The Saint Barnabas’ Blog

Today is the final day of our holiday and we have returned to Sheringham to see ‘the olds’. Alas – I may go hungry as my mother is threatening to withdraw my dinner unless I put out an explanation to you all. Apparently the painting I featured the other day on this blog, which I hereby name ‘purple blur’, was only a quarter finished. Thus I include two photographs of more completed works. (Best not mention that I can find no difference in them!!)

Fret not dear mother- I am assured Van Gogh was largely unrecognised and scorned in his day! Perhaps in future years your works will be just as collectable?! Sheringham’s answer to Paul Cezanne.

The photograph above shows a 13 week old baby in the womb- the age our second child is at present! Please note the new update page created here, which can also be accessed via the side bar. It offers an updated account of the progress of our second child. I place it there as a reminder to all that life begins at conception and in joyful anticipation of our new arrival! It will also keep a record of all scans and images for doting family members and friends! What a miracle life is.

There are a lot of things going on for baby this week! All twenty teeth have formed and are waiting (Teething is yet to come!). Baby now weighs in at 1 ounce (28.3 grams). The intestines are migrating from the umbilical cord into his or her abdomen. In addition the tiny pancreas of our little one is even producing insulin. Wow! Well done baby- that beats my efforts this week!

All aboard! This morning we caught the very charming miniature locomotive which runs between Wells and Walsingham. This half hour excursion was the cause of MUCH excitement for Jemima, who ‘choo choo-ed’ her way along with great gusto. The following photograph displays an attack from the ‘tickle-monster’ – which caught her unawares.

Walsingham was at its quiet midweek best in the warmth of the Spring-time sun. The gardens looked fantastic and the new buildings are a tasteful addition, in my humble opinion.

I was especially delighted to be greeted by a priest I did not know- a reader of this blog he recognised me straight away! Fr. Edward Mathias-Jones SSC and his wife were utterly charming, and as promised I am adding a link to his own parish websitehere.

We then entered the Shrine and prayers were offered, with a candle lit for the recovery of Andy Anderson our parish verger. The final half hour before lunch was taken strolling around the Abbey grounds, where daisy chains were made and sunbathing undertaken!

Lunch was taken at the Bull, supper, of bread and cheeses, was purchased from the Walsingham farm shop and then we hopped back on the train for the return to Wells. We then wandered down to the harbour determined to better our crabbing efforts. Hurrah- the tide was in! We hauled in crabs aplenty with Jemima squealing in delight at each catch. Best of all was the release as our crustacean friends scuttled down the shore and back into the sea. A thoroughly splendid day was had by all.

Today we went to Sheringham to visit my parents and spend the day with them. This photograph shows Jemima meeting one of the oldest members of the family; ‘Gussy’ the tortoise is at least 70, having been fully mature when my mother received her as a pet whilst still only a toddler! As you can see she is going strong, which is surprising when you consider she shares the garden with Sam the dog, who steals her food at every opportunity. The thieving hound is pictured below, as is my mother bringing out refreshments for us all!

A delicious lunch of cheese and bread followed a relaxed morning, before we headed to nearby horse sanctuary for the afternoon. Jemima loved meeting the animals but her favourite moment was the discovery of a tractor in the playground. In the following photographs she is seen prodding a nag before comparing ‘wheels’ with my father. It was great to see him out and about, and although still far from well physically, he is making good progress mentally, following his recent brain surgery.

A very pleasant day ended with an early family meal (to accomodate the little one) before we headed back to the holiday home and bed. And so I end today with a snap of my mother’s painting- the product of joining a local art class. For some reason she was not entirely chuffed when I told her it seemed more ‘Suzanne’ than ‘Cezanne’! Only joking mum!!

Pictured above are my happy girls who accompany me on holiday. This morning we started the day with a charming walk down to the harbour at Wells, for a spot of crabbing. Alas, the tide was out and the crabs mighty shy…..which is my excuse for catching none! Be warned my little crustacean friends- I will return!

Late morning we arrived at the charming town of Blakeney, an idyllic haven much favoured by ornithologists and dog walkers alike. It was here that we enjoyed a picnic lunch and drink in the local before heading off to the nearby Morsten Quay for a special boat trip to see a large colony of seals who congregate in this area of outstanding natural beauty.

We then returned to Wells for a tea of gourmet individual crab quiche with salad and a white wine. A tired Jemima will soon be put to bed and it will be time for feet up and a competitive game of scrabble. Let us hope I win or it will be holiday sulking all day tomorrow! Tomorrow we meet up with my mum and dad, living at nearby Sheringham, but for now I leave you with a rather happy girl tucking into an ice-cream! As you can see it was enjoyed to the full.