Bacon sandwich and chips, biscoff cake at Cath and Mike’s, Freshwater

An early post today as I’m not sure I’ll have the energy later, because today I went on a proper trip out, by myself, for the first time since since coming home from hospital; in fact, now I think about it, for the first time since last spring.

I got a ride down to the village on the little local bus – it took me a couple of attempts to get up the minibus steps but I got there in the end – collected some meds from the chemist, then mooched (or rather click-clacked, thanks to my crutches) across the road to the café Cath and Mike’s. At this time of year nearly everyone visiting is a local, and it has the feel of a village hub, where everyone knows everyone else, and conversations move from table to table as various people join in. It’s all very congenial, and if the bacon sarnie was a bit transport caff (sliced bread, slightly soggy bacon), it was more than made up for by an excellent bit of cake: light and fluffy, with lots of tasty buttercream.

It was definitely worth the hassle from the third café owner, Gary, who firmly believes all meals served are his and will sit and watch with big, sad eyes until he either gets some or is shouted at by Cath or Mike to leave the customers alone. He may accept head scratches as an alternative… oh, did I say Gary’s a dog? 🤣

Most exciting of all for this life-long birder (well, nearly life-long: I think I was about 4 when dad first took me out nature watching), I finally spotted a white-tailed eagle, circling steadily over the house. These flying barn doors have been on the Island since 2019 but this is the first time I’ve seen one. I will be inwardly squealing with excitement over that for some time, I think.

I’m now back home and being mildly hassled by mum over what’s for dinner: it’s fish goujons, chips, and peas or salad (or both), followed by tiramisu from Sainsbury’s. I might write a quick review of it later but, if I don’t, I don’t think you’ll be missing much review-wise.

See you later, everyone.