Boating and books

A lovely evening with niece and her family last night (her two boys top left) – even these short visits help us keep in touch, and give me a warm feeling inside. Between grandchildren, greatnephews and greatnieces, we now have a round dozen, and thoroughly enjoy all of them. All of the kids are hooked on electronic devices and games (Minecraft is a big favourite), but as you can see, they devour books as well.

We moved on mid-morning to stay with our nephew and family and join them for a boat trip round Poole harbor. Membership of a small sailing club affords them regular use of this neat little motorboat, for a fraction of the cost of a mooring, let alone buying and maintaining the boat to go with it. Poole apparently has the second largest natural harbor in the world and it was beautiful in the sunshine, busy with ferries and boats, swimmers and seabirds. HH was even deluded into thinking the water was warm enough to risk a dip. No way was I going in - leaving my swimsuit back at the h ouse was no accident. The others were less chicken and all went in, but had the grace to admit that it was pretty cold. On the way out and back the boys curled up with their books – even if they were about Minecraft.

Back home for supper, a glass or two of wine and catching up with their news. And more of that warm feeling inside.