Two Posts for 27th December .........Thank You Sooooooo Much Seaside Karen

As we've only just arrived in Christchurch and are still finding our feet on yet another festive adventure, it would seem to be a very apt opportunity for us to share the whole plethora of presents Seaside Karen in briny Lytham St Annes bestowed upon us.

There was also a card featuring Lytham St Annes courageous and most splendid RNLI crew ......

...... it was .... emotional for sooooo many reasons, encompassing our love for the RNLI, Andy's and our charity of choice, the fact that we are jealous of anyone who lives by the sea, the yearning for us to do the same seems to get stronger with every passing year and the fact that Karen is an actual volunteer in a real life RNLI shop, our first port of call whenever we visit the sea and no doubt our trip to Christchurch will be no different as we're planning on visiting Poole, where the RNLI headquarters are.

As all the presents enclosed were RNLI related, I think, knowing us so well,  you'll quickly pick up on our palpable and tangible excitement as each package was opened and its contents revealed. 

Alice, being the only lady amongst us and strictly adhering to our "ladies first" house rule, took the very first "pick" to reveal a beautiful RNLI mug, which she's taking to Christchurch, because, quite simply, hotel mugs never feel quite right and are certainly not big enough! 

Eric went second, to unwrap a beautiful, furry fairy which, as our Christmas tree is bereft of any fairy wings, went right to the top for the next week or so and then Eric says, he'll find a new permanent place for her.

For Darrell there was a light house wind chime, again put on the Christmas tree for now, but then he might hang it on a tree in the garden to amuse our resident squirrels, Boris and Carrie.

For me, there was an RNLI tea-towel, always useful, but it's always a struggle to use ones as beautiful as this. I've packed it for Christchurch too, to dry Alice's matching mug, as there's never a tea-towel when you want one, especially when you're away from home!!!

And finally, for us all to share, a bag of Cadbury Snowballs, Karen's lightly dusted confectionary of festive choice, we are all truly, truly blessed.

We are sooooooooo lucky to have sooooooo many lovely friends, who know us sooooooooooo very well. What can I say, but thank you Seaside Karen so much. We'll wave to you from Hengisbury Head, sending you all our love on the tide and the wind, even if we suspect technically it might be in the wrong direction ........ 

Talking about friends by the sea, our lovely Pharmacy Michelle sent us a very beautiful Christmas present too, but we're leaving showing that to you until the very first day of 2026!!!! What re we like?