Καλώ μήνα …it’s the first day of June (and of U.K. summer.). And, as I woke up at some ungodly hour, I could see summer had arrived. The blue skies and sunshine were a bit of a giveaway.
However, by the time H and I were off out for our walk, there was no blue sky and no sun. Just clouds, grey and cool breezes. So it would appear summer has been and gone.
This did not deter H as we wandered round Cholsey, admiring the grasses, wild flowers and desiccated ponds. H absolutely adores the latter… definitely an addict.
Afterwards, we went straight up to Streatley to give Minnie company because the Illis were gallivanting in London from a very early hour.
We stayed there for about half an hour and then H and I departed for Bishopstone near Swindon, where I met up with Anne.
The drive followed the Ridgeway via Wantage and a collection of small and pretty Oxfordshire villages. Views were stunning.
Helen Browning at the Royal Oak uses her own farm products and other local produce to feed her customers in very delicious ways. They operate an outdoor kitchen and naked flames during the summer.
It is a delightfully casual place in an expensive sort of way. Shabby chic and all that. Tomorrow the village is enjoying pig racing. I was tickled by the descriptions and names of the competing pigs, and also of the owners, and the one and only trainer!
We enjoyed a good catch up which included details of Anne’s grand European tour with Gillian, who thought nothing of disposing of £500 per night on each of 3 nights for a hotel London. Never mind £5000 per person for a luxury week long tour of Portugal. And a week in Northern Crete near Chania in some decadent 5 star place, when they did no sight seeing. I mentioned the German cemetery at Maleme but it had been of no interest to Gillian.
Anyway Anne seems to have enjoyed the holiday, though their interests differ.
H and I returned to pick up Minnie who was very pleased to see us. She also seemed to be very excited and rather hungry. Minnie will stay for a sleep over. She could have come with us to Bishopstone, but travelling is not really her thing. And as for sitting quietly in a bar or restaurant… she is much too interested in whatever else is going on to be calm and quiet for long. And then my nosy little dog has to join in…
But on her own, Heidi just curled up and went to sleep. And summer-shorn Daisy was very similar except for the occasional unladylike growl.
Back at home, I made supper for the dogs. Minnie leapt upon her bowlful and, a while later, on H’s left overs. Of which there were not many.
The evening passed: H lay outside on the grass and Minnie occupied one of H’s sitting room beds. I summoned H in before going to bed. And that was that! And as for me, I had stayed awake all day!
Thought for the Day
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