Oldies On Tour

Friday 10th June

This morning we are heading to Exeter to stay with our friends, Geoff and Rowena, and to avoid the Friday Exeter traffic and before children get out of school, it was suggested we should arrive no later than 1500hrs.

Exeter being just over an hour and a half away meant we could have a leisurely morning though we did have to clear our room and clean the bathroom as Jane had weekend guests staying in our room, most inconvenient; though from her prospective we are the perfect “flexible guests”!!!!

The morning started with the school run before the clean up began; fortunately it wasn’t too bad as we had only been in the room for a week or so, and with Dave away the house seemed strangely quiet.

Following a light lunch we hit the road around 1330hrs, perfect timing as long as there are no holdups on the M5 and we don’t get snarled up in the Exeter traffic.   Being June, we half expected the traffic to be fairly busy, with the M5 being the fastest and most direct route into Devon and Cornwall but to our surprise, what traffic there was, was fast moving.    Arriving on the outskirts of Exeter 15-minutes before our 1500hrs time, we “clocked” the traffic building, as did the Sat Nav and we were routed along vary curious route.   We went through industrial estates, housing estates, back roads etc., completely causing us to lose all sense of direction and by now Schools we’re discharging their pupils and the clock was ticking.    Eventually we arrived at the Exeter University Campus, ah yes, familiar territory, and just around the corner was our destination.   How on earth Sat Navs work routes out so quickly, never ceases to amaze me, but ours did and we arrived a little after the targeted time.

Meeting up with Geoff and Rowena is always a pleasure and though we had popped in en route from Plymouth early May, this time we will have long enough for a jolly good catch-up, and it started the minute we arrived over a cuppa.

The rest of the afternoon flew by and suddenly we relished we had a table booked at a local restaurant, so quickly sorted ourselves out and headed off on foot.

We were told it wasn’t very far, but; Google Maps said it was is a seventeen minute walk though It was up and down hills which suggested 17-minutes was rather “over optimistic” and particularly as my knee was giving me real “gip”.    Geoff was the advance party as he strides ahead to the restaurant we had booked;  apparently it gets extremely busy and if late for a booking, the table may well have gone to someone else.  I was in the rearguard, as I said my knee was playing me up.

The restaurant was called the “Conservatory”, (https://www.squaremeal.co.uk/restaurants/the-conservatory-restaurant_3454) and it prizes itself on Seasonal produce, used for creative dishes.  Inside there is a bright “cosy” dining room featuring a restored Tudor wall, protected behind clear panels.    The food was both interesting and good and service was with a smile.    To follow our three courses they had a drink on the menu that intrigued us called “Dead Mans Finger”; it turned out to be a spiced rum liqueur and though sweet, rather “moreish”.  

The prospect of the return “route-March” was far from appealing and taxi’s were talked about, well by me!!!, but having spoken to the restaurant about getting us one, we’re told it would be highly unlikely, and if they could get one, it would be over an hour’s wait 😢😢.    Following further discussion, Geoff suggested a “pit stop” at a pub en-route; well that changed everything and off we went.    A break with the “obligatory” pint was just the ticket at “The Imperial” an old hotel converted into a Weatherspoon’s pub and heaving with students from the university.

Back at home and by now time for bed.

Saturday 11th June

A leisurely morning including a stroll through their “enormous”, well cultivated garden followed by a short walk through their access lane at the rear, and across the road onto the university campus.   Here we sat in the sunshine admiring a beautiful pond complete with a large ornamental fountain, just passing the time of day and putting the world to rights, as one does!!!

Today was a big day in the Premiership rugby season; after 26-weeks of premiership action it is semifinals day and after a hard fought season the top four playing in the “knockout” round include Northampton Saints; “probably unexpected”.   Also today the second test against New Zealand is taking place and if that wasn’t enough, there is qualifying for the Azerbaijan (Baku) Grand Prix to “squeeze” in; my-my, what a busy afternoon!

Lunch was soon cleared away and we settled down for the “important” sport; first up was Saracens V Harlequins.   Geoff being an ardent Exeter Chiefs supporter, though neutral, made his choices who to root for and fortuitously they were the same as mine!!!, Harlequins in the first game and Northampton in the second.  These games being “knockout” and the winners make up the final at Twickenham next week, everything is to play for, “winner take all”, so two hard games.

Sarries V Quins: this was a tough game but unfortunately Quins couldn’t match Sarries on the day with the final score was 34 : 17, but a good game and unfortunately the right result.

Tigers V Saints: this was an interesting game on a couple of levels.   Firstly Leicester Tigers had led the championship table all season only losing 4-matches.  On the other hand my team, Northampton Saints, had struggled during the mid season so had to win every match and extract every single bonus point they could towards the end to claw their way into the last four.   They lost 10-matches along the way making the end of season matches, knife-edge games.

The final result was a travesty of justice, Saints came out of the blocks but unfortunately one of our wingers had three very easy chances to score but on each one he knocked the ball forward which let Tigers off the hook.   The result was a clear win for Tigers 27 : 14😢 still two exciting games to watch setting up an interesting final at Twickenham nest week, Tigers V Sarries.

Whilst the rugby was going on we kept a weather eye on the cricket scores.

Next up, qualifying for the Grand Prix, fortunately being on Sky Geoff could record it so nothing was lost.

After a long afternoon of sport and a hearty meal, we all headed off to bed.

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Sunday 12th June

We knew before we arrived that Geoff and Rowena had a prior engagement Sunday and we had to make ourselves scarce soon after breakfast, so no “Sunday lie-in”  for us today!!!  We were up and packed at a reasonable time followed by a breakfast to set us on our way.   We left, as planned mid morning after another wonderful weekend in Exeter, thank you both for making us so welcome and we hope we see you next time in Spain, as we said, September is a good time to come out, but you are welcome anytime that fits with your busy horticultural year!!!

Today our plan is to navigate the lanes and villages between Exeter and South Petherton.

We arrived in South Petherton at lunchtime so after parking, headed to for a “pint” at the Brewers Arms.    After the very friendly barman served us and we sat down, a couple of Sunday roast dinners wafted past us and after a quick glance between us, we ordered two Roast Beef Lunches.  We also got chatting to a few locals, quizzing them about the village etc.    Our luck was also in as the Azerbaijan Grand Prix was on the TV above the door, win-win for us.     Though we were strangers, everybody made us feel welcome, none of those “what-are-you” doing here!,   Our first impressions on the previous visit were confirmed, this could be the place to live.

Back at Hope Farm we met Jane and Dave’s weekend House guests before they left then settled down to a couple of games of Mahjong before hitting the sack.

Monday 6th June

After the school run Christine and I resumed our tour of areas most likely to appeal to us to live, and to this end we headed due south, our destination was Lyme Regis.    Our plan was to head to Lyme Regis along the main roads and then slowly meander through the lanes and small villages to see what’s what, besides it will make a nice day out.

We hit the road around 1000hrs and arrived in Lyme Regis a couple of hours later; a pretty small seaside town on the Jurassic coast.   Lyme also has a remarkable history for such a small place (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lyme_Regis), really worth a read.  Of course arriving at this small seaside town along with hordes of other “grockles”,  parking was impossible so drove through, turned and drove back, though managed to stop in the car park by the harbour for sufficient time for Christine to “pop” out of the car and take a picture.    Originally we planned a coffee break here, but that couldn’t happen so started to head back through the local highways and byways driving through numerous pretty villages until we arrived at one such village, “South Petherton”.   Firstly we could park the car and “for free” 😁😁, so had a wander around and was rather impressed.   South Petherton is in Somerset, located 5 miles east of Ilminster, and 5 miles north of Crewcerne, but more importantly, it is midway between Hope farm, and the south coast, satisfying both our needs!! 

This village was rather distinctive for the traditional hamston  (“Hamstone” is the name given to a honey-coloured building stone from Ham Hill in Somerset). construction of many of its buildings.  South Petherton was a market town, but these days is regarded as a village

We were very impressed by this well-catered-for village, enjoying the best of many worlds. The bustling high street boasts everything from an award-winning deli to a fishmonger, butcher, and a co-op supermarket . There is also the “Brewers Arms”, a 17th century coaching inn but most importantly, just on the outskirts, is the South Petherton Community Hospital 🤠😍.  So far so good!!!   Being lunchtime we thought a lunch at the Brewers Arms would be just the ticket, but no, it was closed; oh dear, first black-mark 😩😩 still we found a very nice tea room that had a fairly comprehensive menu for light lunches etc., so had to make do; surprisingly it was very nice, good food, good service and very friendly.   Chatting over lunch we decided this place was a definite possibility as a suitable place to live so after we’d eaten we popped over to the estate agents and looked in their window.  We couldn’t go further as we haven’t sold yet😢😢.    There was one place that could have been suitable but it was going to auction so apart from having a “butches” from outside, we could do no more.

During the rest of the trip back, every place we went through we benchmarked it to South Petherton, and nothing came up to its level.

Back at the ranch, we had a quite evening; Monday night Dave goes out climbing.

..

Tuesday 7th June

Today was a rather important day as we were taking “Muse”to the stud farm in Devon.   Muse is Jane’s mare that has been “Sired” by a championship stallion and she is now close to “dropping” her foal and because Jane doesn’t have any suitable maternity stabling at present, Muse has been sent to the stud farm.    This foal will have a great deal of value, so it was important to give her the best surroundings in which to “do-the-business”.

We loaded the “very pregnant” Muse on the trailer, and also put Shone on as well to keep her calm during her journey to Devon.

Unfortunately the stud is in the middle of nowhere, somewhere on Exmoor up a very steep hill.    On an earlier visit Jane drove up the hill but today realised that with one very heavy pregnant horse, and one not so heavy, it would be a struggle for “Apollo” (the 4×4 Mercedes) to climb this hill which was also a very narrow lane.   If anybody came from the opposite direction and she had to stop on this hill, Apollo would have difficulty starting again.  After a ‘phone call to the stud and changing course, we eventually found the route that allowed us to arrive at the stud going down the hill!!!   

The owner of the stud has prepared a “maternity stable” for Muse, so we unloaded her.   Muse was in good company as there were several “mothers”, some with their foals and some just waiting!!

Back at home farm we unloaded a very disappointed Shone and had lunch. Poor Shone, who had traveled with Muse thought he had arrived at a show ground, but to his horror he was re-loaded for the return trip for nothing!!!

After dinner the four of us played a few games of Marjon.

Wednesday 8th June 

Today we had booked a second visit to Sandford Retirement Village specifically to view two, 2-bedroom ground floor flats with private gardens that were coming onto the market in the coming weeks.     We had also arranged to drive over to Peterborough for a stop-over with Holly and give Christine an evening with her grandson, Elton, returning the following day.

Our appointment at Sandford was for 1000hrs and we knew from our previous visit that their salespeople are punctual, not a Spanish 1000hrs!!!!    Unfortunately this morning Christine had a splitting headache and didn’t feel too good so took a covid test which fortunately was negative but she still felt very bad.   After much soul searching, she reluctantly contacted Holly and cancelled our visit; travelling for so many hours in the car for just one night was too much😢🤪.    

Jane and Dave’s mother accompanied us to Sandford, Jane to check it out for us!, and Dave’s mum to see if the village was suitable for her.

We duly arrived on time and visited the two apartments.   The first one didn’t appeal; the garden was small due to its funny shape and because of all the trees, the flat was dark and dingy.    The second one we visited was much better, slightly bigger garden and a much brighter interior, altogether a better prospect but naturally this was reflected in the price!!!

We were now left to our own devices and because all the covid restrictions had been lifted we were allowed to wander about and sit in the lounge and enjoy a cup of coffee whilst we “mulled” over the “pros” and “cons”.   As we had cancelled our Peterborough trip, the pressure was off, allowing us to spend time and chat to residents we met whilst wandering, about; all good stuff!

Following our comprehensive visit and Christine not feeling her usual self we headed straight home where we spent the rest of the day relaxing.

Thursday 9th June

This morning Christine was more her usual self, good news but naturally disappointed she hadn’t been able to see Elton.   This afternoon Dave is taking his mother back to Newmarket so an early lunch was called for and Christine volunteered to make it.

Soon after clearing up the dinner things, Dave and his Mum left and later at the appointed hour we headed to collect Mia from school.    Today wasn’t the usual school collection, no, today Mia was heading straight to a new Gymnastics club in Weston so it was a change of clothes in the car “en-route”.    Being her first time there, Jane wanted to be in plenty of time in case she couldn’t find the place as the address said it was in an industrial estate, which it was.        We waited patiently until the “boss” lady arrived and opened up whereupon Jane and Mia  left us to book in.     

The class is for an hour and rather than hang about, Jane wants to revisit where “Granny” (my mother) lived after I’d left home, but driving round and round the Shrubbery area I couldn’t for the life of me remember; well it has been over 50-years!!!!!   After failing to find it, we returned to the gymnastics club and watched the last 10-minutes of her class.

Having eaten a proper lunch, tonight we just snacked, and being Jane’s house, we snacked on all the good things, chocolate bars, ice cream and biscuits etc., etc.!!!!!

Tomorrow we head to Exeter to stay with Geoff and Rowena for a couple of nights

Friday 3rd June

This morning I completed and hung the outside “bunny” gate whilst Christine finished planting her garden, and this afternoon I jumped on the mower, again!!!    Jane, Teaguin and her Mother Jo, who arrived yesterday evening, all went to a show.   Teaguin was again riding Jet trying to get points towards entering a higher class.    Though we did our gardening duties, it was a relaxing day giving us time for our bones to heal after traipsing around the Bath and West Show all day yesterday. 

Dave arrived back from his climbing holiday this afternoon and brought his mother, Irene, back with him to do some property searches.   Meanwhile Christine set about preparing the evening meal for the 8-of us tonight!!! 

Saturday 4th June

Being bank holiday weekend we decided it would be prudent to stop around the house though Jane, Teaguin and Jo headed off at the crack of dawn to ride at another event.   They had an early time slot so we’re due back late morning whereupon it had been “decided by Jane” we would go out to lunch.   Now one would imagine going out to lunch would mean a roast, or an Italian or even a pizza, but no.   Our lunch venue today would be “Kaspa’s”, described on their website as “a chain of exciting new desert houses that offer the worlds favourite hot and cold desserts under one roof”: I rather feel there should be a health warning as well!!!!!

Once the girls returned and sorted out the horses then themselves, the eight of us headed to Weston in a three-car-convoy; why three cars? Well Jo and Teaguin were heading straight back to Essex, Christine and I had to go to Tesco and the Littlejohn’s were doing something else.   Strangely the multi-storey car park was virtually empty, being a bank holiday weekend I would have thought Weston would have been busy and when we walked into Kaspa’s, the place was empty; very strange, still we were spoilt for choice on where to sit.   Fortunately right at the back was one very big table the eight of us could get round.

After many deliberations and much pontificating over the menu, we finally decided our “lunch” and headed to the counter to order.

When everything arrived, there must have been in the region of 10,000 calories on the table; just good healthy stuff 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂.    The upshot was, we all indulged and cleaned up our plates, though no-one went for seconds!!!!!!! 

After our bumper intake of “naughties” and feeling “very fat”, we waddled out, back to the car park and said our goodbyes to Jo and Teaguin.

Tomorrow is the jubilee extravaganza on Lympsham’s village green and cricket ground, and we finally decided to take a picnic so we all headed off to Tesco.   Having bought “several” picnics worth of food, headed back to Hope Farm in time to watch the jubilee celebration’s  “party at Buckingham Palace”.

Sunday 5th June

What a shame, this morning is dull, overcast and rain is in the air and of all days when everyone is outside for jubilee picnics etc., we just didn’t need this; oh well, it is what it is and we are going to enjoy ourselves whatever the weather.

Today, whilst Jane was out riding Dave cooked us a full English and very good it was very too; only our second since being in England, gosh we are being good, we’ll fairly good!!!!   

The festivities were an all day affair so no rush.    After clearing up and sorting the horses we headed into the centre of the village, and much to Mia’s disgust having to sit in the boot with Oreo, the picnic and 5-fold up chairs, the six of us drove the 3-minute journey!!!

Having parked ourselves comfortably next to the roped-off cricket square, we set about enjoying ourselves.    Even though Jane and Dave had only been living in Lympsham it was surprising how many people they had got to know, mind you this is a very friendly, maybe old fashioned, village but nice.    The day was paid for by the council and happened thanks to the WI and many other volunteers who had put in a lot of effort.

There were the usual things going on including a mountains of food, meaning our panic to get a picnic together yesterday was unnecessary!!   The WI had also plated up cream teas, scone, jam and clotted cream, lovely🤪🤪🤪🤪

It is difficult to pick the highlights of the day but probably for the younger children it was the good old fashioned “punch-n-Judy” show, mind you the announcer had to issue a warning prior to the start saying this show is most probably “politically incorrect” and that it “contained violence”; whatever next, has society gone mad????   The other event with a lot of participation at all age levels was the “tug-of-war”.   The competition between team “A” and team “B” was ferocious, but the one that got everybody involved and excited was the “dads” V the “children”.   The first pull went to the children, the second to the dads but for the final nearly everyone joined in, there was a lot at stake and those not pulling were shouting encouragement that was probably heard in Weston.   Anyway force of numbers outweighed brute force and the children won.    The seed of competition was sown and there followed several pulls between dads only; very competitive I must say!!! 

At one point of the afternoon, the four of us played croquet, again very competitive between the “Pages” and the “Littlejohns”, but Christine and Dave decided that for this game Jane would revert to being a Page, fatal mistake, we wiped the floor with Christine and Dave😂😂

As predicted the rain came around 3.30pm which rather curtailed a very enjoyable day and people started to leave.    Thank you everybody in Lympsham who worked so hard to make a very enjoyable platinum jubilee celebration.

Back at home and having eaten for England, food was the last thing anybody needed and inspired by the “opening” sequence of the “Buck House Party”, we settled down to watch the two Paddington Bear films.    Though we’ve see them several times before, they never fail to give us all a chuckle.

Monday tomorrow so Dave is back at work and Mia is back to school, so a reasonably early night was had by all.

Thursday 2nd June

The start of the Platinum Jubilee weekend and we’re all heading off to the “Bath and West Show”;  neither of us have been there for years so looking forward to it.   First things first though, Jane had to ride her horses before leaving so was up with Teaguin at the crack of dawn.   Fortunately we’d bought our tickets on line so though we won’t get there for opening, we won’t have to queue to get in.

The weather forecast for today was “wall-to-wall” sun, so a good day to attend.   The show-ground is about 40-minutes away so after the horses were exercised and watered, we were away,    It wasn’t too long before we got stuck in a traffic holdup on the “main road”, but not due to the heavy bank holiday traffic, or due to an accident, no, just a herd of cows!!!!   Yes this morning the farmer decided to move his rather large herd from one field to another along the main Weston-Super-Mare to M5 road, still it did cause amusement to us and other road users; it must have been the spirit of the jubilee weekend that stopped any “ranting and raving” happening.

Arriving at the show-ground and parking was a doddle, it was like a well oiled machine, well rehearsed and efficient; I wonder how it will be when everyone exits!!!!

We had our paper tickets but I also had them on my ‘phone because the entry rules are very clear.   One adult can be accompanied by two children aged between six and fifteen; no issue with Mia but Teaguin is knocking on seventeen and still at school so we decided she would be fifteen for the day and primed her about her “new” date of birth and that she is doing “O” levels, not”A”levels!!!   At the entrance gate the guy collecting paper tickets was diligent and scrutinising everyone so I went with my “phone tickets”.   The guy checking and me being ”rather slow” with technology!!, he was distracted whilst Jane + two slipped by thereby saving £25.00😂😂😂😂

As we walked into the show-ground I was immediately “mesmerised” by a stall selling just 1-item, a concertina stool; pull it out and twist and hey presto you have a stool.   Twist it and push the ends together and it collapses into a thin round, easy to carry piece of kit.    Struggling with my knee as I am at present, this looked just the job for today, so bought one.

With my stool slung over my shoulder we headed towards the food tent; Jane, Teaguin and Mia wanted brownies for their late breakfast whilst Christine and I were “seduced” at a local “Gin Distillery stand” offering a selection of their various gins which naturally we had to sample!!!    

Having scoured the food tent satisfying our stomachs we headed to the “vintage” fair with a helter-skelter, a carrousel with beautifully painted horses etc., which Mia thoroughly enjoyed.    By now the show-ground was filling up as we wandered around the stalls before heading to the main arena.    All through the day there was something going on in the main arena so we had to choose what we wanted to see and form a “plan”.  Mia also wanted to see the pigs in their own arena whilst Christine and I watched the cows being judged.

Unlike the past, the “beer tent” wasn’t a tent, no it was a jolly big brick “Thatchers cider” building that was also a restaurant; not the same😖😖😖 still they sold a reasonable pint of Butcombe.

We all re-gathered at the main arena to watch the dog competitions, you name it, they played it and of course it got the crowd going.

This was followed by a couple of lads carrying out various stunts on quad bikes including forward rolls and jumping over a number of vehicles; very exciting to watch.   At this point the girls left Christine and I to visit something else whilst we stayed and watched the heavy horse parade and judging.   What magnificent beasts, in my early youth they were a common site working on farms, now unfortunately there are not that many, and can only be seen at an agricultural show; shame but can’t stand in the way of progress.

Next and probably the most exciting part of the day for Mia was the pony club mounted games.    These Games are for all ages within the pony club and are an excellent introduction for younger members to gain confidence and control of their ponies while having fun.   As the members acquire skills and confidence, they progress and receive specialised training to improve their skills,   The six teams we watched had qualified at earlier events and this was their final, and what an exciting final it was.   Congratulations to the winners but also to the rest of the participating children for entertaining the crowd so well.    Now Mia knows her challenges with her pony, Shone.

Next we enjoyed a spectacular parade of vintage scurries and assorted carts, most of which were pulled by the heavy horses we had seen earlier, a wonderful site and the detailed work that had gone into everything; no doubt far better than originally new!!!  

My turn now, a parade of tractors starting with a 1946 grey Ferguson.    The first Ferguson, the TE20, known as the “ Little Grey Fergie” rolled of the line on 6th July 1946 though there were earlier pre-war Fergusons used by the airforce to tow trailers, loaded with bombs to the waiting aeroplanes.   This particular tractor, the brainchild of “Harry Ferguson” had a unique 3-point linkage and this was the key to the global success of the tractor.   The three-point linkage allowed a range of implements to be attached and controlled by the tractor’s hydraulics.   This system is now universally used on all tractors.  This display of beautifully preserved tractors went through the ages finishing with a big modern tractor.

The end of the day was taken up with showjumping, two classes, 1.3m and 1.4m high and each competition was just one round but against the clock.    We were well placed, we had the water jump just to our left and a parallel planks jump to our right so we were very close to the action which was exciting.  There were riders taking their time to go clear and others knocking a few down to get a quick time.   The excitement was palpable and the winners certainly deserved their prize money.

Naturally with the best will in the world, the time table in the main arena slipped and as we trudged back to the car all the stalls bar one was closed or closing.  The one still open was a children’s clothes stand and naturally it was visited by Jane and Mia and the upshot was a rather nice dress was acquired.

Eventually we left the show-ground, not the last car in the field but there were not many left behind us!   Tom Tom took us back a different way, no doubt to miss the traffic so no holdups which was good.

Arriving back at Hope Farm, we were all exhausted but thoroughly enjoyed our day out at the Bath and West show, but it being so big, perhaps a two day visit next time!!

Friday 27th May

After getting on the scales this morning both Christine and I had an “out-of-body” experience, we had piled on the weight; we were horrified, how did this happen we asked ourselves “knowing very well”, too many “meals out”, and in my case too much “real ale” and on Wednesday, too many “French coffees”, laced with double cream, yummy yummy, but now the cost, urgent diets start today.

No lingering over our miserable breakfast, I had to start the list of jobs I was given.   Firstly I had to assemble a clothes horse, not a standard one mind you, no, Jane bought this one that arrived in about 50-bits, fortunately the instruction booklet was comprehensive and when completed, no bits left over😂😂.   Next it was a trip to the local garden machinery place, the job in-hand was to get the motor hedge trimmer started.   This hadn’t been used for well over a year so suspected the fuel may have gone off but re-assured by David that it had recently been filled up so went for a new spark plug.   One sniff from the garden machine mechanic told me not to waste my money, it was a fuel problem.    The tank not having been drained and being two stroke, as the fuel evaporated it leaves deposits in the carburettor jets etc., and to make matters worse, they were so busy it would be about 6-weeks to repair; over to you Dave!!!

Christine didn’t get out of things to do either though, hers were self inflicted.   She had brought a number of bedding plants from Tom and Kathleen’s to fill the various planters around the guest cottages.   This morning we also had to go to good old B & Q for 100-litres of potting compost, followed by a new experience, we went into Aldi for some bits.

Back for lunch then as Christine started her “gardening” my task was to “mow” the front lawn.   I haven’t mown a lawn for the last 35-years or so🥶🥶🥶; still at least I can sit down on the job, and make the most of the sunshine.

Tonight we are on duty, collecting Mia from Theatre and Dance” school then babysitting as Jane and Dave are taking the opportunity to have a night out.

Tomorrow Dave is heading off to Sweden for a climbing holiday so he has an early start in the morning; please don’t wake us Dave!!!!

Saturday 28th May

Another sunny day “and” I’m wearing shorts, can’t believe our luck.   This morning it was another quick dash to B & Q which of course took much longer than anticipated, Saturday morning and all that!!! Still back in time for lunch.   Because of the fright we both had yesterday morning on the scales, yesterday was a “very” frugal day, minimal fodder and nil alcoholic refreshment and we’re heading down that same path today and across the weekend in the hope we can shed a few KGs, quickly🤞🤞🤞🤞.

Saturday’s afternoon was shattered by the alarm system going off in the barn and we were all chasing round like headless chickens wondering why it had gone off and where one switches the darn thing off.   It even got to the stage where Christine and I carried a ladder from elsewhere and armed with a hammer, was going to silence it once and for all!!!, in fact this alarm was news to Jane, she didn’t know she had one!!!  Anyway, in the mean time she had discovered “another” room inside the barn and once opened, “low-and-behold” a control panel with a keyboard, next issue, what is the code!!!!    At this point Jane contacted Dave on his way to the airport for help and the result was she had the code so all was well; Christine and I returned the ladder and the hammer😀😀

Sunday 29th May

I set about making a gate to fit between the cottages garden and another small, secluded walled garden that Truffle uses.   Christine in the mean time started planting up the bedding plants Tom gave her.   We both struggled to find the right “kit” amongst everything piled into the garage.   The gate was being constructed from a dismantled cot; should be metal to match the arched stonework but this wooden one will do the job for now; it will keep Truffle safe and sound.

Around Midday Jo, one of Jane’s oldest friends from school arrived, she is staying for a few days.   The moment she arrived the two of them didn’t stop talking!!!!!  With Dave away climbing in Sweden, this was a good opportunity for Jo to visit.    The last time we saw Jo was in Abu Dhabi when Jane and Dave lived out there.

The gate was completed eventually but couldn’t be hung as there were no hinges to be found and Christine completed phase one of her planting at the same time so a cuppa was the order of the day.

This evening we were on Baby Sitting duty, again!!!

Monday 30th May

Late this morning we all headed to a local horse show.  Jane had entered her horse “Herbie ”, as she urgently needs the necessary points to qualify for this year’s Nationals on him; 30-minutes to get there, 30-minutes to tack and warm up, 4-minutes competing, 30-minutes to cool him down and load up, then another 30-minutes to drive home; two hours for a 4-minute competition, still it was worth it, she got a good points haul.

The rest of the day just meandered by with nothing particularly happening until the evening when Mark and Ashleigh arrived for the night before heading down to Woolacombe for a prior engagement.     Though we had met up with Mark a week earlier it was particularly nice to meet up with Ashleigh and catch up with her news.   Mia of course was really excited to see them again and collard ‘em for the early part of the evening.   Tonight, and as a “special” treat, we made, “Mega-Biftas with the biz”  for pudding.   Theses are another “Page” special!  At the bottom there is biscuit or similar, then ice cream, a couple of flavours minimum, loaded with as many different kiddies sweets and crumbled chocolate known to man, hundreds and thousands and to complete these bowls full of “delight”, a squirt a sauce, either strawberry, chocolate, raspberry, maple syrup or as we had tonight, a bounty sauce.   As I said a “Page” extravaganza that should carry a health warning!!!

Tuesday 31st May

Mark and Ashleigh disappeared at some “un-godly” hour this morning, none of us heard them so no complaints there!!!!

A week-or-so ago we went to the Broadmead shopping district in Bristol, but apart from finding the Apple shop, we were disappointed, no John Lewis, no Marks and Spencer, in fact a great disappointment.  Yesterday at the horse show, chatting to someone we found out that the Bristol branches of John Lewis and Marks and Spencer were still a “alive and kicking” but had moved to a new “out-of-town” site at Cribbs Causeway, so that’s where we are off to today,

We headed up the M5, parked and was in John Lewis for coffee time, no brandy unfortunately!!!!!   Cribbs causeway boasts two major supermarkets, the largest B&Q I’ve seen and a couple of other well known warehouse shops as well as the Mall which has 150-shops inside,    The walk from John Lewis at one end to Marks and Spencer at the other is a good 10-minute walk at a pace!!!!    

After a couple of hours we’d had enough and decided another pub lunch was called for!!!   Today I selected another ”Butcombe” pub; The Swan at Rowberrow.  This small village, just off the A38 at Churchill Rocks is up a narrow winding lane but to our astonishment the pub car park was “heaving” but there is another one across the road, though this one is controlled by cameras and has a pay station there; which we ignored as we didn’t see it!!!  “This” Swan Inn is a 17th century Grade II-listed pub and it has been modernised inside to cater to today’s clientele but still keep its historical charm.

The reasons for the full car parks and the charging became apparent after chatting to one of the staff.   This carpark is popular for horse riders, walkers and mountain bikers who all visit “Rowberrow Warren”, a privately owned, 543 acres of woodlands managed by Forestry England under lease.

An enjoyable light lunch accompanied by a couple of glasses of their best ale before heading back home.   The payment for the car park was “waived” for customers of the Swan Inn, but we did have to enter our registration number onto a screen, whereupon a picture of our car appeared!!!   Apparently they chase you up with a fine if you park and don’t do the screen but; I wonder if they would have chased us up with Spanish plates🤔!

Wednesday 1st June

Today we’re off researching the coastline from Weston to Minehead as neither of us know this particular area, in fact a day of “grockling” .   This is all part of our decision-making process as where to live once we’ve sold in Spain. 

We headed out to our first stop, Watchet, a small port town at the mouth of the Washford River on the edge of Exmoor National Park.      Our plan was to mooch around this ancient port on the North Somerset coast and get a feel for the area.  Unfortunately many other people also descended in Watchet and there was nowhere to park.   We drove into every car park and observed a queue to park in each one so a quick drive through this quaint but small town and we were on our way heading for Minehed passing through the very small hamlet of Blue Anchor.   Here we noted a cafe and being well past our coffee time, we stopped for a break.    Judging by what we saw, Blue Anchor consisted of a rather nice sandy beach, a static caravan park holiday complex and this cafe, not too inspiring.

After our break and continuing our route to Minehead, we detoured into Dunster, a beautiful old village with a medieval castle overlooking the area and dating back to the Norman conquest; it was mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086.  The centrepiece of Dunster is the octagonal “Yarn Market” building built in the early 1600’s when this place became a centre of wool and cloth production and trade.    Again we were not the only tourists wanting to look around Dunster, but on this occasion as we drove into the high street, a car just left its parking space, so quick as a flash, we parked and wandered around this beautiful place; a tourist haven.

Eventually we arrived in Minehead and after driving down to, then along the seafront passing the enormous “Butlins” decided this wasn’t our cup-of-tea so quickly drove out.

After a consultation with the map we decided to head to Woolacombe in North Devon where we knew there was a good sandy beach, facing the Atlantic, at the start of the Bristol Channel. 

The route along the coast consists of narrow lanes and picturesque villages as it weaves its way along Exmoor and being reasonably high up one has spectacular views across the Bristol Chanel to Wales.

During the drive we concluded this part of Somerset didn’t hit the spot and between Minehead to Woolacombe was far too remote and poor access from the M5.

Arriving down the big hill into Woolacombe we had a superb view of the beach and the Atlantic but, being a beautiful day the grockles were out in force; from on-high it appeared the beach was crawling with ants.   The rest of Woolacombe really only catered for holiday makers, holiday caravan parks everywhere.   Glad we had look but certainly not on our list of suitable places to live so after a quick look-around, headed to the M5.

Today has been a good day in-so-much as we have a good idea where not to look for property!!!

Back at Hope Farm we were back on Baby sitting duties as Jane and her riding friend, Tiguan went to the cinema.   That’s it Jane, make the most of the “oldies” staying!!!!!

Friday 20th May

With the rearranged weekend we brought forward our trip to Marian’s in Derbyshire via Oakham Bites for our customary “bacon butty” stop, then to Mark’s at Chapel Brampton to drop some books off, but first we had to clear up our “borrowed house”: thank you very much Bill and Jenny for once again letting us stay there.

With the car packed we headed up the A3 in the rain, but as we arrived at Oakham the rain stopped, very fortuitous. With our mouths watering we went and ordered our usual, double bacon baguettes.   It’s funny, we always try and come here when in U.K., not only have they have been voted “the U.K.’s best bacon butty place”, they actually “do” make excellent ones; freshly baked baguettes at all times and freshly cooked bacon to order, what can be better.   Today though we were disappointed; the fellow cooking was different, not the regular chap, and he left the baguettes on a heater causing them to be “over-cooked” and the bacon was crispy, not to our liking so overall we were disappointed; oh dear, and after such great expectations!!!    Obviously we will have to return at least once to give them a chance to redeem themselves.   Never mind, it is what it is so we just got on with it and off we headed, ignorant of what was to come!

Ten minutes after leaving the Oakham woods we joined the M25, well the “car park”.   Our original ETA was circa 1400hrs, Tom Tom was giving us an arrival time of 1535hrs and as we crawled along the arrival time was getting towards 1600hrs until a new route came up.   We also heard on the traffic news about a lorry fire at Junction 15A on the M1, “our junction” 👹👹. The new route took us off the M25 at Stains, and then we were routed through Windsor towards High Wycombe where we joined the M40 heading west to Oxford.  On leaving the M40 at Oxford, we joined the A43 heading north towards Northampton, at last we were wizzing along, well until we noticed a sign saying the road was closed at Brackley, unbelievable, but when we arrived we were pleasantly surprised to find it wasn’t; must have been an old sign!   Approaching Towcester the traffic started to back up when Tom Tom sent us off the A43 onto some country lane and arrival time was now 1602hrs.   We followed numerous country lanes, through small housing estates and remote villages, and suddenly our lane arrived at the Towcester roundabout where the A5 crosses the A43.   Here the four main roads into the roundabout were gridlocked, most probably due to diverted traffic thanks to the fire on the M1 at 15A.   Our country lane was empty and our exit to Northampton was also clear so we “shot” across; the first bit of good luck we’ve had all day!!!   Anyway as predicted we arrived at Mark’s at 1602hrs, just liked Tom Tom 0predicted, albeit 2-hrs later than planned!!!.

We were greeted by Mark and “Oakley” their new Beagle puppy, a pretty and playful “sharp toothed” dog with “sharp claws” to match; still that will change once baby teeth have gone and going out for walks begins.  He hasn’t finished his jabs yet.    Paula soon joined us and we had a good, but short, get together catching up with news etc.

An hour or so after arriving we left for Flagg, Derbyshire.   We were dreading heading up the M1 on a Friday evening but to our surprise the motorway was reasonably clear and after a pleasant drive, arrived at Marian’s around 1900hrs.    We were tired though having spent most of the day in a car, in traffic jams, with sporadic rain.

Saturday 21st May

We decided we would take it easy today.  A late start and a visit to Morrisons followed a late breakfast then back to Rockfield House for a light lunch.   

This afternoon I was on tender-hooks, today is the penultimate round of the premiership and apart from crossing everything for Northampton Saints against Saracens, I had a vested interest in Gloucester; hopefully they will be defeated by Harlequins!!! Then of course there is the Spanish GP qualifying, though it will have to be the highlights today.

By mid afternoon part one was complete, Gloucester had lost and now it was down to Saints.   The chances of a win were remote but a losers bonus point would be very handy and following on the radio wasn’t quite the same.  At halftime Saints, in spite of a yellow card, we’re 1-point ahead, yeah.   The second half was different, Saracens ran away with the game until the last quarter when Saints got their “mo-jo” back and scored three tries and more importantly held Saracens out.   At the final whistle the score was 42 – 38 to Saracens, but though we lost we picked up two crucial bonus points so now it is all on next week when we play Newcastle🤞🤞🤞🤞

Following the rugby we watched the qualifying highlights of the GP after which we were quite exhausted so had an early one.

Sunday 22nd May

Marian cooked us our first and only “proper breakfast” we’ve had since back in England, and very scrumptious it was too, a big thank you to Marian.  The weather today was nice so I got the strummer out, what I hear some of you say, Geoff gardening???  I know but it had to be done and Christine cleared up behind me, “no change there” some of you may be saying.

A Sunday roast was also enjoyed late afternoon then we all settled down to watch the Spanish Grand Prix.   There were four of us all rooting for different drivers so it was a very interesting evening.   The conclusion was one of us won!!!!!    Anyway, half an hour after the excitement it was bed time.

Monday 23rd May

Today we decided to take a trip to Cheadle to do some shopping leaving Marian to do her work; thanks to Covid she works from home.

The run over top by the “Cat and Fiddle” wasn’t as good as it should have been as it was raining with low clouds, therefore the visibility was blurred.   Still being positive, no traffic holdups!!!   

It was very strange as these days trying to find a Marks and Spencer for clothes is quite difficult they are closing them and only opening Food halls.   Additionally, finding a John Lewis is like finding “hens teeth” yet in Cheadle there were both and in close proximity to each other, hence our trip to Cheadle!!!

The run back was better, firstly minimal to no rain, and secondly we returned via another route to help break the boredom.   On this route we passed several fields with sheep and their lambs running around and also a few Cows with their offspring.

Christine was on cooking duty tonight and we enjoyed a “Hairy Biker” diet recipe (Salmon with ginger) in a poor attempt to “reign-in” the eating we have indulged in recently; me thinks it’s a “too-little, too-late”.   What was left of the evening was taken up by watching a few back episodes of Beat the Chasers.

Tuesday 24th May

After another lazy morning and late breakfast, we set about reassembling Marian’s work desk; dismantled so that her office could be painted.

Today we are heading to meet Martin and the four of us are booked into “The Plough” at “Hathersage” for lunch but first have to complete the task of re-assembling the desk, and the good news, every screw was saved!!!!!

Task complete and all scrubbed up we headed to the The plough and arrived “politely late”, where Martin was waiting for us.

A nice friendly 16th century country pub with good food and nice choice of Ales and excellent company, what could be better😀😀.

Christine drove home as I had enjoyed a few of their excellent ales and though we had a big meal, later in the evening we all felt peckish, unbelievable!!!

Wednesday 25th May.

Today we had a long-standing luncheon date with Leisha and David at “Ye Old King’s Head”, an old pub dating back to the 17th century in the Hamlet of “Gurnett”, just outside Macclesfield by the Macclesfield Canal.   This was chosen as it was about equidistant for us all.    We hadn’t met up since Christine’s party early December so we were all looking forward to catching up.

Marian elected to drive today; thank you Marian and after all, it is her “neck-of-the-woods”.   Arriving at 1300hrs, and on time today!!! We settled down with suitable refreshments waiting for the others.

When Leisha arrived she was not in a very happy bunny for two reasons. 1/. With no car park she didn’t want to leave her new, gleaming Lexus parked in the road and 2/.  They had visited this pub several years ago whilst travelling the Macclesfield canal and it was “Awful” and was kicking herself for not remembering at the time of agreeing where to meet: “it is what it is” we said and we’ll make the most of it and laugh about it later.   Well, when later came, we had been totally blown over, even Leisha had to admit it had been transformed; better food and better service, totally different.   Naturally we asked the question, and yes new people running the place and what a good job they were doing.

We eventually pulled ourselves off our seats and left around 1800hrs; the 5-hrs we had been there flew by.   We laughed together continuously whilst enjoying several bottles and the highlight was the French and Irish coffees Leisha and I had, well 3-each actually!!!!   We were totally “gobsmacked” when we eventually noted the time, as I’ve said, the 5-hours just flew by.

Our return journey was uneventful and the first thing on our minds tonight was a late snack of a cold lamb sandwich, soak up the booze! Russell joined us later and we spent much of the evening debating the way forward for Russell’s career.  I am sure he will listen carefully and do what’s right for him; good luck Russell.

Thursday 26th May

Today is changeover day for us.   After an enjoyable few days in the Derbyshire Peak District, we are heading back to Somerset.   Thank you very much Marian for putting up with us for longer than was originally planned; peace and quiet will reign again at Rockfield House.

After packing and cleaning up we headed out.   We were going to “Gloucester Quays” first as according to the list of businesses, there is a Marks and Spencer and I need a new pair of trousers.    The best part of this drive was that we kept going, minimal traffic but we suspect if we had left leaving ‘till Friday, things would have been different as it would be the start of the long bank-holiday weekend.

Marks and Spencer in Gloucester Quays was a disappointment, firstly it was a rather small outlet and secondly, they had nothing that either fitted or suited me; a waste of time👹👹 Never mind, Onward and upward, there will be another opportunity sometime, somewhere.

We pulled back into Hope Farm mid afternoon and all was well, not to mention the list of jobs they had lined up for me!!!!