Lines From Linda

community Lines from Linda

Life is so different when the sun is shining. Of course, as I write this I have no idea what the weather is currently doing, as the column is written a few weeks in advance, and weather conditions are, nowadays, very different from the hot British summers I experienced as a child in the 60s.

Being an eternal optimist, I am hoping the sun is shining as you read this, as we are planning an early summer holiday. We love the British seaside. Our Kent coasts are so convenient if you live in Bromley, Orpington, or its surrounds. Nothing better than long, lazy, sunny days on the beach, and so easy to get to. One drawback though, (at this point, Dracula music streams through my head), as I recall one holiday when a giant seagull swooped down and dived speedily into the paper-wrapped bag of chips that I was happily eating by the side of the sea. Then it sped off, beak full of chips, only to come back a minute later to repeat the crime, and as quickly as I lifted my hand to swipe it away, the feathered thief had nicked another few chips and was off, again, then again, until only my greasy paper was left. My Hubby now always packs an umbrella, no matter what the weather forecast. Understandable, me thinks,

remembering our very first date, now thirty- two years ago. We met playing husband and wife in a play in Eastbourne. At the end of the season he asked if he could take me out to dinner in a unique and romantic Italian restaurant. I, of course, was delighted. After a very lovely candle-lit meal, being the perfect gentleman, he said he would walk me to my flat. Again, he very considerately walked on the outside. Here again, that Dracula music flows through my head, because on our romantic walk homewards, another giant seagull flew toward us, hovered above Hubby, then before we could say ‘Shoo,’ it had opened its bowels I now fully understand why the " English are so famous and left the contents on poor Hubby’s for being seen by the bald head. Slithering seagull droppings sea in swimming immediately started to slide down the side of attire and a his head as I speedily fumbled in my handbag handkerchief over for a tissue to come to his aid. In that few their head seconds all the evening’s romance vanished. I had to fight to keep a straight face. Hubby’s head was bright red with a mixture of embarrassment and the rubbing needed to remove the damage. I now fully understand why the English are so famous for being seen by the sea in swimming attire and a handkerchief over their head, nothing to do with sunburn on their heads, all about seagulls, bags of chips, and the saving of romance.

For more about me and my crime novels see www.lindareganonline.co.uk

Liberty’s is a local independent boutique,

located next to Lloyds Bank just off Orpington High Street.

We stock:

Italian fashion including silks in many colours & styles A range of clothing to suit sizes from 6-8 up to 22-24 A wide range of clothing, bags, jewellery and gifts Other products from small local businesses on the shelves, which make this boutique unique!