Saturday 20 July 2013

Southend-on-Sea

It was hot, it was crowded, it was noisy and I loved it! So full of life. See all those little dots on the beach? Each one was a person with a story to tell, and I found that idea kind of exhilarating. It's like when you visit a big city, and for the first half hour it's slightly overwhelming, and then you start to enjoy the buzz. And for me, being by the sea is always wonderful.
                       
Someone, somewhere on the pier, received a very special message. This next picture is a banner being towed behind a plane, which circled round and round above our heads.

If you squint closely you can see it says 'Temilade I love U will U marry me'. I never found out who Temilade was, or whether it was a 'yes'. If you know, please tell me!

Meanwhile, men were fishing...

boats were boating....
and even in the bustle there were quiet and tranquil spots.
When I got home I took about twenty-five photos with the self-timer to get a new profile picture I was happy with. (top right.) Note how I co-ordinated my T shirt with the colours of my blog background. (Well, OK, it was a happy accident really. I'm not that organised!)

It's cooler here today. When I went to the supermarket yesterday, the freezers had been cleaned out of ice cream! Next week, thunderstorms, apparently. And maybe a royal baby! Would you like to suggest a name?

I think we'll have Harvey on the blog next time. He hasn't done a post for a while and he's beginning to feel left out.

25 comments:

Wendy's Writing said...

I've never been to Southend. Looks like you had a great time and I wonder if the girl said 'yes'. Your new profile picture looks nice - keep meaning to update mine.

joanne fox said...

Wendy - neither had I. It has a lot to recommend it!

Joanna said...

I love your new profile picture, Joanne, and all your pictures from Southend-on-Sea. The seaside always reminds me of being a child and the way my father always asked if we could smell it yet when we were still about twenty miles away! I'm so glad you had a lovely time. xx

joanne fox said...

Thanks, Joanna. That's a lovely memory of your father! That salty air makes you feel alive, doesn't it.

Teresa Ashby said...

I love your new profile picture!

I don't think I've ever been any further into Southend than the airport, something I want to rectify one day, particularly after seeing your lovely photos and it's only about an hour from here.

I hope Temilade said yes :-) x

joanne fox said...

I hope she said yes too!

Jenny Woolf said...

Oh, the sea's the place to be with weather like we have been having.

Love the new profile picture!

Maria said...

Great profile picture, and I like the look of Southend on Sea too.

I haven't been keeping up with the Royals but I fancy Isobel for a girl, and James for a boy.

Unknown said...

The trip to Southend sounds fabulous, Jo, the sea and lots of inspiration for new stories. I love the profile photo, and yes please to hearing more about Harvey!

joanne fox said...

Jenny, yes it certainly is!

Maria, those are lovely names. I used to know a girl at college who changed her name to Isobel.

Sharon, Harvey will be delighted by that!

Rachel Cotterill said...

One of my friends has a cottage in Southend - we keep planning to visit, but although my husband has been a couple of times, I haven't managed it yet. I think I'd prefer it in a quieter season :)

joanne fox said...

Oh, yes do go. Out of season it would have a different character, but it's always lovely to be at a seaside place.

Patsy said...

I love the sea too - though prefer it not to be too crowded.

joanne fox said...

Patsy - me too, generally, but crowds are great for people watching!

Old Kitty said...

Yes please and woof to Harvey! LOL!!

Awwww gorgeous Joanne! Your profile pic is lovely and blooming! Yay!!

My goodness it's great to be by the seaside!! Isn't the weather just brilliant!!!

Take care
x

myraduffy said...

How the good weather changes us all and makes us appreciate what we have in this country!

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Glad you had such a great weekend too, Joanne - lovely summery photos! Would really like to know if that enterprising person got a positive reply to his question.

joanne fox said...

Thanks Old Kitty - "woof" to the cats!

Myra, that is very true. Easier to be happy when the weather's good.

Rosemary, I'd like to know too, but haven't found out yet.

Goku shrestha said...

The weather seems so good.
Its been raining here almost daily in Kathmandu, not that i dislike rain but its getting too much.

joanne fox said...

Goku - our hot weather broke overnight, and this morning we have torrential rain with thunder!

Keith Havers said...

Great pictures. Never been there.

joanne fox said...

Maybe one day, Keith!

Amanda said...

Ooh, I used to got to Southend a lot when I was younger and loved it. Your photos are lovely.

Nas said...

I love the sea! Great pictures! I saw something like that when I was at Santa Monica pier.

Nas

joanne fox said...

Ooh, Santa Monica. Now that DOES sound exciting!