Tuesday 29 July 2008

Summer reads

Thanks for all the plant suggestions from my last post - the definitive answer is Knautia Macedonia, confirmed by the garden's owner!

One of my best friends has been on holiday down here for the last couple of weeks, and I've managed to meet up with her several times. Last week we picniced on the beach at Prussia Cove, one of my favourite places. Ever. We played frisbee, dipped our toes in the sea, and talked non-stop for several hours. Just catching up on life, you know how it is.

I came home with a bag full of summer reading - Jo always saves her paperbacks for me, either posting them on, or like this time, when we actually get to meet, a big supply in one go!


My book group is on its summer break, so I'll have a bit more time to delve in to these. Anybody out there read any of them already? Any comments or reviews? On sunday I woke with a splitting headache of the hormonal variety. Being upright was not an option, but tea and a book in bed most definitely was, so long as I kept very still! The sun was shining outside, yet again the sky was blue, and I can see the sea from my bed (just have to ignore what's between my bedroom window and the sea itself) so it was a good location for reading and recovery. By lunchtime I'd transferred to the steamer chair in the garden, and that is where I remained until I'd read Jonathan Coe's The Rain Before It Falls, from cover to cover. I loved it, just couldn't stop turning the pages. Compulsive, evocative of times passed, haunting..... I have to admit I felt quite decadent, lounging all day. Especially as by the time I went and sat in the garden my pounding head was becoming a distant memory. But then sometimes you need a day like that.

Yesterday Jo and I met up one more time - I drove over to Helford where she's staying, and we walked to nearby Manaccan (accompanied by her son, and Walter dog) for lunch at this new-ish cafe. Stylish, simple, and delicious food, too. I do love it when friends visit my neck of the woods.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

I've always wanted to visit Cornwall since reading Daphne DuMaurier's "Frenchman's Creek" many years ago. Nice to see it's as beautiful as I thought it would be.

kristina said...

Lucky you with so many new books to read! And so glad your headache has cleared. I completely agree sometimes you just need a day of rest and relaxation with a good book. And that cafe looks lovely. K x

Gina said...

What a fabulous pile of books! I've read "Burning Bright" which I thoroughly enjoyed and "The Book Thief" which I thought was amazing - unsusally written but totally absorbing. Hope your headache has cleared!

silverpebble said...

What a pile of summer reading you've got there! I've never read any of those but I've read 'The Lady and the Unicorn' by Tracy Chevalier - a definite recommendation. Hope your head is better and you enjoy your next book!

Simone said...

How lucky to see the sea from your bed! You have a lovely friend to save you such a huge stack of books. It sounds like you have some really good times with her.

Anonymous said...

Nice stash you have there. I haven't read any of them but have several of them in my "to be read" pile.

Pipany said...

Love Helford river and the whole Manaccan area Diana; such pretty creeks and houses dotted everywhere isn't there?

I will start to go mad if this rain doesn't stop, though I like your idea of curling up with a good book. I am reading Crusoe's Daughter which is beautifully written and have only read The Book Thief from your new stash - very good read it was too xx

Florence Knapp (Flossie Teacakes) said...

Oh how lovely to have such a deliciously towering pile of books to work your way through - a perfect way to spend the summer.