Saturday, November 29, 2008

STOKE BEACH








This is the most special place in the world to me for many reasons.

I spent many weekends as a child and in my teens having lots of fun at this place.
Stoke Beach is an uncommercialised caravan park where local people holiday in static caravans.

I remember when I was about 10 years old going down to the beach with friends and spending the day swimming and basically having loads of fun. My Mum used to make up a packed lunch for me which would have my favourite sandwiches (egg mayonnaise) or crab paste.

The beach played a very big part of my child and teenage years. I even did a study of the beach for my Geography O Level, the only coursework I actually completed and enjoyed.

I felt I have been priveleged to have lived in such a beautiful place for many years of my early life.

Many people holiday in Devon which speaks volumes about the place, however when you are a local there are very few places that you can visit in the summer without bumping into the foreigners as we used to call the tourists (I apologise in advance to anyone who has visited Devon in the past for that comment).
Stoke Beach was the get away place. Very secluded and unspoilt. My Mum, Dad and I used to visit every weekend between April and October. Also I would stay there in the summer holidays. I had many friends and best of all lots of freedom.

When I was older , 16 years, I used to stay with friends from school. We'd visit the local pub, The Ship in the village near by called Newton Ferrers. Its setting is so picturesque overlooking the river Yealm. Im hoping to spend some time there next summer with my husband and son Danny.


Friday, November 21, 2008

WELCOME MR AND MRS BROCKLEBANK







Finally got round to putting on some photos of the family wedding. A good time was had by all, especially The Lopez Family. Visiting England was lovely, however it was great to come home to France after a fantastic weekend. Its the family I miss not the chaos thats for sure. We have decided to make sure we visit family in England at least once a year. Enjoy the photos.

Thursday, November 6, 2008

ENGLAND HERE WE COME!!

We are off to England today. My niece is getting married. So very excited. Will report and blog some photos when I get back.

Saturday, November 1, 2008

HAPPY 17TH BIRTHDAY

I will never forget the first time I met Jessica my step daughter. My Boyfriend (now husband) was picking her up for the weekend. I sat in the car nervously knowing how important this little girl was to him and that if I didnt have her approval things could be difficult for Boyfriend and I to sustain a relationship. She was 4 years old, nearly 5, the smallest, cutest little girl Id ever seen.

She got into the car, gave me a smile and looked curiously at me for the rest of the journey. I always remember her holding a Panda cuddly toy. Her favourite even today.

Here we are 12 years later and she is now a very important part of my life. Most people when they take on someone elses child have issues either with the child or with the other parent. I am very fortunate that I have a fantastic relationship with both, and am looking forward to the future with them as a part of it for many years to come .

HAPPY 17TH BIRTHDAY JESSICA.