Simply Sublime

Well, hasn't the weekend ended on a different note from how it started, raining buckets rather than the radiant sunshine you can see we were enjoying on our way to the West Country on Thursday. The green skirt has been on holiday and much as I would like to tell you we went in style in this fabulous Morris Minor, we did indeed just borrow it in the car park in Frome!

And how we enjoyed ourselves in Frome. Architecturally, it couldn't be more lucky, having lots of lovely old buildings and gardens and the simply brill St Catherine Hill. This is where all the vintage and crafty shops are and I had no trouble losing myself there for a few hours, emerging well laden down! (There is also a model railway shop for the boys.) I can report that another vintage skirt added itself to my burgeoning collection, indeed I wear it as I type!

We have certainly made the most of our few days off. On Friday, we woke to glorious sunshine, so we packed up and headed for the seaside in Dorset. These wonderful distinctive lanterns will give you a clue where we found ourselves.

One way you can look out to The Cobb...

The other to the cliffs of the Jurassic Coast. Either way, it's pretty special, is Lyme Regis.

Strolling along the prom prom prom, I admired the pastel painted beach huts. Obligatory to any pretty seascape these days, I know.

This one gets extra points for having Cath K curtains!

We found ourselves a spot on the beach, it was busy but not crowded. My picnic quilt had its first proper outing and the Munchkin wasted no time in getting acquainted with it!

Actually, once he hit the sand and the shore, he couldn't be dragged away, except for his Cornish pasty at lunchtime. Mr HenHouse read some of his extensive steam railway literature as usual and me, well I had my latest quilt to bind!

After a while, I decided to head off in search of lunch. The houses along the sea front are really rather lovely and all quite individual.

Yay, it's pink, it's thatched, what's not to love?

I think this is my fave though, pink paintwork AND a turquoise door, not to mention that cute bowed window.

Further up the main street, there are also some lovely shops.

I thought this art deco cinema was rather fabulous.

"Ginger Beer" had a lovely display in the shop's windows.

Well indeed!

Two hours later, I made my way back to the beach with a few vintage and charity shop finds and some lukewarm pasties! I can say without hesitation that one thing which made the day in Lyme so very enjoyable was that the people were absolutely lovely. I chatted my way round Lyme and found warmth and friendliness everywhere. So much so that on my way out pasty hunting, I was waylaid by this rather magnificent beach hut and chatted to the lady owner for over half an hour about life in the West Country and all things vintage. I think you'll agree, it is simply perfick!