After a 12km run through the forests around Basildon (And there are lots of them - quite impressive!), Yvonne and I walked Matthew and Nicola to (high) school (Slinking away at the appropriate time). A pleasant walk in yet another sunny day. Back home to get ready for the trip to Leigh on Sea for shopping in the high street, then on to Southend on Sea for 'high tea'.

Shopping was a mix of exclectic trinket shops and some chain stores. Even for a non-shopper like Yvonne (Ooops, I mean ME) it was quite entertaining just looking at all the stuff to deck out a house in whatever style or period you want. Lots of crazy inventions and gadgets as well. Kinda ' I had no idea I needed that thing, but now I've seen one....'

After a quick coffee to tide us over, we shifted from Leigh past some very impressive houses (Overlooking the sea) down to Southend and the waterfront near the pier. 'Sands' was our target (A restaurant built since we were last there) where we were treated to 'afternoon tea' with the classic cucumber sandwiches and cakes on a tiered stand. Calorie heaven!. Whilst catching up on old times , the tide made its rapid way out of the bay exposing a nice stony beach/rocks etc.

We couldn't resist the famous Rossi's for an icecream(despite the calorie overload) before heading home.

The weather continued to sparkle (Even a bit of sunburn...) so we sat up on the Smiffy's new deck area and outdoor furniture as the day waned - and enjoyed the entertainment of Matthew butchering the back lawn to play golf, and Nicola coming in afterwards to finish it off and make it playable. Golf lasted all of 5 minutes until the ball disapperad under the shed...

Bangers and the famous David's creamy/silky mash for dinner then off to bed....