After a few busy weeks in the summer holidays it was time to relax and take things a little easier this week. We pottered around at home and on one day I went down to the pier and polished my birthday plaque. I do like being on the pier, it has a great view of the town and feels a very peaceful place. We also did walks, played football on the downs and I had a big decluttering session in the porch which was very satisfying!

We are having very serious talks about a possible house move so went to the neighbouring town to look at some houses for sale, not viewings, but just to see location. Our motivation for the move is due to my husband no longer being able to drive since his brain injury and the town being conveniently placed for public transport. However we still are trying to make a decision, there’s so much to consider. Whilst we were in the town we went to the local cinema to see Naked Gun. It was watchable with predictable plot lines but amusing and not a bad way to spend an evening.

We do try and do something special each week in the holidays and this week we went to Beaulieu. Whilst it is famous for its car museum, which is impressive and interesting, I think there’s so much more to do. I was delighted to discover there was a sculpture exhibition around the house and gardens and was in my element walking around and admiring the art. I also loved the little monorail trip around the estate, so cute. Beaulieu has so much interesting history and I was really taken by the exhibition on the French resistance movement some of whom had been trained at the estate as part was requisitioned by the government during World War 2. I studied this period for my French A level and by focusing on two resistance agents in the exhibition it made it very engaging.

I have started a book this week which is having a big effect on me Let them by Mel Robbins. The premise is let them, one cannot control others’ actions or emotions, and Let me, do what I can do. It’s a fascinating read. I also bought a couple of books on a shopping trip as I had some book tokens. One is a recipe book, autumn generally makes me more creative in the kitchen and a book on fashion ‘Clothes and other things that matter’ which is next on my to read list. I went shopping whilst the boys were at the first home game of the new season. The shopping centre is close to the ground so I was able to drop and pick them up. I like the football season it gives our weekends more rhythm and structure and the boys do enjoy their little trips.