Easter & Essex

Easter Monday's weather couldn't maintain the glorious sunshine of the rest of the weekend. The weather was dull and overcast, but we still went out to Anthony House in Plymouth with friends Linda and Ken. It is a National Trust Property situated in large grounds. We crossed into Cornwall on the Torpoint chain ferry, but the dismal weather didn't make it worthwhile getting out of the car to take photographs.

Although Pete was off work this week Julie worked at the Deli on Tuesday and although we were off to Essex for the weekend we both managed to walk Rufus a few times. Tuesday was abysmally wet, but we had a great walk with Rufus on North Sands, having the place to ourselves. The weather is something that we have vowed won't stop us doing things and as Billy Connelly says "there is no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothes".

We have been back to Essex for the weekend for our daughter Gemma's birthday and to help fit a kitchen at Julie's mum & dad's house. Our first trip back in the middle of the day and as expected the M25 was it's usual bad self - no real problems to see, but slow traffic all the way round the North side. I'd rather be behind a tractor on a Devon lane any day.

The kitchen fitting has gone well and it's been great to catch up with family over the weekend too. I think we nearly saw them all, apart from Pete's older brother and his wife, as they are in Turkey, and their daughters who couldn't make our gathering for their own reasons. It is a shame, however, we nearly always manage to see them when we return to Essex. Julie's mum's garden is in full bloom and "The Bride" (see photograph) is again giving off a fantastic display.

Julie will be back in Devon this week, whilst Pete is staying in London due to work commitments. We've not been in Devon long, but really feel the need to get back and away from the hustle and bustle of Essex and London.