Its Beginning and its End

The rains took their toll, leaving some muddy patches along our way. But with such glorious blues above, who cares?

It is always such fun to await the sunrise here. Our cozy spot is only yards from the sea, and the view you see here is our view. We don't have to walk to it. It walks to us. This morning, after having poured its wetness down upon our heads, the skies gave us this amazing panorama! One lone man was out there, gazing, photographing, marveling. We smiled across at each other as we snapped, but said no words. There was no need.

The day was like that, all of it, with the usual book-writing for hours and then dashing out to walk in the beauty for a time. It's a winning combination! In the evening, we strolled together to the Castle Inn, pub of choice for the camaraderie and the people-watching. It was hopping. We went to the bar, and I said, "I would like a pot of tea, please."

"Oh, sorry Madam, no more hot drinks this evening. They're all shut down." I could see the lovely teapots and cups just there, behind him, so delectable. But apparently, shut down means shut down. And so the SconeLady sat and read her book, listening.

Next to us were two couples who had just become fast friends, over their dogs (sitting beneath the tables). They LOVED their dogs, and shared story after story about how "Jimmy" and "Rounder" had behaved as pups. Then there were the stories of feedings and cleanings-up-after, almost as if they weren't dogs at all, but human babies. It was funny, but I did not laugh. They were too near to me for that.

On our way back, we came upon a line of people waiting at the Parish Church next to a sign: "Big Band appearing Tonight! 8:00! You won't want to miss this." I paused.


Big Band. Won't want to miss it. And suddenly, I  wanted the 1940's, and I wanted to go. What a perfect way to end the September Festival here in St Ives. We arrived back at the cottage, where I began to get ready. I then stood at the door, hand on knob.

"But where are you going?" said the SconeLady's husband.

"Why, to the church, of course! Want to come?"

He politely declined.

And the day ended just as spectacularly as it had begun. 19-strong, this Big Band was as good as I had ever heard. The brass section was gripping, the saxes immaculate, the trombones (with the director also playing one) were smashing, and the percussion, double bass, guitars (yes! guitars too!) gave us a real show, and I was transported back to the good old days of Glenn Miller and all the rest. 

St Ives sure knows how to put on a party for two weeks. And with the backdrop of the ever-changing, ever-enchanting sea just there, it really can't be beat. I'm sorry to see it end.


See you along the way!
the SconeLady