Oldies On Tour

Saturday, 1st January 2022

Not quite the new year celebrations we are accustomed to but that’s covid isolation for you, still what has to be done, has to be done!!!

I did my usual test, negative of course, Christine also did one hoping she would be negative but no, too early, it was positive so a not too disappointed Christine who is now feeling more like her old self, did a load of washing.

Nothing else apart from the usual, crib etc.

Sunday 2nd January

Again my test was negative and I was now beginning to think I might escape, though I don’t know why!!! Otherwise another similar day though glad to say Christine is improving by the day though sleeping is another story.    The legacy of her covid appears to be terrible catarrh and a nagging cough causing “sleep deprivation”, so last night she piled up cushions behind her pillows and slept upright, and I am pleased to say this worked for the majority of the night.

Of course during the course of the day we got snippets of information regarding Stonfield Castle from Leisha and David, it all sounded good and naturally we were “hissed off”, Still I’m glad they enjoyed themselves, just jealous as hell!!!

Ever since we sold our motorhome back in 2014, we have returned to the subject of owning one again on numerous occasions, only this time it had to be a smaller and mor powerful one.   The other consideration we had to take into account is that as we’re both over 70, we are restricted to a maximum GVW of 3500kgs.  With so much time on our hands, we scoured the country to try and find a suitable secondhand one for sale.   Our requirement apart from weight was it had to be a “left-hooker” and be “automatic”; rather like looking for hen’s teeth but we persevered.  Eventually Christine found one at a dealer in Newport, (Shropshire) and sent off an email.   Because of Covid, “staycation” seems to be the “buzz-word” and motorhomes are selling like “hot-cakes” but worst of all, it has jacked up all the prices!!!

Monday 3rd January

Hooray, Christine joined me with her first negative lateral flow test, a great relief, though I’m am still rather concerned I may catch it, but what will be will be!!  Marian has had two negatives, 24-hrs apart and has escaped today leaving Martin and Russell to isolate.   Of course the rules state there has to be 24-hrs between the two tests but I virtually had to sit on Christine as she was so excited to be through it, she wanted to escape!!!

This morning we had a ‘phone call from the motorhomes dealer, giving us additional information and asking if we were interested.   I explained our situation but assured him once clear we would be along.   

The rest of the day followed the same pattern other than we met up with Martin mid morning for a coffee and a brandy, yes I still had a bottle of Soberano left!!!!  Other than that, it was Crib, TV, some housework etc though Christine did take time to walk around the grounds and get fresh air though we had had quite a bit.  Every morning we flung open all the windows and doors to blow anything away that could be infectious.

Tuesday 4th January

A great ceremony took place this morning, we both did our tests hoping for two negative results and I’m pleased to say we they were, great rejoicing took place including a cooked breakfast!!!j

Yesterday Russell volunteered to clean our car, for a donation of course!!!, anyway after some tough negotiations he agreed to do both inside and out but oh dear what a day.   There was a heavy overnight frost and this morning it was bitterly cold so we did suggest he left it, but no.  “Fair do’s”  to him, he was outside, hose, bucket, hoover etc., and he got on with it and what a thorough job he did of it.  The last time it was this clean was probably the day it left the showroom; thank you very much Russell.  Today was also the first negative test he had after contracting covid.

Due to our negative results I was also able to commit to going to the motorhomes dealership, so phoned and made an appointment for Wednesday 5th.

By now the covid “tally” at Rockfield House was:- Marian and Christine two negative tests, Russell one Negative test, Martin still with a faint positive line and goodness knows why; haven’t caught it!!!!!

We both went to bed very happy though we did have to set an alarm for tomorrow!!!

Wednesday 5th January 

Our first day away from the house for what seemed an eternity and Marian joined us for our trip to Newport.   This morning Russell had had his second negative lateral flow test so had also escaped and gone to work whilst Martin had his first negative test, but still had to isolate,; oh yes, I was also negative!!!

Our plan was to get to the motorhome dealer and view the left-hooker with the automatic gearbox and hopefully, if satisfactory, do a deal.  On the way home we were going to stop at “Pasta du Piazza”, an  Italian restaurant we like in Stone (Staffordshire) as a thank you to Marian for offering us one of her holiday cottages to isolate in.

We hit the road around 0930hrs but the going was slow as there had been a little snow and a heavy frost, so slippery roads until we left the Peak District.   The rest of the journey to Newport was generally slow as we seemed to be going “cross country”, no major roads to use, and there was quite a lot of traffic all throwing up “muck” from the surface, onto our nice clean shiny car that Russell had put so much time and effort into cleaning it.

We arrived and immediately went to look at the vehicle we had been interested in but alas, it didn’t match our expectations.    Whilst there we looked at several others but two of them had possibilities, both different but with pluses, so it was time for a coffee at the adjacent garden centre to “mull-over”  the pros and cons.

One was a small traditional motorhome with a fixed bed etc., the other was more like a camper van, much more like a car to drive but therefore far less inside space, though it did have that all important piece of equipment, a compact shower and loo.   Our conclusion was the traditional one: though it was 15-years old it had only done 8500 miles since new, and looking underneath it was apparent; an unmarked chassis, in fact it was most probably kept in a warm/dry barn or similar.  The inside also in excellent condition and though it was old, it carried a premium price tag and no matter what we said, the dealer wouldn’t budge on price.  We already knew “staycation” was the new preferred holidaying arrangements and because of this, there is a shortage of nice motorhomes for sale.

After having another good poke about and chat with the salesman, we were very keen mainly due to its excellent condition, we’d even accepted it’s right a hand drive with a manual gearbox!  We left muttering about the price telling him we would be in touch.

We now headed back to Stone for our Italian meal.  We knew they closed at 1500hrs and we were later than planned, but with a fair wind and a heavy right foot we would make it.  1430hrs and we arrived at the Restaurants’s back door, so Christine jumped out whilst Marian and I parked the car by the canal car park only to see a “for-lawn” Christine walking over, the restaurant was closed today, oops!!!!   We drove around Stone looking for somewhere but no, nothing open or available so a re-think was necessary.

We came up with our plan B; we’d head back towards Flagg but stop en-route for a cuppa and a bun.  The chosen place to stop was the café in Marks and Spencer, Ashbourne, and whilst there came up with plan “B+1” we would head to the “Manners”, a pub with a very good restaurant and it opened at 1700hrs; just right.     We all enjoyed a very good meal before heading back to Rockfield house.

Back at the house Martin and Russell joined us for a coffee and a couple of “covid busting” drinks; I am convinced Soberano has been the key to my success in avoiding covid!!!    

Tomorrow we escape our very nice prison; Marian and Martins holiday cottage has been our salvation and a better place to isolate I cannot think of; thank you both again.

27th December (contd)

Leaving Chapel Brampton feeling guilty and still miffed how Christine had caught it, though unknowingly, it “could” be me but I haven’t any symptoms; anyway we’ll get the results tomorrow and then we will know for sure.

We headed to the Peak District; we were originally staying in one of Marian and Martin’s holiday cottages for a couple of nights on our way to Scotland but now, if one or both of us is positive, Marian has said we can stay and isolate.   Being the optimist I felt it was more flu than covid with Christine but who am I???   Until we know the result we will have to by-pass Marian and Martin’s house as they are also isolating following their positive results.

The rest of the day was spent in a very comfortable cottage watching a films, after all it was raining!!!

28th December

We woke early and full of anticipation and in my view, expectation of two negative results.   Wrong; we looked at Christine’s result; “positive” 👹. My turn next; “Negative” 🤔, how does that work as we have been everywhere together, except play-school to collect Elton which was outside and was only a couple of minutes, so I took another lateral flow rest, “negative” again🤔 Anyway that’s it.  Now we have to cancel the hotel in Moffat on the way to Stonfield Castle where we are booked in for their Hogmanay break.   We will also need to move the ferry booking forward by several days.  What a shame, the trip to Scotland was the swan-song of our trip to U.K. and really looking forward for it; have to re-book for next year if we get our money back!!!!!

Trying to get through to anybody during this holiday period was virtually impossible, so sent out e mails to start the process.    Being negative I did “pop”out as we needed shopping, living in the middle of nowhere during the Christmas holidays, we wouldn’t get any deliveries!!!  

Martin, though positive doesn’t have too many symptoms so elected to cook a curry tonight for the the four of us: when ready, ours was delivered, “carefully”!, by Russell.

Christine was pretty poorly all day so took things very easy, again watching TV and dozing on the settee, but enjoyed her curry; that’s a good sign.

29th December

Nothing to rush up for this morning and as Christine didn’t have the best of nights, I wasn’t rushing either.  But once up I did a further lateral flow rest, again negative.  On the face of it having a negative test sounds good but the downside will be, if I catch it tomorrow or the next day our ferry booking will be wrong again!!!!

Christine managed to find a new ferry date on the 11th but as yet not confirmed, watch this space.   I was struggling to contact Expedia for our Moffat night refund and though we had emailed Stonefield, we hadn’t received a reply.  

The rest of the day was much the same as yesterday, boring and raining, followed by bed with TV in between.

30th December

Another bad night for poor Christine, breathing was the issue but here we are, “morning”, another day of isolation behind us.   We have decided we need a purpose so I am chasing Expedia and Christine is chasing the ferry people.   I will also ring Stonehill Castle; but first my lateral flow test; oh dear “negative” now I am getting a little concerned as it’s been 3-4 days since Christine was positive and there won’t be sufficient days for me to isolate without changing the ferry for a second time.

Trying to get hold of anybody at Expedia was like finding the proverbial “needle in a haystack”, I couldn’t find a ‘phone number or an email address anywhere so rang the Moffat hotel and after a couple of calls they found me a ‘phone number.   It turned out this number was for financial arrangements between Expedia and the hotels, but after some “persuading”, the chap on the other end “reluctantly” agreed to put me through to customer services.  It turned out to be a call to the USA, but hey, I was on the right track so far!  After quoting my booking reference I was told we hadn’t paid for free cancellation and therefore would be charged.   I suggested they re-think as I was following Government guidelines therefore had no choice, alternatively I could have ignored the guidelines and gone, what did he think?   We got our re-fund!!!!

The call to Stonehill wasn’t so good, we were told they would have to refer it to their head office who are closed ‘till after the holiday😖😖😖.

To wile away some extra time, we played a few hands of crib, watching too much TV isn’t our scene.

During the evening Christine had a “ping” and upon checking her ‘phone, received confirmation of our booking with a cabin on the Santander ferry on the 11th; wonderful😅😅😅.

31st December

New Year’s Eve and stuck in isolation, but worse, no “bubbly” only a bottle of red to see the new year in.  We’ve been together for circa 17-years, and this is the first one we’ve not been able to celebrate in style🥵🥵, hopefully next year we can make up for it and do a proper job🥳🥳🥳.   We’ve heard from Dave and Leisha from the castle who tell us it is a beautiful place, just what we wanted to hear!!!   Anyway Christine is preparing a sumptuous dinner with the little bit of food we have left, I have no doubt it will be excellent

More crib, a little TV followed by dinner and a James Bond film before watching the “bongs” on BBC followed by the firework display on the Thames from Greenwich.

Thursday 23rd December

We arrived at Pigeons Perch around lunchtime, our Christmas destination, the home of Mark and his family. We had been looking forward to this for months and had everything crossed that we would get here this year following the awful 6-months I had just been through and of course any last minute restrictions Boris may have imposed; but we’re here now so up to our room, unpack and relax.

Since our last visit two and a half years ago the porch has been extended and during lockdown, a jacuzzi has been added to the garden, hopefully we’ll be in that tomorrow otherwise much the same.

During the course of the afternoon the family returned one by one and we all sat down to dinner, it was lovely to be here, son, daughter-in-law, two granddaughters and Dan, Tyla’s boy friend and of course Christine, a fully paid-up member of the “Page Family”.  After dinner, relaxing in front of the roaring log fire we all started to doze-off; Christmas holidays had arrived at the “Perch”.

Friday 24th December

We awoke to bustling activities from downstairs and Ashleigh heading to work, (Uni student, needs the money!!!). This morning is an  “all hands on deck working morning” for all of us, preparing everything for the next couple of days.   Everywhere you looked, fridge, utility room, garage, outside the kitchen door etc., there was food of one description or another, I know we all eat a lot over Christmas but I think there was sufficient food here for the whole of Chapel Brampton.   It was further exacerbated by the cheese board we were asked to supply.   Mark challenged us to get the following:-

Brie.        Port Salut.           Blue Stilton.         Boursin.         Strong Cheddar.         Red Storm.

Quite a challenge, especially the Red Storm but we succeeded;  we were also invited to add our choices so added 3-more, just in-case they ran short!!!!   

During the past few months Dan bought his first home, a 1-bedroom apartment on the ground floor in a reasonably new block and as Tyla was heading that way I was asked to join them, I think they wanted me to see it.    Tyla took me in her car, the last time she drove me was when she was learning. 🤢🤢🤢,  today was the first time Tyla had driven me since passing her test several years ago 🤠🤠🤠; very good driver.   Not only has Dan got a very cosy ground floor apartment, he has French Doors opening straight onto a quiet part of the gardens.

Returning to the Perch and there was an enormous buffet laid out, including a rather spectacular cheese board!!!, and though 7-of us hit it hard, we hardly made a dent in it.  By the afternoon everything that could be done for Christmas Day had been done, table laid, vegetables prepared etc., etc.   

During the afternoon we all enjoyed several sessions in the Jacuzzi, far too long for me as it happened.  After my extremely shower, I sat on the edge of the bed “suffering” with shakes and that general un-well feeling.   I blamed the shower, it was ridiculously hot and the electronic switch was jammed so it couldn’t be turned down, but later we decided it was the hour or so spent in the Jacuzzi accompanied by G & T’s!!!!!!  Anyway back downstairs, again food was available and we all chatted when Dan came out with a new game called  “Linkee”, certainly a different to normal Christmas games, we actually had to think!!!!  We were all engrossed and the evening just flew by and it was soon time to retire.

Christmas Day

We were woken up somewhat early by an excited Tyla running along the landing shouted “Merry Christmas”, so we all got up in our “jim-jams” for a Christmas breakfast cooked by Mark.   This was followed by a procession of us taking our showers.     Tyla and Dan went first as they had to head over to Dan’s parents whilst the rest of us showered then started supping Champagne, waited, drooling and just looking on at the mountain of presents around the tree and behind the sofa.  During this time Derek and Cath, Paula’s parents popped round for a Christmas drink.

By late morning with the turkey in the oven, Derek and Cath gone, expectations were rising but we were still waiting for the return of Dan and Tyla, still gazing at this mountain around the tree.  Fortunately it wasn’t very much longer before they arrived and the main business of the day began, but first we had our starters.  The presents kept coming, everyone was busy giving or receiving, paper flying until the turkey arrived; somewhat later than planned.

Mark carved the turkey with precision, I poured the Châteauneuf-de-Pape with care, and the

seven of us tucked into a wonderful Christmas lunch, turkey with all the trimmings.

Fully replete we cleared up and played games.  We started with UNO, always a Christmas favourite, this was then followed by another game bought by Dan called “Dobble”, this game was about observation and the younger players were very quick and I got well and truly stitched up, but laugh, we all hurt with laughter and during the proceedings Dan was given a new “nickname”,he is now officially known as “slug”, following this I was christened “lettuce”, I don’t really know why!!!!    To calm us down prior to turning in we had a repeat of the “Linkee” game  which was very good and certainly made the “little grey cells work overtime”.  The game is about answering questions, the correct answers are all connected, and the connection is the answer required to complete the round and win the point.

After a wonderful Christmas Day at Mark and Paula’s, and being with Tyla and Ashleigh, and of course Dan, made it very special.  It has been a long time since this side of my Family have been together, both Christine and I thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.   Tomorrow we have another party day so need our sleep so headed up.

Boxing Day 26th

Not too much of a rush this morning after yesterday’s hectic, but very enjoyable day though certain chores still needed doing as Derek and Cath are coming round; mind you there was so much help that we rather got in the way!!!

Once the scene was set Mark, Christine and I played a few bands of crib until Ashleigh suggested going into the jacuzzi, Christine and I elected not go in today, especially after the issue I had on Christmas Eve!!  Mark opened it up and went in with Ashleigh and Dan, we looked on from inside then resumed our game of crib.

Paula’s parents arrived in plenty of time for yet another great spread of food; a buffet today as there were now nine of us.  It was nice to catch up with Derek and Cath, again a couple of years or more since the last time we met up.

After the “big clear up” we all retired to the lounge for the Christmas quiz; a tradition in Page junior’s house together with a trophy.  This years quiz was written by Dan leaving the 8-of us to draw partners for teams of two.   Christine and Cath were one team, Tyla and Ashleigh were a formidable team, two graduates together, Mark and I were together leaving Paula with her dad.   Dan must have put a lot of effort into devising the quiz, with a number of varied topics each with 10-questions.   The banter that went on during the session was amazing yet Dan controlled it very well.

After all the questions, we marked each other’s papers and naturally that also caused some “friendly” confrontation due to disagreements with some of the answers.  The upshot of everything was that the two girls and Mark and myself were equal on points.    How to resolve this as the quiz rules state only one clear winner.   After much discussion, banter, disagreements tantrums we settled on tossing a coin; the best of three.     Dan tossed and the girls won the first two tosses so we’re presented with the trophy.   The main issue surrounding the quiz was that the majority of us are extremely competitive and none of us could consider not winning!!!!!!!

During the day poor Christine was starting to cough and splutter, the beginnings of a cold and by the evening she was full of it so went to bed early, feeling jaded.   With all the rushing about we had done since leaving Spain, not to mention the issues she suffered in Pilgrims Hatch, we all put this cold etc., down to the fact that she had now completely relaxed.   After her departure the rest of us carried on partying.

After Derek and Cath left and the clear-up completed I headed to bed only to findChristine coughing and spluttering badly and feeling generally run down so fed her with Panadol hoping a good nights sleep would put her right.

27th December 

Christine woke me up telling the dreaded news.  She had just taken a lateral flow test and it was  clearly very positive, well you could have knocked me down with a feather as we had been so careful and had tested negative on four occasions prior to arriving at Pigeons Perch.  How on earth did she pick this up we wondered but had no time to dwell as the house quite rightly went into “panic mode”.  Paula managed to organise a couple of PCR tests at a mobile testing centre in Towcester, about 14-miles away within the hour,  so off the two of us went.

I must say I was impressed with this NHS testing centre, and though they were still setting it up, they were testing people; we didn’t have long to wait and were through within 20 minutes.   

We returned to the perch about an hour after leaving and in that hour the five we’d left at home had disinfected and wiped down every possible surface and brought down most of our belongings to the door.  They had also very kindly bagged up some food but quite clearly, and rightly so, wanted us out and away.  For our part we were distraught , having been so careful we were aghast, how or where were we infected.  The worst part was the previous evening we had been laughing and joking with Derek and Cath, both elderly and vulnerable people and though all of us had been “triple jabbed”, one really doesn’t know.   The other bad news; Christine’s positive put the “kibosh” on the second part of Mark’s Christmas, tomorrow his mum with Jane, Dave and Mia were coming to stay, that has now been cancelled as his mum is extremely vulnerable at present.    Though we don’t get the PCR test results ‘ till tomorrow, we weren’t taking any chances so we left and headed to the Peak District, albeit 6-hours earlier than planned.

Sunday 19th December

Our last day of “Oreo responsibility” and much like yesterday, walking Oreo and relaxing was the order of the day.  These last two days of doing nothing has helped Christine get over the majority of her “aches-n-pains” in her knees, hips and shoulders etc., job done👍👍👍.

The trio are back later today, but we had a message telling us they had been delayed in Finland so don’t wait for them; ha ha, we weren’t going to anyway!!!!   They eventually arrived home around 1800hrs and after an hour or so of laughing and joking about our experiences and hearing about their holiday and not forgetting Mia’s visit to Santa Claus,  everything was forgotten😂😂😂😂

We eventually bunkered down in our cosy beds on the settees whilst the the other two scrambled around looking for the third duvet😅😅: which they didn’t find!!!

Monday 20th December

Today we had arranged to meet Trevor for lunch, but unfortunately Gill couldn’t join us as she is still full time working; oh dear, poor Gill.

Prior to leaving for our lunchtime get-together, I went down to the stables with Jane and Mia to be introduced to Shona, Mia’s 12-hands pony.   This certainly brought back memories to me, watching Jane brush and pick out her pony’s (Silver) feet.  Once groomed and tacked up, we headed to the ménage to watch Mia put Shona through his paces.  It has been over two years since I last saw Mia on a horse, the last time she was held in the saddle by Jane or somebody: Now full of confidence, she is an accomplished rider, and to confirm this she has a couple of first place rosettes,  3-seconds and a few others hanging proudly in her bedroom.    It was very cold out in the ménage and both Mia and I were pleased to “pack-up” for the day, so I left Mia to “muck-out” Shona’s stable.

We set out in reasonable time;  we had previously agreed to meet half way in Berkhamstead, the perfect place and the Kings Arms, a pub in the busy high street, was the venue.   Ah yes parking was now the issue, there was nowhere, and where there was, it was all metered, something very alien to us these days!!!  I drove up a “dead-end” side street adjacent to the Kings Arms and what luck, there was a car leaving.  I couldn’t get into the space quick enough, and a bonus, no meters!!!   It was only when walking away from the car I noticed a plate on poll, “parking restricted to 30-minutes, no return for 2-hours”, oh bother, never mind I’ll take a chance, after all I have Spanish plates and the local council probably wouldn’t go after me so 🤞🤞.

This old coaching inn has quite a history.  It was originally built during the reign of Queen Ann; above the door is her crest and it has been going ever since, first as a coaching station with accommodation and stabling for 40-horses, even Queen Victoria stopped here in 1841 whilst travelling to Woburn.  But the interesting thing for me was the landlord.   His name was “John Page (a relative perhaps???) and he ran the pub from 1792 until his death in 1840.  He was succeeded by his daughter “Poly” who allegedly was “very” friendly with the exiled King Louis XVlll of France who lived just up the road and frequented the The Kings Arms regularly; the result of this, and no doubt encouraged by her father, was a very upmarket clientele!!!!!

I digress: we had a very convivial extended luncheon and put the world to rights as well.  Trevor, being a investor in this group, current owners of the Kings Head, he enjoyed an investors discount and treated us; thank you very much Trevor, it was very kind of you.   We now left, both wondering if we had parking tickets or not; Trevor for overstaying his meter time and me for abusing the “short-stay” parking!!!  Good, all clear, a result 😂😂😂

Back at home and after Mia had retired to bed the four of us played Marjon, something we enjoy but as yet only get to play with Dave and Jane; then off to bed.  Tomorrow we are “Mia” sitting, Jane and Dave are heading out to view a couple of properties.

Tuesday 21st December

After breakfast and for a change the three of us headed to the park accompanied by Oreo, who had certainly perked “right-up” since his  “mum” had returned; more his old self I’m pleased to say.   Fortunately it wasn’t too cold and more importantly no rain, so had lots of play-time on the swings, slides and climbing frame etc.  Heading back Oreo picked up a long chunky piece of wood and insisted he brought it home.   It was so long that he banged into most things, and worst of all, my car 

The rest of the day we just pottered as Mia was still very tired from her exhaustive holiday and the evening was taken up discussing the “pros and cons” of the two houses they had viewed earlier;  we’ll have to watch this space!!!

Wednesday 22nd December

Freedom day for us!!! Pantomime for the other three, so we were all up early. Jane went to sort the horses whilst Dave created a spread sheet on the two houses seen yesterday.  Unfortunately there was also another “prospect” in the pipeline, yet to be viewed, which included a grade l listed monument on the land that needed “oodles” of  money being spent to restore it.  They couldn’t get a viewing before Christmas but were going to walk the footpath adjacent to the property to see how bad it was, as the property is on their way to the pantomime.   Once they’d left we packed the car, cleaned up and hit the road; time to resume our itinerary.

Today we headed to Castor, a village near Peterborough to meet up with Elton, Andrew and Holly; naturally whilst in England Christine wants to spend as much time as possible with Elton.

After a horrendous journey, traffic, rain, spray and of course, roadworks, we arrived in the pretty village of Castor, just 5-minutes from the centre of Peterborough.   We arrived at Andrew and Holly’s cottage around 1600-hrs, just in time for Christine to go with Andrew and collect Elton from play-school, I on the other hand enjoyed a G & T in the kitchen whilst Holly prepared dinner.  Also in the cottage lives their big guard dog who took an instant dislike to me, she was also protecting her three newborn puppies.   This “miniature”Dachshund made a lot of noise and snapped around my ankles!!!!

This thatched roofed cottage must have been built many hundreds of years ago; it was very old with a flagstoned  floor downstairs and exposed, very low beams everywhere, but tastefully modernised throughout.  As is the way with old buildings such as this, we will have to walk along the corridor to the loo in the night, not too much of an issue on the face of it but there was a roof truss to be negotiated along the way; could be interesting!!!!

Team Elton soon returned and he took centre stage.  I have said this before, he is “Bonny little chap,” full of beans and exploring everything, even after returning from his day at play school.  When it came to his tea time food wasn’t top of his priorities, there were two new faces, too much going on.   Anyway after tea Christine went up with Andrew to Bath Elton; modern Dad and an out of practice nanny, would have been interesting to be a fly on the wall in the bathroom !!!!!   

Once Elton was put to bed the four of us sat down to a very nice lingering roast lamb dinner followed by relaxing in the lounge and mulling over “this-n-that”.   There were no distractions from upstairs, obviously the day at play school and an early evening of fun and frolics with his nana wore him out!!!

Thursday 23rd December

Next morning was a different “kettle-of-fish; workday for both, Andrew took Little-one to his play-group, we quickly cleared up and after a swift breakfast left, following Andrew to one of his distribution centres; yes, amongst other investments he is the owner of several transport and distribution business’; best of luck Andrew in these times with driver shortages etc.

After the grand tour we said our goodbyes and headed to Chapel Brampton near Northampton for our long awaited Christmas destination with Mark and his family; can’t wait.

Monday 13th December

Oh dear Jane and Dave, how the hell do you manage to sleep on your bed???

Having sold Pascals Paddocks a few weeks ago and the house they were hoping to buy had fallen through, they were forced to take back one of their rentals to live in.  Pascal paddocks with 3-large bedrooms, a study and the usual living area has had to be squeezed into a traditional, fairly small,  3-bedroom house.  One bedroom is completely full of boxes, the lounge and kitchen-diner also have their fair share, so space is at a premium.   With this in mind, we were invited to use their bed, not only whilst they are away, but when they return we are staying for a further few days, so they would use the blow-up bed; how very kind and considerate, as getting up from the blow-up bed on the floor would be troublesome for us now!!!!

We think we had some sleep but not really sure, one thing we are certain about, getting up was going to be a pleasure!!!  They sleep on a waterbed, oh my goodness how uncomfortable; sitting up we hit the bottom and when laying down, the water sucked you in, in fact it was like wrestling with an octopus if you wanted to move about:  maybe tonight will be better.  Oh yes, there is no WiFi here either; it should be connected tomorrow and we have been asked to stay in to let the engineer into the house sometime between 1200hrs and 1300hrs

Our day was busy; apart from food shopping and dog walking, we headed out to the Apple Store at Lakeside, we wanted to look at replacement ‘phones.  The new i phones can use two SIM cards, which for us will be good as we both have a Spanish and an English ‘phone number.   Unfortunately we didn’t quite get to the Apple Store, as we popped into Currys PC World and was “seduced” by a very knowledgeable ‘phone specialist who persuaded us he could give us a good deal but first I had to have confirmation my existing contract had ended.   I was prepared to buy the i phone outright but his deal over two years looked good but decided to return tomorrow with the relevant information.

Back home and after our dinner we settled down in the lounge to watch TV; “wrong”, no WiFi means no TV  so we fell back to our normal pastime when away, we played Crib but it was cold so I went round turning up all the radiators,🤞🤞🤞 that works

Tuesday 14th December

After another uncomfortable “floating” night, and again “rushing” to get up poor Christine had most of her bones complaining.  Starting from the bottom, her knees hurt, her hip ached, and her left side shoulder was locked and she had been cold all night: one could say she was “not” a happy bunny, in fact we considered packing up, getting Oreo into the car and heading out to Derbyshire.   Martin had already mentioned there was an empty cottage available 

As previously agreed we waited in for the engineer to come and get the WiFi on; the appointed hour came and went, no engineer.  Late afternoon we exchanged messages with Jane, as you can imagine we were a little miffed having waited in all day for the “phantom” to arrive when Dave suggested I switch the box on anyway.  Low and behold, we had WiFi, apparently we didn’t have to wait in after all, Oh dear Jane, poor communication!!!!!  Day wasted still thought we would at least have TV,  “wrong”, no leads, packed!!!!!  Not a very good start to our week’s dog sitting and we were still cold, even though I had turned up the radiators.  I eventually found the wall thermostat and wound it up to maximum; now let’s see what happens!!!!

Tonight Christine had had enough of the water bed but before throwing in the towel and leave, tonight she elected to sleep on the couch.   Unfortunately by now her shoulder was still very stiff and painful that I had to help her undress, but at least we weren’t so cold!!!

Wednesday 15th December.

Christine had a reasonable night, more comfortable, no cold water, no nausea, less aches and pains, a good result.   I on the other hand had an even worse night fighting the “octopus” that was sucking me in every time I moved, made worse by not having Christine to balance the “floatation”; not another night in this bed, it’s the opposite end of the couch for me tonight!!!!!

Today I took the plunge and went out and acquired a new ‘phone contract with the nice man from Curry PC World, well, what used to be the Car Warehouse, but unfortunately our old provider didn’t send the correct code for the swap on time, so we parked the transfer for the day and went off shopping.

Back “home” we were still cold so again wound the thermostat right up, and after a short time; ah that’s better😍😍😍. After dinner we enjoyed another few crib hands before retiring.  Their sofa is a in two parts made into a right angle, so we slept feet to feet, both snuggled up in a double duvet each.

Thursday 16th December

Wow, what a comfortable night we both had.  Yes the size of the sofas are like being in a narrow single bed but that small compromise was nothing to what we gained in comfort and warmth not to mention the “octopus”, Christine could even move her shoulder.

During the week we dutifully took Oreo out for two walks a day, fed him at the appropriate time and numerous treats and affection but he was one sad doggy.  The loss of Doogle was hurting badly not to mention after a couple of days, his “mum” disappeared; one never knows hat goes on in a dogs head😢😢😢.

We went back to Curry PC world and completed everything and now my new iPhone 13 Pro is working with its electronic SIM card for my U.K. number and the Spanish physical SIM card in the slot, I’m good to go and only one device and a contract which has saved me money, win-win😂😂.  Unfortunately Christine had to pull the plug as her current contract was still running and she would have had to do an expensive “buy-out”, so a re-think was necessary.

We have decided to stay here as we had sorted most things and as always we can live without the telly. 

Friday 17th December

We are heading into London today to meet Andrew and Elton but did not rush as the cheaper day returns don’t start ‘till 0930hrs.

Parking the car at the station was easier than we thought; no doubt fewer commuters due to Covid.

Using our pensioner travel card we got our discounted tickets and boarded the fast train to Liverpool Street.   Naturally we were very apprehensive about being on a crowded train but low and behold, our carriage was reasonably empty so we could sit, albeit with our masks on, in isolation.  So far so good but we had to get to Marylebone and the tube didn’t impress us so we jumped into the first taxi we found, hopefully no-one with covid had been in there🤞🤞🤞🤞.

This is the first time we’ve visited Andrew in his new flat so had the grand tour.   It is situated in the mews behind Harley street, very private a quiet but only a three minute walk to the back entrance of John Lewis in Oxford Street, very central.   We went out to “2 Veneti”  for lunch, an excellent Italian , thank you for an excellent lunch Andrew. Later in the afternoon Holly returned having finished work, probably till the new year 🥰🥰🥰 and we left just before the rush hour.  Again the thought of a crowded train didn’t inspire us but hey, we’re both jabbed up, we wear our masks and at some point we have to get back to normal living.  So jumped into another taxi, walked into LiverpoolStation, “ran” to the platform and caught the fastest train, first stop ours😂😂.   Fortunately the carriage wasn’t overcrowded and we had two seats away from most folk.  Being the fast train to Ipswich, with no commuter stops ‘till Shenfield helped.

Saturday 17th December

Another warm and cosy night, and when they return they are welcome to their waterbed, but they will have to find a third duvet, we’re not giving one up!!!!!   Having been in London and on trains etc., we took our lateral flow test, the results were negative, we were so happy; how ever careful one is, one never knows.

Today was sorting last minute shopping and wrapping Christmas presents, walking Oreo and doing nothing much. 

Our dog sitting responsibilities end tomorrow, sometime, the “threesome” return!

Saturday 11th December

This particular Travelodge supplied an excellent breakfast which was “slightly” unexpected, still we enjoyed it knowing today was going to be boozy and we wouldn’t be eating ‘till late.  After breakfast we put our “glad rags” on and headed out.

We were booked into this Travelodge for two nights, but yesterday Lee and Sarah dropped us a note offering us a bed Baddow Park House, the venue for the wedding.   One of their guests had cried off so rather than waste the room we were offered it, which was extremely kind as the room rates are well above our “pay grade!!”.

We arrived at Baddow Park House at the prescribed time, unloaded the car and joined the party which though a little early, was in full swing.   Whilst waiting for the bride to arrive we enjoyed copious amount of bubbly whilst chatting to their friends.   The moment then arrived and we all filed into their wedding room to await the bride.

Because of Covid the actual marriage ceremony took place last year, alone and no guests so today was a re-run when they could eventually have their friends and family around them.  With the actual marriage ceremony having been completed, this time the happy couple recited their own “special” vows, composed by themselves, independently of each other.  The result was amazing and apart from what one would expect to hear at a  wedding, they both brought humour to the proceedings, especially regarding “Jasper”, Sarah’s best friend, her Labrador: it was particularly re-assuring to hear Lee acknowledged his place in the hierarchy!!!!!  

After the ceremony we fell back into the hall with its magnificent staircase rising up from the large hall, then splitting both ways and opening up into a ministerial gallery, where there was a string Quartet playing background music.   Off the hall was a beautiful oak panelled drawing-room, also full of guests, but more importantly, in here there was comfortable seating!    Whilst sipping further amounts of bubbly, we enjoyed a continual supply of excellent “Canapés”, and the particular one everybody seemed to enjoy the most, was the Baddow Park version of a sausage roll, sausage meat infused with herbs etc., then made into sort of “Sausage Wellington”, all wrapped in flaky pastry and cut into thick slices, superb!!!   We were told there were groups of guests; their family, their university friends, their work friends, and last but not least, their other friends, and as we were very fortunate to be invited, that is where we were.  It was very interesting mingling, meeting friends of Lee and Sarah from a previous life and getting to know them better; not too many secrets Lee and Sarah, ha ha!!!!

After enjoying far too many canapés, we were invited to head to the main function room where we sat down to a full wedding breakfast followed by speeches.   Lee had several university friends who were collectively his “best men”, and all going to say something and obviously he was quite nervous!!!!!

Everything went well and after the clear up from the dinner tables, the band moved in then music and dancing was the order of the evening, accompanied of course by the bar!!!   

Later in the evening we couldn’t believe our eyes.   We had enjoyed numerous canapés all afternoon, we had gorged ourselves with a wonderful three course meal and now, more food was produced.  The food was on the table for some time before folk ventured up, and after everyone had had their fill, the amount returned to the kitchen was nearly as much as came out!!!

After a wonderful and memorable day, we headed up to our rooms, tired, full, and “very” happy.

Our room and en-suite could have been out of a “Homes and Gardens” magazine, very elegant, spacious with a classic look, oh yes a very comfortable 2-meter bed, shame it was gone midnight and we had to go to bed and sleep.

Sunday 12th December

Following a very comfortable, but short night in this lovely room, we headed down to breakfast; a little early for a Sunday we thought but hey, a small price to pay for such a great place.

Today we had to head to Pilgrims Hatch (Brentwood) as Jane and family had headed out very early to catch a flight to Finland and we had agreed to dog-sit for the week.  Under normal circumstances we wouldn’t have rushed but we had been invited to join Sarah and Lee to watch the final F l Grand Prix of season.  This Abu Dhabi GP was going to be particularly exciting as Lewis and Max were on equal championship points and there was everything to play for.

Back at Jane’s I emptied the car whilst Christine took Oreo for walk.   We think he was pleased to see us, perhaps he wondered if he had been abandoned, only a week ago his companion for 15-years, Doogle, had to be put to sleep and he was missed.   Once chores completed we headed back to Chelmsford in time to settle in front of the tele ready for the green lights.

We were expecting an unusual race with so much at stake, but “my-my”, no one could have predicted the outcome.   We were so riveted to the tele the race just seemed to end as soon as it started.   Following Latifi’s crash 5-laps from the end and the field bunched up cutting Hamilton’s lead, at this point Max went in for new tyres, the result let lapped cars between Lewis and Max and with no time to let them through, the final result should have been a fore-gone-conclusion, so everybody thought; but, the race stewards thought differently.  They changed the normal “back marker” procedure and just let the cars between Lewis and Max through giving them one lap to race for the title.   Though Lewis was in front when the green light came on, Max with his new tyres soon overtook him and won the race and the title but then the controversy started the moment the chequered flag fell.   This I have no doubt will run for some time.   Thank you again Lee and Sarah for another memorable occasion.

We headed back to see Oreo and have a reasonably early night to catch up with sleep after a really enjoyable weekend.