Lose Weight and Gain Health

People who know me are aware I have been trying to sell my house in Sissinghurst for a long time (16 months).  I never imagined it would take so long to sell such a beautiful house in such a wonderful area of the UK.  Well it did but we finally exchanged this week and a new lucky family move in on Monday 31st July 2017.

While I waited to exchange and to take my mind off what was about to happen, I went for a swim at Bulverhythe.  It was a murky day and I was very tired, having been kept awake the night before by a storm and a seagull!  The storm was mainly lightning which was very bright and very close to our house.  The storm also seemed to have washed up a variety of sea creature parts which kept Milton occupied and very happy while I swam.

The seagulls have been a bit of a saga.  It seems they are nesting on our roof and as the young seagulls become mobile, they fall or fly on their immature wings and land on the flat roof above Harvey’s room.  Once there, they caw for their parents and peck at the roof and the window which disturbs us both.  Hopefully they will soon be able to fly and we can return to our more usual and peaceful existence.

On the way back from the beach I popped in to one of my favourite shops as I needed some more Vegenaise (best ever vegan mayonnaise) and sprouts.  I couldn’t resist a vegetable pakora.

Still not exchanged so I popped over the road for a coffee with Rebecca.  The sweet peas have been wonderful this year.Back at home I squeezed 4 oranges and 2 pink grapefruits to make a lovely fresh juice.Yum.Finally, at around Midday, we exchanged.  It took much longer than it should have done but we got there in the end and I was delighted.  Suddenly I was very busy with a lot to organise.

I had a nourishing lunch; huge mountain of green and purple salad leaves with cherry tomatoes, red kidney beans, cucumber, alfalfa and radish sprouts, beetroot, boiled potatoes and a dollop of vegenaise.    Very tasty.I have been doing a beginner’s Ashtanga yoga course on a Wednesday and after a very emotional day I was looking forward to the session.  It was a very pleasant evening for a stroll over to The Beacon.This is a multi functional building; some people live here and others work here or hire parts of it for various uses.  Such as yoga!Lovely views over Hastings from here and in the distance I can see the Terrace I live on.After yoga, feeling more relaxed, I enjoyed walking back along the pretty route.I walk along St.Mary’s Terrace.This is one of my favourite roads because the houses on one side are so pretty and all different and on the other side of the road is the lovely view.

Down some steps,over the railway line,along the path

up some steps and I am back on the Terrace, which I can really call home now.  We are both enjoying living here and selling the Sissinghurst house means I can relax and throw myself in to our Hastings life which is thrilling.A simple supper of pasta, tomato sauce and Violife vegan cheese equivalent.A little later Rebecca came over with a bottle of champagne which was very kind of her.  Harvey joined us for a celebratory glass and we then polished off the bottle and had another half bottle.  I do like the bubbles.I have a very busy 10 days ahead of me until we complete the sale and then, my chores are done and I can settle properly in to my Hastings life.  We have all enjoyed our 15 years in Sissinghurst.  It really is a delightful place and one which we have many happy memories of.  The good news is that it is only 30-40 minutes away so I can easily keep in touch with all my gorgeously lovely Sissinghurst (and surrounding area) friends.  They will hopefully come and see me too.

I had an amazing day today.  A day that was unexpected in its loveliness because we had a broad plan but no details, no itinerary and not much expectation other than a pleasant trip to Dungeness.

I ate breakfast with Harvey; leftover mashed sweet and white potato with about 1/3 of a can of baked beans and a cup of tea.Rebecca and I had decided to have a little day trip somewhere and we chose Dungeness.  Both of us have been there previously and had fond memories so were looking forward to going back.

Dungeness is a barren landscape of mainly little houses dotted about on the shingle, with a small railway,  dominated by the power station and to a lesser extent, 2 lighthouses.  An astonishing array of plants manage to survive out here and there is a large RSPB sanctuary.There is a mediocre “restaurant” next to the railway but the coffee was acceptable and it provided a safe place to park.  While we drank our coffee the train arrived.It’s a very basic driver’s cabin.You wouldn’t want to sit in here for long.We were surprised by how long it is.

We decided to begin with a walk around the large black lighthouse.  When we got closer we could see it was open so we went inside and then decided to climb to the top.  169 very steep steps up to the narrow top.

Luckily there are different floors within the lighthouse with displays to look at and catch one’s breath.  Such as these guides to identifying “Communist” naval flags and Soviet submarines and warships.

As well as providing a useful lookout point during war, the lighthouse was obviously used to warn ships of land approaching which, given the high number of shipwrecks around this part of the coast, was very necessary.This glass was beautiful.

This is a selfie of me looking at Rebecca through the glass (you can see her hand holding her phone on the right hand side) with the power station, which was behind me, reflected in the glass.  It was beautiful and slightly psychedelic.Onwards and upwards – this is not a trip for those scared of heights.This room would once have contained a desk and notes were taken and stored about weather conditions.  There was an interesting display in the curved wooden cabinet , which perfectly fits agains the rounded wall.  Nowadays the lighthouse, like most in Britain, is run by computer rather than by man.

There is a very steep ascent to the top, almost up a ladder and then there you are, beside the magnificent great lens.  We did not go up this ladder which is for use when maintaining the lens.

There is a very small doorway which leads outside to a walkway round the top of the lighthouse.  The walkway is open but you feel safe as there is a barrier that is about shoulder height.

The inside of the metal door had a charming wooden handle.The handle on the weathered outside door was beautiful.I really enjoyed walking round the top and appreciating the extraordinary view.It is open on this little walkway so easy to take photos.  Here is the power station.When we came down we walked around these houses.We also walked round the circular building which was the base of a previous lighthouse.  It is currently used for holiday lets.You can also get a better view of the lens from the outside.

Time to go down.

Look how thick the walls are!Back in the gift shop at the bottom where we bought a postcard each.  I am definitely coming here again as I LOVE LOVE LOVED it.We then had a truly splendid couple of hours, pottering about on the shingle, looking at everything this extraordinary landscape has to offer.

We began by walking round the base of an old lighthouse.

So many beautiful flowers and sea kale out here.

We then walked close to the power station.

The wall seems to bear scars.

It’s a big old place.Then on towards some of the houses which are perched on the shingle with no boundaries marked out.

We were both really happy to come across 4 art studios/galleries which were open.

These are such cute little huts, used as galleries or studios.

Bucket List

This shop was run by the “litter collector” who has made a sculpture of all the litter he has picked up along the beach; dummies, shoes, diving gear and even a guitar!

We walked over to the “new” lighthouse.I seem to have managed to miss the top of the lighthouse!  It was actually hard to take photos because it was so bright I couldn’t see what I was taking for much of the time.Time to head back to the car.On the way home we went to the RSPB reserve – you can see the power station in the background.  We were only here for a short while as we didn’t have binoculars and we were also feeling the need for some food, drink and respite from the sun and wind.  Plus a certain young man needed collecting from school so we came home, having been out all day.  I was really hungry here as we had missed lunch so I bought the only 2 vegan options in the RSPB shop: a bag of crisps and a NAKD bar.When I got home I made myself a smoothie with 4 apricots, 2 bananas, coconut water and hemp seeds.  This was refreshing and hydrating.While I brought my washing in from the line, a pair of these butterflies rested on my laundry basket.  Pretty.For dinner we had brown rice with stir fried red and green peppers, red onion, courgette and carrots with marinated tofu and black sesame seeds, served with avocado mashed with lime juice, green chilies and soy sauce.  I didn’t add any pickles as it was already very flavoursome.That was a fabulous day.  Very enjoyable with lots of walking and lots of nutritious food.  I can’t wait to go back to Dungeness.

Our new town likes a festival and this weekend it was Pirate Day.  So everyone dresses up like a pirate and there are numerous events on throughout the town.  Even the dogs get dressed up.

I managed a striped t-shirt, bandana and pirate hat.  I would like to get a really good outfit for next year.  Harvey did not want to get dressed up at all.

There were some fantastic costumes.And props.

There were events on all over town.

View towards St.Leonard’s from the pier.ARRRRRRRThis was some circus skills which anyone could have a go at.A huge whale!We watched the Tigers Free Fall Display Team land on the beach which was impressive (unlike my photos!).We then walked over towards the Old Town and I fortified myself with a rum and ginger ale which was very refreshing.We walked to the Stade which was very lively.  There were some games to play, stalls to browse around and live music.

We grabbed a bite to eat here and I made a really bad choice.  I misheard the man and my butternut squash pie had goat’s cheese in it.  It was very tasty and I did eat some but gave the rest to Harvey.  The salad was substantial so that did me until we got home.We walked home through the Old Town.  This is the new mural on the side of Porters.  I saw a photo of the artist creating it with spray paint rather then a paintbrush.  I don’t know if it was all done that way but creating such a huge mural is really impressive.  This is the end of a 2 storey building, to give you an idea of how large it is.

Entertainment a plenty; this was in Butler’s Gapand this just a few metres away on George Street.I had a coffee in Hanushka where they do not serve any vegan cakes so I can’t claim I exerted any willpower but that was all I had.I enjoyed Pirate Day and next year I think it would be fun to get properly dressed up and go with a crowd of friends/revellers.We were home in time to watch 2 sets of the men’s final and all the mixed doubles final.  Such an occasion, which I enjoyed with Rebecca, called for a bottle of wine and some of the lentil crisps and Bombay mix I had bought the day before.

After such a lazy afternoon we did take the dogs for a walk in the park and I actually ended the day having walked 16,365 steps which was good considering I spent the afternoon sitting down.   I didn’t actually eat much all day as for breakfast I just had a green smoothie made with coconut water, bananas, a nectarine, spinach and Superfood greens.  Unfortunately the snacks and wine (and rum/ginger ale) had loads of calories so not a brilliant diet day.I did much better today.  Another green smoothie for breakfast, made with coconut water, bananas, spinach, nectarine, Superfood greens and hemp seeds.I was busy all morning and ended up having lunch late.  While I made my salad, I munched my way through a punnet of cherries and drank a lot of water so I wasn’t tempted to snack on anything more calorific.My lunch was delicious:  a huge green and purple leaved salad, cucumber, red pepper, tomatoes, coleslaw (made with kohlrabi, carrots, gherkins and Vegenaise) and avocado mashed with lime juice.  I forgot to photograph dinner but it was  portion of lentil shepherd’s pie with broccoli.

No alcohol today, lots of gardening and I walked 8, 457 steps so not bad.  Most of my food was very nutrient dense and a lot was raw so I am really pleased with how I ate.  I am determined to eat well tomorrow too.

This is Maya, who I sat next to every day for about 3 years.  Or to be more precise, nearly every day I worked in the London office, we sat next to each other.

We had been invited to Paul’s wedding (another work colleague) and Maya kindly invited me to stay overnight with her as she lived much closer to the wedding venue than I did.Paul and Michelle had their reception at the Crowne Plaza hotel in Gerrards Cross and we were invited to the evening reception.Here we are with the happy groom.  It was a large and spectacular reception and I really enjoyed being part of Paul’s special day, catching up with Maya and meeting some of Paul’s friends and family.  I am still not quite used to the fact that I won’t be seeing them in the office on Monday!As anyone who spends much time with me knows, I am very interested in food and I love trying new things.  I really enjoy Indian food.  I was rather spoiled by Maya who cooked samosas and a flattened rice and potato dish for me when I arrived at hers on Friday.  Today, she took me to a huge ‘Cash and Carry’ store she goes to which sells all the Indian food you would need.  I was limited with what I could buy as I had to go home by train but I enjoyed looking anyway and managed a few purchases.I have never even heard of most of these vegetables.I would like to try them.I know what these are !I bought a karela.Maya has told me to slice it and steam it and either eat it as is or add to curries.  Apparently it’s very bitter but good for you.  Her Dad eats it to help control his diabetes and he drinks the water after the karela has been steamed too.  I will let you know how I get on with it.The scale of the shop and the size of the packets on sale was incredible.  This is different brands of jaggery ( a sweetener).Various savoury snacks, such as Bombay Mix and crispy bites made from lentil flour.Flours made from various pulses.This is the flaked rice Maya cooked for me on Friday.HUGE bags of spices.Lots of rice.We went to another shop, Shayona,  and bought some pickles.  Next stop was a temple.  I have said to Maya and some of my other Indian colleagues that I really wanted to visit a temple and since I went to Colourfast I have been even more interested.  So Maya took me to Bhaktivedanta Manor – Hare Krishna Temple.

I immediately noticed how many beautiful flowers were growing everywhere.This is the nursery school.This is inside the temple.  The temple is within a huge manor house where many people live and work.The manor house was donated by George Harrison who became very interested in Krishna Consciousness in the 1960’s and 1970’s, as he searched for peace of mind and happiness.  He was heavily influenced by visits to India in the late 1960’s.

Bhaktivedanta Manor is the largest UK centre of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness .  It is a theological college that teaches the authentic Vedic scriptures and is a place of pilgrimage where all are welcome.There was a wedding in the grounds of the house; these are little baskets filled with rose petals.On the way out we wandered through the garden.Despite the grey skies and rain showers I really enjoyed being in this peaceful garden.Trickling water is a very soothing sound.

The temple is vegetarian rather than vegan and they look after a herd of cows which they milk.  They place milk before the Gods in the temple and make dairy products.  Hindus respect and worship cows; they do not kill them for meat but do consume the milk – I am not sure what they do with the calves that should be drinking the milk.There are signs up telling you to not bring any meat (or alcohol or drugs) to the temple and lots of information.

I was very interested in the temple and would like to learn more about the courses and retreats they hold here.

Next stop was a restaurant for lunch; Maya took me to the Everest Lounge on Peel Road, HA3 7QU.  The food was Punjabi and Gujurati and I ate some things I have never had before.

This photo does not do this incredible food justice.  The large round pieces are Batata Vada which are potato fritters.  They are crispy on the outside and inside is spiced mashed potato and they were lovely.

The flatter pieces are Crispy Bhajiya which are slices of potato, covered in a gram flour batter and fried.  I ate these dipped in to a spiced tomato and chilli sauce.The little brown balls are Manchurian vegetables and they were incredible.  Made from finely chopped cauliflower, carrots, peppers and maybe other vegetables, they are served in a sauce that tastes a bit sweet and similar to the Chinese flavours of spare ribs.  But vegan!  I also had some vegetable rice and chana masala.After a very enjoyable trip to Harrow, it was time to head home.  Thank you Paul for inviting us to share your special day and thank you Maya for your hospitality and for the fascinating day, having a little taste of your India.  I really enjoyed it.Back at home I didn’t need much for dinner but with a hungry boy I needed to make something.  A recipe for gram flour pancakes and vegetables popped up on my Facebook page so I had a go at making my own.  I mixed together some gram flour with ground cumin, turmeric and salt.I finely chopped some coriander, a green chilli I bought earlier today, red pepper, broccoli and tomato.  I only used a small amount of the vegetables above.I added water to the spiced flour mixture to make a runny batter and then added the vegetables and fried them in a tiny amount of oil.My pan is rather large which made flipping a large pancake difficult and the pancake fell apart so it doesn’t look very pretty but it tasted lovely.  So did the cold beer!This was tasty and filling and I think it would make a good breakfast as it is quite similar to an omelette.I added some of the pickle I had bought earlier which went with it very well.So there we are, a little taste of India.  What an interesting and enjoyable day I had.

Wow – what an amazing experience Colourfest 2017 was!  It was located at Gaunts House in Wimbourne, Dorset.  I had a life changing 4 days and can’t wait to go again.

For a while now I have been wanting to do yoga and start meditating and finding a calmer and more peaceful way of living.  I have too many stressful events in my life and need to be able to handle them peacefully rather than turning to food.  I did a bit of yoga many years ago and remembered it helped me so I have been meaning to do it again for quite some time.  However, despite my good intentions, I haven’t managed to do any until this weekend but I have now tried various types of yoga plus other experiences and I loved it all.

This is Gaunts House and the central meeting area.Some of the meditation sessions and workshops took place in here.This central meeting area was a lovely place to sit.  It was surrounded by little shops and most of the eating places so we spent quite a bit of time hanging out and relaxing here.Hello girls.  I was at Colourfest with Clare, Leslie and Diane and they helped make it really special.  They have all done lots of yoga and were very helpful, supportive and encouraging.I enjoyed lying under these shapes.At night time they were lit up which gave the area another vibe completely.We camped!  I never like the idea of camping much but I do like it once I get there.  We were able to park really close to our campsite and if I had known that I would have brought a lot more things with me.  I will know for next time.

We had 2 tents for the 4 of us and plenty of space around us.  Plus a windbreak and a parasol and chairs so we were well set.We camped under the large cedar tree in the middle of the picture.This beautiful wooded area was near our tent.  The trees were so tall and close together and it was really beautiful to walk in.  It was also the location of a dance music venue which was at times annoying (because it was loud and open until quite late) but we did enjoy a few dance moments in there.  It was lit up with little lanterns at night time and stained glass images were cleverly thrown up on the tree trunks, making it look like a cathedral.The grounds were set up in a way to create lots of little rooms and spaces.  Wandering around you regularly came across groups of people interacting together.  It was delightful.There was much to admire and enjoy.There were lots of treatments on offer, plus a swimming pool and a sauna but I didn’t get round to using any of those facilities.Some of the tents had cushions available and this one, the Acoustic Stage, had some sofas which I confess I did enjoy sitting on for a few moments one wet afternoon.Colourfest was very pretty in the darkThis area often had an open fire and also a chai and cake stand.So what yoga did I try?  None on Thursday (the day we arrived) but I did hear my first ever Kirtan (a devotional song that is chanted) and I absolutely loved it.  We heard Elahn and Radhe in the Sacred Sound.  I was really moved by it and was keen to hear more.

We always had to take our shoes off before entering any of the tents/spaces and we usually had to sit on the floor which I found difficult but I will practise as it’s good for you (but I am enjoying my armchair tonight).My first yoga session was on Friday when I went to a restorative yoga workshop led by Elise Yuill Cohen in the Yoga Shala.  I had been told it would be a good introduction; I enjoyed it very much.

I also went to a very interesting workshop in the Ballroom of Gaunts House which was a lovely space to be in.  It was called ‘Soft Power, Full Desire, Women’s Sacred Space’.  The women only session was run by Katinka Soetens and I have never been to anything like it before and I took a lot away from that session.

What I really wanted to do though was to participate in some more Kirtan so we headed back to Sacred Sound.  I enjoyed the Kirtan led by Sivani Mata.It was lovely and I enjoyed it but it did not have the same power as the Kirtan led by Elahn and Radhe.Luckily for me they were leading Kirtan again in the evening. It was fabulous.  Really fabulous. So powerful, when you sit and chant and listen to the beautiful music with so many people.  The pipe, harmonium, guitar, drums and percussion combined with the chanting to make a really beautiful sound.  I need more Kirtan in my life and would say this session was my favourite moment of the weekend.I didn’t make a meditation session but I did go to a 2 hour Hatha yoga session run by Swami Asokananda who had flown over from New York for Colourfest.  He said something that resonated with me a lot.  Some of the yoga he was leading was very advanced but he always gave warning when showing something that many people would have been challenged with.  I was challenged with a lot of it!  But he said we should be happy with what we can do and not to be disappointed about what we can’t do.  Thank you for that Swami Asokananda.

We then went to a workshop run by JewelsWingfield called Deep Soul Awakening.  That was surprising and uncomfortable and a bit strange for me and not a session I would repeat but I was glad I experienced it.

On Saturday afternoon we had one of my favourite sessions of the weekend;  Elahn and Radhe Kirtan Bhakti flow yoga with Nicole.  We had the pleasure of the Kirtan but as background music rather than participatory chanting and Nicole ran a fast but story based yoga which was exciting and beautiful and poetic with images of animals and elements.  There was quite a lot of yoga I had to sit out of but I enjoyed the music and watching the experienced yoga being practised by everyone else which was lovely to see.

It was an extraordinary afternoon and I saw one man moved to tears (literally) by the beauty of the music.  It was amazing to experience.We had a very musical evening too.  Back to Sacred Sound for an evening of story, world music and chants with the Anjali Ensemble.  I have never seen such a wide array of instruments and I enjoyed listening to them very much.  It was very clever how they were used to tell the story.  Afterwards we heard The Turbans in The Unstructure and finally some of the dance music in the Woodland Cathedral.There was more yoga and meditation today but I was very tired, aching all over and ready to head home so i didn’t participate in any today.

We had a vegan breakfast from the Vegan Pyramid in the central space before packing up and leaving.  It doesn’t look great but tasted very nice; vegan sausage, beans, baked tomatoes, bread and really yummy roasted potatoes.Colourfast 2017 was a huge experience for me and one I enjoyed very much.  I am very grateful to Leslie, Clare and Diane for showing me the way and sharing Colourfest 2017 with me.  It really was lifechanging in a very positive way.

I had a fabulous weekend in the Cotswolds with 3 very dear friends.

We stayed in this cute little cottage in the village of Ebrington; Spring Cottage, which is the cottage in the right with the red brick extension.The garden was a very pretty place to sit and i spent Sunday morning here, chatting and knitting.This is the back view of the cottage.Beautiful flowers.The kitchen was small but furnished to a good standard.A small and cosy lounge.On Saturday morning we had a look around Chipping Camden.

The villages and towns in the Cotswolds are very pretty and most buildings are made of the same yellow stone.

We stopped for coffee and cake and I had a delicious slice of vegan treacle tart.  It had lemon zest in it, just like my Grandma used to make.  This was worth every calorie.

In the afternoon we did a long and rather hilly circular walk from Blockley; another pretty village.

Very well navigated Gini, from a little map on her phone.

There are some rather large houses and plenty of horse studs round here.

Plus lots of beautiful scenery.We finished the weekend with a roast in the Ebrington Arms.A very pleasant ending to a lovely weekend.

I worked from home today and really focused on my diet.  I felt a little dehydrated after rather a lot of alcohol and salty snacks during the weekend.  So I made a large pot of water with ginger and lime which I sipped all morning.  I started off with a glass of Kombucha.I had some left over mashed potato in the fridge from Friday’s supper and I heated that up in the oven and had it with half a can of baked beans. 1.5 syns for 1 tsp Flora Freedom in the mash.I made a quick tofu stir fry for lunch.Half a bowl full of mixed salad leaves and smoked tofu with veggies.  I “fried” it in water to save calories.

2.5 syns for 100g Taifun smoked tofu with almonds.I finished working at 6pm and headed off to the beach.  It was chilly but sunny and we walked for 2 hours and it was gorgeous.  Rebecca and Beryl joined us and we all enjoyed the fresh air and scenery and walked further than we usually do which contributed most of the 13,000 steps I walked today.This was Milton’s first proper walk since his operation and he loved being outside.  It was wonderful seeing him so lively and happy.I made a cauliflower and potato curry for dinner.  A very tasty Deliciously Ella recipe but it did take an hour so we had a very late dinner!

4.5 syns for 100 ml light coconut milk and 2 syns for 1 tsp olive oil.

I had some almond milk for my Hex A (but not 1 litre) and no Hex Bs.

I have had an amazing weekend and feel tired as a consequence and happy.  It was the Jack In The Green festival weekend in Hastings and there were events on every day.  I had a very late and extremely enjoyable Saturday night when Sally and Lucy came to stay.  We had supper and a fair few beers in The Stag.  Greg, Clare and Millie joined us which contributed to a very late night!  On Saturday Harvey and I went to see the drum off in the Old Town which was very impressive and in the evening Lucy and I went to see the Lianne Carroll Trio which was brilliant.

Today was the main day of the weekend festivities.  I didn’t manage to be up and on the hill at 4:30 to see the Morris dancers welcoming the dawn.  But we were in the Old Town at 9 am to see Jack burst out of the Fishermen’s museum.

It was exciting walking over the West Hill and in to the Old Town, knowing we were going to see something special but not sure exactly what.  Shame about the weather but spirits were high.The costumes and make up were incredible.Cute decoration on a young boy’s hat.This family had been up since 3am to get blacked up and to dance in the dawn in Eastbourne.  Historically, this group of Morris dancers hailed from Shropshire.  They blacked themselves up with coal dust and goose fat so they were disguised because it was illegal to dance on a Sunday.This man’s costume was one of my favourites.The drama begins as we ready ourselves for Jack to break out from the fisherman’s museum.These costumes were all made in a local studio in Hastings by their wearers.This Mother and daughter looked very glamorous and the Mum had made both headpieces.  I loved how friendly everyone was and how willing they were to talk about their costumes.And here is Jack, so now the celebration of summer beginning  can start.More amazing costumes.Harvey and I wandered over to the High Street to watch the procession.

The procession pauses in the High Street so we can be entertained by the dancers.Here’s ‘Jack’, covered in greenery and wearing a crownOff he goes, up the hillWith all his followers.The streets were packed and there was a fantastic atmosphere.Here’s the fabulous Clare, looking amazing.Happy smiling faces.Hello again!This mural was painted in the Old Town.  Jack is coming and its nearly time to break him free.As we walked up the West Hill, the sun came out.I do love my new town.We got to the top of the hill and then saw the procession again which was an unexpected bonus.

Hello Greg

There were so many incredible costumesThere’s MillieI could have taken a photo of everyone, they were all so interesting!

We saw this drumming group in Hastings Old Town yesterday – they were excellent.  This was perhaps my favourite of the many drumming groups because they were very upbeat.After the procession, all the different groups performed.  I was enjoying watching it and was happy my sister Abi and family were able to join but it was actually quite cold, because of the wind so when they wanted to go and eat in a cafe, Harvey and I headed home.  We had been on our feet for 5 hours and felt a bit tired.

Tired but very happy as I walked though my door.  I love my new town and next year intend to be more involved in the festival.  It was an amazing sight,After a very long snooze I enjoyed a glass of red or two with rebecca and then managed to cook a delicious and nutritious dinner of 3 colours of quinoa with a stack of veggies, my favourite tofu (Taifun’s smoked tofu with almonds) and a mustard sauce.  We both enjoyed this meal.I go to bed tonight with many happy memories from my wonderful weekend.  This was my first Jack in the Green festival and it will not be my last.