Good morning everyone.
Sharon and I are one week into our East Coast adventure, working, writing and relaxing from a beautiful lodge here in Essex.
We’ve spent a thoroughly enjoyable few days exploring more of the coastline and, once again, it’s reminded me just how underrated this part of England really is.
From walking around Frinton-on-Sea and Walton-on-the-Naze to visiting a lovely local vineyard, we’ve sampled some fantastic seafood and, of course, had the inevitable debate over what I chose to wear to lunch!
It got me thinking about three questions I’d love your thoughts on this weekend…
💪 1. Is strength training really that important as we get older?
I’ve become a real fan of strength training over the last few years. Nothing extreme—just sensible, regular exercises with dumbbells and resistance bands a few times each week.
I genuinely feel stronger, fitter and have far more energy because of it.
Sharon isn’t quite so convinced, and neither are several of my friends.
They tend to picture heavy weights and intimidating gyms, whereas I see it as an insurance policy for staying active and independent.
If you strength train, what persuaded you to start?
And if you don’t… what’s stopping you?
Drop email below for resistant band workout
🦪 2. Oysters… the food of love or do they just make you gag?
One of this week’s highlights was discovering just how famous Mersea Island is for its native oysters.
Having eaten oysters in several parts of the world, I have to say the Mersea oyster is right up there. It has a slightly different, wonderfully crisp flavour—but I think that’s exactly what makes it special.
Digging into it, I found a surprising fact. A serving of six oysters contains around 15 grams of high-quality protein, very few calories and is packed with Vitamin B12, zinc, copper and heart-healthy omega-3 oils. No wonder they’re considered a genuine superfood.
So where do you stand?
❤️ Food of love?
🤢 Or do they just make you gag?
And if you do enjoy them, do you chew them, swallow them whole, or prefer them grilled or baked?
👔 3. Has the sports jacket had its day?
We stopped for lunch at a lovely gastro pub mid-week and I thought I’d pulled together a pretty sharp smart-casual outfit…
A navy blazer…
A classic polo shirt…
Well-fitted jeans…
And brown shoes.
Apparently Sharon wasn’t quite as impressed, and I took a bit of friendly stick for it!
Personally, I still think a structured sports jacket or blazer is the perfect way to smarten up a casual look without feeling overly formal.
What’s your verdict?
👔 Stylish and timeless?
😄 A little old-fashioned?
🤔 Or was it the brown shoes with the navy blazer that crossed the line?
One Final Thought…
People so often overlook Essex as a holiday destination, but after spending a week exploring its villages, vineyards, coastal paths and beaches, I honestly think it has an incredible amount to offer for a short break.
Sometimes the best hidden treasures are much closer to home than we realise.
Have a wonderful weekend everyone, and I look forward to reading your comments below!
Steve
Ropho – Pleasure & Business After 60
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