Tonic

Sometimes I really miss the sea. It's funny how living just 15 miles inland (and not currently working on a job that took me to the seaside regularly) means I have become much more likely to go for a walk in a wood or up a hill. But, I really miss the beach, and the sea air, and the sound and presence of the waves and the defined edge.

Late last night I decided that I had to make more effort not to waste my remaining maternity leave, I don't want to look back and think all I managed to do with the time was keep the kitchen clean and keep up to date with the ironing. So, today after dropping the older boys at school I left the breakfast dishes for my lovely husband and the ironing pile for my mum, and headed to Balmedie with the littlest.

I gave my pal Josie a text first thing on the off chance she was free whilst her oldest was at nursery and she was, so she came too, with her two little ones and a flask of coffee.

It was a tonic to the soul, both the sea air and the vast empty beach, but also the chat with my friend. Perfect actually.