Jules, it must have been hard sometimes, swapping schools. I never had to do that. I got a scholarship to a high school but when we moved house, I stayed at the same school despite a very long journey. I've never lived more than 8 years in the same place. I've been in my present home for just over 4 years and still love it so maybe I'll be staying a while longer ....

Like you, I was lucky enough to grow up when it was safe to play outside. I don't envy parents today. Children just aren't safe anymore. Maybe it's a good job they like to play with those infernal electronic games!

MD, I agree about being kids at heart. The older I get, the more I like the simple delights of life. Give me simple over complicated any day. I'm coming up to my 60th soon, and I don't mind what people think of me now, take it or leave it, life's too short to try and be popular. I feel I'm lucky having grown up in times when we were told to go out and play, and it meant anywhere. I've lived in Canada and California, and those places were safe in the 50's and 60's. I like England (and Scotland) and home is where I live now. Travelling so much when I was small had a great effect on me. Friends were left behind when you've been to 9 different schools growing up. You had to have the ability to adapt. Now I live in the same place I landed when I was 17 and very happy with it.

Jules, when my son lived in Paignton I used to catch a bus from Torquay towards Paignton and get off at Preston Sands. This left me a mile to walk along the seafront. I always had an aching back the following day from picking up shells! My son had a bucket specially for shell picking and had shells on every window ledge. And dried starfish. I think we're all big kids at heart!  :D

MD, It's ages since I visited Cornwall/Devon area. I'm always attracted to the little shops in seaside towns, and love the seashell collections. Love seashells. I'm drawn to bright shiny objects, like a magpie.

Jules, I'm not keen on heights now. I don't even like going on the pier when there are cracks in the floorboards. There's no earthly possibility of me falling through a crack!!  LOL!!  I bet Torquay was packed with holiday makers. I love the atmosphere there, so many crazy shops with the most outrageous seaside gifts!

It's beautiful. A bit scary for me 'cause I'm afraid of heights. My brother in law just came back from Torquay today. Had a great time down there. It was good for us as we were looking after his house and garden, and had to "save" the strawberries by eating them. Also broccoli, and eggs from his chooks. A healthy week.

Jules, the bottom left still reminds me of Newquay, Cornwall.

Bellissimo!

Mira, wonderful webcam link and you tube vid. How in the world do you find this stuff.?

Lovely.  http://www.tropea.biz/english/webcamtropea.php  :)

Cool views...

This is a very nice cam. If you wait long enough, you see many different views, it takes several minutes to see it all.

MD