Crane feeding its baby at Pensthorpe: the unhurried lifestyle
Yet again time has flashed by since my past post, and here I am at the start of a significant new era without having adequately chronicled the last seven days. Today the two of us will be joined by a friend, Matthew, who will lodge with us until the end of July. He is house-hopping, because in August he moves to stay with other friends. September? Ah, that’s when he moves even further – to Palestine to take up a post with a mission organisation specialising in education, which is his area of expertise. Not the sort of secure existence that most of us yearn for: the (at least temporary) absence of a home must be difficult. We shall do our best to make him feel welcome.
It’s been another busy week. Of course. I think I’m now prepared for our Canadian excursion, except for buying the currency, letting our card providers know where we’re going to be and checking what I need to do to stop my mobile phone from racking up a huge bill. Dot has been rushing from school to school, mainly fulfilling her DSSO obligations, and this will culminate on Saturday, when she hurtles down to Reading to take part in an education exhibition on behalf of her company, Philosophy4Children.
So our lives have often been taking different courses. Dot missed a sparsely attended DCC meeting, a walk round Norwich with Paston poets on a burning hot Sunday afternoon, a Naked in Norwich private view in St Benedict’s on Monday evening and a nine-mile Paston Walk on Tuesday. Not that she would have come on that, any more than she would have come to my three-hour session on Writing News yesterday afternoon for a Bridges creative writing group. These are people who have mental health problems but are still functioning pretty well, and it was a surprisingly enjoyable time. I did get paid adequately for it too, which is only fair considering the amount of preparation that I did. I used the “Welsh cousin rescues woman from car” story as an interview/press conference tool, and it worked nicely.
The walk on Tuesday was interesting. It was hot in Norwich, but by the time I reached Paston there was a chill in the air from a sea mist, which made walking easier, though I wasn’t really dressed for it. Fortunately I had a fleece which I donned to supplement my shorts. It was supposed to be a six-mile walk, through Edingthorpe and Bacton (via Bromholm Priory) and back along the coast to Paston, but I actually measured close to nine (partly because I was unable to find a critical track from the clifftop across a wheatfield and had to walk it back again to find out where it started – after going a longer way round in the first place. Encountered a couple and their son at Edingthorpe who used to live there but had moved to Heacham. The husband had two drawings of the church inside. Engaged me in conversation for a while (then again on the road, and again at Bacton Church), and as a result I missed the fish and chip shop at Bacton and had to be satisfied with an ice cream. Managed to fall over quite heavily in Bacton, but threw myself on to the verge and avoided serious injury – or even trivial injury, if you don’t count a graze on my arm.
The Paston poets’ meeting on Sunday (to discuss our next project) featured a drink in the Olive Tree before a walk up Elm Hill, a quick look at St Peter Hungate and a pause at St Andrew’s Hall, which was conveniently shut. Three of us (Kay and Adrian with me) then walked on to King Street, dropping in at Dragon Hall and Julian’s cell before taking in the plaque at the Music House – allegedly the oldest house in Norwich. It was preceded by lunch at church to say farewell to the Cracknells: Heather is going to be a curate in Cringleford after her ordination on Saturday. Moving occasion – Paul led the service and Heather preached. Nicholas did a final liturgy that included the children, Rhianna and Finnan.
Another big church event was Donna’s wedding to Jason in the old church building. She is a very quiet, lovely woman with four children whose former husband left her. Her friends and family, however, were pretty much all noisy, and the reception at the hall afterwards – and at Dunston Hall in the evening – proved boisterous. Other than Donna, Nicholas and Heather, we knew practically no-one at the Dunston Hall hog roast, but we sat at a table with congenial people and had a good time. Very kind of her to invite us: Dot has always been close to her after they were in a small prayer group some years ago. They will be living in Gorleston in future, so we lose another church presence in The Lathes: Donna has been making bookings for the hall, and this will pass to Cheryl, our cleaner.
Naked in Norwich was a Twenty Group exhibition to which I was invited by poet Hilary Mellon, who opened it (she booked me for Bridges too). It was (self-evidently) a collection of nude drawings, and I amused myself trying to distinguish between guests who were artists, models or simply friends. Surprises at the private view: Elvira, our Peruvian friend from church; Rosemary, the librarian from Archant; Philippa, the stone-cutter; Martin Mitchell, the artist whose etching we own; and Sandra, the artist I collaborated with a couple of years ago. Plus a few others. Sadly absent: Rüthli Losh-Atkinson, the other artist I collaborated with and a fine drawer of nudes, who died not long ago.
Funny how soon you can get fed up with rain. Day one: Disaster. Drought is looming. Day two: Not enough rain to lay the dust. Day three: At least the farmers will be pleased. Day four: It’s raining again, and I keep getting wet! Day five: Won’t it ever stop raining?
I’m on Day Five, and I suspect I was there on Day Three. I’d really rather it didn’t rain at all, and some other method was found of watering the earth. Or maybe it could rain only in the early hours of the morning. How could that be bad?
So my walking activities are curtailed, and my weight is rising. OK, I could go out properly attired and soldier on, but somehow when you live in the city it doesn’t seem the same. So you don’t. I mean, I don’t. Yesterday I did go out, but only to see C, who was in dire straits and desperate to be visited. Most of the day was spent preparing a session on Writing News, which I’m doing for Bridges, a creative writing group run by poet Hilary Mellon for people with mental health problems. Today I went to see her and ran through it. She seemed a little bemused, but then not many people know what a subordinate clause is nowadays. I’ve also checked my financial report for tonight’s district church council.
Dot has been rushing round various schools and writing letters and filling in forms. Day off tomorrow for Donna’s wedding. Meanwhile I got a call out of the blue from the Pensions people, who seem about to pay Andrew his Pension Credit. At last. I hope.
Fifty years on, fifth-formers from 1961: Kiddell, Manhire, Lunn, Riches, with organiser Adrian O'dell
It was showery last Thursday. Rose a little early to take the MX5 in for service, MOT and renewal of Mazda Europe Assistance. Dot collected me, and we returned home in time to take Lucy to Dragon Hall for a meeting with Sarah about the November Paston event. We were picked up again nearly two hours later by Dot (it had started raining as predicted) and we left Lucy to buy a ticket at the station while we proceeded to Oaklands Hotel for carvery lunch with Josephine, Paul, Phil, Joy, Joe and Stephen. Food pretty good, but service unexceptional. I showed Paul a letter for him to check, requesting power of attorney for him over Kathleen’s affairs. He did check it: just as well. I thought Kathleen’s middle name was Ruth, for some reason, but she doesn’t have one. In the evening I went to a Paston trustees’ meeeting where we discussed a lease which will probably never happen. Still, it wasn’t too onerous.
Friday started dry but quickly became very wet indeed. Went to Valerie’s funeral in early afternoon: quietly and impressively done by deacon from St John’s Cathedral. Afterwards went to Black Horse for tea and coffee with Roger, Philip, Jessie, George, Fiona, Ray and Janet. Then on to Blakeney, where we booked in and eventually met up with Alan and Rosemary, who were waiting in their room when we expected them to be at the Blakeney sun lounge. I say “sun”… Enjoyed tea and scones with them and then returned to our own hotel to await the arrival of Dave and Julia from a meeting at Ipswich. All got together successfully for evening meal.
After a very bad night (acid reflux) I was awake in good time to leave by eight o’clock without breakfast (hotel breakfast starts at 8; bathwater lukewarm) to pick up Fred from West Runton for morning at CNS reunion. Called in at Aspland Road to pick up Dot’s Scottish skirt – to show to Julia, not to wear at the reunion – and arrived at CNS about 9.30, the scheduled time. Surprisingly, most people seemed to be there already. This was a reunion of boys in the fifth form in 1961, but most of my L-stream seemed to have given it a miss. Few that I knew: Fred, Roger Prince, Adrian Manhire, Clive Monen, Richard Percival, Peter Bussey, Colin Kiddell (who lived in Tuckswood). Tony Plumb (now Friedlander) was one of the organisers. Struck up conversation with Chris Sutcliffe, who had been a chess player, and one or two others during grand tour of school. The east side new buildings were a real mess, and I lost my sense of direction very quickly. The new Arc centre I had been in before, to play chess. The old building was still quite recognisable, and about two-thirds of the field were still there – unlike the hallowed lawn in front of the building, which is now mainly a car park. We ended up in the new canteen, which is roughly where the old one was, but it overlaps into the area where the old School House stood. Here we had a coffee break and then a Speed Updating session that to be honest didn’t work too well, partly because of the difficulty of hearing what each other were saying in a crowded area.
After this Fred and I slunk away – I dropped him back at West Runton before proceeding through heavy rain to Pensthorpe and a rendezvous with Dot and the Evetts, who had already done the tour and were eating lunch. Went back into the reserve to look at the exotic birds, and we caught a post-feeding talk from a seasonal warden in the viewing room, which answered several questions (eg What bird is that?)
High water evening at Blakeney: an iPhone picture
Much better night, but Sunday was a very wet day. After breakfast we walked into Blakeney, and Dot bought two necklaces and some garden hooks before we were rejected by one restaurant (“preparing for Sunday lunch”) and found ourselves in the Blakeney Hotel again – downstairs in the Boat Room this time, with tea and coffee. Impressed by decor. Then on to Binham, where we lunched at The Chequers before embarking on a 4-mile circular walk in the continuing steady rain. Ended up at the Priory (once owned by the Pastons): quick look round the ruins, then to Memorial Hall for tea and scones. Was not going to buy any books from sale, but others lingered, so I did. One a copy signed by the author with personal comments, so could be valuable. Back at hotel I found I’d missed a call from David, so drove up the esker where I got good reception and had a Father’s Day conversation with him while he turned the mattress (well, he stopped turning the mattress while we talked…) Another good evening meal, and after drinks three of us (Dot, Dave and me) walked down to the front to look at the high tide. Beautiful evening: took picture with my iPhone.
Monday dawned bright and comparatively warm, though there was a chilly breeze. After breakfast we paid the bills and I had to get some cash to pay Dave his deposit back, having forgotten my chequebook. Meanwhile Dot booked us in at Cookies. The two of us then packed and strolled down the front, where the water was very high again. Called in at art gallery and bought some cards, then bought an ice cream and sat by duckpond like two old stagers to eat it. Then off to Cookies to meet Dave and Julia for a very predictable Cookies meal, which is either wonderful or OK, depending on your feelings about cucumber and beetroot. We then called at Wiveton fruit farm for some (wait for it) fruit and went our separate ways. We arrived home around 4pm and took it fairly easy. Found a lovely Father’s Day card from David.
Today has been dry but overcast. Dot has visited a couple of schools and I visited Kathleen so that she could sign the solicitor’s letter and confirm that her middle name is not Ruth or, in fact, anything. She was sitting up watching the tennis but very lacking in energy. No real change. Afterwards I called in at Morrisons to get food for tonight. I was working on my Writing News session for Bridges when a package was delivered: a “best of” CD by The Band – a Father’s Day present from David. So I’ve enjoyed a three-day Father’s Day, which I have to say is rather nice. Wimbledon has started, so Dot is in front of the TV a lot, and mostly awake.
Another avant garde, innovative, not to say derivative, bit of camera work at the Bergh Apton sculpture trail
Doesn’t time fly? And so much happening… Last Friday, for instance, it rained quite a bit. We had excellent lunch with the Higbees at Newton Flotman, made a quick visit to Diocesan House to pick up documents for Dot, and then made for Bungay in the evening. There was a private view at the Cork Brick gallery : Annette and two other women, Diane Griffiths and Georgina somebody. The theme was animals, so not really my cup of tea, though Mike’s incidental drawing of a horse was stunning. Annette had some interesting new ideas as well, and Diane had some pretty nifty book work on show – particularly liked one called Book of Salt. Martin and his girlfriend were there, and we spoke for a while to Jane West (McClintock), who writes poetry and is from Norwich.
Down in Suffolk again on Saturday, when we were invited at short notice by June W to an early pizza supper (home made) at Beccles. Preferred the crumble afterwards, and the budgerigar – though the latter was not part of the meal. It appears to have replaced a dog, which has to be good. June seemed on good form, though she deteriorates markedly when you speak to her on the phone, as I did a few minutes ago. She has an appointment with the gynaecologist, which is a good thing: she has been trying to speak to one for ages.
On Sunday I preached a Pentecost sermon and Dot led the prayers at short notice. I had forgotten to mention to her that she was on the rota. In the afternoon we went out into the chilly, soggy winds of North East Norfolk and took flowers to the cemetery (it was the anniversary of Dot’s mum’s death). Afterwards we visited Judith Rand at Bacton: she is recovering from a double bypass-plus operation. She showed us around her impressive Great Barn house, which would be worth well over a million if it was not in Bacton but Blakeney. Still couldn’t believe it when she said she didn’t think she’d get more than £400,000; she will be selling soon because she can’t look after it on her own, especially now. Afterwards called in at Jessie’s, where we found Roger waiting for his evening meal. Still managed to fit in a cup of tea, but we were home before 6pm.
Monday’s weather was much improved – quite warm, in fact. I called in to see Kathleen. She looks very frail but seemed pleased to see me. She finds it hard to talk and can’t hear easily, so it was bit hard going, but I was very pleased to be there. Read to her a bit from the Bible at her request. Am now involved at Paul’s request in getting him power of attorney. Earlier I bought Dot a new printer, as the wi-fi is so erratic on the one we have. After consulting David, we now have two printers, both connected by wire to their respective computers. That should sort it out. There are times when advancing technology is just not worth the bother.
Yesterday I returned to 12 The Close, where I had tried unsuccessfully to pick up some library lecture tickets the day before. It turned out that I should have been picking them up from the Cathedral Estates Office, and not Friends of the Cathedral, as I had assumed. Well, which would you have guessed if you just had the address? Tuesday Group in the evening featured a rejuvenated C, who had experienced a big improvement after we prayed for her the previous week. Today I have had a high number of phone calls, all from real people and relevant to life as we know it. Exhilarating.
Spent the first three days of the week with Jennie C, who made one of her occasional visits to Norwich. The weather forecast had not been good, but as so often happens, it proved to be wrong. She arrived at about 1.30pm on Monday, and after lunch we took her to Caistor St Edmund for a walk round the Roman town. Because it had been so dry, you could see the outline of the streets in the grass, which made it a bit different. Afterwards, we walked up to the Saxon burial site on the hill.
Tuesday turned out very warm and sunny: we took Jennie for our second visit to Pensthorpe this year, and it was even better than last time, with many little chicks on offer – especially impressive were the avocets (featured in the EDP the same day) and the cranes. Jennie was a little disturbed by the geese and ducks who uninhibitedly tried to persuade us to share a sandwich with them. Later we went on to Blakeney, where we had full afternoon tea at the Blakeney Hotel. As a result I was not at all hungry in the evening, which was just as well, as we did not do enough jacket potatoes for the Tuesday Group, who turned out in unexpectedly large numbers. Jennie joined in the after-meal activities with some enthusiasm. A good evening.
On Wednesday I drove Jennie into town because she couldn’t manage the hill (angina), and she met Dot and Anne R, who had walked up. Not sure what happened after that, but Dot ended up with a new jacket. I was catching up with stuff at home. Maybe writing a sermon – or was that yesterday? Jennie left after an evening meal, and Dot and I flopped out on the sofa.
Yesterday was an odd day, when I suspect there was a brief increase in the strength of gravity, and I found it hard to drag myself into doing anything much. Started by taking Dot to the dentist, and then I went to the bank while she went and got a blood test. Not much happened after that, except on the computer. Checked bank statement, made some payments… Still not sure if I’ve paid my Barclaycard bill, because the site went down when I’d almost finished. Very annoying. It rained quite a bit too. My aunt Kathleen meanwhile has been diagnosed with lung cancer and probably has only two or three months to live.
Unexpected reflection in a piece of scuplture on the Bergh Apton trail
Weather is turning more Scottish after a very pleasant few days. It started towards the end of the Bergh Apton Sculpture Trail yesterday, which we visited with Howard and Anna after a Peruvian church lunch. I had led the service because of an illness in the original leader’s family, and the lunch was provided by our Peruvian member, Elvira. It turned out to be a rather unexotic clear soup with mildly interesting bread, followed by some English cheesecake provided by bride-to-be Donna, who is unexpectedly going to live at Gorleston after the wedding.
The Sculpture Trail, which happens every two years, attracts big numbers, and we usually run into a few people we know. Not many this year, except for former colleague and excellent writer Steve Snelling, with whom we chatted at some length, and Dot’s DSSO colleague Maggie Broad, whom we met as we were leaving, after tea and cake at the village hall. The trail had started very warm – so much so that I took my thin jumper off halfway round. It may have been this that provoked the weather people, because a wind immediately got up, and the temperature dropped steadily until it became really quite chilly. It then rained overnight, just in time for Jennie’s arrival, well, any time now. She’s staying for three days. Roger and Jude dropped in last night for a drink and talk: Valerie’s funeral has been fixed for Friday next week.
In other news, we had a pleasant lunch with the Kibbles on Friday, making a return to the Waffle House after many years, and after that I called in on Phil and Joy, mainly to thank them for looking after our garden while we were away. On Saturday we had our hair cut, and I left Dot in a business meeting with Barbara while I dropped in at Martin and Rupert’s Open Studio, buying £30 worth of assorted small art: boxes and cards. They will be leaving the studio soon: Rupert probably working from his home after he moves into his partner’s house, and Martin spending half his time at a studio near his partner’s home in Kent, which he has for nine months.
What with loads of open studios and the sculpture trail, I suspect there is too much art floating around and not enough people to buy it.
We’ve been back from Scotland for a couple of days now – almost all of that time spent in catching up with paperwork, taking phone calls and dealing with money matters. Fortunately the work from Howard which I anticipated early yesterday did not arrive until the evening, but I shall have to tackle it some time today. The weather has been warm, and Dot and I took time out to walk to the shops yesterday afternoon: a welcome break. Speaking of welcome breaks, one unexpected hassle was two demands for parking payment from the Welcome Break service area at Abington, where we’d stayed overnight on the way north. I’ve written them a sharp rebuttal, but I had to get the proof of overnight stay sorted, scanned and sent, which all takes time.
Andrew’s fees also had to be dealt with because, despite months of notice and repeated reminders from me to them, Coventry City Council have managed not to get their takeover of payments organised. So I had phone calls from the care home owner and from Andrew’s social worker (as we drove past Coventry on the way home!), and two letters from the council waiting. At least I think I now know what he has to pay each week. Reassuringly, the Pensions people have sent back my power of attorney (I had feared they’d lose it), but they still haven’t started paying Andrew’s Pension Credit. No doubt they’ll get round to it.
Anyway, while staying in Scotland I have kept a diary. The reception up there was too poor to be able to write it on my iPhone as it happened, so here it is.
Saturday, May 14
Rather trying circumstances for the journey north. I had a bad night on Thursday, with a stomach upset that kept me awake for much of the time. Not sure what caused it, but its effects linger on as I write, in the rather chilly lounge of the Ballater cottage. We travelled down to Caddington on the morning of Friday, with Dot driving, and reached David’s house at 11.30. Shortly afterwards the three of us left for St Albans, where I’d booked lunch at Loch Fyne. Very good meal, and I felt better enough to really enjoy it. But after we’d given David his early birthday presents and started to head north, I felt very groggy. When we reached the M6 toll I actually dozed off for a split second before being roused by the noise of the road as I slipped right towards the central reservation. As a result, Dot drove from there and we progressed very slowly up the M6, with continual hold-ups as traffic ground to a halt for no discernible reason. We eventually emerged from the horror that is Greater Manchester and reached the Lake District, where we stopped briefly and I felt well enough to take over again, though my stomach was still bad. After a brief diversion north of Gretna, progress was smooth through the Borders, where the M74 is a beautiful road. If only all driving were like that.
Reached Abington at about 9.30, where I managed a sandwich before retiring. Much better night’s sleep, though I had to get up twice. Managed breakfast too, and Dot drove north at breakneck speed, until we reached the A80, which has been in the process of transformation for many years and has now reached the stage of having a 40mph limit for nearly ten miles. One distant day, perhaps, the work will be complete – by which time the ludicrous road safety industry will have achieved such domination that the limit for the entire country will be about 50mph and I will have departed screaming with frustration to my grave.
After this the roads were beautiful again, and we headed for our favourite cafe at Ballathie, only to find it shut. So we motored on, with me driving now, and eventually reached Braemar, where it was wet and much colder. We stopped at the Fife Arms for our customary sandwich, served by the customary delightful East European waitress.
Then on to Ballater, where we found the house in good order. Apparently Ella is preparing it for sale later this year. We had several attempts to unload, being interrupted by rain each time it looked set in sunny, and then enjoyed a couple of car excursions before booking in at the Glen Lui for tomorrow and the Green Inn for next Thursday. Took a few photos in late evening sunlight. Stomach seems on the mend, but my head is not what it should be. No surprise there.
Sunday, May 15
Weather middling. Dot checked out a few shops to see if they were still there, and then waited until Dave and Julia arrived at about 1.30. We’d already had something to eat because their earlier text implied they might have been having something to eat on the way. So we improvised lunch for them and then did a walking tour of town, including the station museum, which had improved once again. Drove down to Loch Muick to take the customary look.
Dot on the Loch Muick walk near Glas Allt Shiel
Monday, May 16
Persistently showery. Down to Glen Muick: set out at about 11.30 in brief sun for eight-mile walk round the loch, starting with bridge and beach at its head. The footbridge seemed a bit the worse for wear, sagging in the middle. I empathised. Firm soggy wind against us. Picnic by beach at Allt Glas Shiel, then ever onward. Wind behind us as we turned for home, but as we did so the rain stopped and it turned quite pleasant. Feeling pretty tired towards end. Herd of deer in the valley busy feeding. Couple of lapwings. Workmen refurbishing toilets. About ten French caravettes en route intermittently for Spittal of Glenmuick: some kind of convention? Drove to Crannach for tea and scones, then to Cambus O’May (means bend in the river on the plain) for look at suspension bridge. Then home. Pause at the moment while we contemplate buying fish and chips.
Tuesday, May 17
Miraculously dry, and even occasionally warm out of the wind. Drove to Log Cabin, where I bought a shirt, Dot bought a top and we had tea/coffee and toasted teacake. Toasted teacake not so wonderful. Quick look round cemetery opposite. On to Knock Gallery, where I bought a picture out of the blue: superb pastel of Linn of Quoich. Reckless, I know. Dot bought ring and earrings, which were discounted. Thence to Braemar, where we lunched at the Fife Arms and were shown the rooms at Dot’s instigation. Very nice. (We’re looking at other options for when Ella really does sell the wee house.) Then to Linn of Quoich, which was as magical as ever. Bridge blocked to cars because it’s falling apart, though not so you’d notice. Julia very interested in restoring abandoned cottages. Back to Braemar just after 4.30pm for visit to Tourist Information and a couple of other shops. Feeling pretty shattered at this point. Back in car, drove up back road beside Clunie Water, then returned on main road to Crathie – quick look at Distillery (closed), then by back road to Knock Castle, which we accessed by driving up very rough road (probably a mistake), then home. Booked in at La Mangiatoia (formerly the Hayloft) for 8pm. Excellent steak.
Wednesday, May 18
Some sun, but very cold wind and occasional rain; even some snow falling briefly on Cairn Gorm. David’s birthday, so rang and wished him a happy one. After posting cards drove to Cairn Gorm. Bridge of Brown cafe not open, so postponed coffee till we not only arrived at the mountain railway but reached the top. Wind on viewing platform immense – guided walks to top abandoned (not that we were going). Did the usual round of exhibition and shop, plus fish and chips for me and baked potato for Dot. After we took a pretty packed train down, I repaired to the car while the other three crazily walked up to the camera obscura in icy rain and pretended they enjoyed it. Drove through Aviemore, then on the way home stopped at the Whisky Castle at Tomintoul, where after much tasting Julia bought a single cask malt. Over the road at the Old Fire Station cafe we had tea and meringue, then drove to the Well of Lecht, where we recklessly walked up to the manganese mine and back, still in a fierce and very cold wind. Chinese takeaway in the evening, followed by several games of Take Two.
Julia and Dave on Craigendarroch, with Lochnagar in the background
Thursday, May 19
Wind still cool, but not so strong. Mainly dry. Started at Larks Gallery, where Dave and Julia bought a photograph, which they arranged to have framed by a woman at Dinnet, in the short time remaining to them. So we drove up there and met her: she was lovely – very friendly and oozing goodwill. From there we drove to the Lochnagar Distillery, but just missed a scheduled tour so returned to Ballater for lunch. I had a new watch battery fitted while the others went to the delicatessen. After lunch returned to the Distillery, where we enjoyed an excellent guided tour from Leanne, despite both Dot and Julia having coughing problems – probably (in Dot’s case, anyway) from tasting barley husks. The tour ended with a bit of tasting, and Julia bought two bottles. Back in Ballater we climbed Craigendarroch at my insistence and rounded off the day at the Green Inn, which as always fulfilled expectations.
Friday, May 20
Heavy rain early (before I got up) but then surprisingly dry and sunny, though with a chill wind. Did the seven bridges walk, and Julia checked the number. Included the secret lochan, so it worked out at just over six miles, and we were all feeling pretty tired at the end. This didn’t prevent the Evetts continuing into town to buy some extra food for lunch, wile Dot and I flaked out for a few minutes before setting the table. After lunch Dot and Julia went shopping while Dave and I first picked up his picture from the framer, Jay Hart, then continued to the Burn O’ Vat, where the visitor centre had been vastly improved. Dave impressed by the Vat itself, and we walked up to a precarious point on top before walking on the other side of the road in a vain attempt to reach the loch (we were getting pretty tired in view of our morning exertions). Returned home to find Julia had bought quite a few things, and I had to go back to Byzantium tomorrow to see Dot try on a skirt. We ended the day with fish and chips and a battered Mars bar (oh yes we did), followed by a bit of bridge and Take Two.
Saturday, May 21: Grey and cold, with some rain later. Evetts left at 9.45, and we went into town to view and buy the skirt, plus a top suggested by the extrovert owner. Then bought food, Dot did some washing and we proceeded to the Log Cabin, where we had bacon and syrup pancakes followed by ice cream. Also bought some postcards and a book on Ballater intended as a Christmas present for the Evetts. Back at the house had a long rest and watched part of a Cohen DVD. Already our all-action holiday has ground to a halt. Listened to Bob Dylan prog (he is 70 on Tuesday) on Radio 4, then three episodes of Dollhouse on DVD. Bed rather late, and had a disturbed night, for some reason.
Sunday, May 22
Mainly dry. Very windy. Went to church (stepping back 40 years) and admired new stained glass window. Then to Station Restaurant for shared expensive Ploughman’s. Headed for Burn o’Vat, but it looked crowded, so we continued to Tomnaverie stone circle – a first for us. Short walk to top of low hill, where we were nearly blown over. Good view of Lochnagar framed by stones. Drove on to Glen Tanar, where we made a brief foray into the visitor centre, which was being refurbished, then walked to the chapel, where we found a sheltered spot and sat in the sun for quite a while watching the birds. Lovely peaceful time. After returning to the car we drove to a spot near the Dee where there is a classic view of Morven. Got a nice picture of a heron in flight and saw a huge fish jumping. Went to Glen Lui restaurant again: good food and service but had stomach upset afterwards, possibly related to something I ate earlier. Watched another episode of Dollhouse. Compelling stuff.
Monday, May 23
Better night. Weather appalling as I write at noon. Very high winds and torrential rain. Apparently a lot of disruption in the west. Finished Leonard Cohen biography: some interesting stuff about the most recent tour, but patchy otherwise and some surprisingly bad editing. Dot is making some phone calls and we’re about to write some postcards… OK, now we’re in bed. We’ve finished and sent all our postcards. I went down to post them just before 10pm, then decided to take a look at the river, which was very high and very fast. Went and fetched Dot to have a look, then drove along to Dinnet for a view from our favourite riverside spot. Certainly impressive, both from Ballater bridge and the one at Dinnet. Some minor flooding along banks. Continuing to rain heavily on and off, and reports of damage caused by high winds further north and west. As a result much of day has been spent indoors, apart from an earlier trip into town for food (plus tea and coffee in Station Restaurant) and a trip to the Burn o’Vat visitor centre, where we chatted to a ranger who had relatives in Gt Yarmouth. Finished Series One of Dollhouse (including unaired pilot). Impressive.
Dot in the Burn o'Vat
Tuesday, May 24
Turned out unexpectedly nice in a relative sort of way, taking into account the customary high winds. Slow start; listened to Radio 4 programme on Bob Dyan’s spiritual journey which was pretty well done, though no-one seems to grasp that you can be Jewish and Christian at the same time (cf Jesus and all the disciples, St Paul etc). Caught a bit of a preceeding green-tinged programme which featured some of the worst poetry I’ve ever heard, full of cliches and without a single bright idea, basically apologising to children for what the previous generation did. (Great coincidental email from Brian Caldecott debunking this whole idea.) After this we walked around the river path – about three miles. River is still high and fast, covering areas of stones we normally walk on. After buying and eating lunch we made for the Burn o’Vat again and after walking the circular path tackled another one which was alleged to be 2.7 miles but was well over three and a-half. Included a nice bit by the loch with a good view of a crannog. We also saw a huge bird that was probably an osprey but looked more like an eagle, which was pretty exciting. It was very big. Also a large number of other birds. Found warm spot to sit as the wind dropped but couldn’t wait long as we were running late for La Mangiatoia, where the steak wasn’t as good as last time. Exhausted after we got home with about nine miles under our belts; tried to watch Cuckoo, but it didn’t make any sense; so watched the first episode of Dollhouse series two, which did.
Wednesday, May 25
Very lazy day, but in justification the weather was overcast and chilly, continually threatening rain, which occasionally materialised. Our long lie-in was disturbed amazingly by men mending the gutters, apparently as part of a job commissioned by the council for the adjoining buildings. We slunk into our clothes while the workmen had lunch, and then drove to Braemar after picking up some info about accommodation from the Tourist office in Ballater. Not tremendously helpful. In Braemar had late, lingering lunch in the hotel, then drove back to Ballater, stopping to walk down to Monaltrie Street, a collection of ruined houses and a mill on the river bank. Last time we were there we saw salmon jumping: no such luck this time, perhaps because the river was so full. There was a chill in the air, so we went back to the car and drove home, where it had just begun to rain. Rang Phil and Joy: all well at home.Had a couple of burgers and watched more episodes of Dollhouse: now six into second series.
Black-headed gull on the Lecht road
Thursday, May 26
Overcast, cold and damp, with frequent rain. Got up a bit earlier and called at Larks Gallery, where we bought a number of items, including a small photograph, which we took to Jay Hart for framing. Then on to Log Cabin (via Dinnet and Strathdon) for bacon and maple syrup pancake. Drove on up Lecht road to take in the cloud views, and a personal appearance by a black-headed gull that seemed to be posing for us. Stopped a couple of times to read, then a short walk before back to house. Green Inn for evening meal – another excellent offering. Two more episodes of Dollhouse. Amazing shades of green in hills.
Friday, May 27
Starting a bit warmer and dry, with some sun, but steady fine rain by late afternoon. Drove to Balmoral, and after a muffin and tea did the long (blue) walk that I don’t think we’ve done before. Very pleasant: really quiet in the woods on the hill. No-one else around at all – almost mystical. As we got back down to the ballroom a fine, steady rain had started to fall, and this did not let up until evening. Had further refreshment and bought a few items both inside and outside the Castle grounds, including a DVD of Deeside. Dot called in at the Estate Office to ask about a few cottages on the estate for future use. Fish and chips in evening. Almost finished Dollhouse: only the epitaph to the second series to go. Did finish reading Anatomy of Ghosts, which became quite compelling: colourful 18C setting for a kind of mystery thriller – worked well.
Dot on the "Balmoral" path near Loch Muick
Saturday, May 28
Sunshine and showers; a bit warmer, except in the wind. Missed breakfast and had early lunch in the cafe on the main street, which was surprisingly good. Dot spoke very highly of her butternut squash, coconut and chilli soup, and my cheese and onion sandwiches came with hotel-like trimmings. Rock cake good too. Drove down Glen Muick in afternoon. Parking is free at the Spittal while the toilets are being refurbished (something to do with power being off). We walked part of the Lochnagar path, starting in bright sunshine, though rather buffeted by wind off the loch. Through woods and up on to sandy, easy part of the track up the mountain, where we took shelter from a shower. Could have gone further, but decided to turn back because of time restraints: we had to be at Banchory by just after 7pm for Ella’s party. Nice walk, though: had a good look at the house at the foot of the path with a view to renting it some time in the future! Got to Banchory by about 7.10 and realised we didn’t know where the hotel was. I had assumed it was the same place as the last time, but it wasn’t. So Dot called in at the police station, where they were very helpful. Banchory Lodge Hotel is in fantastic setting by the river. The Pimms reception was outside in the sun (but the wind was still chilly), and both Dot and I saw a salmon jump. Inside we had a sit-down meal, with a certain amount of swapping of tables, so we talked to a number of people, all of them very pleasant. Exchanged addresses etc with John and Kath Allison from Lumphanan, with whom we ended up. Both teachers – J retired, and K about to, though like Dot she didn’t appear to be anywhere near it. Later joined by Linda and her husband (John? – probably not). Really good time. Meal not huge but very tasty – just how we like it. Drove home carefully (I had moderated my drinking severely) and arrived safely at about 12.45am.
Sunday, Monday, Tuesday: Felt surprisingly well on Sunday and decided to walk the circular route round Craigendarroch. Got a bit lost and climbed a steep bit, then found ourselves on a new path. Got round the other side, but then found ourself on the path back down. Signposts not at all helpful, as the circular path also goes to the top. Anyway it was fun. Very windy. Dot then dropped me off at start of Glen Muick road, and I walked back to town while she had a look at the shops. Started raining, and Dot picked me up by chance in Bridge Street. Finished the packing and had evening meal at Glen Lui, which was excellent yet again. Rounded off the evening by watching the final Dollhouse episode and one or two extras.
Had another bad night. Left Ballater at 11am on Monday and stopped for early lunch at Fife Arms in Braemar. Left there by noon, and Dot drove up to a service station just south of Glasgow, having been held up slightly by an accident on the A9 near Stirling. I then took over the driving and we reached Tebay farm shop around 4.45pm and bought some food, together with a map to show us the way into Kendal. Took scenic route into town, brilliantly navigated by Dot, and reached the Premier Inn just before 6pm. Receptionist found us a parking spot and we had a drink and a short walk before repairing to our room for our makeshift but very tasty meal.
Good room, buy still didn’t sleep well. Left at 9.45am, and I drove as far as M6 Toll services. Last bit frustrating with lots of traffic and occasional standstills. Had muffin, and Dot drove as far as Cambridge Services. Comfort stop, then I drove home, arriving around 4pm. Spent a long time unpacking and looking at financial matters. Paul rang to say Kathleen had gone into a care home.
