I walked up to the pool again and the pool was really quiet which made a nice change. I waked down to the sea afterwards as it looked quite dramatic from up on the hill. The mist was rising off the sea, and such a bright clear day, but really a really cold wind.

The island had been open today and on Monday when I went swimming. I didn't go up after swimming as the bag is a bit heavy and I like to get the towel and costume hung up as soon as possible. I rested for a bit and did a bit of colouring of cards and thought I would go over to the park and onto the island, took my book and made up a flask. Sadly they had locked the island up again so I walked round the lake and sat on a bench and read and had my drinks anyway. This squirrel was racing around in the leaves, not sure if it was looking for buried nuts or looking for good hiding places.

Took a picture at the start of the glen as I passed.

A lovely pine by the water.

This morning they were working on the putting green in the park and adding grass seed. This afternoon the pigeons were in heaven, don't know how much of the seed will last long enough to grow!

Took a picture of a blurred sun, no particular reason!

Caught up with the ironing this afternoon. Darren is still not very well so we went to get a bit of shopping and had something to eat at Sainsbury's Not feeling too lively, might colour a couple more cards in a bit.

I caught the bus to Castle Street this morning and then made the short walk back to the studio. Haven't seen Sandy for quite a while so she had lots to tell me about her holiday and the pottery camp they went on when they got back. Yesterday evening I started another plaque, marked out a tree frog and then began to paint it in.

After Sandy and I had chatted for a while I looked around and did paint one of the flower shaped plates. I had taken my brushes just in case the desire to paint came to me.

I think it will be fired tonight so may get the finished article by the end of the week. I did walk hope and cut up to the cliff top to have a look at the bay. A real drop in the temperature today and a bitter wind, the bay looked grey and cold.

Hadn't noticed this pampas before, getting well buffeted today.

Took a picture of the sky through a rainy window, makes a change.

Tina has gone away for a few days so I cooked dinner for Darren and myself, he hasn't felt too well and wasn't in until seven, so now he is fed and can relax for the evening. Holby a bit later, nearly through the House dvd's that I have (gentle hint if you read this Anya).

This morning I walked up to the swimming pool and did have a swim. They are silly little lockers at the pool so they kept my walking stick behind the reception desk. I went through the park and I have never seen the lake as still as it was today, there is usually a sign of a ripple. The surface today made for great reflections.

I thought this next one was just a nice and slightly different aspect.

Walking back down the hill I was very aware of just how white the back of some of the leaves were.

By the time I walked back through the park there was some movement on the water. I wanted a couple of things in town and Tina took me in, we just parked for an hour but we both got things we had planned to get. That was a bit more exercise than I have had for a few days so sat and watched a couple of episodes of House this afternoon (any excuse). I have been painting one of the plaques since and have researched a picture for another one.

I have a quiz sheet, my sister sends me a copy every year. Tina came up and helped me get a few more answers and some to check. May try and get into the studio tomorrow as I haven't been in for weeks now.

This morning thought I would try another recipe from the little book. This was a one egg sponge. As I haven't made a successful sponge using the usual method I thought this would at least be worth a try! Doesn't rise nearly as much but didn't sink either, so that is a bonus.

I did try a small piece and it as actually quite tasty, so I am liking this little book more and more. Hadn't got a lot of inclination to go out but took a book that Anya lent me and went into the park. I walked round the lake then sat on a bench and read for a while. The leaves have turned at last, but sadly there aren't that many of them left!

This ladybird, with a lot of spots, was on the arm of the bench I sat on to read. Haven't seen many ladybirds this year.

I had a cup of tea at the cafe before walking home. I imagine that will be the last time the cafe opens this year. Read a bit more of the book and I think I will get into it, which is good, as I have been right off the reading lately. This tree was still managing to look pretty despite the number of leaves left on it.

Back home I watched a couple of episodes of House and had the two younger cats snoozing next to me. I gave them both a treat and Blue hadn't had one of these before, she was funny playing with it before she ate it!

Tina and I cooked dinner together today which was nice, now full and going to make a quick drink before Strictly results..

Last night I think the cats slept on the sofa all night, they did look cute when I went to bed.

As I was a bit down in the dumps yesterday and didn't go out, I thought I must make the effort today but caught the bus to the Sea Life Centre. The bay from there was looking good.

I did have a wander around the Sea Life Centre as I have a pass. Have photographed a lot there before so will keep the pictures to a minimum. Managed to catch one of the penguins swimming.

And an otter playing with a pebble.

Probably the best photo I have managed of a seahorse.

The castle was pretty misty when I came back out.

I had a short walk along the front as I had a bit of time before the bus home. Saw the train go by.

Nice clouds today.

I caught the bus home and took a picture of this great yucca just up the road.

A quiet afternoon, a bit of House and a bit of sorting stuff to go to the charity shop. Have watched Strictly, a good show again.

In the winter I cannot see the sunset as it moves further down the street in the winter months. As you know, in the summer I have a ringside seat! Darren phoned to tell us it was a great sky when he was on his way home. Tried to take this leaning out of the window, hence the weird angle!

Tina then took me for a quick drive round and make a couple of stops.

When I got home with Anya yesterday Tina had brought a lovely little flower arrangement home that had been on the table at Not Home Alone.

I have not been on great form today, so haven't gone out at all. Watched too many episodes of House and generally lounged about. Saw this small bird on the aerial opposite for a change.

I did make up the 150 piece micro jigsaw.

Because I had been so lethargic I thought I would go downstairs and try and make some of the 'quick Chelsea buns' in the little old cookery book I have. They turned out okay and actually taste quite good.

Will be watching two great comedy shows this evening which will be good. Tina is away until tomorrow night so Darren and I are home alone tonight.

I slept fairly well, Anya kindly let me have the room with the en suite bathroom and she shared with Isobel. You are now in for a great number of sunrise pictures for a change, but although you will see a fair few it is nowhere near the number I actually took! It was still pretty dark out when I started snapping at about 7.30 am.

This was a little later.

The moon was still visible at this point.

Colour spreading.

Wow!

A Haunted castle?

Turning yellow and looking good.

As the sun was about to appear the sky began to glow.

Isobel sat with her kindle ignoring the fact that her mum and nan were taking photos like demented butterflies, flitting out on the balcony and back in!

A final one, sun's up!

We went to the Watermark again for breakfast then back to the apartment to pack up and check out. We just came back to the house. Isobel loves Blue and Anya and I tried a game I got at a boot sale called Double Quick, it is a crossword making game. We had lunch with Tina and then Anya and Isobel set off on the journey home. My ankle and knee have been playing up a bit today so have sat with my feet up and watched a couple of episodes of House.