Bertha's wind

Final day of our mini-holiday and we went to West Wittering beach so the girls could build a sandcastle. It's the only beach on this stretch of coast with sand so we had to go there.

Unfortunately we stepped out of the car and straight into a gale force (maybe not literally) wind - Bertha's fart we decided. Sand was whipped up and around the beach and into every crevice and orifice. However this did not stop us and a significant number of other holidaymakers from staying on; grimly determined to enjoy ourselves despite the elements and because we'd just paid £6.50 to park.

While some people battled with windbreaks and flapping towels we resolved our early problems with sandy eyes by getting the kids to wear their swimming goggles the entire time we were there. Hurrah.

This done we grown-ups enjoyed a cup of bad coffee from the beach café (we managed to keep most of the sand out) while the kids attempted sandcastle construction against the shelter of a grommit.

They failed but soon the crashing waves became irresistible and all four kids ran shrieking into the sea. We were sitting right beside the lifeguards but felt a bit uncomfortable about them being out there without us, so against my usual (tediously) cautious nature I joined them. I'M SO GLAD I DID. It was totally exhilarating. We threw ourselves into the waves and at the waves, we jumped over them, dived into them and rode with them towards the beach. I haven't had so much carefree, grinning fun in years. I loved it.

It was a superb end to our holiday and both AlfeeTee and I have come back to London happier, more relaxed and minus a lot of cobwebs. It's a precious feeling that I don't want us to let go of. It's probably unrealistic but surely there has to be a way to hold onto at least some of this feeling? We can't let it all slip through our fingers to be blown away by the swirling winds of everyday life; hectic and confusing as it so often is.

The big question is how to achieve it; how to hold on to the loveliness and maintain a happier equilibrium in everyday life. Robin Williams' tragic death today seems to make it even more important to try and achieve. Simplicity in more things, a better sense of self belief and earlier bedtimes are some initial thoughts although already I'm off to a bad start with number two as it's 1 a.m. Sigh.

All other advice and ideas gratefully received lovely blipmates and in the meantime let's all try and remember how important it is to take a break every now and then. It doesn't have to be long or fancy or far away but it does have to be done. :-)