Not another Manic Monday

Only in my town can you find:

* A seagull shouting at a crow over a chip

* A scary tattooed obese man in a over-sized saggy tracksuit with shaved hair, whiskers and plenty of piercings...and then realise on closer inspection that it is actually a woman (let me tell you, my eyes were on stalks!)

* A leggy brunette with a sharp, glossy bob, wearing quite possibly the shortest skirt I've seen in a while...and then realise on closer inspection that it is actually a man (and this was ten minutes after seeing the lady above - I kid you not)

* A very fit shirtless surfer dude jogging past (and let me tell you, he was all man)

* A selection of the finest cherry tree shops I have ever come across

* OAPS whizzing past on their motorized scooters, gossiping and puffing on fags like they are going out of fashion

* A hungry seagull grabbing a bun from an even hungrier toddler's hand (thankfully not my toddler)

This place is growing on me. And not just because of the fit man. It's been an interesting seven weeks; not really forming friendships as easily as I thought I would, having no idea where to drive to the nearest supermarket, trying to remember where to go for the school run, standing in the park after school like a billy-no-mates, and sometimes (not always, but sometimes) feeling  unsure about what the hell we are doing here. It's been a roller coaster. I LOVE the sea but the other bits have taken a while to get used to.

But everyone who has relocated here has told me it takes at least a year to settle. I don't know why that is, but it's made me feel much better!

Today has been great. I left the house for the school run and was greeted by the neighbours on both sides (they are lovely, as is the wonderful Debs over the road....I know you are reading this, ha!) I then walked to school and recognised people on the way. After the school run I walked three miles to my favourite outdoor beach cafe and a jogger went past and said "Hi Gem!" and I felt a bit more like a local.

Was it just another Manic Monday? Hardly.  The Prince and I have spent ALL day on the beach. I haven't done a single chore and it feels gooooood.

Cherry tree top and bag (well, strap)

Overdid the sun cream on the Prince

My little beach boy

I do love the palm trees!

This makes my heart skip a beat. Eat your heart out Olly Murs,

 And it gets better. I found this book for 5p. FIVE WHOLE PENCE. I remember this book as a kid and got very excited.

So imagine my squeal when I unearthed these too. And I did squeal. A little too loud, some may say.

All of them. Five pence each. Oh my!

This one is the oldest from 1960.

Camera went blurry due to the sun cream I smeared on the lens. Whoops!

And I am thrilled that the bookworm gene has passed down to my lovely Princess. She has started keeping a diary and also I snapped a pic of her reading in the garden. Reading is such a wonderful past time and I hope this is something she will do for years to come.

Meanwhile the Prince was in the wooden playhouse singing the Harry Potter theme tune at the top of his lungs.

If only every day could be as lush as this. It's been the best Monday I can remember in a long time. And apparently the weather is staying put all week!! YIPEE!!!!!