Rain doesn't stop play...

The rain and cold put the dampeners on Hartlepool's Maritime Festival but didn't spoil it.
There were lots of things to do. From shopping at the French market to dancing to live reggae and salsa, watching street artists strut their stuff around the Marina, supping a beer while watching many aquatic feats, etc...


I'm not sure that a little ray of sunshine would've brought any more visitors to Hartlepool. The festival was fighting for attention with Wimbledon men's final between Federer and Nadal.
Even they had to dodge a few showers!



















Let's hope that next year the weather will be much better.



Photo courtesy of BBC Sport

Would you like a slice of lemon with that?

The lawn was white and so was everything else yesterday morning. I did not need to look at the display to know it was cold.
The office at Portofino was not the only place I couldn't get warm.








Tuesday night was also very cold and although we did not expect many brave souls to venture out for a meal, we were fairly busy, especially during the Happy Hour at Portofino.

I think that many people prefer to come straight from work for something to eat before heading home to camp in front of the telly on cold nights like the ones we are having.



When I got home I made a quick vegetable and chicken soup with basil (Half an hour in the pressure cooker!). Talk about fast food!!