Storm!

I did not enjoy last night, it was much interrupted , I seemed to be up and down every hour or so.
I had set the alarm for 04.30, but it was not needed because I was awake anyway. Why so early?
Well I was to drive Ali and G to Reading Station so they could catch a train direct to Gatwick in order to catch their flight to Norway. This was so they could link up with F and D who flew out on their original booking last night. They will be away for nearly two weeks, hiking and camping in the mountains.

So I picked them up at 05.45 and we had a trouble free drive to Reading. I returned home the long way via the diversion to avoid Streatley High St closure. Retracing my steps through Reading via my outward route via Pangbourne was altogether too much.
During most of the journey, I was obliged to weave my way aground various rubbish disposal operatives, both in West Berks and South Oxon. My last but one encounter was with the beast of a lorry blocking Underhill.

The dogs were pleased I had returned and seemed keen to go walkies. So I made my second visit to Pangbourne today. I was quite shocked by the amount of litter that was scattered around the Meadows . Even more than a couple of days ago. Last night had obviously been party night at the Meadows.
And it was there, up the narrow road, lined with parked cars, that I experienced my final rendezvous with a crew of these skilful rubbish technicians. They were a cheery lot who helpfully waved me through.

We returned home to relax before I set off for Newbury to meet Brenda. The A34 was somewhat cluttered by traffic – probably something too slow deciding to overtake whilst going up a hill. We also passed a giant mushroom, wearing a green plastic hairnet, travelling in the other direction, accompanied by various wide load warning vehicles. It was creating long holdups.

Brenda and I enjoyed a good gossip, parting around 15.00, by which time there was pouring, but sporadic rain . The temperature held steady at 28C. It was warm rain.

Not long after I arrived home, the heavens opened with various clashes, claps and flashes. Rain poured down which saved me from using the hose. And the temperature eventually dropped from 29C to something mildly more sensible.

Minnie was reduced to a quivering blancmange that tried its best to snuggle onto my lap. All 25kg plus of blancmange. The poor dog was seriously distressed.

So I soothed her with big cuddles and strokes until the storm ceased and darkness settled.

At least the gardens received a good soaking although once it was gone it was gone. It takes determined rain to penetrate the leafiness of my plants, let’s hope it has succeeded.

Thought for the Day