Last of the summer wine?

Aside

The forecast was good on Saturday, so thinking it could be the last day of our Indian summer we decided to drive to Bicknoller. Rain came from nowhere but by the time we got there the sun was out and the Quantocks were in their autumnal russet glory. We were going to have lunch at the village pub and as usual got lost in the narrow lanes. Once there we walked through a bar, past an inviting looking room with a fire then into another bar which was milling with people, who seemed to be looking at us askance.

MTL ordered me a glass of medium dry white wine and we were amazed when the bar tender gave him a bottle and said there were glasses on the tables.

Realising there was something amiss I asked if we could have lunch in the room with the fire. The barman looked thunderstruck and said this was a private party and they weren’t serving lunches. I forbore to suggest that perhaps they should have a notice on the door instead of the one saying lunches were being served and indicated to MTL that we should scarper without further ado as we still had to find somewhere for lunch.

Both Crowcombe and Stogumber were within reach so MTL chose Stogumber. We were warmly welcomed at The White Horse and in spite of the flower- circled back terrace chose to eat indoors as the weather was erratic. I remembered playing skittles there when I used to belong to the TWG and being very shocked when a member of the committee cheated by putting her foot well over the line. Our lunch was good – especially ‘Pam’s plum crumble’ served by ? Pam in a very pretty blue and white blouse which she had bought from Sainsburys, and which didn’t need ironing.

On the way back I tried to find the store which sells small wooden off cuts which our gardener wants us to buy and varnish for plant markers, but my directions were too vague. We called at the nursery to get pansies and stocks for the pots which reminds me – as soon as the rain stops I must plant them. And I ought to do the lawn before Thursday when the gardener comes and when we shall be in Bristol at the ballet.

Has anyone any experience of Cloudmark? It’s an anti spam thing and I seem to have downloaded it thinking it was a freebie when it is on a 15 day trial. After which – if I keep it I pay - but I don’t know how much yet. Or if it is worth while when I already have Norton?

The Horns of a Dilemma

Aside.

Jackie’s 84^th birthday was in August but – as usual, we were all so busy we had to delay our l outing till September and then the Sussex family, who are leaving this month to settle in Australia (they have lived there in the past - for ten years, and our grand-daughter was born there) decided to come for a last visit this week. In the end I stuck to the first arrangement – without me the birthday outing would have been delayed yet again, and I knew the family wouldn’t miss me for a few a hours and anyway we all have to get used to missing each other.

The family were also going out to lunch but I couldn’t tell them where we were going as Joy was driving and it was her surprise. As soon as I got in the car I could tell that we were all looking forward to a few hours where we could chat – relieve our feelings and just chill. Very therapeutic. There was alternate sunshine and rain but it was sunny whilst we had coffee in the lovely village of Allerford and I took a photo opportunity. We were parked right opposite the old Village school – now a museum. We hadn’t visited it for years – Joy used to help out there, so we dropped in.

It is run by volunteers, many of them old in years but blessed with youthful enthusiasm for the bygone artifacts and ancient photographs in their care; but I could only photograph the School Room. Outside we had the opportunity of playing hopscotch where Margaret discovered she could no longer hop – maybe something to do with her new hip. She – from Bridgwater, in her childhood, played with a slippery stone which they slid on to the numbers whereas I, from Lancashire, used to throw a rough pebble. Joy experienced an unusual chat – up line when a gentleman asked her if she would show him how to play hopscotch.

Back in the car we drove onto Exmoor – through darkening skies - to Wheddon Cross to see the new re-vamped ‘Rest and be Thankful’ Inn, which we did, as we had managed to dodge the torrential rain. Lunch was our usual jolly catch – up and we managed to fix a date for our next delayed trip, for Joy’s birthday. We were appalled to hear that it would cost Margaret and husband £500 to travel up to Scotland to visit their son and family – so – having seen them recently, they are leaving it till next year At least they are in the same country; after September part of our family will be settled in Australia and it will be marvellous for them and I refuse to be sad – easy to say whilst they are still in the house.

Early morning call

Aside

I meant to have a lie in this morning but before 6am I was awakened from a nightmare. In my dream half a dozen hostages, including two women, were huddled in a shelter and were being stoned by an angry mob. I could still hear the thud of the stones and the menacing drumbeat - even though I was wide awake. Then I realised it was the first of May and the dreaded Minehead Hobby Horse was at large.

There are photos on the web site but all seem to be copyright

www.minehead-online.co.uk/hobbyhorse.htm Look here if you are curious. It was started to frighten off Viking invaders and to represent King of the May. The aim is to collect money for charity and anyone who refuses to cough up is ‘mock menaced’ by this slightly spooky apparition. The loud beating of the drum and squeeze- box intensifies the feeling of intimidation. One of these days I’ll get up at crack of dawn, brave the monster and take photos. Maybe next year.

Yesterday I saw the girls and they were sympathetic about our aborted week-end. Jackie is on her own with the cats whilst her daughter and SIL are away and is being driven dotty by the cats bringing in rabbits to keep her company. We planned our next day out in June. As we all have new bus passes we are going to go along the coast to Lynton – quite a hairy drive by car. It’s an open top bus so it could be wet and windy over the moor but we are not wimps.

That’s what Friends are for

Friendships multiply joys and divide griefs.

Proverbs

Aside

Today it’s Girl’s Day Out to celebrate Margaret’s birthday – which was actually in November, but we’ve been busy. Joy has organised it and is driving. We are hoping Joy is going to be bright eyed and bushytailed. Lately she has been a bit down – like so many of us at this time of year – but she also has an invalid husband to care for -so the three of us decided to give her a session with our local, excellent, beautician and masseuse. Fingers crossed it’s done the trick. Yesterday the sun came out and I really felt there was a light at the end of the tunnel - not just an oncoming train:)