h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

So the Summer's finished, and what a hot one it was! I have had a wonderful time; being close to the sea is my greatest joy, and the dogs love it too My other half has a small sailing boat and we go out when time permits. (He more often than I - clearly he's less busy!) An excellent way to keep cool, bracing and adventurous!

Coming up to Autumn is one of my favourite times in the year and then we'll be starting the traditional build-up to a frenzied shopping season in preparation for the other "C" word in my dictionary . Sorry to frighten you but the shops are already starting....

My, how the years fly be once you hit the 40 mark .

Now what year is it, and how old will I be next week?

Hello!

I know what you mean Charlie. Doesn't time fly when you're having fun?

This time of year hits me most when the children go back to school. I just love having them at home for the summer (not so much now most of them are grown up!) and the first few days of term take some readjustment I am looking forward to conker season!

Lucky you to live on the coast! My hubby is also a keen sailor, and our dream is to retire close enough to the sea so that he can spend more time sailing. Maybe he'll get me to try it one of these days, although I love the water, I like to look at it from dry land!

I see you are new here too. Hope you don't mind me introducing myself. I think its a bit difficult to fit right in straight away. I will not mention your misdemeanour, BUT REALLY! I don't think that's quite the right way!

Take care, x

Well hello Mrs Mouse and thanks for your reply. It looks like I haven't been completely frozen out after all! Ah yes, children back to school. How I remember it well..... My mother was a teacher - worst time of the year for her!

Yes we are very lucky to live by the sea, I couldn't think of living in a big city or town. Lucky to have the choice really, but we're looking for somewhere else right now. How long before you want to retire, I could sell you my house!

Where does your husband sail? We, well "he", goes mainly around the south coast, Isle of Wight, Channel Isles and Normandy - Cherbourg area. But as I say I haven't got as much time as my other half, and often stay at home with the doggies while he does his thing with his rugged pals!

As for the other thing , well, I should learn to keep my mouth shut (or my fingers still) and - if anyone else is reading this - I am really . How's a girl going to get noticed round here if she's not prepared to butt in from me to time?

Cheerio!

Hello Charlie

How's life treating you? I've been meaning to get back on here for a while but I've had a very hectic week.

My hubby sails mostly in the Solent, but has also been to Cherbourg quite recenty. Isn't life full of coincidences. Once he had just docked (or landed) in Cherbourg and had gone to the showers when he literally bumped into my brother! Neither of then had known that the other was there at the time. Of all the places in all the world.... Maybe he's bumped into you on his travels and not known it? Apparently you meet all kinds on this expeditions!

We don't have our own boat, but he belongs to a club owned by the company he works for. Very useful! Unfortunately he doesn't always get enough time off work to do more extensive trips apart than the Isle of Wight crossing from Southampton, which is where the club is based. You won't catch me out on the water though, although I have promised to give it a go one day, if I take plenty of travel sickness pills first!

I do love to look at the water, and where we live in London we are not far from the Regents Canal, which is exciting enough for me!

See you...

I have met your brother! Joke! How would I know?

But you're right, I think In fact you coul dhave been in the queue behind me while I was waiting for a bus in Oxford street while i was in London last week.