WATERSIDE WEDNESDAY:Old Leigh

As promised (before the blizzard of 2009), our English seaside tour continues in Leigh-On-Sea.(Photo by Richard Bartholomew)

As it has since the 16th century, Leigh earns it living from the sea.

Once an important port,

(Photo by Richard Bartholomew)

the town's position at the mouth of the Thames also made it a strategic naval defense site in the wars against against pirates and other European navies.

Old Leigh's past is everywhere you look.
From the old port side houses and leaning lampposts ...

... to the traditional lace curtains visible behind shuttered windows.

While it's tempting to look up at the interesting architecture ...

... and the sky-high windowboxes overflowing with flowers
Do so and you will miss the narrow winding cobblestone streets.
Well, now you've seen a bit of Old Leigh, how about a pint at The Peterboat Steak & Ale house?

Great idea!

A TREE-MENDOUS STORM

It's the morning after the big storm and Belgium wants to go out and play.
Hey, mind if I head for the really deep snow?

Uh oh, I'm stuck!

Does the dog paddle work in the snow?

You bet it does!
Hey, look at that! What is that thirty-foot tree doing lying down?
It's sort of on top of the coop. I can see they're all safe inside but one side has a big hole in it. Shucks, it would have been fun to chase the chickens around in the snow.
Personally, if you ask me, I think they should just leave it like it is. From the right angle, it kind of looks like a gigantic evergreen shrub!
See for yourself. Here's a before photo from yesterday. That big thick trunk on the left of the coop is the one that fell over. Oh well, think I'll go eat some more snow. Later!

EVENING UPDATE

The snow continues!
It's almost 24 hours!

Forget the front door!

The snow looks even more beautiful at twilight.

BIRDS AND BLIZZARDS

Yesterday (Friday), about 11 in the morning, I heard a strange swooshing sound.
It was coming from outside. When I looked out the window, the sky was black with birds.

By the time I grabbed my camera, the blizzard of birds was a mere sprinkling.

Exactly 24 hours later, the birds who remained in my yard are tweeting a quieter tune.

The sky is white with snow. It's a blizzard of a different sort.

Belgium is ecstatic! He loves to run, jump, and roll in the snow.

Belgium can't believe that our yard is filled with free ice cream!

What do you mean it's time to come in?

*** BLOG DU JOUR ***

After all of this black and white, I thought you might be in the mood for a touch of pink. Hurray on over to Shabby Vintage Bliss to enjoy some of Heather's wonderful finds and enter her amazing giveaway!

WATERSIDE WEDNESDAY: SOUTHEND

'Ello. I'm visiting my British relatives, and thought you might like to come along.

A Little Background: My Mom's family comes from England.

Her Mum was a Londoner; her Dad a Liverpudlian (that's what inhabitants of Liverpool are called).

I'm staying with my cousin Suzanne in London (photos of her cute cottage coming soon, I promise)-- but today, we're taking a tour of Southend on Sea.

The name Southend is short for the South end of Prittlewell.

Although this seaside town has been a popular "bathing town" since the 18th century, it's not really on the sea!

It's on the Thames estuary, but there's no reason to nitpick.

Southend has everything you'd want in a seaside town.

There's quaint Victorian architecture...

Amusement arcades...

Rides...

A cliff lift to take you up to the main part of town...

Waterside cabanas...

More cabanas...
And seafood restaurants...

My cousin Suzanne's favorite fish house was closed, and we had to try somewhere else. It was very good. Her Mum Rita (my mom's first cousin) is in the white shirt.
Suzanne's partner Richard ordered cockles.
This tasty British bi-valve comes in a tiny scallop shell.
Southend also has a mile-long pier and a train that carries you out to the end.

There were telescopes at the end of the pier for viewing Kent and several fisherman.
Facing back to town provided a great view of the picturesque town.A storm appeared to be brewing, so we didn't dally too long as we had one more seaside town to visit. Onward to Old Leigh next post.

I'm still having trouble with Mr. Linky, but I'm working on it.

WATERSIDE WEDNESDAY: SOUTH END, LONDON

I'm about to hit the road again, but I'd like to whet your waterside appetite for a trip to the coast of England. There will be colorful cabanas, fish and chips, cockles and more! Ta Ta for now!

WATERSIDE WEDNESDAY: TABLE TALK

(Available from Williams Sonoma)

Although it's more common at this time of year for decorating to take on a red and green hue, coastal decor is always in-season.

(Photo by Dan Mayers)

Shells are never out of style... especially as part of a shorescape.

(Photo by Dan Mayers)

Custom tables are the perfect venue for showing off nature's finest.

(Photo by Fifi O'Neill)

Company coming for the holidays and time running short? Try a simple tray instead.