The understated charm of North West Norfolk

Burnham Overy Staithe - today at sunset

Many insist that Norfolk is boring and flat, both of which  are simply from lack of knowledge. If you are able to spend time, as we have, on the North Norfolk Coast at Brancaster Staithe, you will experience a landscape of the marshes, or the wooded, gentle hills of the hinterland. The lure of Mervyn's Fresh Mussells - £5 a big bag, or dressed Cromer crab from the Fish Shed only adds to the charm. And of course, it is too sophisticated, with the out of place upmarket shops at Burnham Market providing a degree of comfort to the weekenders from Town. Nevertheless, it is the simplicity of the harbours and the serenity of the marshland, with its abundance of birdlife, and the big, big skies that are the main attractions.

Two of the country's most important Palladian houses are here - Holkham Hall and Houghton Hall. At Houghton today we even saw the young Marchioness pushing her twins in their buggy - what a refreshing sight, so unspoilt and unaffected.

If we have to live up here, we will be happy.

August into September brain

One of the happiest days of my life - 3 September 2007. Married Rob and spent some days at this beautiful place in Suffolk.

So why am I not bouncing with energy and vigour and huge intellect?

I find it hard to understand why the summer is such a bad time, mentally, for me. It was many years before I could see the pattern. I love the weather, the countryside, bright clothes, fresh veggies, glorious flowers, the sea, the birds - just everything. And yet I get mentally heavy and confused, and often quite depressed. Is it something to do with my birthday in August. Don't think so, since I enjoy getting older in many respects.

All of which is a pity, since this summer, and next, I have the challenge of writing a long piece for my Art History course. Which means I feel guilty if I am not doing it, and the deadlines have been too long and time management has not been my core strength. The web doesn't help - too many distractions, and have just started Tweeting, on top of Facebook. Of course, these are diversionary tactics and the amount of time I spend sitting here is ludicrous.

Moodscope helps....lack of structure and discipline doesn't. Heh Hoh! It is off to write I go...back to Rennie Mackintosh for one last effort...