Global warming was nowhere in evidence when we arrived in England as we were greeted with strong winds and rain. In short, a very typical summer! So a splendid Sunday Roast was a fine reminder of the Best of British!
A few days after we landed, it was off to celebrate my granddaughter Mia’s 10th birthday and once again be reminded that time really does fly by the older you get and that the simple joys of present unwrapping
and birthday cake lighting really are so important to such innocent youngsters. Lovely!
The following day, we spent an hour or so with my grandson, Max, who is now recovering well from his recent mental problems. He is such a lovely young man so it’s marvellous to see him on the right path again and, for sure, with a bright future ahead of him.
Our trip south of the river Thames into Surrey and Kent would not have been complete without visiting two of my oldest friends, Carole and David who have lived in the same house in busy Dartford for more than 40 years – hardly the most rural environment but that didn’t seem to bother Mrs Fox!
It’s quite scary to be reminded that I have known this engaging couple for more than 50 years.
Back at our base in Buckinghamshire, we were entertained by Hudson, the soppiest of Golden Retrievers you will ever meet. And I do mean ‘entertained’ as this canine bundle of loopiness is an acting dog, appearing in a number of TV commercials and a few films.
In between his thespian activities, he is looked after by friends of ours aided on that day, during a splendid lunch get together, by Nokky.
A predictable day of recuperation was needed after our bacchanalian excesses so it was off to for a walk in Wendover Woods on the north edge of the Chiltern Hills.
We were quite lucky with the weather, only being caught in the odd shower rather than any downpour but Nokky was not so lucky in her hunt for mushrooms, which, before we left Thailand, she was told were plentiful ‘all over The UK’!.
She did find some, however, but later when we checked on the internet and sought advice from a couple of supposedly knowledgeable friends, became totally confused as to whether they were edible or not so consigned them to the bin!
Nearing the end of our stay in Bucks, we made our first trip to London, being slightly overwhelmed by the sheer number of tourists and excitable holidaying children. As it was a pleasant sunny day (for a change) we soon found solace with a couple of long standing friends outside one of my old watering holes – the 17th century Seven Stars in Carey Street, located directly behind the Law Courts.
What a fine old pub it still is, I’m happy to say, which still serves excellent – and all too gluggable – fine ale. What a great day we had – well, as far as I can remember!
Our final bit of sightseeing before we head south to France and Spain was to Waddesdon Manor, one of the Rothschild’s estates built in the late 19th century and a perfect testament to how very, very rich a few people were at the height of the British Empire. It is almost unbelievable that, originally, this extraordinary building (and gardens) was built merely to house the then Baron’s impressive collection of paintings for him to admire on his rare hunting and entertaining visits to this impressive – albeit slightly over the top- construction.
Whilst the landscaping of the outside of the building is beautiful, the inside is almost overwhelmingly stunning. The silverware in just one of the dining rooms , some of which is displayed below, has a current value in excess of £15million! Oh, how the other half live – or at least lived.
Close to the other end of the financial spectrum, we had the unenviable task of clearing out the last of the memorabilia and general bric a brac that I had stored prior to decamping to Thailand. Nothing of any great value but lots of memories, nevertheless.
And tomorrow we start our quite leisurely trundle south through France and onwards to Spain. We finally arrive at our Spain abode on 8th August, shortly after which, I am sure I will have a few more things to talk about including, I would like to think, a favourable weather report.
A quiet retirement? No chance but a lot of fun, nevertheless!
R.
thelasthurrahsite 