of the water, and stood on a large crab!!! That was a definite "ouch" moment so I content myself these days with just paddling around at the edge of clear water so that I can see what's around my feet. :fie:

The best times we have had have been when we have rented a large house with its own indoor pool - twice in Portwrinkle, and once in Norfolk. The girls can swim like fish so we used to spend ages in the pool, sometimes swimming seriously, but mostly playing water volleyball and larking around. Each time, there were a large group of us staying in the house so it could get quite riotous when most of us piled in there.

Jane, I didn't realise the changing cubicles at the Jubilee Pool have no doors! No way would I consider using them! They tried to do away with separate changing cubicles at our local pool here and just have one large communal room. There was such an outcry that they compromised and have the large room but also a handful of cubicles too. Some of the younger folk don't seem to mind the open plan look, but us oldies with less than perfect shapes much prefer a bit of privacy!!;)

Kath

[Dex Cameron]

we've been on Sennen beach watching the surfers trying to surf

Thanks for the mental picture; we've been to Sennen a few times, as we have to so many places in Cornwall. We have visited the Round House several times and various Cornwall memorabilia around the house come from there. And the ice-cream parlour!

[jane jackson]

Kath I hope I'm not doing the Jubilee Pool a disservice as I haven't looked this year to check. We usually make it to the cafe for a coffee as you can take the dogs there but haven't done so yet this season.

[Sybille Weber]

I will happily (if not very efficiently!) swim in a pool, but I hate swimming in the sea, largely because of an incident some years ago when I was in the sea at Folkestone, put my foot down ready to come out of the water, and stood on a large crab!!! That was a definite "ouch" moment so I content myself these days with just paddling around at the edge of clear water so that I can see what's around my feet. :fie:..................Kath

Folkestone is in fact the only place in England where I have swum in the sea, as the sea is usually too cold for me (and my heart problem), but that was an exceptionally hot summer. Fortunately no crabs around at that time.
Haven't seen a swimming pool from inside for ages now. It's not only the cold water and the exertion from swimming but also the pressure of the water on the heart that doesn't allow me to swim. As I have never been a really keen swimmer, I don't miss it too much really though.
Jubilee Pool was on TV over here only recently. People generally seemed to enjoy the fact that it is so huge and you can feel away from it all there. I also understand it is filled with seawater, isn't it?

As to free swimming, fuel allowance and free public transport for the over 60's, this is totally unknown over here in Germany. You do not even get it when you reach the official pensioner age of 67. Some places offer reductions for old-age-pensioners but this is more and more becoming a thing of the past, and just severely disabled people still get a few services cheaper or pay less on entrance fees.

[gloria townsin]

When I was about 12 we used to swim once a week with the school.....in an outdoor pool with no heating, during the months of Autumn through to Spring. It was freeeeezing!! Few of us ever managed to do anything other than say "Sir I've got cramp, can I get out?" within minutes of getting in. Ridiculous! For years my Mum and many others sent us off to school with a weekly donation to the proposed school pool......never did it materialise in mine or my sisters school life-time. It was finally built and I took our youngest son to use it......then after a few more years it closed. It is being re-built and should have been ready for use this Summer...I say should...it is still not open. So all those donations which were hard for my Mum to find never did benefit any of us, only the one time Matthew swam there.
Communal changing rooms at any age would never work for me and as for no doors on the cubicle.....that would be me put off before I began.
However, I did buy a swimsuit while in Falmouth so it might be one I actually wear rather than the usual put it in mothballs variety that I've had over the years.

[Dex Cameron]

However, I did buy a swimsuit while in Falmouth so it might be one I actually wear rather than the usual put it in mothballs variety that I've had over the years.

Yes - go for it!!!;)

[Sybille Weber]

.......... We have visited the Round House several times and various Cornwall memorabilia around the house come from there.....

I, too, have several Cornwall memorabilia bought at the Round House in Sennen. I especially love my two little stoneware sheep and the family of three little blue ceramic birds decorated with beautiful ornaments, and, most of all, they are marked 'Made in Cornwall'.
Wonder whether the Round House is still open nowadays. Haven't been for ages.

[adesmith]

Rachel noticed that there were no doors on the cubicles last time we had a look at the Jubilee Pool. It does seem a bit odd but I understand the reason why. The pool does look fun though and maybe one day. I think it is filled up by the sea Sybille but I am not sure how often (I imagine they have to pump it in).

I love swimming in the sea around Cornwall. Everyone seems to have those shorty wetsuits and I really must get one for myself. Unfortunately whilst I was enjoying the crashing waves on Porthcurno Beach (a week ago today - sigh!) I realised that my swim shorts are little big for me and I had to swim with one hand hold them up!!! It hadnt been a problem in the nice calm sea at Porth Kidney and Carbis Bay. I sometimes swim nearer home but usually only as far down as Gower. The further the sea gets up towards Newport the muddier it gets! I have swum at Porthcawl before.

Kath, your crab experience reminded me of something that happed on Porth Kidney beach whilst we were there. I was swimming in the sea (with my Mum and Rupert) and as I was walking out I felt something sharp on my toe. When we got out there was a tiny pin prick of dark red and my foot was agony for about 45mins. Shooting pains. After that it just went away and I was fine. Paddling and swimming did bother me a bit after that. Completely unrelated, a few days later on the same beach Rachel found a a rusty and sharp hack saw blade sticking up out of the sand where she was padding with Rupert. She gave it to the Lifeguard. You do need to be careful!

[jane jackson]

Yes you do need to be careful as even a sharp rock that's hidden by the sand can be painful. We find all sorts of rubbish on the beaches but mostly on Long Rock going in the Marazion direction especially near the steps by the pub. Bryan spends a lot of time picking up litter while I'm watching the waves. We always have a large plastic bag (while they're still available) to collect the small bags we use for the dogs so that is nearly always full of litter by the time we leave. A couple of times Bryan's found a bucket complete with handle and filled that up as well. A lot comes from the sea, washed off boats we hope rather than thrown off, but also cans, bottles and takeaway boxes from the evening before.

In the paper this week it said there was a Portugese Man of War found on Long Rock beach (PZ end). Hope we don't find one of them in case the dogs are curious.

[gloria townsin]

A Portugese Man O'War was what I thought of straight away as there are reports of them in the local papers. They are most unpleasant if you step on them.

The body suits seem a good idea for sea swimming and everyone seems to wear them, plus which they aren't too expensive.

[Kath Mulligan]

Could also have been a weaver fish, Adrian. Watching Seaside Rescue the lifeguards at Perranporth have had quite a few of those to deal with. Apparently the correct treatment is to immerse the foot in water as hot as you can bear it for about 30 minutes.

Gloria, one time when I am down I'll bring my cozzie with me, then we'll find a quiet pool and go in together.

Kath

[adesmith]

I did think of weaver fish but when I got home on the Internet it says that the pain lasts for about 2 hours, so I dont know. Rachel was on the verge of going to ask the Lifeguard for a First Aid box. Didnt know about the hot water treatment at the time. I guess that draws the poison out. Rupert has some little swimming shoes, so maybe I need to get some of those!

I think I might look out for one the suits Gloria. I wonder if I had one of them whether I could swim at colder times of the year? It would be great to have a dip in October but I am not sure I would try it in February!

[gloria townsin]

I think the suits must make a difference to the warmth of swimming in the sea. I had a bit of a look at some at Poldhu beach hut Cafe, I was pleasantly surprised at their price, they also sell them in Helston Tesco. They had some nice little beach chairs there as well, in fact they are well stocked with beach goodies. The weather icon doesn't look too promising for Bank Holiday sunshine today, the Theatre looked quite bleak when I looked around 6pm last night.

[jane jackson]

Not very promising weather at all today although still warm. A lot of sea fog and drizzle. Bryan and his Coastwatch colleagues were trying to do a plotting exercise in the Bay but they couldn't even see the Scillonian never mind a marker to be dropped off by a boat so that's been postponed once more, very frustrating as it all takes a bit of organising getting everyone available at the same time.

We had to go over towards St Just and that was very foggy out there. The low gorse and the heather looked wonderful but you couldn't get the proper effect with the visibility as it was.

[Kath Mulligan]

Just looked at the Minack webcam and the fog is so thick you can't see the sea at all!

Dry, grey and overcast up here, not particularly warm and a bit of dampness in the air.

Kath

[adesmith]

Its a grey and overcast bank holiday in Newport. We are going over into England for a day out and picnic at Lacock Abbey (making use of our National Trust membership). I think it may be a bit busy but its nice to get out.