Another year older and deeper in debt

In spite of a 24 hr tummy bug I think MTL enjoyed the birthday week, made special by the arrival of our Australian son or A S who quickly threw off jet lag and was changing light bulbs, sorting technical problems, shopping and being the perfect Jeeves before you could say ‘G’day!’

We went to our favourite Italian for the birthday dinner and took A.S. to an excellent pub – new to him – The Notley Arms at Monksilver another day. I was given a beautiful bouquet which is still giving pleasure and MTL’s birthday present from our Australian family was a digital photo frame. You plug it in and there is an endless stream of family photos showing the family, the animals, the homestead and various adventures they have had out there. So much easier than poring over albums and something that will give us continuing pleasure

We might have been in Vermont driving through the Barle valley to Dulverton where although it was a dreary day we discovered the Wood’s Restaurant. MTL had read about it - apparently Prince William dined there and loved it but this is hearsay as MTL did the unforgivable and threw away the cutting. It is a restaurant and wine bar – quite unprepossessing looking from outside but the buzz hits you as you enter and the locals love it – always a good sign.

It was once an old bakery. There is a blazing log fire and it is split level with the popular bar at the top of the restaurant.

‘Clean, accurate, straightforward modern British cooking with French influences - using quality West Country produce - is the draw here with a great choice of eating options from simple light lunches to the full carte, which might include roast tenderloin of Somerset pork and slow-cooked belly stuffed with boudin noir. Ask for help in choosing a wine and you won't be disappointed either.

I can endorse that completely and the service is welcoming and efficient. Apart from the very expensive wines you can have any wine by the glass. Quite a find. We were thankful AS was at the wheel because – as usual - driving through the town was a nightmare - people apparently driving in circles – but somehow -we managed to park outside the restaurant.

When we bought our new TV I took my mother’s old one upstairs complete with digital box, DVD player and recording machine but didn’t know how to attach the recording machine and it seemed to be a good idea to play my old tapes and decide which were worth putting on disc. I used to be an avid cam-corder-er but my digital camera is more fun so I decided to offer the cam- corder to one of the grandchildren. However one of the sons warned me to be sure I hadn’t got a used film inside and AS managed to get it played so I could see what was on it. Thank goodness – it was taken 12 years ago – there is MTL’s 70^th birthday weekend hosted by our now Australian family, interviews with grand children when they were little ones and my last interview with my mother on the eve of her emigrating to America – aged 90 - in September and she died early December. It brings back laughter and bitter sweet memories.

Wood's Wine Bar and Restaurant


One end of the restaurant - the bar is at the other end

A friendly Dulverton dog.

Band of Brothers

Remembering my father's family: back row left to right- Joe, my Dad,
Ernest, Ben, Frank, Jack.
Middle row Grandad B and Granny B.
Front row Harold.

There was a daughter Margaret who didn't survive and Granny B died when I was a little girl so all I remember is her black hair and eyes, jet ear-rings, black bombazine dresses and black horse hair sofas. Grandad had a waxed moustache, was very upright and I don't remember any of the affection I had from my maternal Grandad.
Ben, Ernest and Jack served in France in WW1. Ernest was gassed and Jack was awarded a medal
The war afffected their health and Jack - our favourite uncle, was the first to die in his forties. My Dad as a young boy ran away to join up to be with his brothrs but was brought back by Grandma
Joe and Harold served in WW2 and Ben's three sons - Benny , Danny and Ernest also served in WW2. Benny was taken prisoner, escaped and travelled through Spain where he was treated very badly.


This would be in the thirties when the family played a band of brothers from Somerseat( Lancs)
Back row Frank, Harold, Ben, Dad, Ernest.
Middle row Ernest( cousin) Jack, Grandad, Joe, ???
Front row Danny and Benny(cousins)
The game was cricket - Jack was famed for his wicket keeping. Sadly I'm afraid we lost.

The Last of the Fremington photos

Must be a house boat.

The riddle of the sands?

The Williams Arms - further towards Croyde and another good eating place.

Instow is down the coast from Fremington. Going up the coast you come to the Tarka Inn which is a landmark for miles around. We had lunch - appreciating the roaring fire and good food. The great thing is the Tarka Trail runs right along the coast here.




Down the path I reached another part of the Tarka Trail and decided to wander up it to see the lie of the land.


A different atmosphere to Instow
brooding and mysterious

Instow

I waited for ages for them to hoist this boat in the air but they wouldn't play.


Shooting into the sun.

Who couldn't love Instow
?
The dear old Commodore where we have stayed many times.

Cutting Costs.

My eyes are blind,
I cannot se,
I have not got my specs with me.


Time to see the optician. I knew my reading glasses and my sunglasses needing updating but hoped my very expensive Zeiss, varifocals with titanium frames (for lightness) would do another turn. Our optician of many years has now retired but the young Irish replacement was pleasant and seemed to know what he was about. Apparently my eyes have changed over the last two years and all my glasses need updating.


Good news in a way in that at least reading will be easier. Less good was the news there is a beginning of a cataract in one eye which should – he said - be protected from sunlight. My last words to MTL:

‘Don’t worry I shan’t do anything in a hurry. I’ll just get my prescription and think about going to Spec Savers in Taunton.’


So I went ahead and ordered new, but got the optician on my side about cutting costs. I don’t know why I have always had Zeiss- apparently they are more expensive than others equally good so no Zeiss. He agreed that as my reading glasses frames were as new (only used in bed) they needn’t have new frames. He also decided that my titanium frames needn’t be changed and as for the sun glasses he suggested I have transitional lenses on my every day glasses which then will automatically darken in bright light to protect my eyes all the time. So whoopee - no sun glasses and a more reasonable outlay.


So glad I went - the only down side is – for the next week or so - I shall be wearing quite old specs so there may be a few errors- or rather a few more.

Busy week: our son is arriving form Australia for a flying visit – which will be lovely - and it’s MTL’s birthday. Be seeing you – dimly.