Enjoying a clotted cream ice cream- What diet?

After lunch we set off again and found ourselves at Mylor Harbour. Walking along the beach we saw an egret and a heron fishing for their lunch but unfortunely we were not close enough to get a decent photo.

Feeling a bit peckish Anne ordered a crab sandwich, I was horrified -it cost £10 and that was without the cheesy chips!!

Agnes the seagull joined us for lunch.

Trying out another local ale- still have many to sample.

"The pub's this way"

After completing a job application on my behalf Anne decided it was time to go into Truro for a bit of retail therapy. Not really my idea of fun but the sun was shining so off we went.

Not stopping at Truro but carrying on for a few miles I began to wonder where we were heading - I really wasn't in the mood for another of Anne's rambles. We turned off down a narrow country track and were obviously heading towards the coast- well river estuary actually.

After what seemed like miles, the road came to an abrupt end but what a view! We had arrived at the Pandora Inn.

Week 3

Saturday the sun was shining again so we set off for a day in Falmouth - met up for lunch with Anne's son Matthew. Sat out in the very warm sunshine -17 degrees - eating pizza and olives!

Later in the afternoon we made our way to the Falmouth Watersports Centre where Matthew was performing with his band Pentorr. They play tradional Cornish folk music and the afternoon was a gathering of local musicians.
In the evening we joined Matthew and his friend Ed for a drink at the village pub. Getting quite a taste for the local ale - Tribute

After a busy day in the garden on Sunday, Monday involved atrip to the tip to dispose of the garden rubbish. Anne thinks it's got to be the only tip in the UK with a wonderful sea view.

Tuesday I went off on a bit of an adventure on the north coast. travelled the coast road from Padstow to Newquay calling in at several beaches along the way. Resisted a visit to Jamie Olivers restaurant at Watergate bay - £18.50 for lunch!

Wednesday was sign on day, so another visit to St Austell but this time didn't need to use public transport thank goodness. Anne finished work today for 3 and half week Easter break so we had an early evening drink in Charlestown. This is a very small harbour village often used in film sets and is home to two tallships.

Charlestown Harbour

Thursday I went off to the Jobcentre again, this time it was to get my CV checked out- well they obviously weren't too impressed because this weeks job is to get it re-written! Very nice advisor though!

Packed our bags ready for a trip up the M5 in the old banger and a weekend in the Midlands.

An early start on Friday (6am!!) and the old banger did us proud, arriving in Cheltenham at lightning speed. Then the work began- my daughter was moving house. Picked my grandaughter up from nursery and enjoyed some time with her before her bedtime. Spent the evening with my head under the sink trying to work out how to plumb in the dish washer which they wanted placed metres away from the water supply and waste outlet- oh joy!

Saturday was another early start-Gia joined us in bed at 6am. After unpacking a few more boxes we left and headed a bit further up the M5 for a yummy pasta lunch with Raff and Mo.

After lunch went to see a very old girlfriend in her nursing home - 94! Granny Ball

Caught up with another old friend and ex-work mate in Worcester before travelling back to Cheltenham. A real family gathering in the evening as son Shaun had arrived from Bournemouth.

Sunday morning after all the goodbyes we travelled back to Cornwall. Once again the old car got us home in good time, leaving the afternoon free for me to fit my brand new Sony Xplode cd player into the car. Boy racer!!

Enjoying a proper pasty on Padstow harbour.

Finding the rock climbing a bit tough

.......................but sand castle building is coming on great!

Week two

Tuesday was a busy day.

1 pm visit to local Job Centre-45 minutes and many forms later, still didn't have a job but did get a hair cut. Not at the Job Centre you understand but at a barbers up the road! Spent the next hour sussing out public transport. Two choices for travelling the 5 miles home- Bus 30 mins or train which obviously takes the scenic route because the journey lasts 55 minutes! Opted for the bus which conveniently drops off right outside the village pub.

6pm saw us heading off for the local car auction which turned out to be an entertaining experience but did not result in me spending any money. But someone was looking down on me and my miserable face and parked in B+Q carpark was the car of my dreams and it was for sale! Lovely shiny paintwork -in the dark- so decided to have a look at it again next day.

Wednesday again proved to be another busy day.

Rushed up to the local Spar shop in the morning ( no hadn't run out of beer- just needed the weekly paper to check out the cars for sale!) Also scanned the internet again and found a renault Clio for sale in Truro - 24 miles away. So another adventure on cornish local transport. Bus to St Austell- 30 mins, train to Truro- 20 mins. Anne picked me after I had time to try out local Wetherspoons. Off we went to see the Clio. Rusty old nail and very expensive and that was just the saleswoman! Plan B, back towards home and and car from B+Q carpark. By 7pm I was the proud owner of a Renault Laguna 1.8 sport. (boy racer/ mid-life crisis)

Thursday

Insurance and break down cover sorted, there was no stopping me now. A few essentials to buy -like an I Love Cornwall sticker for my back window and the Haynes Renault Lagune 1.8 sport manual. Soon got that sorted.

Friday

Needed to get supplies in so headed off to Padstow and the only Bargain Booze in the SW. Only one problem a trip to Padstow with Anne always means a walk on the beach and back on coastal footpath, but only 3 miles today so not too bad!!! Only one minor problem, very soon discovered my shoes are totally useless for walking on rough terrain so then had to purchase a pair of walking boots!

Arrival

Arrived at Newquay airport 4.50pm on Tuesday 10th March. Sun was shining! Headed off for Bugle and on arrival was greeted by Meggie the westie and Eric the cat. Lovely evening - bottle of cider and decent bit of mature cheddar.
Couple of trips to the local bar has resulted in a free pint for my next visit. Studied the local papers for a job and car.
Friday headed off in search of a car but nothing decent to spend my money on (£200).
Saturday was spent car hunting again but lunchtime found ourselves relaxing in the sunshine at a very nice seafront bar.
Roast beef, yorkshire pud and yummy roast parsnips for Sunday lunch.
AND........... Spurs have not lost a game since I arrived back in the country!!
Life is good!!