Books: We Didn't Mean to Go to Sea (spoilers!)

As previously mentioned, I like to revisit childhood favorites every now and then. This book isn't actually one I read as a kid, but I loved the series. It's the 9th book in the Swallows and Amazons series, which I've been slowly rereading. It follows the accidental adventure of the Walker children (the Swallows), who sail across the sea to Holland by themelseves. At the start of their holidays they meet a man who agrees to take them for a trip on his boat. Unbeknownst to the children he has an accident while on land getting supplies and is delayed. Meanwhile both a fog and the tide come up. Their anchor chain is too short to hold them in the high water, and because of the fog they don't realise they're drifting out to sea until it's too late. Because of bad weather and treacherous rocks, they decide that the safest thing for them to do is to keep sailing on until the weather changes, and in the morning they find themselves in Holland. They also rescue a drowning kitten from the sea on the way. Luckily in Holland they meet their father who is on his way to England and he helps them sail the ship back to England safely.

I really enjoyed this book, and the whole series so far. The circumstances in which they find themselves sailing to Holland are written in a very believable way. The story takes palces over a much shorter timescale than other Arthur Ransome books, making it much more intense. The long, anxious night, the struggle against the storm, the seasickness and the struggle to stay awake are really gripping. And, OK, the end is a total deus ex machina, but I don't mind that. Like the whole series so far, it's a great read.

 

Music: Jazz Suite 2, Waltz No. 2

This is a nice, flowing piece of classical music by Shostakovich:

Photography: Dunseverick Castle and Rathlin Island

Another Batch of photos from my Northern Ireland Trip. These are from the tiny, ruined Dunseverick Castle, and Rathlin Island, just off the coast. Some of them are HDR and some aren't.

 

Songs: Gentle on My Mind

A nice, gentle, relaxing old cover of a song:

Mugs

Here are some more of the many mugs we have acquired:

Firstly, Chip. He's from Beauty and the Beast. He's very cute, with his painted-on missong chip, happy face and jaunty angle, but he doesn't get used a whole lot, as he's quite small and not microwave safe. He's still great though.

Next, Dark Souls 3. This is one of the man's favourite games, and also one of his favourite mugs. It's another temperature change one. It's plain black with nothing in it, but hot liquid makes flames appear. It's pretty cool. Again, not microwave safe though.

And finally, Hedwig. She's from Harry Potter. Again, not microwave safe and a little difficult to clean properly, but I love her. Favourite ever mug! I just love her face.

Songs: Potential Break-Up Song

Song!

Bowls: Octopus Fruit Bowl

I first saw this guy in the giftshop of Winchester Cathedral, of all places. I immediately fell in love him, but decided I couldn't afford him. I did find him online though and put him on my Christmas list. And here he is. The best fruit bowl EVER! He's so beautiful! The bowl is a little bit loose in the arms, but I suppose it has to be or you couldn't remove the bowl for washing. The problem is that I'm reluctant to put anything in the bowl, cos that makes the arms less visible. Still very cool though. I love it.