There followed a few days of real mid-winter thawing out (lovely though England was, it truly was only a few degrees warmer than our winter!), as we headed off to stay with friends on a spec in the Mediterranean sea.

Where the waters were blue and landscape rocky…..

The vegetation harsh yet aromatic and magical….

Coves and beaches, both pebbly and sandy quite dazzling with clear azure waters.

Little boats bobbed up and down in harbours, beckoning to go out and explore…..

But we were somewhat contented with olive groves and orchards, lavender and fig trees, bougainvillea, oleander and walls…..lots and lots of walls.  And at last…..my big fat book got a look-in!