Wave Therapy

We have a family planner, on which we write momentous happenings such as appointments, meetings, birthdays and other important events. Hopefully, this enables us to avoid embarrassing clashes, or omissions.
Our seasonal caravan pitch comes to an end early in October. Over the last few weeks, the aforementioned planner has come under intense scrutiny, as we tried to work out the best time to bring the 'van back. Eventually, we reached the reluctant conclusion that despite the poor forecast, the Bank Holiday weekend was going to be the only time we could sensibly rely on being available to go and retrieve the tin tent.
Last year the season lasted until after the autumn half term, so we didn't have to allocate a weekend specifically for this purpose. On reflection, it would probably have made more sense to bring it back last time we were there, but at that stage, we weren't ready to admit that our summer was over!

So down to Devon we drove, beating the Bank Holiday rush.

The KHT had asked to go to the shops at Dartington - formerly the Cider Press Centre. Saturday seemed like as good a day as any, particularly if we added in a walk to Totnes and back for some exercise.
The day was cool, and grey with the threat of precipitation. However, exactly when the rain was due to fall was unclear - and weather forecasts differed in their interpretation, and regularly recalculated their uncertainty as the day progressed.

It is probably a couple of years since we last visited. In the toy shop, I was delighted to find presents suitable for G3 (aged 9) and G6 (aged 2). I probably could have found the items cheaper on Amazon, but a good toy shop is an emporium of wonder and delight. Wouldn't it be sad if toy shops ceased to exist, and all we could do was select our purchases online? Some of my favourite purchases have been made when browsing stores, uncertain of what I want, and then I have found something that I had not even been aware existed.

In the Kitchen Shop, the KHT was bemused by the single-handed oven gloves and was convinced that two would be required for the safe removal of hot dishes from the oven. I tried explaining the difference between single and double oven gloves, but she was resolutely unconvinced.
Unsurprisingly it was the items embellished with cats that caught her attention.



















We then walked to Totnes, past this comical sculpture, who welcomes you to walk in his woodland wonderland.




On the way, we passed a large branch that had fallen from a tree.
"I was just thinking..." mused the KHT
"Don't..." I replied, knowing full well EXACTLY how this conversation would continue.
"What if..."
"Just no!"
"Well that's a strange conversation!" responded a bemused DH.
"OK," I said the KHT, conspiratorily, "Go and tell your Dad..."
And so she began"I heard a saying once, and I was just wondering - if a tree falls in a forest and there is no-one there to hear it, would it still make a sound?"
DH starts to fall in. "You've had this conversation before?"
"Many, many times..."
We walk on, debating hearing and vibrations. Sometimes you can't see the wood for the trees...

Saturday was sunnier, so we headed off to our favourite beach, and found a sheltered spot.
The KHT was keen to have one last dip in the ocean and she did.

I got my camera out to take some decent photos, but it was totally dead.
This came as rather a surprise, as I had charged it before we left home. I broke the news to DH, who told me that I should have charged it before I left home...
In reality, it has served me well for quite a few years, but I am aware that it is not taking photos of the same quality that it was a few years ago. Sadly, I will have to chose a replacement in the not too distant future.
Meanwhile, the KHT had a great time floating and swimming in the waves.



The tide soon caused a hasty retreat or two...
As we sat and watched the waves of the advancing tide, I realised once again, that watching the sea is my favourite way of de-stressing.  It is so relaxing.
What a better place the world would be if we could all have more beach days.
All politicians should be sent to sit by the sea and remember that compared to the ocean they really are insignificant.
Offenders should be offered sea-watching therapy and remind themselves that there are forces that are stronger than anything they can imagine.
Those who are heavily burdened with worry, or who are suffering from ill-health should be encouraged just to come and sit by the sea, and to see that whatever happens the tide will still rise and fall.
I am convinced that any, and all, of these,
would help make the world a better place.