sunset
As the sun sets on winter, spring is already bursting forth.
See the new growth on the Syringa tree, silhouetted against a pink and lilac sky.
A Syringa Spring!
West Sands 1
This is the beach where the famous opening scene was filmed for the 1981 Chariots of Fire movie: West Sands in St Andrews, Scotland
There is still a plaque here, commemorating the film. West Sands was used to portray Broadstairs in Kent, where the runners actually ran.
West Sands 2 Plaque
It’s a lovely stretch of wild sandy beach and on the day we went, fairly deserted. It was late July and though not raining, there was a strong breeze, which I think there always is!
West Sands 3
There were many birds in this small river inlet to the sea; mostly seagulls, but also a few dark birds.
West Sands 4
It’s hard to see exactly what they are, but some of the dark birds had white on them.
As I’ve mentioned before, my little Canon camera really battles to take a clear picture in dim lighting; the photo is grainy and pixelated.
West Sands 5
And just to prove I was here; here I am – wind-swept and freezing!
.
Instead of the well-known opening clip from the Chariots of Fire movie, with the lads jogging along the beach (also looking wind-swept and freezing!) here’s the comedic genius of Rowan Atkinson showing them a thing or two at the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympics.
.
After being blown to bits on the beach (which I find refreshing; plenty of oxygen!) we went for sustenance at a lovely little hidden away cafe and had the best scones ever!
Scones
There was a choice of the most delicious fillings such as fresh fruit, all with great names, like the Prince of Wales etc
I just had a plain one, with butter, jam and clotted cream, but it was scrumptious and basically, that was my lunch!
A woman’s mind is cleaner than a man’s; she changes it more often.
– Oliver Herford
I’m sure all the men reading this are smiling while nodding in agreement! However, I think that women are much more flexible than men, being able to change their way of thinking when necessary; we can see more possibilities and multitask better.
Men get stuck with one thought and pursue it doggedly, even when they are wrong (which, of course, they always are!)
Stained Glass Window 1
Haiku 46
Sunlight filters through
Coloured chips of silica
Stained-glass perfection
.
Stained Glass Window 2
This beautiful stained glass window is one of many in St Salvator’s Chapel, St Andrews, Scotland.
St Salvator’s Chapel
The chapel was founded in 1450 and has Late Gothic architecture.
Stained Glass Window 3
There are many magnificent old buildings and churches all over the UK. This is just one small church in one small town.
Stained Glass Window 4
I like the first window the best, but have included all of the windows, because everyone has different tastes and maybe your favourite is one of these others.
Stained Glass Window 5
And below is a shot of the interior. You can see the organ pipes reaching high up into the roof.
St Salvator’s Chapel 2
What I love about a place such as this, apart from the glorious beauty, is the history. You are standing where others have stood, for nearly 570 years!
LM Twist 1
Come on Baby; Let’s do the Twist.
LM Twist 2
Come on Baby; and it goes like this.
LM Twist 3
I’ve noticed lately that Little Monkey likes to rush outside as soon as she’s had her supper and rub her face all over the grass, with her bum in the air.
LM Twist 4
I’m pretty supple myself, but LM takes it to a whole new level!
post script: You can listen here to Chubby Checker sing The Twist. How high are the girls’ pants in the clip??
Aldeburgh Beach 1
Aldeburgh Beach, Suffolk.
Not a beach to dig your toes in the sand.
Aldeburgh Beach 2
But interesting.
And it reminds me of the Neil Diamond song, Stones, which I love!
Well pretty much any song by Neil Diamond!
I wonder how many calories I burn by jumping to conclusions?
– Unknown
Hey, I’m willing to try anything to keep the weight down!
