...get to know Norfolk

October 2008. That's when we moved to Norfolk. Having survived a fairly traumatic summer that tested our resolve beyond all normal limits, it was a fresh start, a new area, an opportunity to regroup and refocus.

With a 3 year old in tow, life revolved around discovering places where we could take Bea. Places to play, eat, relax, socialise and learn. We had to find schools, restaurants, shops and public services. It was exciting but also daunting. 

Now four years on I feel it's time to rediscover Norfolk all over again but this time with a focus on more grown-up places. With its big skies and dramatic coast line, Norfolk is a natural home for artists and artisans, with something to suit the taste of visitors and locals. Travel through the towns and villages of this glorious county and you'll pass numerous galleries and independent shops - an absolute joy if, like me, you love to uncover something a little bit different to the mass produced products available on most high streets.


So this weekend I'm heading to Burnham Market for the switch on of the Christmas Lights by Cliff Parisi no less (honestly; I had to google who this was) before heading to Granny's Attic at Burnham Overy Staithe - an event described as 'an eclectic mix of small antiques, furniture, decorative and positively quirky objects' - frankly they had me at eclectic.

Although I won't have much time to shop (I'm co-manning the stall of The White Florist), I'm looking forward to connecting with some new Norfolk businesses and as the event is raising funds for Wells Community Hospital, it should be a good night all round.

I'll let you know what quirky gems I uncover.

...relish being a have instead of a have not

High speed BB is awesome! Well, that's a slight exaggeration, I'm not American after all. But it's pretty good. As I type I'm tweeting via my phone, watching a film online and downloading games onto my 7 year old's iPod. This may seem trivial to those of you living in urban bliss, regularly accessing speeds I can only imagine but today I have joined the 'haves' thanks to the loan of a friend's flat in Central London.

Aside from multi device access, not having to hold a phone up towards the window in the far corner of the study just to get a signal (don't even get me started on our guaranteed speed of up to 0.5M...) is a novelty I'd like to become a reality.

Guinea Fowl - West Norfolk

So over the next few days I shall revel in the speeds B and I can share as we both update our blogs (check out her first post here) and take comfort in the fact that whilst our digital lives still run at a snail's pace, our real lives are unhindered by the endless queues of traffic and stifling tube journeys.

After all how many of you can claim to see this sight on your way home? Sometimes country living has its benefits. And sometimes it's slower than I'd like.