My Sand Life My Pebble Life

My sand life, my pebble life. My life measured out in tides, coming in and going out. My life measured out in games of trying to spot the sea first. My life measured out in the delicious and indulgent sadness that comes from leaving a holiday cottage for the last time and for the first time in several days it isn't raining, but at least the kids have had a great time and, let's face it, so have you. Warm and darkly funny, this sublimely crafted book transports you (in a blue Ford Zephyr, with an AA route map, a granny in the back and a bingo hall on the horizon) to the world of childhoods by the sea. Specifically, Ian's memories of childhood: ones we'll all identify with – endless sunny days on the beach, done to a turn fish and chips, legendary games of cricket, tea and cakes and family crammed into a tiny caravan, holiday cottages that live forever, buckets of shells, a busted fishing net and enough sand to make a beach, with the tide out, way out... In this nostalgic collection of reminiscences (with the odd poem thrown in) journey with Ian as he walks barefoot to the sea to see the sun rise. He is attacked by seagulls, and midges, and wasps. He eats a lot of fish and chips and it's always the best yet. He nearly avoids a frisbee. He searches for jazz in Scarborough. He walks. He even tries to run. But mostly he savours the sea and our seaside moments and our seaside dreams. If you want a shot of salty sea air, a tussle with a seagull and the congenial companionship of someone described as 'relentlessly jolly' (The Guardian), this will be a joyous and moving read.

My sand life, my pebble life. My life measured out in tides, coming in and going out. My life measured out in games of trying to spot the sea first. My life measured out in the delicious and indulgent sadness that comes from leaving a holiday cottage for the last time and for the first time in several days it isn't raining, but at least the kids have had a great time and, let's face it, so have you. Warm and darkly funny, this sublimely crafted book transports you (in a blue Ford Zephyr, with an AA route map, a granny in the back and a bingo hall on the horizon) to the world of childhoods by the sea. Specifically, Ian's memories of childhood: ones we'll all identify with – endless sunny days on the beach, done to a turn fish and chips, legendary games of cricket, tea and cakes and family crammed into a tiny caravan, holiday cottages that live forever, buckets of shells, a busted fishing net and enough sand to make a beach, with the tide out, way out... In this nostalgic collection of reminiscences (with the odd poem thrown in) journey with Ian as he walks barefoot to the sea to see the sun rise. He is attacked by seagulls, and midges, and wasps. He eats a lot of fish and chips and it's always the best yet. He nearly avoids a frisbee. He searches for jazz in Scarborough. He walks. He even tries to run. But mostly he savours the sea and our seaside moments and our seaside dreams. If you want a shot of salty sea air, a tussle with a seagull and the congenial companionship of someone described as 'relentlessly jolly' (The Guardian), this will be a joyous and moving read.

Reeds Nautical Almanac is the indispensable trusted annual compendium of navigational data for yachtsmen and motorboaters, and provides all the information required to navigate Atlantic coastal waters around the whole of the UK, Ireland, Channel Islands and the entire European coastline from the tip of Denmark right down to Gibraltar, Northern Morocco, the Azores and Madeira. Having celebrated its 90th anniversary edition last year, the 2023 Almanac continues the tradition of year on year improvement and meticulous presentation of all the data required for safe navigation. Now with an improved layout for easier reference and with over 45,000 annual changes, it is regarded as the bible of almanacs for anyone going to sea. The 2023 edition is updated throughout, containing over 45,000 changes, and includes: 700 harbour chartlets; tide tables and tidal streams; buoyage and lights; 7,500 waypoints; invaluable passage notes; distance tables; radio, weather and safety information; first aid section. Also: a free Marina Guide. Also available: free supplements of up-to-date navigation changes from January to June at: www.reedsnauticalalmanac.co.uk

The Reeds Western Almanac covers the coastline from Cape Wrath to Padstow as well as the whole of Ireland, and is ideal for any boater lucky enough to cruise and race in the superb waters off the coast of Wales, Western Scotland, Ireland or Western England. Completely updated for 2023, it offers ready access to essential navigation information by virtue of its clear layout and user friendly format. Topics include seamanship, pilotage, tide tables, safety procedures, navigation tips, radio, lights, waypoints, weather forecast information, communications, Mayday and distress procedures. The large type size and clear layout makes information easy to read even in adverse conditions. It is the complete guide for both Irish and Welsh mariners as well as those cruising the UK west coast. Includes a free Reeds Marina Guide. Also available: free supplements of up-to-date navigation changes from January to June at: www.reedsnauticalalmanac.co.uk 'There are some things I would not go to sea without - Reeds is one of them.' Sir Chay Blyth

The Reeds Channel Almanac covers the south coast of England from the Scilly Isles to Dover, the Channel Islands and northern France from Calais to L'Aberildut, offering cruising and racing yachtsmen ready access to essential navigation information by virtue of its clear layout and user friendly format. Completely updated for 2023, topics include seamanship, pilotage, tide tables, safety procedures, navigation tips, radio, lights, waypoints, weather forecast information, communications, Mayday and distress procedures - in fact everything the cruising yachtsman needs to know. The large type size and clear layout makes information easy to read even in adverse conditions. This handy volume is ideal for anyone cruising the length of the English Channel. Includes a free Reeds Marina Guide. Also available: free supplements of up-to-date navigation changes from January to June at: www.reedsnauticalalmanac.co.uk 'There are some things I would not go to sea without - Reeds is one of them.' Sir Chay Blyth

The Reeds Eastern Almanac is the complete guide for North Sea mariners, offering ready access to essential navigation information by virtue of its clear layout and user friendly format, covering the UK east coast from Ramsgate to Cape Wrath including the Shetland and Orkney Islands, and from Niewport to Delfzjil and Helgoland. Completely updated for 2023, topics include seamanship, pilotage, tide tables, safety procedures, navigation tips, radio, lights, waypoints, weather forecast information around UK and European waters, communications, Mayday and distress procedures. The large type and clear layout makes information easy to read even in adverse conditions. This handy volume is ideal for anyone cruising the North Sea. Includes a free Reeds Marina Guide. Also available: free supplements of up-to-date navigation changes from January to June at: www.reedsnauticalalmanac.co.uk 'There are some things I would not go to sea without - Reeds is one of them.' Sir Chay Blyth

Everything Bonnie Keeler believes about life and marriage changes the day she discovers her husband's infidelity. Not only has he broken their wedding vows, but he blames her romance writing and shames her into giving up her passion - creating stories of mystery and romance; always with happily-ever-after endings. Leaving everything behind, she travels to Cape Cod, where she can wallow in self pity and drown her sorrows in the ocean. Two things interfere with Bonnie's self-imposed solitude—the ghost in her rental house who is protective of her and Robert Garrett, a soft-spoken bookseller, who quietly infiltrates her life and helps her re-discover her self-worth. Can she trust her heart again to find the laughter and love missing in her life? Is the ghost trying to tell her it's never too late to live happily ever after?