Easter in England

This year for Easter I went with Tom and his parents to his aunt and uncle's, Margy and Ian, who live near Portsmouth. Portsmouth is on the south coast about forty miles west of Brighton. I have met them and their daughters, Katie and Anna, many times as these are the relatives that holidays are shared with. However, I had never before been to their house. Margy is Sarah's (Tom's mum)sister. Katie was around for the day as she lives just up from her parents, but Anna is up in Scotland training to become a doctor and was unable to make it down.

We arrived around noon, in plenty of time for the Easter lunch that was to follow. After a tour of their home and competing to stack toy wooden pelicans the tallest(which Tom won) it was time to feast. We had a delicious started of Thai noodles with prawns. Followed by an incredible duck roast with roasted vegetables, savory Yorkshire pudding, and applesauce (although I probably forgot a couple of side dishes.) The meal ended with pavlova for dessert.

After we ate until there was no room for more, we attempted to walk some of it off along the beach. The seafront was a few minuets drive away and an excellent place for an afternoon stroll. I was reminded of home along this bit of the coast. I think it appeared similar because first, the Isle of Wight is just across the way, which means you can see land like in the Puget sound but unlike Brighton where the water stretches to the horizon. This also meant there wasn't surf like the little bit that crashes into the pebbles on Brighton beach. Second, it's similar because there were more boats out in the water. You do see some boats in Brighton of course, but not near as many right out from the main beach.

Tom and I

Margy and Sarah


The most interesting feature of this walk is that a stunt kite flying team was practicing a routine on one of the grassy areas. I had never seen anything like it before. It was like the Red Arrows or Blue Angels, but kites rather than airplanes. We stood amazed for a little while watching them complete their routine a few times over. Obviously practicing for something, but what I do not know?


We then returned to the car as it was nearing tea time. On the drive back to their home we took a detour to view Katie's home, which is a good size for a young single woman with a wonderful garden. I was still horribly full at tea time and unfortunately not able to take advantage of all the good cheeses and cakes that were laid out. I know family shocking... me without space for sweets!

Completely full up once again it was time to return home, and I couldn't resist a nap along the way.

Love