Friday 26 June 2009

Marazion, Inspiration and Alkatraz


Himself took this photo on Monday when I was interviewing a limner (someone who paints miniatures) in Marazion. The weather was perfect, and on the way down it was so still and clear that the two tankers out in Mounts Bay seemed to be suspended in the sky - a truly unforgettable sight (and one alas not recorded on camera).

Two dog walking friends of ours have recently lost their dogs which is always very sad. The first, Maggie, has at least got another, younger dog to keep her company which is some comfort. But Margaret, an indomitable Scot of hardy breeding and great cheer, greeted us the other day minus dog and explained that she'd had to have her Dougie put down as he had bone cancer. We expressed commiserations (in my case, tears already starting to dribble down my face like unwanted snails) and she continued brightly, “I wasn't going to get another dog but my family have said I should, and so have The Girls.” (The Girls are aged 69 and 82.)

“Good idea,” said Himself. “And there are lots of dogs in need of a good home.”

“Yes,” Margaret continued. “I thought I'd go to the Cinnamon Trust and perhaps the Rescue Centre at Hayle and see what they've got – I want an older dog, that doesnt need too much exercise.” She paused and looked at me with her head on one side, like a robin. “The thing is,” she said, “I'm 89. The dog could well outlive me!”

On that note we parted, still reeling from her announcement of her fine age. To meet her, you'd think she was in her late 70s. But 89?

She is a true inspiration.

And on another note – we had our first night camping in the van last Saturday. On Sunday morning, desperate to buy something for a picnic, we found ourselves in the hinterland of Newquay and were forced to go to a Costcutter supermarket in the middle of a holiday park.

Neither of us had ever been to one of these places before and lurched round it with an increasing sense of panic and despair, dodging the Bar and Tavern, the train rides, the Bingo hall and somewhat unhygienic looking pool.

Having shopped, I was (as ever) desperate to find the public toilets which involved further negotiation of the site, Himself getting increasingly ill tempered.

“My God,” he breathed. “It's like Alcatraz. Do you think we'll get out of here alive?”

Thankfully, as you will have realised, we did.

15 comments:

Deborah Carr (Debs) said...

Love the photo, what a beautiful place.

It's so sad when someone loses a well-loved pet. I can't bear the thought of anything happening to Grumps.

The trip to the park sounds an experience, to say the least.

Philipa said...

"It's like Alcatraz. Do you think we'll get out of here alive?”


Oh cripes, I hope the 'family' campsite my parents have chosen isn't like that.

Flowerpot said...

Debs - Marazion is quite stunning and certainly was last week.

Flowerpot said...

Phil - Oh No!!! I'm sure it won't be....

Anonymous said...

Always a shame to lose a dog, we become so attached to them and a lot of us tend to forget that they won't live as long as we do.

That's a great photograph.

CJ xx

Chris Stovell said...

What a contrast - Mount's Bay to Costcutter via Alcatraz! (Have a sailing memory of crossing Mount's Bay and watching three basking sharks - amazing!).

Ellee Seymour said...

I love the photo too. I sympathise with your friends over the loss of their beloved dogs.
I have actually visited Alcatraz and it is amazing to think that prisoners did in fact escape from there.

Flowerpot said...

CJ - you're right. Thankfully Molls is only 4 so I'm hoping she has a long life ahead of her.

menopausaloldbag (MOB) said...

My dog is ill and my cat will be put to sleep next week as she isn't looking too great. Trying her on some more medication but if she isn't responding I will take her and get her respite. It is so terribly sad to lose a pet and I am deeply upset at the thought of it. I always stay with my pets to the last but it is so very upsetting. How magnificent that a lady of such advancing years can be so open hearted but hey, she may live to be a hundred1 Nice tale about Alcatraz!

Flowerpot said...

Chris - I have yet to even see a dolphin - the keep disappearing when they know I'm around!

Ellee - visiting Alcatraz must have been incredible - though disturbing...

Flowerpot said...

MOB - I am so sorry about your animals. Oh DEAR. When my last cat died I wept for a week (until we got another one) - mind you she lived till she was 19 which wasnt bad going. I do so feel for you though. Take care.

Liane Spicer said...

Those holiday parks sound like nightmares come alive to me. :(

I love hearing your stories. Your friend at 89 is a true inspiration. I know a few ladies like that, including my mother who at 74 is slim, fit, strong and flexible - far more so than this daughter! She gave all her slim/fit genes to my sister. :)

Akelamalu said...

Lovely photo FP and it's nice to hear your first 'camping' went well, apart from the holiday camp visit. :)

Flowerpot said...

Liane - it's great meeting people like Margaret. Mind you, my mum is incredibly fit, agile (mentally) and with it and she's 80!

Flowerpot said...

Ak - yes we are definitely going to repeat it!