Walk, swim, run, cycle

After 4 days at home in Penzance, I feel like a new person!
My parents picked me up on their way through Bristol on Saturday. Friday had been my last day at work so I'd spent many hours in the pub afterwards, and could have done with a lie in, but was happy to forsake it in place of a free ride. We got to PZ in time for tea - supplied by my big sis who lives fairly nearby. We missed Lucy, as the bank holiday had brought the rest of us together (Mum n Dad, 3 girls, 3 babies).
Taking advantage of the free babysitting, Kate and I headed out for a drink. It's rare for the two of us to have any time together now there are babies and few hundred miles between us, so a glass of wine and a chat was welcome. Our high spirits were not at all reflected in our surroundings, however. Penzance was dead, and this is bank holiday weekend! Once again I remind myself not to move back any time soon!
Sunday, and we all met in sunny St Ives, to build sandcastles, paddle and splash. My first beach day this year - not a bad start to unemployment! As the evening set in I felt I couldn't really delay the start of the new me, and made the huge effort of running to Newlyn and back (around 4 miles/ 7k I'd guess).
Monday morning, another day off for us all, and I jumped out of bed and ran it all again! Then mum, Kate, baby Ella and I walked our way to Marazion, an easy and beautiful journey when the sun is shining. There's nothing quite like St Michaels Mount for making me feel at home. The blue sky and calm sea punctuated by the odd seagull, kitesurfer, or my personal favourite, a dog who cannot believe his luck at the huge expanse of sand and water to run and play in. This is how I like dogs best, from a happy and sweet smelling distance. In the evening the grown up girls headed to Truro for another not-so-wild night out. Bank holiday weekend and we had the bar to ourselves! How can Cornwall be so laid back it actually forgets to party?
I stayed over at Pippa's so that I could babysit Zac in the morning, and had a fabulous time tiring him out at the park. I can't really think of better company, as this child does not cry, question or demand. He simply smiles, coos and cuddles. Back on the train, and in the afternoon Mum n I walked from Pendeen to Portherris. A stunning sunny Cornish cove, just for us! I can't describe how fresh the air felt, how bright the hegderows and how sweet-smelling the gorse on the walk down. Forgetting the 10 months of fog and gloom, this would be a wonderful place to live!
Tuesday, my first real day off, as school is back on. I got Mum to myself again, and we hopped on our bikes and cycled to Prussia Cove. We happened across a car-boot on our way, and took in the festival atmosphere, as it was all sunny again, with people milling about and a background hum of generators. Down to the cove and I jumped into the sea for the first wild swim of the year. Refreshing! If you want to feel alive, I recommend cycling along the coast and jumping into freezing waters, shared only by a curious seal! We ate our pasties and hung out on the beach, reluctantly returning in time for me to catch my train back to Bristol. Time to face the unemployed facts. I think I'll just put a wash on, write to some friends, go shopping, drink coffee...
I'm planning to start a business, but not today!