I usually wake up early.  Some mornings it feels right to snuggle under the covers and relish the opportunity to lie in.  Then others, like today, I just want to get up and out and start to enjoy the day.  Of course, my go to place is the beach.  It was fabulous, despite the grey, overcast weather and we were practically the only ones there.I had wanted to go at low tide so we could walk on the sand, partly because I love it but also because our lovely dog Milton has arthritis and I thought the sand would be easier for him than the pavements.There is always so much for a boy and dogs to find to enjoy looking at (or sniffing if you are a dog) on a beach.The tide came in very quickly so we didn’t walk as far as I wanted as we had to turn round before the water cut us off.The sun did try to come out for about 2 minutes and then gave up for the rest of the day.I have never stood under the pier before and its rather awesome getting up close to see the scale of the thing.Back at home I had a hot water with lime, ginger, apple cider vinegar and cayenne pepper.  Harvey has his with honey but no cayenne.Very late morning I had half a watermelon.I wasn’t hungry at lunch time and was going to wait until dinner but then mid afternoon I couldn’t resist Harvey’s pasta left overs.  This was a very small bowl of pasta in puttanesca sauce.My photos of my dinner do not do it justice.  This was one of the most delicious tasting stew/hearty soups I have made in a very long time.  The recipe for ‘Cozy butternut squash, chard and red lentil stew’ is on the consistently good ‘Oh She Glows’ blog, written by a Canadian vegan I have followed for years.  The sauce is made from tomatoes and coconut milk, seasoned with turmeric and cumin which is a flavoursome combination.  The flavours were deep and rounded and it was hard to not overeat because I liked it so much.  I served it over some of yesterday’s leftover broccoli pesto quinoa. To find this delicious recipe, click on this link:  Cozy butternut squash, chard and red lentil stewWe have had Beryl, the little black pug to stay this weekend which we consider to be a real treat because we all love having her here.  She lives with Rebecca, opposite me.  Rebecca makes these gorgeous fishing net houses which you can put a candle in.  I think they are fabulous and so was delighted to be given one as a thanks for having Beryl.I need no reward for the pleasure of having Beryl here but I am very happy with my ceramic gift.  Thank you Rebecca.

I have enjoyed my low key at home weekend.  I wish we could have it all over again.