slightly toastier than england

Diana and Matt, on the overlook to Maracas Bay

Late last night, my mother-in-law, Diana, and one of my brothers-in-law, Matt, arrived for 10 days' visit. We're all thrilled to see them, not the least of which is Alex; primarily because "Uncle Maffew," like all new men, provides her with an opportunity to flirt like a madwoman, and show off her feminine wiles, manifesting themselves in her unusual talents like, you know, jumping, and playing with her own shadow.

Diana and Matt live in Cornwall, the southwesternmost part of England, in a small seaside village. Whenever we visit them, we invariably visit their local beaches. The beaches of Cornwall are quite beautiful; however, even though it's usually the height of summer, we find ourselves wrapped up in waterproofs and fleeces, huddled together trying to steal each other's warmth (but pretending that it's all in the name of family togetherness), and trying to shield ourselves from the wind. The children are the only ones brave enough to strip down to their swimsuits, and within 15 minutes, their skin has invariably turned this most startling shade of cerulean blue. Nonetheless, the family all marvels at what a wonderful day it is to go to the beach, and usually takes great pleasure in mocking my obvious cold and discomfort.

It was for this reason I was particularly excited this morning to take Matt and Diana to our local beach at Maracas Bay. The day was quite warm, and for once, the sea was quite calm, and we spent three glorious hours in the sand and the surf. And when we finally packed up to return, Diana looked at me and smiled. It was a knowing smile; a smile which said that no matter how much grief she gives me on future excursions to the Cornish beaches, the teasing will be underpinned with a new understanding of why 50 degrees Farenheit on a beach feels particularly cold to me.

Comments

[Owlhaven]

awww...cold beaches aren't so bad. My family has had a lot of fun on 55 degree beaches...
Not that I wouldn't like to visit yours...
Mary

[arubagirl]

I totally understand what you're talking about.

[calor]

I so know what you mean. When I visited Cape Cod on October, it reminded me of what you described. I will do anything to be at Maracas. Now!. oh and a shark and bake will be divine as well...candy.

[dave / higher powered]

my favorite beach

[Mary]

Looks wonderful. Wish I was in the surf right now.

[Francine]

amen sister!

[Helen Rodda]

I wish I was there! Maybe one day I'll visit too. Alex's flirting better not succeed, I want him back! Mind you I think we've all fallen for her, don't you?