Good morning everyone – I hope you are all well and have been able to enjoy some sunshine recently. It’s been a busy time in this house but will try and remember what has happened – so do not be surprised in following weeks I suddenly remember something else!
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Very important – I had my second Covid injection so we are both fully ‘jabbed’. I have to say what a smooth system and how quick and painless it all was!
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A couple of weeks ago, we were finally able to meet up with our Boy, his beautiful wife, their daughter and her partner – and my two Great Grandsons! I cannot begin to tell you how excited I was as the arrival drew nearer (7 hour drive). They were all staying in an Air B&B not far away (no way would they all fit in our tiny house!).and we met up at a pub for a meal. Oh, my life, I have never tried walking in such high winds, it was really scary as the wind whistled in from the sea. I had to hold on to cars to get across the car park!
It was just so wonderful to be able to catch up after such a very long time and there was so much news as well as hugs and cuddles to be shared. On the Saturday we had planned to have an extended family picnic lunch with the Senior Girl and her family and my brother and his family. A grand total of 17 of us. We met up at Staunton Park so the boys could then visit the Farm Trail. The heavens opened and it was torrential rain but we still managed by sheltering under cover near the Coach House and moving tables about. Fortunately, like any family, we made the best of it and laughed endlessly!
After lunch some of us went over to the Farm Trail and the rain stopped for a while so a good day was had by all.
On the Sunday the 8 of us went to Marwell Zoo where we met up with Senior Girl and her family – we had such a lovely day. The older GG (nearly 2) fell in love with the Giraffes and tried hard to walk like one – and also became very attached to Pete’s walking frame, on which he loved to ride and which he called ‘Pete’s Taxi’!
It was so sad to say goodbye, but at least it won’t be too long before we can meet up again.
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On the Monday of the following week I had the honour of conducting the funeral of the mother of a friend of mine. As I arrived, there was a lone Marine standing outside and I fell in conversation with him, as you do, and he told me he was going to play the last post at the funeral which was due to finish. I vanished to get ready and suddenly the mournful notes sounded out and the tears started to roll down my cheeks. That piece does that to me every single time.
However, I pulled myself together and got on with my job – which seemed to go well. What a privilege it is to be asked to undertake such an important moment in people’s lives!
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On the Friday, the Main Man and I set off to Devon – this is the 38th year we have gone to the same place, which we absolutely love. A log cabin, set in a wood away from anything much – no pool, no bar, no restaurant etc. but such peace and quiet, nature and walking distance of a tiny beach which looks crowded if there are more than about 20 people there!
We were joined on the Saturday by the Senior Girl and her crew, so breakfast was ready for their arrival at 9.00 am. It’s become a tradition that I prepare a cooked breakfast for everyone and that is really the start of our week.
Obviously we have come to know the owners quite well, and their son, who we have seen grow up from a little boy into a married man with three children, have a cottage nearby with a sign saying ‘Caution – Free Range Chickens and Children Roam Here’. How true – the chickens soon wanted to be our friends and were adept at begging for food and the little girl, aged 4, loved an audience for all her stories about school and about the chickens!
One afternoon I was sitting reading my book when I heard a noise and went to investigate, only to discover three chickens in our bedroom. Shouting at them failed to have any effect, but a trail of breadcrumbs led them to the door!
We loved the rides on the South Devon Steam Railway, which included a visit to a rare breeds farm. We visited Buckfast Abbey and wandered around the beautiful gardens, which is an annual treat. We also visited Dartmoor Zoo (as in ‘I bought a zoo’ book and film) but the walking was very difficult for two people, both with wonky legs!
We were back at home by 9.00 on Friday morning – and it was as if we had never been away!
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Yesterday I had to go to the hospital for an Infusion of Iron to help support my kidneys. Not sure what to expect but it was absolutely fine – painless although the black liquid looked a little off putting but a cup of tea and a biscuit and two very funny nurses helped pass the time. It should be working in about 48 hours when, I am assured, I shall be ‘running and jumping’ – be sure to keep a look out if you see me!
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If you’ve read my blog previously you will know that I am a great fan of Cheese Scones. Imagine my shock at being in the local Marks and Spencer for a cup of tea and being told they are ‘not allowed’ to sell Cheese Scones any longer – only fruit ones! I pointed out that you can still buy them in the Food Hall – but they can’t sell them upstairs. Oh dear, oh dear – this is not good!
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I hope you have a good rest-of-the-day and perhaps the sun might make an appearance.
Enjoy the rest of your week and please take care of yourselves – stay safe,
C x
Random Ramblings 