Saturday

Good morning, everyone.  I wasn't going to do an entry until I got home but, for the first time here, I didn't sleep all that well and am up very early so I thought I may as well . . .

I think the bad night was from two causes.  There's a few things going on back home that concern me (personally but not directly, if that makes sense) and - well, I did have a big dinner last night!

Yesterday morning it was raining but by mid-morning it had all cleared up and the sun was shining so off I went, down to the beach, walking shoes and back pack on.  Both have been a real blessing this week.  The shoes (just Karrimor ones, nothing special) have given my feet great support and the back pack (just a small one) holds money, roll up mac, sun cream, book, etc, very comfortably.  The tide was out and, I think, pretty much on the turn so I strolled right by the edge down to the estuary and back.  On the way back someone caught up with me and, lo and behold, it was my friend, Faith!  She and her husband have a cottage a bit further down the coast and they had come to Southwold for the day with a couple of friends.  What are the chances, eh?  If it had just been her and hubby, I'd have suggested a coffee together, but as she had friend with her, I didn't like to.  Maybe next time.

I carried on after a refreshing chat, putting on my mac as it started to rain lightly, but that lasted something like five minutes before the sun came out again - the worst was out at sea where it looked very black and you could see the rain falling.

After lunch, I wandered up and down the high street and just bought some Southwold rock to take back.  I gave the item I was thinking about a miss because I liked it but I didn't really love it.  Then it was back to the shed to watch some Wimbledon.

As expected, the fish and chips was so delicious.  Freshly cooked in beef dripping, the flavour was wonderful.  No wonder it is a popular place and, as they fry to order, there was quite a group waiting but fifteen minutes or so later, I had my order and ten minutes after that I was tucking in.

Another coincidence - when I went on Facebook in the evening, there was a photo of an ex colleague who retired the same time as I did (but who is back teaching on and off) leaning against one of the beach huts by the pier.  She was here for the day with an aunt who lives not too far away.  Three of us, all from the same mid Essex primary school in the same holiday town on the same day!

The packing is pretty much done now with just a few bits and bobs left out.  When I'm dressed, I'll get it all into the car and then lock up the shed and take the key back to Suffolk Secrets before coming back (maybe the long way) to collect the car and leave.

And that will be my holiday over.  It's been fantastic but it will also be fantastic to get home again too.  In three and a half weeks I will be off again, this time to France on my Unexpected Holiday.  What a gadabout!

I know the house will be nice and clean because the cleaners were in yesterday and the garden will be fine as people between them have kept it watered.  There will be some weeding but that won't take too long.  There will be some washing too - I have a big bag of clothes to deal with so fingers crossed it is nice and warm this afternoon so it all dries well.