Wednesday 18 August 2010

Under Sea Sussex – Tompot Blenny, Piddock, Devonshire Cup Corals and Jewel Anemones ...

We do not seem to have been there and I thought a post about our undersea life in the shallow seas off Sussex with more wonderful names and different views, undersea caves or wrecks might be of interest.

Usually there is a continental shelf – that shallow gradient, before the Ocean depths open up starting with the sharper drop of the continental slope; these coastal plains were part of the continent during glacial periods – hence remains of the woolly mammoth, woolly rhinoceros and bison have been found in the UK, as they would readily have been able to roam across from Europe, which now during an interglacial epoch are under water.

The global continental shelf, highlighted in cyan (turquoise to you and me!)

The continental shelf is very widespread in the northern hemisphere, and also down the coasts of eastern Russia, China and southerly to include Oceania .. as you can see from the image. Back to our small portion of coastline – our murky waters off Sussex and what lives or can be seen beneath our waves.

The English Channel narrows as it reaches towards the North Sea and turns the island corner, at which point ships could go north on to the Hanseatic ports of Lubeck (the cornerstone to the Baltic regions), Hamburg, Brugge (now Bruges-Zeebrugge – a large container port for Europe) and London – in the days of the Hanseatic League (13th – 17th centuries); ...

... or to the Dutch ports, when the Netherlands ruled the waves, via Amsterdam, through the Dutch East India Company and the Dutch West India Company in the 17th Century, when the Dutch rebelled against Philip II of Spain and secured their independence. London was always involved in the fray – be it as the antagonist or champion of the various factions for that period – before British independence came to the fore.

The Sussex coastline has many wrecks, even William the Conqueror lost ships off Pevensey Bay in 1066, due to the weather, the uncharted under-waters, or the many wars that have been waged in these narrowing Channel waters over the centuries, and probably millennia.

A Bib (- a Whiting)

The wrecks and reefs, with their holes, crevices, canyons, boulders and cliffs, are all huge magnets to a prolific range of marine life – fishes, shellfish, eels, soft corals, sponges, and various anemones. Shoalling fish love the wrecks – they act like oases for these fish, such as the Bib.

We forget that life continues beyond the sea-shore .. there is a surprising amount of habitat in our murky waters off the Sussex coast. As on land, species adapt to their environment and create specific evolutionary changes so that they can live in harmony with their surrounds.

Much of our seabed is sandy attracting fish such as Plaice, Red Mullet, Dab, Crabs, Halibut and Sole amongst others. Sussex’s shoreline is very varied, ranging from mudflats and pebble beaches in the west, to chalk shore, with rock pools in the east.


The Sussex shoreline: tidal range, shallow waters before the darker depths of the Continental Shelf begin


Unfortunately a large percentage is no longer in a ‘natural’ state, having been modified by constructing sea defences, such as groynes, which we have along the Sussex coast, protecting our beaches and coastline.


Groynes in Stitges, Catalonia, Spain

Nature takes its course too – the weather batters the shore: the sun bakes down, the stormy rains drive in, the crashing waves thrash the shore, the sea spray keeping everything damp and wet, the winds whistle in .. finding any crevice, much like in a house or a shelter, whittling away ... all affect the cliff face, while the flints lodged in the chalk are secure until they are released, thus loosening the chalk around them – sometimes causing large landfalls.

Then there’s the Piddock – natures’ own excavator! They are bivalves and bore into soft rocks, such as chalk and clay; they live for eight years .. just in their hole! – but when they depart to higher horizons .. anemones, crabs and other molluscs move in.


Piddock burrows, 1 inch or less, in calcic rock, coast Boulogne - Calais (France)

The seaward edge of the chalk platform below the chalk cliffs are eroding into narrow gullies – wonderful hiding places for crabs, small fishes; while the sandstone reefs provide a firm foothold for ‘attached’ marine animals, such as sponges, sea squirts, and anemones, while more nooks and crannies provide hideaways for others.

Our organically enriched shoreline provides the ideal environment for mussels, which thrive here, and in doing so stabilise the sea bed. Many a picnic is held on a beach under the Seven Sisters .. where the primary object is to collect mussels and enjoy some wonderful food, a beer or a glass of wine in the setting sun on a low tide.

Starfish flourish, molluscs abound, Cuttlefish breed close inshore, Tompot Blennies inquisitively peer out to keep an eye on their surrounds, PipeFish, close relatives to Sea Horses (which are found further west along the coast in the seagrass beds) generally inhabit the sheltered areas in coral reefs, seagrass beds and sandy lagoons.


Tompot Blenny - to the right

There are anemones and corals – the wonderfully called Devonshire Cup Coral appears to be an anemone (known as a jewel anemone), however it is a true coral with a hard stony body .. only about 1.5cms high. It inhabits rocky pools and was thought to only be found around the Devonshire coast, but with underwater photography becoming a popular hobby and with improved technology .. this coral grows around the coast of Great Britain.


Photographed in the Small Isles of Western Scotland: below a Devonshire Cup Coral – Jewel Anemone (below) - courtesy of Clikpic.com


The area offers any number of diving sites – shallow wrecks, deep water wrecks .. some of which are still intact and are popular dive sites, underwater chalk cliffs – a unique feature of the Sussex sea bed, especially as the deeper side of the cliffs face the coast, as well as one feature (in West Sussex) called the Mixon Hole to be found on an impressive 20 m high cliff, that occurs once the seabed end is reached.

Our sea shores are a living habitat, as are the seas and oceans and we need to be aware of the threats to these precious resources, as much as we do with our lands and skies. We know about a number of activities that can damage our seas ... but so often forget others .. the sewage outfalls, agricultural run-off from land and rivers, the dumping of dredged spoil, marine aggregate extraction, bottom trawling, ships’ anchors dragging on the sea bed, litter and waste materials dropped at sea: if there is any comparison to land dumping refuse – it is an increasing problem .. which we need to address and remember.

We are collecting more and more data about shore lines – recording the sea bed types, the marine life that is found – generally mapping our shores to a greater extent than has been done in the past: and then repeating this statistical gathering on a regular basis to see the changes that are happening.


Seaweed covered rocks in the UK







If you draw a line due South from London .. it is about where Eastbourne is on the Sussex Coast and this where you will find our Sussex murky waters - you can see how the English Channel narrows as it meets the North Sea - so that Dover to Calais is only about 20 miles away. The French call it 'La Manche' - the sleeve .. and it looks it doesn't it? It is the smallest of the shallow seas around the continental shelf of Europe.

Life is constantly changing and so are our shorelines – a great deal of it naturally as has happened over the millennia and epochs, species evolve as we are finding out as our statistical gatherings and research grow annually .. this data is giving the human race an opportunity to realise the damage we are doing – or will nature occur naturally and the English Channel once again become a grassland for the Woolly Mammoth, the Cave Lion, the Giant Deer, as the next glacial age takes it turn in earth’s history?

Dear Mr Postman .. my mother cannot hear still, which makes me sad and is tricky for us both - she said to me on Sunday .. that it must be very boring for me - difficult to answer. I must spend more time with her - life has been somewhat hectic lately and though I've been visiting .. the room flooding, meant taking the posters down and then putting new ones up, and bringing all her possessions over .. then we have to do it again in a few weeks as we move back upstairs to the refurbished part of the building. We cope - but this is not really how I want it to be for my Mama .. life should be kinder now to her.

Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters Inspirational Stories

44 comments:

Will Burke said...

There's some neat creatures in the deep sea, eh? Ugly as sin and twice as mean!

Anonymous said...

Hilary, your posts are always so informative and a downright fascinating read! You have clearly done your research! :D

I think about those great animals of yesteryear, the mammoth, woolly rhino and bison, and realise that life is indeed precious. Were that these creatures could be around today. It makes what we do have left (whether it be on land or sea) much more precious and irreplaceable.

And those Tompot Blennies are amazing looking creatures, aren't they? I'm dumbstruck when I look at that photo and realise that such things actually do exist!

And I agree about your mum... life should be much kinder to her now. But, if nothing else, she has you, and that's at least a small kindness from where I'm sitting. I do hope that things improve for you both soon.

Davina said...

Hi Hilary,
I'm sorry to hear that your mother is having her challenges. I hear you... this is not how you would want things to be. Your notes at the end of your posts are testament to how much you love and care for her; to share a little bit of her spirit in each and every blog post.

When I was little there were a few things I would draw on a regular basis; mountains, farms and scenes under the sea. I loved the rich, vibrant colours and the mysterious creatures that lived there. Thanks for the reminder.

Hugs to you and your mother.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Will - there certainly are .. ugly as sin, twice as mean, and probably twice as beneficial .. and sometimes just so beautiful.

Thanks for coming by - Hilary

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Tony - you make a good point about remembering the animals we leave for the future - however life does phase out for some .. as plants too - I suspect life will survive - but wouldn't it be wonderful to see those creatures roaming again - except I'd be able to walk to France!

Underwater creatures are amazing shapes, sizes, warty (apparently) ..but - for you would make excellent new cartoon characters wouldn't they?

The new technologies allowing us to see these creatures is amazing - we're lucky .. but are we disturbing their world and stirring things up?

Thanks Tony .. I hope my mother gets her hearing back .. however I have to make other plans for her to give her something to live for .. Yes - certainly she is grateful I'm around and with her as much as is possible.

Really grateful for your kind words and support - have a lovely day - Hilary

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Davina .. thank you re my Ma; as you know I started the blog as a spin off to the conversations she and I were having everyday once she was confined to bed .. and the mix and match of eclectic information always kept her interested, laughing, questioning – therefore generating more input for my next visit – stretching my brain. My uncle felt the same way – so they both support/ed me in this project .. and it wouldn’t have come about except for her illness and our way of dealing with it.

I couldn’t draw for toffee either .. but don’t think I stretched myself to mountains, farms and certainly not underwater – shells always fascinated us .. especially as we had red ones tinted by the tin mine workings a few miles inland! (Godrevy Beach – the lighthouse referred to by Virginia Woolf ... in her novel To The Lighthouse)

So you drawing scenes under the sea is so interesting .. were you far away from the sea? Or did you have books and things that you referred to showing you those wonderful creatures – love your description here ..

Thanks and for the hugs and to us both ..... Happy day tomorrow .. more stories! Hilary

Mandy Allen said...

Hi Hilary, I have always lived by the sea and adore it. I couldn't imagine ever not being near water. I always wanted to scuba dive, to see the wonders under the water, but sadly my ears will not let me partake of that delightful activity. Great post, as always.

Enjoy the journey.

Mandy

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Mandy .. we’ve always visited the seaside during our holidays .. and now two of us live by the sea, and my mother did too – I have to say scuba diving hasn’t been on my wish list .. but I do love to see the videos and photography of the underwater world. Sorry about your ears – that you won’t have the opportunity to give it a try.

Thanks for visiting and I do hope all goes well this week with your mother’s return .. all the best Hilary

Anonymous said...

Hi Hilary. I find the names of different things quite interesting. Piddock, Tompot Blenny, Groynes, ...

The pictures were all wonderful. Thanks so much for sharing.

I'm sorry that things are not easier for your mom. I'm sure she appreciates everything you do for her.

Have a great day!

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Susanne – great to see you .. I love names – as you do for your characters .. groynes – have always fascinated me as a name ..

The Online Etymology Dictionary tell us: “ strong, low sea wall," 1582, from obsolete groin "pig's snout" (because it was thought to look like one), from O.Fr. groin, from L. grunnire "grunt.”

Glad you like the pictures – they do explain things or show things (without having to add extra explanation) ..

Mum was pretty with it today .. but still can’t hear .. but we plod on .. and she’s smiling and reasonable content, I think. Thanks for coming by and leaving a comment – have a good weekend .. Hilary

Sara said...

Whenever I think of the English Channel, I think of WWII and how it was so difficult for ships once they were in it.

This stands out for me because the English Channel is not that big, but there was a lot of devastation. Then again, I like that nature always find a way to recycle:~)

You amaze me that you write and research all of this for us. Yet, you have so many other things going on, like taking care of your mom and yourself.

Be good to yourself. This was a very interesting post. Thanks:~)

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Sara .. how right you are – the Channel is full of WWII ships and no doubt first World War wrecks too .. too recent for comfort .. a lot of people lost too ..

However it is good that life flourishes – even marine life replenishing themselves here , finding shelter etc amongst the decks .. it’s the way we will all go somehow in due course. Nature is the best at recycling – you’re so spot on.

Thanks .. it takes my mind off so much, but gives me a huge amount of stimulation – which I need .. and so did my mother and my uncle – so it has always been useful. My mother still asks about my blog .. even now!

Thank you Sara .. I’m doing my best and am slowly recovering from the most difficult period in my life – now I look forward as I’m over the worst .. and next week I’ll be able to sort Mum out and spend more time with her I hope! All the best & have a good weekend .. Hilary

Chris Edgar said...

Hi Hilary -- I like how you tend to weave medieval military history into narratives about lizards and coral and other natural phenomena -- I wonder if you'd secretly like to try jousting.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Chris .. good to see you .. thanks for the linking thoughts – I certainly weave ideas that seem to correlate to my theme for the post – and glad you like the narrative that comes out.

Re Jousting – no I don’t think so .. if you see my post on Stirling Castle .. I think you’d understand why – the muscle power required .. is phenomenal .. and I can’t ride a horse!

http://positiveletters.blogspot.com/2010/05/stirling-castle-skeletons-who-are-they.html

Having asked the question – how about you? I know Hondas are favourites .. horses?

Thanks for coming by – and good to have your thoughts .. Hilary

Sibyl - alternaview said...

Hilary: Another great informative post. I think you are so right that we have to be conscious of the sea and the impact that we are having on our natural resources. There really does need to be sensitivity and consciousness when it comes to our actions. Thanks for a look at what is going on under the sea ... fascinating.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Sibyl .. thanks – we tend to forget there’s so much that makes our world! We don’t really focus on what matters around us .. and constantly need to be reminded of other things – I know I do.

I really appreciate your comment .. and you’re right we do need to be more sensitive and conscious of our locality and where it leads to .. all roads lead to Rome – don’t they? .. but actually all rivers lead to the sea .. and the seas to the Oceans, and the Oceans to the Ocean depths ...and from there .. it might all rise again in some other form – the whole cycle of life beginning over!

Glad you enjoyed the information and seeing what is under our salty toes when they dip into the lapping waves .. thanks for the visit - Hilary

Paul Maurice Martin said...

"Will nature occur naturally and the English Channel once again become a grassland..."

I recently heard an enviromental author interviewed who responded to a question right along those lines. He said that "restoration" of habitats at this point is a misnomer. I can't recall the term he liked instead but the idea was that while we can do things that are better or worse for the environment we've already caused too much change to put things back the way they were.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Paul – wonderful to see you here: thank you .. appreciate the visit.

I think in this case we’re talking at cross purposes .. you’re right as is your radio interviewee .. we can’t possibly do much to change the environment – it has its own way regardless of our efforts. Is it too late – who knows – but the environment/nature will carry on.

I was talking about the next ice age .. when the ‘waters will shrink’ and the English Channel and North Sea – which are surprisingly shallow will become land again.

The Channel has an average depth of 120m (390 feet), reducing to a depth of about 45m (148 feet) between Dover and Calais, and shallows to about 26 m (85 feet) over a land bridge in the North Sea between the east coast of England the Low Countries of Europe (Holland etc).

So as you can see it is very likely England will, once again, be joined with Europe in millennia to come.

Thanks .. we certainly need to pay attention to what we, as humans, are doing to our lands, seas and skies ..

Be at peace and comfortable – with thoughts Hilary

Talli Roland said...

Wonderful post and informaion, thank you! I always love to learn about coast-lines. Reminds me of where I grew up...

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Talli .. thanks for coming by - glad you enjoyed the tour .. and that it reminded of your early days .. where abouts in the States were you?

Have a good weekend .. all the best Hilary

Vered said...

"Collect mussels and enjoy some wonderful food, a beer or a glass of wine in the setting sun on a low tide."

Sounds amazing... and romantic. Something I would love to do with my husband.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Vered .. as it's Saturday night .. not a particularly nice evening though .. but wrapped up warm on a beach cooking muscles, with a glass of wine or beer - does sound very romantic doesn't it ..

Great idea for the two of you - one day I hope you can get some time for that ...

Enjoy the weekend in the meantime!!
Thanks for coming by .. Hilary

J.D. Meier said...

It's another reminder to enjoy what we've got, while we've got it.

I've always been drawn to the sea as a place of mystery, history, and incredible scenes.

Anonymous said...

You have some really awesome hsitory and geology lessons on your blog, two subject I love very much. I love history and took a number of European history and geology courses at my local community college years ago. I hate to hear about the adverse affects of pollution on any area with beauty and diverse life. Not every species can adopt. Some will, some will not.

Sorry to hear about your mom She is very fortunate to have a daughter such as yourself.

Stephen Tremp

Jannie Funster said...

Dearest Hilary,

The sea is so vast and varied, they are even finding new species in the deepest depths.

Sorry things are not as you wish for your mum. Life handles curves we cannot see around.

You are in my thoughts always.

And mussels with wine or beer is delightful. With a nice crusty buttered garlic bread!

xo

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi JD .. thank you .. we do need to remember and take these moments of our life – to enjoy as much as we can – live life to the full and not wait along the way ...

I’ve loved the sea – we spent many holidays in the west of Cornwall (Penzance, St Ives and Lands End areas) – beautiful with awe inspiring seas, crashing waves .. for our little land here! Just sitting quietly on the rocks, or walking the dunes watching the tides colour the sands, the sky reflected in the constantly moving water, or pools as it ebbs and flows ..

Have a good Sunday .. Hilary

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Stephen .. thank you – they’re the subjects I enjoy .. because so much has changed and we don’t appreciate that – as we’re here now .. yet we are part of the yesterday and the tomorrow too in its unimaginable timescale. I teach myself and remind myself – a little like revising!

Pollution is terrible isn’t it .. our lanes often have ‘junk/rubbish’ left in them ... then someone has to clear it up and pay for that clear up in energy, time and resources – thus wasting more ... we can’t see what’s in the sea .. or what’s happening as it decomposes .. somehow we need to be more aware.

Thanks re my Ma – I’m not sure how she copes .. but she has incredible strength and faith which she holds within herself .. she’s called me her rock, which is so important for me – that she knows she has someone to lean on and someone who is always there for her - even though we are impotent to events – I just do what I can .. being there – is the important thing .. as far as I can judge.

Appreciate the comment enormously – and your support here on the blog and re my Ma .. enjoy Sunday ... Hilary

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Dearest Jannie .. so good and wonderful to see you here with so much on your plate – singing your songs and putting together an album ...

The depths of the Oceans are opening up to our probing ways .. long may we protect all new species .. in fact on land they’re finding new species too ..

Thanks for the thoughts – garlicky bread too – yes! Mum would have enjoyed a picnic on the beach .. she still appreciates the good things of life – but her tipple would be champagne! Certainly life throws us funny curves – but we can learn from them and take the positives .. Mum loves my blog – though now it’s trickier as we can’t converse – still I have some new ideas for her ..

Great to see you .. wonderful having you here – how was the evening swim in the lake after your baking hot day? Sounds gorgeous ... have a lovely Sunday .... Hilary

... Paige said...

that jewel is so cool

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Paige .. good to see you .. the jewel certainly looks jewel like .. very prettily translucent ..

Thank you .. Hilary

Jannie Funster said...

Dearest Hilary -- truth be known champagne would be my choice over beer any day!!

xo

Arlee Bird said...

That was certainly a wealth of information that you provided here. The oceans and other bodies of water on earth hold so many amazing mysteries and secrets. I have to admire those who explore the depths and study the life in these waters. You won't find me there--I've never been much of an aquatic sort--but thank goodness there are those who tend to the business of studying and protecting our oceans and the like.

Lee
Tossing It Out

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Jannie .. there's no truth about me preferring champagne ..it is fact!

Thanks for coming by .. another coffee - it's that time of day ..

Have a super cool week - more practising in your bikini? or some serious work? Enjoy the composing, plucking and generally making music .. lots of fun .. xoxox Hilary

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Arlee .. as long as you enjoyed it .. that’s the main thing. There is so much and here I skate over the information .. but it jogs our memory to remember other things.

Our explorers, divers, geologists, biologists, naturalists, oceanologists, photographers etc .. are amazing at their dedication to their work and research .. and I have to say the Ocean is a little daunting, but beautiful ..

Good to see you here ... thanks for the visit and comment - Hilary

Lavender and Vanilla Friends of the Gardens said...

Hi Hilary, The anemone really looks like a jewel, fantastic post about life in in the sea. In a way I think it is sad, so much knowledge has been collected how important it is to cherish and preserve, look after nature. Not much has been learned we are greedier than ever, we want it all at any costs. The three "P's" are rampant, Plunder; Pillage and Pollution.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Titania .. great to see you here .. I’ve looking at your pics for a while on the Y,T &T blog .. which is now Lavender and Vanilla .. from down under – so thanks for calling in.

Isn’t the anemone amazing for our murky waters – the photographer must have been rather clever too ... You’re so right .. we don’t think what we’re doing ..and we don’t think beyond the immediate moment – what else is involved, what else is affected by our actions, the costs etc .. regrettably your three Ps are the correct words for a great deal of the human race’s actions.

Have a good week and enjoy the new blog .. with new pics etc see you over there .. Hilary

Theresa Milstein said...

Beautiful photos, as usual. I enjoyed the Geology course I took in college, learning about what was below the surface and how it keeps moving and changing was so interesting.

Mussels are really big on Long Island, where I grew up. It's funny how some things are unique to a region while others can be halfway around the world.

Paul C said...

It's wonderful to read that the extensive shoreline has remarkable health, a testament to the conservation efforts of the powers that be?

Patricia said...

This is such a grand post just packed full of wonderful information and reminders. Other than for 10 years of my life, I have lived by the water. As a child, I could tell you so many factoids about all the life and critters - and I loved the plants, but now so much of that information is lost. I do help put signs on the storm drains and clean leaves and garbage out of my neighborhood, because our sea life is being so contaminated and destroyed by pollution and the weather is not helping. Surrounded by so much beauty and knowing about the destruction makes me so sad.

I can identify about how you feel for your mother and her changes. I have one incident at my mother's end of life that still makes me unhappy about my choice, but I just have to let it go...which I am not the best at doing :)
Wishing you well, Thank you for such good words.

Liara Covert said...

Some people just love to wash and eat seaweed left on the beach as the tide goes out. Dried seaweeds are delicious! As for what is nature and nurtured through conditioning, that is for each person to sense inside alone. Taste preferences are judgments. How each one observes and examines the external world reveals lessons available to all.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Theresa .. how interesting that you took Geology in college .. the rocks are fascinating both above and below ground .. I love learning more about these sorts of things & seeing them in situ – Africa has some fantastic exposures of classic formations, as does the States There is so much going on .. the little rumbles underground – and the enormous ones that shape the landscape .. like the recent Icelandic volcano .. I wrote about a couple of months ago.

I’d imagine mussels are big on Long Island .. a long coastline and Oysters too a few centuries ago .. – do they have a special Long Island dish? We have mussels in Belgium – why they’ve become a speciality Belgian dish – with beer! – I don’t know. Delicious though ...

I hope your work search will be successful soon .. many thanks for visiting and your comment .. fun to learn a little about you & Long Island .. Hilary

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Paul .. thanks for coming over – our shores are essential to help fill that food gap you’re discussing in your recent post. The powers that be .. and nature will do more to protect life – than it appears humans will do .. I do hope we can learn to look after our world .. Good to see you – have a good week – Hilary

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Patricia .. good to see you .. and you are so aware of your world, and are always helping the community – we should all do more of that .. me too! You bring up a good point that so many and much of our information is being lost as the generations die .. we don’t look after the land as we used to seasonally do .. our little streams are clogged with rubbish and small trees that are absorbing all that water not allowing the natural flow of the river etc

We have to be positive about our land and seas, do what we can – you’re a living example of that .. reminding us too in your blog .. and about those decisions that we make or are made on our behalf about our mothers, uncles etc ... we do what we can at the time for the best – but there’s always two in the equation .. mother and daughter .. and we need to protect ourselves too – I’m glad I’ve been able to do that part ... just! But the experience and the learning curve has been invaluable to life ..we need to look forward and remember the good and peaceful moments of life .. dwelling on past decisions doesn’t help any of us!

Have a wonderful day .. and look after yourself .. as they say number one is important too – probably more important than we realise .. Hilary

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Liara .. I guess you’re talking healthy seas around the rocky shores of New Brunswick, with its large tidal range? Dried seaweed is delicious and I nearly mentioned it .. but l’d put so much in to the post .. thought I’d leave it for another day .. or others to mention – as you’ve done.

We can learn so much just being, and observing the external world around us – which as you say reveals lessons for us to take in and learn from .. Thank you – have an enjoyable week .. Hilary