Fun

MrK has had a rare wknd off and although we were like passing ships yesterday, I'd requested us to do something 'fun' all together today. The mornings weather was atrocious, so we all took it a bit steady coming to, before heading out to Southend. We all wrapped up for winter and the wind was bitter, with threatening clouds.  We had a walk along the front, declining a walk along the words longest pleasure pier...that was a step too far! We wandered through some arcades, playing some old school racing games, and 2p slot machines. One little girl had won the jackpot on a game that was pumping out 4000 tickets! We had thought about ten pin bowling, but everywhere was booked out. Walking back along the front we stumbled across a cafe that was hosting 'Portrait artist of the year, Southend'. We like watching that on TV, so went in to see and have a cuppa. They were 15mins away from finishing and there was a lovely buzz. They were painting a beautiful model dressed in victorian clothing, and as per the programme, our favourite wasn't picked! There are another 2 heats of 5 artists, before the final when a wild card will be picked from previous heats. I might go back.
When we came out the sun was starting to shine, so we walked up through the gardens up to the war memorial on Clifftown Parade, where it was so peaceful and stunning balconied houses. The wisteria was out in abundance looking glorious. We walked past the funicular lift, which really shouts victoriana. The sun and blue sky were so very welcome at this stage.
A fun day with my boys.