Tuesday, September 05, 2006

Back ... with a vengeance.

Hey there. Remember me? I’m back on the scene following a blast of a summer – albeit a soggy one.

We started off camping here on the banks of the River Teign. Then we hit Cornwall as we had a time limit for a Very Crucial Rendezvous (more later) and stayed in a hideous commercial site here. As soon as we could, we moved further west and pitched in a very rough field in Marazion. Just two portaloos, a tap, a couple of other tents – and us.

That was when the monsoons hit, at which point the children became totally feral like those kids you hear about who have been raised by wolves. By a miracle we survived with nothing worse than a couple of nasty cases of suspected trenchfoot ...

After a week, we (and the rain) moved here on the edge of Exmoor, before inching our way home via a few nights in a farmer’s field in Owermoigne in Dorset.

At first glance you might think we look healthy and tanned, but closer examination reveals the truth. It’s wind burn. We look weather beaten – like North Sea fishermen - with a distant focus in our eyes from cloud watching.

So what was the ultimate high point? Was it seeing the ebb and flow of the River Teign as the tide transformed the landscape from raging river to muddy swamp twice a day? Or how about watching a big fat full moon rising over the hills at Crantock? Or the kids surfing at Fistral Bay with the big guys? Could it have been star gazing at Marazion round a campfire with St Michael’s Mount floating out to sea like a fairy castle in the air? What about seal spotting at Lizard Point? Or maybe being blasted by a steaming power shower in Kentisbury after swimming round in mud for a week with only an outdoor cold tap for washing … And then there was gathering armfuls of peacock feathers and organic fruit and veg on the farm in Dorset … Coming home and making jam and crumble …

But you know already, don’t you? Undoubtedly the greatest high of all was meeting the Mighty Minxster, sweet soul sister, and spending six hours with her on Crantock Beach. G and I watched her until she disappeared over the dunes at the end of this too-little slice of Real Life and my head was full of, ‘But I never asked her about …’ and ‘Oh, I wanted to know more about …’ and ‘We never touched on …’

So, the final verdict: a damp but wonderful summer full of happy memories with a Red Hot Chilli Peppers soundtrack. If holidays are all about doing different things to the rest of the year, we scored full points. I did a brief blog surf from a launderette in Penzance where we went to dry out, and wrote nothing more creative than a shopping list. The days – and nights – were spent velcroed to the children – and I wouldn’t change that for the world.

Only now they’re at school, First Born in secondary with 1399 other kids and Little Guy in Year 4. And I’m back at the laptop.

And so we move onto the next stage of This Life. Thanks for hanging in there while I was away. Expect more. Lots more …

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

Welcome back,Debi. It all sounded pretty wonderful to me.

Unknown said...

Yeah you're back! I was beginning to think you had got washed away with all that rain or the trojans had got you good and proper.

Anonymous said...

yay - come on vengeance

Anonymous said...

Sweet greetings soul babe.
You mean you watched me huff and puff up that bloody sand mountain, ass wobblin' into the distance - not the most beautiful of memories, I'm sure.

What a day, did we talk, did we laugh, did I fall in love with you and your your gorgeous family - the Minx was Alpered- well and truly!

Come back soon - mi casa est tu casa, but leave your city weather at home next time and come stay at Maison Minx, sans soggy sleeping bags!

So glad you're back - I have NEWS!!!

Lee said...

Yes, I echo all the welcomes. I've been checking daily since the end of August.

S. Kearney said...

nice to have you back ... and we look forward to your posts!

ISLAND MONKEY said...

Sounds great, you sound refreshed and full of positivity..that's what we need - come on world - let's av it!

Marie said...

Great to have you back, Debi. Just thought I'd let you know that I read Trading Tatiana while you were away and absolutely loved it.

Looking forward to reading your posts.

Anonymous said...

Well hello there! The Alper returns...

Anonymous said...

Welcome back indeed. Camping. Hmmm. Not a big fan of camping, but that may be because the last time we did it we got washed away by rain as we decamped, or whatever you call it. And the time before (a long time ago) I was attacked by ants in my sleep.

Give me a roof over my head any day.

Roger

Debi said...

Thanks, guys, for well and truly reminding me what it is I love about this medium.

As for choosing camping - how else do you get a 3 week holiday for 4 costing less than £250? And it's great for inner city flat dwelling kids to be so very very outdoors ...

Anonymous said...

Yes, yes, I know. That is a great bargain. I know I should like camping, in fact I used to love it as a kid and our two had a great time the last time we went. It's just that I find I'm getting too old for it. Especially when it decides to bucket it down just as you're packing up.

Plus, the last time we camped I got this weird headache one night while I was lying awake listening to the storm rage outside and the rain hammer on the nylon. It got so bad I puked up. Luckily I just managed to get out of the tent in time, but not to the loos (don't get me started on the loos). Before you ask, I hadn't been drinking. I looked for my sick in the morning but couldn't find it. I think one of the others campers must have had it for their breakfast. Or maybe it was their dog.

Anyhow, I know I should like camping, but for me it will always be associated with rain, puke, ants, sleeplessness and shocking toilets.

(Sorry - I don't know where that odd little rant came from - I think I've just disturbed a memory I'd rather suppress.)

Debi said...

Entertaining though gross, Rog! Is this what happens when you go back to work?

Anonymous said...

Is this the most belated "welcome back" ever? Heartfelt, though.
Lovely to read about your holiday, and the meeting with Minx must have made it really special.