I had a fairly crap night as far as sleep was concerned. And then I wound things up with brekkie and coffee before I fell asleep again.
The weather forecast had promised Storm Antoni and Antoni arrived mid morning. He brought buckets of rain tumbling impatiently from the sky, inconsiderately forming random lakes across the roads.
H took one look outside and retreated. I joined her!
But eventually, I could delay no longer and H and I set off for a walk in the rain. It was not much of a walk because the rain was very very heavy and I caved in. I went into Vicars, buying a few groceries. Just as I was leaving, I had a second shopping list from Ali. So had to go through the process all over again.
In deciding to visit Vicars, I had forgotten that Streatley Hill was closed for the duration. So an alternative route was explored, which was fine on the outward journey, but upon the return, I ended miles out of the way, up in Pangbourne.
This meant I was on a bit of a time-squeeze to pick up Ali and Dave for their ‘garden’ party near Benson.
I hoped the hosts had good rain protection, and wellies were probably a requirement. Ali and Dave decided there was no hurry to be there for 3.00pm, so I took the shopping home and unloaded it.
T was still in bed so I made him tea and a snack. I donned my chauffeur’s cap and headed for Streatley. There, I was generously given a drink of water, whilst Fleur made butter from over whipped cream. Carefully saving the buttermilk for something else.
With envy, I eyed up the chocolate and raspberry pavlova. It sat on Alex’s lap all the way to Benson, returning my looks, taunting me with its loveliness.
Back home, I cooked a very late lunch/ early supper, which T did not eat. He has spent most of the day in bed, but has been in decent spirits.
He has eaten toast, the obligatory bananas and grapes, and two half donuts. A chocolate one and a caramel one. But the docs have specifically said that calories are good for him, whatever the source. Even sugary ones. Processed sugar too.
I may have indulged myself in a little doze as the rain beat down and the temperatures dropped.
I awoke with a start to discover it was around 21.00. Had their chauffeur slept through a summons sent by Ali and Dave? No. As it turned out.
So I summoned them instead. Their garden party had turned into a shanty tent party held under various temporary structures, near Benson. I was lucky I found the venu when I went to pick them up because it was discreetly tucked away amongst other large properties, situated on large plots , near the river.
I returned them to Streatley and went to bed. Of course, by now, I was wide awake again which proved to be a bit of a pain.
Earlier in the day, I had conversed via phone with Vangeli in Greece. I had meant to do an audio wifi call, but forgot, and my reward was an expenditure warning message from Vodafone. Vangelis was very understanding, medically and family/wise. It seems we are on the same page. Let’s hope it stays that way. And there is no disturbance.
Thought for the day
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