There's been a going on of late; not all good, I'm afraid. And as much as writing has helped me in the past to work through life's occasional road bumps, this time around I found it was more cathartic to just put my pen down and clear my head. I'm sure after the dust has settled (this week is shaping up to be a pretty momentous week) I'll be able to put it all into some sort of context and maybe even share some of the details. Maybe. In the meantime, what really helped defog my brain was getting away with the Number One Son for our latest boys trip. In keeping with the 'B' theme of our previous three outings (Belfast '23, Brighton '24, Blackpool '25), James & I pitched up in Bournemouth on a baking hot Thursday afternoon and had an absolutely splendid time. We walked miles (pulling in a bit of psychogeography along the way), sampled the local grog, threw a lot of frisbee on the beach, enjoyed some excellent meals, played pool in Poole and still had time to catch The Unthanks at the Lighthouse Theatre. More to follow, I'm sure (not least the amazing San Remo Towers).
Nice photo of you and Mr Pringle. Hope the bad stuff buggers off soon.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear you've been having bumps in the road. Good luck with getting through this week ok and looking forward to seeing you next week.
ReplyDeleteFather/son Boys Trips - sounds fantastic and each B trip so different. Next year I think you could head to Essex - Basildon, Benfleet, Billericay, Boreham, Braintree or Brentwood - so many places that start with a B.
Lovely photos, and I like the B theme. Not so sure about Alyson's Essex recommendations (sorry, A! ) It's all getting a bit...erm, pale turquoise?... in these Eastern towns...ugh.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear that there are not-so-good things going on for you at the moment and really hope that everything improves asap. Hope very much that the following week will provide some cheery escapism.
Ah of course, didn't think of that. I've just noticed over the years that Essex towns seem to predominantly start with a B. Coincidence probably?
DeleteAvoid Ballymena for the same reasons
DeleteI have alerted Banchory,Ballater and Broughty Ferry.
ReplyDeleteGlad you are coming through the other side
Ballantrae wants a word - not happy!
ReplyDeleteLovely pics John. Sorry you've been up against it, hope things improve. Bradford, Bolton, Bury, Burnley.
ReplyDeleteIt's grim up north.
Gordon Ottershaw speaks highly of Barnestoneworth, in spite of their lousy football team.
ReplyDeleteSending good vibes John - see you next week.
Hang on in there John. Sorry things haven’t been too great. Hopefully better times are on the horizon. Tim
ReplyDeleteThank you, everyone. It's been a tough couple of weeks, but I came out the other side. A bit battered & a bit bruised but I'll survive.
ReplyDeleteRe: the B's - James and I discussed maybe Brussels or Bruges in '27...
I can recommend Brussels, there is a lot going on for such a small city and most of it is walkable.
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