Sunshine and blue skies . .

We have enjoyed a really lovely day today - sunshine, warmth and just the lightest of breezes.  This morning we joined what seemed like hundreds of other people for a walk along the beach.

The shingle bank that was thrown up onto the beach during the Christmas/New Year storms a few weeks ago is still there, and we spied some scallop shells in amongst the stones.

Just a few shallow ripples at the water's edge today, instead of the huge crashing rollers we've been experiencing recently.  Here's a container ship destined for Southampton, passing one of the Solent forts.

Our walk took us through Puckpool Park, originally the site of a Battery, built during the 19th century to defend against a perceived threat from the French.  This building was the main magazine, and this morning the roadway in front was several inches under water; the reflection was near perfect.  

This afternoon I met up with an old school friend, and we enjoyed a pot of tea and a good natter at Quarr.  It was a lovely walk there and back, and everyone I met en route seemed happy to see the sun at last!

Finally, a bit of ingenuity from N.  The little plastic cover to the water resevoir in my iron has finally snapped off so N has fashioned a nifty stopper out of a bottle cork and a wooden knob left over from his hand-made boxes.  I think it is just perfect.

Now ironing makes me smile :-)