
I went to the seaside. There was an element of memory-laning here, too as the destination – Broadstairs – is situated on the Kent coast. If you’re not familiar with British geography, imagine Britain is a kneeling man. Broadstairs would be a verruca on his heel.






As a child, from whenever I discovered memories until about 15 we spent two weeks every summer on the Kent coast, a bit further west it is true. But the unfeasibly blue skies, the vertiginous white cliffs and the occasional thunder all brought back a sepia tinted time of sandy sandwiches, sunburn and sleep-ins.




Today Broadstairs is becoming cool. Trendy almost, as London house prices drive people from the capital to places where property is cheaper, commuting not horrendous and lifestyles healthy. We pottered and ate and chatted with our friends and generally enjoyed ourselves immensely.
I even recorded two short stories in Mine Host’s recording studio. I’m not sure it’s a career option for me but it was fun. If anyone wants to spend time on a five minute listen this is the second story. It needs work as a story, as the middle is a touch too explicatory at the moment so drags a little and the same issues with my delivery – too fast, not enough pausing – remain.
In slightly grottier news, the procedure I had to correct a heart arrhythmia didn’t hold so I’m back to square one there. After a long discussion with the consultant I may try a different approach or I may just accept that I will have some minor inconveniences in lifestyle terms and live with it. As I understand it, it won’t get worse and it’s not about to topple me over. I’ll decide soon.
Yesterday our dance teacher held a tea dance at the local church hall, his first since covid brought concepts of community mingling to a crashing halt. One of the big challenges here, when contrasted with our dance lessons is the fact we have to negotiate other dancers as we circle the floor. Latin dances like the cha-cha-cha and rumba are compact but setting off on a Viennese Waltz or foxtrot can seem like taking your life in your hands. The Vet, also a dancer took this sneaky clip of us. Make of it what you will….
And the garden? I’ll post a more detailed set of pictures later but this definitely peak poppy….

And our new guest Tipsy is beginning to tolerate my presence as she explores the garden. Who knows she may yet find my lap…
Sorry to learn about the heart, but good that it is not life-threatening.
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Nothing to stop me being used carefully in future…
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Sorry the ticker’s not as tickety boo as you’d hoped. I reckon you will have to make room on the bed for Tipsy before long. Love the story by the way!
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Tipsy is inveigling herself into every corner of this place! And glad you enjoyed the story.
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Check out the Dancing with the Stars action! You know you and your heart are meant for bigger and better, so keep on keeping on!!
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Not sure about that but the odd local tea dance is fine…
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I honestly really liked listening to the story – just the right pace for a short story.
Really sorry to hear about your arrhythmia. Sending healing wishes your way.
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Thank you. It’s more an inconvenience than anything if I’m honest. And I hope to record more. We’ll see
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One thing that can be done for an arrhythmia is an ablation of the source. It works.
You’ve still got the moves – would have liked to see a cha-cha or rumba! And my cat heard Tipsy and meowed back!
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I’m working my way down a list with ablation at the end. It doesn’t always work according to my sources but it may be an option. Maybe I’ll ask the dance teacher to record us for posterity…!
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Absolutely, but you need more movement in those hips!
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I’m practicing my shimmies
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Sorry to hear about the procedure not working 😦 Hopefully there are other things that can be done if necessary and I hope Tipsy will sit on your knee and provide a soothing experience, though your trews, when visible, look quite startling 😉
The only thing I know about Broadstairs is that Jonathan Aitken (ahem) was the MP. It looks like a lovely sandy beach, though!
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It’s a weird mix of the trendy and the slanty -eyed right wing. Our friends are delightful even if they were convinced Corbyn was some sort of messiah when in fact he was just a naughty boy.
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And looking half-decent on the dance floor, Geoff. Sorry to hear the procedure wasn’t what you needed.
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Nah, well, not the end of the world. Onwards and upwards…
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You two look adorable on the dance floor. LIke a couple of teenagers. You will have many more happy years with that heart. (and that sweetheart!)
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Ah true. Both keep me going!
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Does this mean a refund? Oh, wait. National Medicine, Sounds like a delightful week
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Even in your notoriously money focused medical world, I doubt they give refunds for procedures that they warn you constantly may not hold! Every system has its wiggle room!,
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True.
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You two are very light on your feet! Tipsy has interesting coloring. Enjoy that gorgeous garden!
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We film well, that’s all!
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I loved the story I remember reading it on your blog a while back. Lovely photos of Broadstairs it’s a lovely.place. It’s a shame about the proceedure not working which ever decision you make I have my 🤞. Tipsy is great and the dancing very elegant, but where is dog has he run off with the vixen?
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Dogs just a bit hot. The heart will be fine I’m sure
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Yes I agree about the heart there are other treatments and you have your lovely lady who’ll make sure you behave! As for Dog yes it’s very hot, Ruby’s struggling too.
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He tends to face-plant his water bowl rather than drink just now
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Very sensible 😊😊
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Hi Geoff, I loved the clip of you dancing. Such fun. Sorry to hear about your operation. I have a lot of experience with failed operation with my two sons. Michael has had 17 and this last one has been reasonably successful. Apparently, practice makes perfect (haha).
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Goodness I’m such a novice! Still got to get value from all those taxes…!!
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Bugger about the ticker, but the bloody things are bound to wear down a bit with the mileage. Very nice bit of boogieing going down there. 😀
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Ones hips are still hip as it were. The ticker still tocks so I’ll take that.
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🙂
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