Still in shock.

Popped down to my favourite muzak-free shop to buy some dessert dishes. Apparently the ones we have are no longer suitable. When we got to the counter they were twice the price we thought they were, and as I was spluttering and re-considering, JR coolly waved them on, as if the money was immaterial. We thought they were £5 each, in case you're thinking very very expensive. I am still in shock.

From there we took the bus down to Newhaven Harbour, it being a a lovely day and us not realising just how heavy six dessert plates were. We had lunch in Loch Fyne Restaurant. We had a meal voucher that friends had given us ages ago. (Thanks A & B!) It's a huge place, with a lovely outlook over the harbour. In fact there were several people eating outside in the sun. So the harbour is my blip today. The tide was out, but I rather liked the way the wee boats were lined up, sitting in the mud.

We were greeted in the restaurant with 'Hello girls'. We've had 'Hello guys' in fairly nice restaurants. Waitpersons seem to equate good service with not being too formal. I would say this approach is just too casual. However, he was a nice chap, introducing himself unnecessarily. I don't really need to know my waitperson's name. I did like him, though, as he put off the muzak almost completely, so 10/10 for him! We had delicious fish and chips - can't go by that.

Wandered up the road from there to visit Leo and his mum and dad. What a ball of energy he is! Saying a few words and still trying to catch the elusive cat. Luckily we could go out into the garden where he could charge around. We saw and heard a woodpecker in the tree, but I couldn't get a shot of it.

Still thinking doggy thoughts. Holidays are the big sticking point. We couldn't go houseswapping willy nilly. And couldn't afford weeks of B&Bs, and they don't always take dogs.

BUT - if we bought a nice combi van, holidays would be no problem, and the dog could come with us!! Genius!

EDIT from JR: We will NOT be buying a combi van. Been there, done that.