Wednesday, October 21, 2009

A Small Carp and a Large Black Bream.

Things weren’t quite the same this time. Yes the welcoming tray with a variety of teas, coffee and a cake were there as usual but the loo in one of the bathrooms wouldn’t flush and it obviously hadn’t been reported. The owner arranged a plumber and by Monday evening it was fixed. Then we found the kitchen pedal bin didn’t work, the blind on the top landing was stuck and outside the door the box for papers and bottles had been left full and too heavy for us to move it to its usual spot outside the garden gate to be collected. We left it there and brought our own bottles home.


This was our third visit in a year so we have grown used to near perfection. Later when we read the visitor’s book it appeared the cottage was in the process of being sold so maybe that accounts for it. It didn’t help that the ‘flu jab had left me with painful arms and fingers and a general feeling of malaise. Then I dropped my glasses and the lens fell out. Enough of the carp!


We had four glorious sunny days and three not too bad. We had a trip to Bideford where a sweet girl in Spec Savers offered to replace my lens even though they weren’t their frames. It was at my own risk as they are quite fragile. She was successful and wouldn’t accept any payment so I’m going to seriously consider SS – at least for reading glasses and sun glasses.


As for the large black bream; after the second recommendation for the Wayfarer’s Inn at Instow we gave it a whirl and were not disappointed – delicious fresh fish and raspberry pavlova. I didn’t feel up to doing long walks but about ¾ of a mile from the cottage would get out of the car and walk home.


See photos below.

15 comments:

Ms Scarlet said...

It's true nothing does stay the same, which is why it's impossible to re-live old memories, but there are always new places to discover.
Sx

Pat said...

Scarlet: you are quite right. It's just that this ticked all the boxes in our reduced travelling ability. Nil desperandum.

DILLIGAF said...

Bideford is beautiful. Caz went there often as a little girl and introduced me to the place. It didn't even need to recover from a Dinners visit as it's so lovely and trnquil I behaved myself...;-)

Barlinnie said...

Wise words from the Scarlet one, memories are there to be remembered only with the dust still in tact.

Pat, that bream died a happy wee fish, and if i'm not very much mistaken, that mash looks uncannily like bone fide maris pipers with its pleasant floury texture.

apprentice said...

I hope you are over the flu shot Pat. It sounds a wonderful trip -people are always good to you on your trips - I think that says a lot about your grace, it brings the best out in people.

Queenie said...

Spec Savers are all different because they're franchised. I had a bad experience with the one in town here so I'd suggest you ask around for people's opinions on your local branch before committing yourself.

Pat said...

FourD: glad you have good memories of it.

Jimmy: that's why it all tasted so good.

Anna: cor lummy! That's a lot to live up to.

Queenie: I've heard good things from Margaret but will enquire further. Thank you:)

Charlie said...

Since things go wrong at home, they're bound to go wrong when traveling too. But like you, we adjust, get on with it, and enjoy ourselves.

Pat said...

Charlie: that said we don't venture far from our comfort zone or tempt fate too much.

neena maiya (guyana gyal) said...

I hope the new owners bring back the good things you enjoyed.

Pat, call me romantic but even with the glitches, especially when you're with the right person...sigh :-)

Pat said...

GG: found you! You are so right and one should never forget how lucky one is. I must say - at least once a week I either say out loud - or to myself: 'as long as we are together.'

rashbre said...

Just also admiring the views and the weather. looks glorious, at least when you were in Bideford.

Pat said...

Rashbre: we had four sunny days out of seven so we were content. If you hadn't noticed in the post below I took your book 'The Triangle' and am still enjoying it. I save it for bed-time so am being quite slow but it helps me to remember the characters. Its very pacey.

Mage said...

I've caught up on several entries now. First we had a cold, then we went traveling. So sorry about the flu shot reaction. Mine itched.

Pat said...

Maggie: hope you are fine again now. I seem to be:)