Sunday December 23rd 2018

I have to admit this is not my image - off the Toney Minchella website

Mum asked me before we came north if we'd buy her friends some presents. For the last couple of years mum has not been able to walk well, following a hip replacement which went wrong, so her legs are constantly suffering from an infection. She can walk okay with a walker, but is in pain. Consequently she rarely leaves the house unless it's for hospital appointments or shopping. So this morning, and not taking no for an answer, I said to mum we three, Julie and I plus mum will go and deliver the present to Joan and Alan. Dad will enjoy the peace and quiet as he rarely gets time on his own now being mums carer. So off we went, down to Joan and Alan's. They've never met Julie and as Joan is one of mums oldest friends it was high time they did. We didn't stay long just a quick as the Swinbanks had a lot to do before the arrival of their son.  Ten minutes later we were back on the road. And what made this special is that mum was enjoying being out, just for the sake of going out. A drive along the coast road seemed a perfect way to return home. Longer yes, but pleasant. And the all important stop for coffee. Mum is of that generation where if they're close to home she won't have a coffee "it's cheaper at home". But today we stopped at the recently refurbished Minchella's cafe in Whitburn. Mum really enjoyed sitting outside in the fresh air. She was a great walker in younger days, hills and the beach were here love, wind in the face bracing walks. For me it was lovely to get her out again, and feel the sea breeze on her face once again. Did us both a world of good. As did the fish platter from Latimer's next door to the cafe. Wish we had that on our doorstep back in Somerset.