Floral Friday

We spent another Friday afternoon with Nick and Lolly. This time we went to Sandy Bay beach. On the way, we stopped at Leslie Williams' home for Nick (who enjoys history) to see the plaque on Leslie's home dating the building as being built in 1749. Graeme spotted a big spider in the garden. See one photo taken of its back, and another of its underbelly

As we continued the journey, Nick stopped outside a home that had a beautiful flower garden in it. He had been instructed by Lolly to buy her some roses for her birthday in 2 days' time. We walked onto the property; Nick called out and the owner came out and greeted us. Flowers were picked, and money exchanged. I was also given a bunch. Although they were not flower shop quality, they gave off a lovely fragrance.

On to Sandy Bay beach proper. The hills immediately surrounding the only few meters of beach on the island, are totally arid.

The tiny beach has black sand. I tried to wade into the sea, but right where the waves crash, the sand turns to small pebbles. The waves pick them up, and drop them on your feet.

There is also a strong undercurrent. Swimming is not an option.

We stopped to have tea from a flask that Lolly had packed, and just enjoy the sound of the waves, and smell the sea air. Then the rain came.

On the way home, Nick stopped to cut down a few wild ginger flowers to add to Lolly's collection of flowers. These are rather large plants and they had to go in the back of the car. They have a strong gingerish fragrance. Once again, I was also given a few.

When we got back to Nick's place, we were invited in for tea. Graeme and I thought that meant a cup of tea. Wrong. Lolly started showing me how to make "dance and bread" i.e. a kind of spicy tomato paste that is spread on bread, and is a "must" at any Saint function. They call it "dance and bread" because in days gone by, when they had dances, everyone brought their own eats. This is a cheap and tasty savoury snack that they often brought along.

After a most enjoyable afternoon, Graeme and I went home to spend the rest of the evening with our respective books and computers. We ended a very enjoyable day by watching the last episode of "Lord of the Rings".