Loving Cote Sud

Hope you're hanging out somewhere beautiful and relaxing this Labor Day weekend. 

As I've recently enjoyed my Summer vacation waterside at gorgeous northern California Lake Almanor, I can only sigh over these amazing images from Cote Sud magazine, one of my favorites.  Somewhere on the Mediterranean coast some lucky people are enjoying their Summer vacation days here.

If you labored hard all week you may decide to lie in on this holiday weekend.  Wouldn't this be the perfect place?  Perhaps, after sleeping late, a dear one would tap on the door with a tray............coffee unadorned, just strong and black, with crisp buttered toast and chunky English marmalade would be my choice..............and a sweet smelling rose on the side reminding me that Summer days will be ending soon. 

I'm looking forward to Autumn.......how about you?

Fishing at the English Seaside...............

As Summer wanes I'm thinking how I've missed going home this year.  I've visited many wonderful places since Spring but as England was not in the cards this year I'm feeling just a wee bit homesick.  Homesick you say, after moving away so very long ago! 

 

Fishermen heading out from Lyme Regis.

Because home was at the seaside I was spoiled.  There was always the gentle water of the bay, the choice of a sandy or pebbly beach, the boats drifting by, and the fresh sea air.  We didn't have anything fancy - such as a motorboat, sailboat, jet ski, not even a canoe - but we had endless Summer days when school was out for the long holidays, and loads of fun which we made for ourselves by the water.

On a few occasions I was invited to hop aboard a neighbor family's row boat for some mackerel fishing - a real treat.  I clearly recall how exciting it was to be rowed through deep water below the rocky cliffs which I'd only previously viewed from above.

My hometown fishing spot - Torquay.

Brixham, Devon, across the bay. A true fishing town and my father's birthplace, but I don't think he fished a day in his life!

Waiting for a good fish dinner!

Have you moved far from your childhood home?  If so, do you still get homesick?  What special memories are dear to you?

Images from visits home over the past few years.

Invitation to Penny's in Asheville.................

Have you managed to meet any of your blogging friends in person?
I have been extremely fortunate to do this many times in the last three years, both here in the USA and in Europe. Must say it's always been such a great experience.  To hug a friend known only previously on a computer monitor is so much fun!  I just know special friendships have been made this way, one of the better aspects of using a computer in one's daily life.

Mary & Penny - Treasure hunting in Asheville - October 2009

Last year I traveled to gorgeous Asheville, North Carolina to meet up with the most delightful blog friend, Penny of The Comforts of Home/Lavender Hill Studio.  Penny, as many of you know, is an amazing mosaic artist, fabulous house restoration expert (along with her charming husband), interior decorator, gardener, and one of the best 'treasure hunters' whom I was thrilled to go antiquing with in Asheville.

...............and here's the reason I'm gushing about Penny...............

We are invited to Penny's beautiful home (and believe me it truly is as I visited while she and K were still in the throes of renovation and decorating) for an Autumn brunch, and a visit to some of Asheville's great antiquing venues.  I'm definitely going to be there - and hopefully you can make it too.  Another plus will be viewing the North Carolina mountains dressed in Fall colors, always spectacular.

Go visit Penny at The Comforts of Home for more details of her invitation - it will definitely be fun as there are already several bloggers planning go.

Thanks Penny........can't wait to see you again.