We’ve been to the seaside today. It’s been gorgeous weather and we’ve walked along the beach with two dogs (Maisie and Rosie but NOT Archie who is struggling so badly to get around now that we tricked him into thinking they were both being left at home but we snuck Rosie out of the back door). Boy did we feel guilty about that one but we knew it’d ruin the day for everyone (him included) if he couldn’t manage it all.

So, with a partially heavy heart, we set off to walk from Seaton to Downderry and back along the beach. It was lovely, although crowded. The boys had a fab time, splashing in the sea, chasing Maisie and generally larking about. Rosie was happy to be on the beach, if a little bothered by her new companion. I tried not to think about how much Archie would have loved a trip to the beach. Poor chap.

We stopped for lunch in Downderry and this shot was taken there. I love it, not least for the fruit pastille in mouth! The mucky shirt and the cheeky look also give it an air of cuteness that’s hard to resist.

Later, David asked our little friend what he was eating and it turned out to be a packet of fruit pastilles. He asked if he could have one and met with a bit of resistance. A few moments later, a little lad sidled up to David and offered him a pastille, which, when David went to take it, turned out to be the last one in the packet, hence the initial reluctance to offer it.

Boy did David feel a heel at that because the fruit pastille was being forced on him now with “no” not being considered a proper answer. No matter how much he protested that he didn’t want to take the last one, his protestations were rejected and the fruit pastille offered. In the end, he had no alternative but to take the sweet with thanks.

I can tell you with hindsight that the generosity that saw the last pastille being offered was repaid by a fresh packet being delivered back to their door the following day. I don’t think David could have lived with himself for any lesser action!