Autumn has arrived, coming in with a blast on Wednesday (September 2), which was blustery, cool and very wet: the sort of thing that would have wrecked Greenbelt. It didn’t wreck us because we were staying in a lovely cottage with two delightful grandchildren, and there was a swimming pool, which was marginally wetter than outside. There was also a huge range of games, both indoor and out, and as well as swimming twice we played pool, bar football, table tennis, dominoes, backgammon and, in a dry moment, croquet – which Oliver loved. Also made it to Sainsbury’s to stock up again. Children had a great time, and so did we. The next day was marginally better, but we did the same sorts of things, eventually leaving the site to drive up to Cleeve Hill, where we went for a very windy walk among the sheep dropping and golfers. Oliver found some chalk and what might have been a fossil to show at school. From there descended a steep narrow lane and ended up back in Cheltenham searching fruitlessly for a fish and chip shop. Eventually gave up and bought fish, sausages and chips from Sainsburys to eat at home. Made us rather late eating, and thus late in bed. As long as Daddy doesn’t find out, we’re OK. Earlier had several croquet games with a very keen Oliver.
On Friday, after a night disturbed for me by noisy farm machinery, we left early (well, 9.50) and took the same route back as far as Milton Keynes, stopping again at Thrift Farm, which is run as part of a scheme for adults with learning difficulties. Very good tea room. Arrived at Caddington in good time and left before 2pm. Journey home was pretty uneventful, though I was pretty shattered by the time we got in, and didn’t even unpack properly. We went out for a meal at Frankie and Benny’s on the Riverside complex, and really enjoyed it. Good quality, reasonable price (except for the wine, which was good quality but pretty expensive). By the way, my neck problem has put itself right, more or less, and I’m feeling fairly well.
Would have liked a long lie in on Saturday, but our friend Bridget was being licensed as a reader at the Cathedral at 10.30, and we just made it, having met Vicky on the way. Sat at back by open west doors, which was unexpectedly chilly, but the 90-minute Communion service led by the Bishop was very good, and we were allowed to take the wine, so the swine flu threat must have subsided. Afterwards we gave Phyllis S a lift up to St Thomas’s Church for a buffet, which was extremely pleasant. Spent a long time talking to Heather, who I’d met some time ago at a Developing Consciousness course, I think. Also her husband. Similar tastes in holidays – Canada, Scotland. Later chilled out watching a fair bit of television and catching up with e-mails.
Today our preacher failed to materialise, so we had an interactive sermon led by Phil, which turned out surprisingly well. Followed by delicious church lunch. Dot is now talking about going for a walk, as it’s not raining for a change.