"Like I always say - A Loss is a Loss....."

WEIGH-IN WEDNESDAY

Just the 1lb off this week - but like I always say "A Loss is a Loss".... and with all the temptations of Cornwall yelling at me as I potter down into the Village - where the Pasties, Cream Teas, and Crab Sandwiches abound! - I struggle through another week!

WATERGATE BAY

Last Wednesday we had a day out at Watergate Bay in search of Jamie Oliver's Cornish FIFTEEN RESTAURANT - and what a delightful day it turned out to be - very sunny.

The premise behind Jamie Oliver's Fifteen is an interesting one:

Jamie Oliver's Fifteen Cornwall is built on a foundation of nurturing talent and working with people to realise their potential. This extends from our apprentice chefs in the kitchen through to all the passionate people we have working in a multitude of skilled positions front and back of house. Our aim is simple, to produce mouthwatering Italian inspired food, made from the finest local ingredients, to be enjoyed in a stunning location.

The restaurant has stunning views of Watergate Bay itself and a really interesting Fish Tasting Menu and also a cheeky little Passion Fruit Mojito:

After our lunch we went for a walk on the beach and then a quick surf - that's me with my green surf-board.

NEWS FROM BARCELONA

During the week Angus posted this photo:

....and wrote:

"Whereas St George's Day in England is a day when racists drink more, in Catalonia (where he is patron saint) it's the equivalent of Valentine's Day. Traditionally, women give men books (a nod to the simultaneous deaths of Cervantes and Shakespeare on April 23rd, 1616) and men give women roses, presumably because they are all illiterate. Elisa got both, cos that's the kind of 21st Century guy I am. Feliz día de Sant Jordi a todos!"

We also received an update on his Apartment Hunting:

"We have paid the deposit and signed contract for a great room in a flat sharing with a Spanish couple, Pedro and Teresa. The house is a fifteen minute walk from the center of the area we love, Gracia, and 300 meters from the gorgeous Parque Guell: 

It's a three level duplex with access to a roof patio, and a double futon on the landing for guests to stay. It's 360 pounds a month - should have been far more but we got a great deal from two tenants who are breaking their contract and moving out early as they have to return to the UK ASAP. 

Really excited for you guys to come and visit. We move in on Wednesday - photos to follow."

Love you all xx

Great News Gussie - Well done, I'm sure we all feel the same way - can't wait to come and visit you! No puedo esperar para venir a beber sangría con usted y comer un tazón grande de paella!

LITTLEHAMPTON

I came across this photo in the week:

Which prompted this email reply from Emily:

Hi Neicie,

Dad and Britt bought the beach hut about 15 years ago. It's been rented out ever since (our childminder's rented it for a long time). My lovely friend and wedding photographer is 91st on the list to rent one off the council (about a 10 year wait). So I suggested we shared the rental of Dad's one this year (he doesn't make a profit but needs ground rent and insurance covered) It's absolutely bliss. Such fun for all. Think we may have to rent it next year too! 

Lots of love xxx

Nice job everyone - can't wait to see it when we next come down.

BRADDERS

Nicola Bradbury the lady who runs the pastie shop posted this today:

(PI stands for Port Isaac)

MY FRENCH FAN

Mon ami Philippe has been back in contact again - bless him......

"NICE BAPS"

In a lay-by on the way to Wadebridge is a little van selling burgers, tea & coffee etc. I've always been fascinated by the name it calls itself "NICE BAPS" so I dropped by and had a chat with the owner. For those of you not familiar with the word "BAP" - here is a definition:

So it's not surprising that the owner & now my new best friend, Kevin, has been having a little trouble with the locals who find his sign "NICE BAPS" a tad offensive! And for those of you who are thinking it - NO,  I DIDN'T HAVE A BURGER ON A BAP!! And YES, Gussie,  Leona, above,  is just 14 years old - AND total jail-bait. Nice Baps though.....

NICE WALK

Cindy took me on a lovely walk the other day through the fields, by Robert Slomans farm where our Production base is and down a steep hill to the stream below - a good 3 miles there and back.

Half way through the walk we bumped into a doctor who had come to the Set one year to treat me for a really bad cough. His name is Martin Best and he told me he was very friendly with one of our Producers, Mark Crowdy. Apparently Martin was the doctor that they based the character of Doc Martin on.  

SUNDAY LUNCH WITH THE ABSOLOM'S

Joe Absolom, plays Al Large, my son in "DOC MARTIN". Over the years he has taken to calling me 'Pops' - we have been very lucky as we have spent a lot of time working together and since day one, we've been mates.  Joe came with his wife Liz, her mother Jane, and their three children, Lila, Casper and baby Daisy. The last time Daisy came for lunch at Valencia House she was 7 days old!

CONGRATS TO JESS!

Jessica Ransome, who plays Morwenna, the doctor's receptionist in "Doc Martin" ran the London Marathon on Sunday and did it with the incredible time of 3:54:04. She has raised over £2000 for her Charity - way to go girl - an amazing achievement!

EMILY'S DAD - PETER

The play that Peter is appearing at the Arcola Theatre which is called "Clarion" has received 

great reviews - congrats to him.

MAISIE

Maisie's latest illustration for the Irish Independent.

My wife and I have a beautiful twin sons that were conceived through IVF using donor sperm after years of infertility treatment. We would like some advice as to when to tell them about this as we want to make sure they are familiar with their birth story from an early age. We used an identifiable donor so my sons can access information about the donor when they reach 18. THey are now almost three. Is it too soon to start the conversation? When we do have it, can you tell us what language we should use? 

DOC MARTIN

28  EXT. VIEW POINT, OUTSIDE TOWN - DAY 2 28

The bench where BERT proposed to Jennifer. And he sits there alone, letter in hand. Reading it 
again. Then he tears the letter in two. Then in four. Pained. 

28. MY CO-STARS.

Having just had their lunch, my Co-Stars on "DOC MARTIN" are resting before they are called to the Set. That's life in the Slow Lane in Cornwall...

THE DAILY MAIL AND "AMERICAN BUFFALO"

"She recently performed on Broadway in Cabaret, with her doting partner Tom Sturridge cheering her on, but the tables were turned for Sienna Miller on Monday night. 

The 33-year-old blonde actress was among the audience at London's Wyndham’s Theatre where she supported her partner as he took to the stage in American Buffalo.

Sienna looked especially stylish in a pajama-style suit with a dramatic red lipstick adding to the elegant look."

"Hollywood royalty Sienna tried to keep a low profile in a muted, black palette, which was set off by brightly-coloured detail in her co-ordinating top and bottoms set and a red handbag that swung by her side.

Sienna, who has two-year-old daughter Marlowe with fiancé Tom, walked tall on chunky heels and delivered a polite smile through burgundy-slicked lips as she made her way

inside."

"American Buffalo" Cast: Tom Sturridge, Damian Lewis and John Goodman.

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