Geese, Par Beach, Sand Dunes and Flowers

The sun was shining  so we went along to Par Beach, on Cornwall's south coast, for a walk.

Years back we had two caravans on the site, which we let out to holiday makers. So it was interesting to see how things had changed.

All was well with the world and the geese seemed content on the lake - along with a couple of swans and numerous ducks.

Par isn't a favourite beach, but it's quite a long stretch and the water is usually quite shallow and placid.

We crossed the sand dunes to walk on the flat sand.

Then, wham bang, the weather changed within a few minutes. The sky wasn't quite as inviting.

The sea wasn't too inviting either. It's usually flat and shallow but waves rolled in.

As it looked like rain we headed back across the sand dunes to find our car.

You often find in Cornwall that if you move along the coast a little the weather can be quite different. This was the case on our trip.

We wandered down a few lanes and there were flowers galore ...

... even a host of golden daffodils ...

... and some camellias.

Plus bright gaudy colours.

Amongst the woods an old wall was covered with moss ...

... and there was more moss on the trees - made me think of Christmas, which I didn't really want to think about!

We decided to make our way back home, a mug of tea was the order of the day - okay, and a biscuit. Yes, a chocolate one or maybe two.

All good wishes, thanks for visiting my blog.

Out and About Near St. Austell, Cornwall

Peekaboo! Approaching St. Austell I noticed this lucky cat on the welcome sign.

And below another welcome to the town - not that there is anything going on of course.

In town, however, I did see a tiger ...

... and the very large humming bird.

On the outskirts of the town are sheep ...

... and this little fellow was wearing his best coat.

A pig was rooting about, churning up the grass. What a busy life.

Darkness filled the sky for a while but a rainbow brightened the view. To the right of the rainbow you can just see St. Austell's White Pyramid. 

Moving on to the coast. Below is Porthpean Beach, about 2.5 miles from St. Austell town. Often described as the beach where the locals go, but no one about today.

Inland again and a sheep with an itch!

Then it's along to the lake at Par Beach where there are usually ducks geese and the like - though the seagulls often like to boss the surroundings. 

And finally a flower, just because it's nice and colourful.

All in all a mixed set of photos for this post, but such is Covid-19 life at the moment.

Take care.

Cornish Money and Their Very Own Parliament

Back in March 2019 I wrote a post on Cornish money as issued by the Cornish Stannary Parliament in 1974. I still have one of the banknotes - as  seen above and below. You can see my previous post here: Cornwall's Very Own Cornish Money!

I was recently reading how Cornwall, in days of old, had a special place in the country because of the Cornish  tin miners (tinners).

Early in the thirteenth century they were, by charter, given law courts, a prison and even a Parliament of their own. The last Tinner's Parliament was held in Truro way back in August, 1752.

Only for such crimes as linked to 'land and limb' were tinners subject to the main courts of the period.

The charter also declared that tinners had the right to search for tin on any unenclosed land. 

So perhaps Cornwall is entitled to its very own money, though this probably wouldn't be very practical.

In the 18th and 19th centuries there were Coins known as Cornish Pennies, though they were really only trade tokens.

Thank you for visiting my blog, stay safe.

A Perfect Chilly Winter's Day in Mevagissey, Cornwall - 12 Photos

It was a very chilly winter's day (6th Feb). We thought a stroll around Mevagissey, despite the cold, was in order. It proved to be a good choice as the sky and sea were lovely shades of blue. 

We walked around the harbour to the small lighthouse.

As we wandered along the outer wall we could see a man fishing in the distance.

When we reached the man he hadn't been very lucky with his fishing, but what a view he had as a consolation

Across the water was the Harbour Office. 

The water in the inner harbour looked polished and shining in the winter sunshine.

There were lots of boats at the far side of the harbour ...

... all jumbled together.

Fishing paraphernalia were stacked neatly on the harbourside.

As we were leaving a small fishing boat was entering the harbour.

Below, the harbour wall with not another person in sight.

Finally the view looking east from the harbour wall, all in all very pleasant.

Thank you for visiting my blog. There are quite a few other Mevagissey posts including: Mevagissey The Two Saint Village and Harbour - 10 Photos

It Rained Cats and Dogs, But Was Still a Good Day For a Short walk

As my dear old dad would have said, "It has been raining cats and dogs". There seemed no end to the rain - no wonder parts of the country has had floods.

Luckily the rain ceased and we were able to go for a walk through the trees alongside the small rushing river.

For some reason I was reminded of Longfellow's poem where he said: Into each life some rain must fall and how some days must be dark and dreary.

But I don't mind the rain, the river looked full of energy and joy.

A house was nearly hidden behind the trees.

The river rumbled on with not a care in the world.

Damp primroses looked on cheerfully ...

... as the river splashed and gurgled.

Soon the water calmed.

I spotted some Elf Cups. In folklore it is said that the elves drink the morning dew from the cups. 

Ah well, the end of our walk for today.

As we passed by a small cottage window all was peaceful.

Thank you for visiting my blog.

Chinese Jade Money Plants and Finding Coins

As I mentioned in a previous post we have a Money Plant, also called a Chinese Jade, living in our front porch. It has been with us for many, many years. To our surprise the plant has flowered again this year, which is said to be a rare event.

In a gardening book I read: 

"Jade plants are not usually grown for their blooms, but should they begin to flower, it is the result of great care given to the plant, and therefore the friendship. Blooming jade plants reflect positively on the owner, his or her friends and family symbolizing great friendship, luck or prosperity."

So I'm hoping that 2021 will be a very positive year, despite the coronavirus - fingers etc. crossed.

It's strange because we had grown a few small Money Plants from cuttings and decided to give them away. We left them in our driveway with a sign 'Please take'. They were gone within a few hours. After this our Money Plant decided to flower!

Okay, many readers won't believe that a plant can attract money but you may have seen these plants in Chinese restaurants and take-aways as they supposedly attract happy, paying customers. Like so many things in life it all depends on what we believe.

For example, I have also written previously about how my wife is always finding coins. The photo below shows just a few of the coins she has found.

I put this down to the fact that she expects to find coins - so she does! My wife's father died when she was only four but he had a saying that the streets are full of money just waiting to be picked up. So perhaps he's sending her a reminder that he's still about - who knows!

I won't drone on but it does seem to be in life that what we believe we receive, whether this be good or bad.

Good wishes.

See also: Cornwall's Streets Are Filled With Money Waiting To Be Picked Up!