Newton by the Sea

Down to Northumberland for a couple of days with bestest pal and her daughter and friend.

After a trouble-free drive down the A1 in gorgeous sunshine, we arrived at our destination and made the most of the good weather with an afternoon walk along the beach towards Beadnell. Sun, sea, crashing waves, sandy beach, blue skies - a life-affirming stroll confirmed that all's well with the world.

Back at the holiday cottage - warm, comfortable, modern, stylish with lots of space - there was a bit of delay whilst we established how to work the ceramic hob. However, the reassuring pop of cork from the first bottle of wine eased any tension and we feasted to our fill and then were well and truly beaten by the young 'uns at a game of Pictionary.

Couldn't get the log fire to light, mind you.. All those years as a Girl Guide do not seem to have paid off.