Off Workday

Today I was off work. No real reason, just an excuse to use up some leave and spend time with the wife.
It was my daughter's sixteenth birthday yesterday. The cake was fabulous- two ballet pumps in pink with ribbons. We got it from a company called Celebrations on the Team Valley Trading Estate in Gateshead. This is their website.

One down one more to go.As the observant amongst you will remember its my son's birthday on Wednesday.He is eighteen.

As the sun came out we went to Tynemouth to the Long Sands. Had some lunch at this Beach Cafe called Crusoes. Its right on the beach and you get a real sense of the curve of the bay.The whole thing , the ambience was slightly reminiscent of Watergate Bay(with toddlers) but the surf is not as good, not that I am a surfer you understand but I have always loved the Beach Boys! There were even some surfers braving a February North Sea to catch a wave. Its funny sometimes in the Summer getting on the Metro to the coast along with young guys with surfboards. Like I said before Newcastle has changed, dude! Anyway if you're in Tynemouth check Crusoes out. Its even open in the evening now as a Restaurant. This is their website, which needs updating but at least you get directions to it. Tynemouth and Whitley Bay are still quite special even if the Spanish City has gone and North Tyneside Council have done their best to stop the weekend partying on the seafront. But on a nice sunny day with a bit of a breeze you can sit with your chips and watch the ferries sail out of North Shields and look over to the fun fair at South Shields and think "Why go abroad"?

Back at work on Tuesday but off again on Wednesday for the boy's birthday.