Back in the Saddle

We had a lovely time in Cornwall and the weather held out for us for most of the trip, with just a bit of rain on Saturday night and on the drive back. Mannings Aparthotel, the executive apartment in Truro, was absolutely lovely and we would definitely go back there. The Carlyon Bay Hotel, by the sea near the Eden Project, was also lovely but *very* posh -- a true old-school English hotel. We didn't fit in as many activities as we would have liked, but we really only had two full days to get things done once the travelling was taken into account. Here are some highlights:

Sunset over the sea as viewed from Land's End

A sea of snapdragons at the Lost Gardens of Heligan

View from the boardwalk over Heligan's subtropical jungle valley

Flame-red lilies in the "Warm Temperate" (Mediterranean) biome at the Eden Project

Beautiful landscaping at Eden

All in all, a lovely trip -- and lots of lovely food, too. Cornish ice cream, local breads and butters, clotted cream teas, cheeses, smoked salmon... And, yes, the fish and chips at Rick Stein's was just as good as expected, if not more! I fear no other fish and chips will ever be able to match the taste and quality. They should give you a knife and spoon to eat it with instead of a knife and fork, because the fish just falls apart. Mmm, I want to go back already...

Work-wise, I'm still working on my plans for revamping HH, and although it's slow-going (and tremendously hard work), I am getting there bit by bit. At least, I think I am...

In other news, Nell is working on an exciting new story, Charlie Darling, which will be a medical romance. You can get more details on her blog. I'm really looking forward to seeing the first chapter -- no pressure, Nell! :) Also, another of her books, Marrying Max, is available in the shops now, so look out for it!

Just finished reading: The Bride Wore Chocolate by Shirley Jump