Polly Pocket

Yesterday Steve and me took Rob and Vicki to Lyme Regis. Robert had proclaimed that he had never been there and Vicki said she hadn't either. We knew Rob had been as a boy but we thought it would make for a lovely day out and it did.

We set out early(ish) and managed to park at the bottom thus avoiding that long, steep climb at the end of the day. There was a steady chilly breeze as we walked along The Cobb and I was very grateful that I had worn a jacket. As the crowds gathered the temperature rose and we walked all along the front visiting the fossil/fish/tourist shops as we went.

Change was got in the amusement arcade and I enjoyed a moment or two of being up 10p down 10p as I slid my tuppences into the tipping point machine. Steve was studying the horse racing game and after a few minutes I decided the time was right to bet on the outside chance, we netted £2.50 each on that 10p bet! Liking pound coins in my purse I enquired at the cash desk if they changed coins in reverse and I soon had 2 extra gold coins in my palm. I decided to risk all with the 5 ten pences and played the up and down game once more until the fifty pence had joined all the other coins of the players before me.

After lunch the boys ventured out onto the high seas, for a spot of mackerel fishing whilst us girls spent an hour dipping in and out of the delightful array of shops. Much ooing and aaing took place in the baby shop but we didn't manage to spend any money! I did buy myself a cotton sun dress that is so unlike anything I normally wear that I'm not sure I shall ever where it anywhere other than when I am at home by myself!

I was impressed that I was able to buy gluten free ice cream but foolishly forgot to ask for a gluten free cone. At Barleymows farm shop on our journey home I managed to buy delicious gluten free sausages for our BBQ but forgot to get gluten free rolls. Those soft white squidgy finger rolls that encase suasages and onions so nicely tempted me and I could not resist. Stupidly I devoured two.  We had a lovely evening enjoying the evening sunshine and a tipple or two or three. We even managed to do all the clearing up before we went to bed!

I awoke this morning in a bit of a state, brain fog, stiff limbs, unable to see and a promise to deliver items to Mum's at 9 a.m. and a plan to run. The dreaded gluten had got the better of me but I battled on, it will not win. Steve ferried me to the parents and as I had my fluorescent jacket on Polly Dog gave me the best of greetings ever. She obviously thought she was coming on a run with me. I did wonder if Mum and Dad had teased her into an expectant hope of doing so! She sat grinning at me constantly nudging at my arm in an attempt to get me going. I suggested she came with me to save Dad having to take her out for her morning walk, it would also save Mum the afternoon shift as a good 5 mile trot would suffice. My only provision was that they came and picked her up from mine as I couldn't manage both ways!

Off we went. My goodness the start was hard. I seriously thought about turning back as my legs just would not cooperate. Polly was ahead of me and keen to take off but it was me that was slowing her down. I could not breathe, it was hot I did not want to do it. I would not give in and Polly stayed right by my pocket, we kept going, I decided as no records were going to be broken and that as I couldn't contact anybody I had to get going and I had to get home. We took things very gently on the inclines and enjoyed the ease of the declines. About half way home I fell into my stride and I really began to enjoy the run. Just looking at Polly's beautiful brown eyes, she really does smile and seeing that her tail was constantly wagging was enough to get us there.

I am very lucky to have so many running companions. They all offer a different experience and take me on very different routes. I am very grateful to them all for keeping me going, especially on the toughest runs.

         
I would love to own this pretty pink cottage on the sea front at Lyme.