Trip to the seaside

I find January to be the longest, most depressing month of the year. The births of two of my grandchildren aside I can't think of anything I actually like about it. The euphoria of Christmas and the lovely build up to it (my favourite part) gives way then to the bleak stretch ahead of us until spring arrives. I suggested to Tony earlier in the week that we maybe go to the East coast today and despite the fact the forecast was for snow showers, and many 'shall we? shan't we's? , we decided to go ahead anyway. I just love being beside the sea, one whiff of sea air and I feel totally exhilarated and full of life. We parked up on Scarborough's North bay and walked along the sea front down to the south beach , a fair walk but so lovely to wrap up warm and stroll along. I was amazed how many other people had decided to do exactly the same as us. Dog walkers aside( who are to be found in all weathers I suppose as needs must), there were families with small children and couples of all ages. It was cold as there had been a frost and by the look of it a small dusting of snow overnight but there was no breeze so it was lovely.

This sculpture is entitled ' Freddy Gilroy and the Belsen Stragglers', made by artist Ray Lonsdale who became friends with Freddy Gilroy a man who was a soldier and one of the first to liberate the Bergen- Belsen concentration camp after the second world war.There is an information plaque at the side of it which goes into moving detail.It was bought for the residents and visitors of Scarborough by a long time resident herself.
Despite the cold we still enjoyed the obligatory ice cream on the sea front before heading back to the car where we had already decided to pop into York on our way back.

We parked at the Cliffords tower car park and made our way to Bettys for afternoon tea.

Did I ever mention we love cake?????

Such a lovely day, far too much to eat and we ended up bringing a doggy bag with leftovers back with us, but it certainly cheered up a cold January day.


Yesterday I decided to treat myself to a lovely new food mixer. I have managed to wear out several handmixers and thought I would invest in this one. I fell in love with them in a cookshop in New York 6 years ago and noticed that they are everywhere now. Not cheap, but hopefully it will last me a long time.

 I can't wait to get baking with it!
How was your weekend?