Sunday 3 January 2010

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

The lead up to Christmas and both Christmas & Boxing Days had been full of promise. With our family around us and two beautiful grand daughters to spoil, we should have been in our element!

Then, all of a sudden, like a cheap bottle of cava, our bubbles lost there fizz. Michael first, with a dreadful cold, cough and aches and pains. Then, me, yet again with my lousy Christmas cough and cold. Finally, Michael's brother who is really not well at all ended up in hospital so we spent quite alot of time backwards and forwards to Broomfield Hospital. Combine all of that lot, plus the horrible weather and well, what more is there to say?

Today we decided to treat ourselves to lunch at The Chequers Goldhanger and to build our appetite up we decided to walk there.
The tide was out when we left home about 10.15am. I was surprised by just how many people were out walking. Obviously everyone's new year resolution is "to get fit."
We walked passed the new log cabin style homes, close to Osea Road. I always joke that I would like to retire here, I would love the peace and quiet. Michael is not quite so keen, I think he thinks they'll be too chilly in the winter months and as they're quite close to the treatment works, pongy odour could be a problem on a windy day!
I wouldn't like to live on Osea Island, far too extreme for me. I couldn't cope with driving over that bumpy causeway and supposing you run out of milk!!!! Could be an issue.
The sun was shining as we walked into Goldhanger Creek. The boats were still imbedded on the mud, waiting for the tide.
We continued into Goldhanger along Fish Street,
reaching our destination The Chequers about midday.
We had a really nice lunch, a good bottle of wine and sat and made suggestions for holidays in 2010. I chose not to mention my plans for our decorating calendar, thought that might spoil the moment.
The tide was well and truly in when we set off on our walk home. It seemed slightly warmer too. The footpath which had been quite hard under foot earlier in the day was now wet and squashy.
I took this photo from the causeway looking over at Osea Island. As you can see, it's mostly under the water there's not alot of it to be seen.
As we approached Heybridge Basin the sun was setting.
Just the odd boat or two still moored in the river.
Along the sea wall passed the Blackwater sailing club.
Just before 4pm and we're nearly home. This is the view down the river towards Bradwell from the end of our road.

Happy New Year everyone.
I will strive to write more on my blog. I'm trying to knit socks for my January task. When I understand what I'm doing, I'll picture them and show you the results.












2 comments:

  1. A lovely day. Hope R is soon back on his feet. I have also spent my Christmas in Broomfield Hospital as my dad is very ill. Hope to see you soon.

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  2. Sounds like you deserved your lunch. Funny I asked Dave today what his decorating plans were for this year, it didn't go down to well! Keep your ideas to yourself at least until tomorrow.
    Looking forward to seeing the socks.

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