What to Drive?

One of our primary desires was to live the British Dream… "What is this British Dream that you speak of?" Well, one of the elements to living the dream, is the right car.

 

After 20 years of living on a island, without a vehicle, our mode of transport would be very important. Was it to be an Austin Martin, a MG, a Bentley, a Rolls Royce, a Range Rover, no, no, no... all those cars are simply wonderful, however for us (against all sensible recommendations, sorry Uncle Bobby) it had to be the classic old Jaguar XJ, in British Racing Green, automatic, 4 door, with leather interiors, wood trim and NATURALLY, a little shiny, silver, sleek cat leaping on the bonnet. Now that, is very British indeed!

so majestic!


The husband and I notice that we do get a few glances, and that we see people smiling and commenting, we would like to believe that they are admiring our bravery in purchasing such a phenomenal car. Or do they see us as suckers, destined to perpetual visits to our mechanic? 



Don't get me wrong, she does have a few shortcomings… she loves to drink, she can be a little erratic when it comes to her locking system (I cannot seem to work out the alarm system, who even knew she had one!) she steams up ever so easily and she takes FOREVER to un-steam. We do not care, we love her. The dream has started ever so nicely.

too sleek!

Sculpture of the Month - Guido The Cannonman

Guido likes leisurely strolls along the national trust coastal paths, he is studying the life and cycle of butterflies and snails, and each evening, just before bedtime, he enjoys a warm glass of milk with some strawberry flavoring.

Guido also enjoys an adventure! As we can see, he is full surprises and fantasy. This feat is daring and exciting, and yet, he has decided to take some extra precautions. The helmet will really help, if need be. 

Occasionally he does have minor accidents, however, he has a well stocked first aid cabinet, with lots of band aids.

Well done Guido The Cannonman, this stunt has turned out to be a success.

Painting of the Month - Beach Life

Life by the sea can be exciting as one wishes to believe. In this sunny seaside resort, all our friends aren't as plain as they may seem. 

We have new comers, high flying jet setters, the sly ones, romantics, and a host of other interesting folk.

Here is a mini synopsis of these people lives... are any of our friends  similar to you?

1. & 2. Macho man Gary, used to be part of a disco band in the 70's, is with his new friend Randy, who, was in the navy
3. Rebecca, the London ballerina, dreaming of double cheese burgers, french fries and a Knickerbocker glory
4. & 5. Retired head teacher, Mrs Robinson, enjoys the summer sunshine with the young graduate Dustin

6. Hair product millionaire, Reginald, finally trys his new swimming costume, that he purchased last year in St. Tropez... It's a tight fit!
7. Heart broken Alison, listens to Olivia Newtown John's " Hopelessly Devoted To You"... Over, and over, and over again
8. & 9. Fading starlet Candy, frantically trying to secure the last spot on "I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here!", as husband number 6, talks to divorce lawyer

10. Literature student Steven, enjoying Tolstoy's "War & Peace"
11. & 12. Swedish twins, Inga and Binga, one likes Doris Day films, puppies and a warm cup of cocoa, the other likes Newquay surfie boys, Bacardi breezers, and full moon parties... Which is which?
13. Yummy mummy Samantha, tries one new thing each year, last year it was Zumba classes, this year, it is skinny dipping!

Dinos' Mid Life Crisis

A few months ago, at our home, in sunny, glorious Venice Italy, my slightly balding, 46 year old husband, for the very first time, had to use MY reading spectacles, in order to read the paper. This seemingly inconsequential action, led him to spiral into his first MID LIFE CRISIS. 

This is the reason why I find myself tapping on my keyboard on a chilly winters morning, in the extraordinary town of Fowey. Yes, Fowey in Cornwall, which my friend's, is in England. "What!" I hear you scream… "What could possibly take you from beautiful Italy, to dreary old Blighty?

glorious Fowey seen from Polruan

Well, what indeed. The options for Dino were as follows:

Buy a fast, flashy, car, however, he does not drive.

Buy a pair a skinny low waisted jeans, however, he is a little short for that. Or the real classic move, trade me in for a young busty beauty, now that would be a great option, but, his lack of Facebook and twitter skills hinders his chances.

Instead, we have opened a small art gallery in an adorable Cornish village. "Art For Serious People" has arrived.

Our fine gallery

Fowey, which, by the way, is pronounced like Joy, is this amazing little fisherman's village on the Fowey River. I have been calling it a village ever since I got here, however, it has been pointed out to me, many, many, many, many times, that if a place in England has a Town Hall, then it is a town, however, to me, village sounds so delightfully quaint and charming and old fashioned. So sorry if I offend anyone, I will be referring to my temporary home town as a village.

Beautiful Pink Fowey - courtesy Monica Trivellato