The weather forecast was correct – 90% rain and windy. The rain was heavy and the wind was tiresome when I awoke. Not a day to want to be out and about. And it did not look like stopping anytime soon.
My night had been somewhat disturbed by the ‘watch’ (monitoring my sleep patterns) which the hospital had so generously given me. My sleep can be erratic at the best of times.
I started it at 22. 30 whereupon I had a wonderful five hour block of undisturbed repose. But by the time I got to 04.30 my body was telling me it was time to wake up and a vibrating thing on my finger agreed . This was a warning my oxygen levels were a bit low. Very annoying. There was nothing for it but to take it off.
Last night (It is Sunday morning now) was somewhat different. I had gained understanding and authority over this pesky watch. The sleep was more tricky as I was having trouble feeling tired. ( And no I had not slept during the day, apart from 20 minutes at 11.00). Last night the monitor went on at 23.00 and off at 05.30. It didn’t seem to buzz much last night. But then sleep was patchy which meant it did not have so much opportunity. When awake, my oxygen levels are high. And when I’m asleep I have not a clue what they are unless the stupid thing vibrates. Today it was fairly quiet.
Anyway… back to yesterday. There was nothing for it but to take H out, in the rain. She got soaked – not just thanks to the rain but thanks to the long grasses too- at Cholsey Meadows.
I fancied one of the Oxshed’ weekend pastries to start the day and a loaf of bread. But, shock/horror, they were not open at 08.30. This led to the most wonderful discovery. Total heaven!
I headed to Imma Bakery at Stoke Row. This is the bakery that I know supplies the Oxshed. Oh Boy! I was like a child in a toy shop when I eventually arrived.
Tucked away, on a small industrial estate, in the middle of the large village that is Stoke Row, lies the Imma wood fired Bakery. Dealing exclusively in sourdough creations and enormous crispy French style flaky pastries. Croissant creations of various types.
It has a continuous trail of people heading there, like ants, on a determined mission. I came away with a pain au chocolat, not just any old pain au chocolat but a specially styled one, and a crispy crusty sourdough baguette. The variety in bread offered is amazing… the smells, the hum. So worth a visit.
It is open today until 13.00. And from Weds thru Sunday similar hours.
I returned home with my treasures and sat down to admire the rain with a hot drink and my chocolate treat. There followed my 20 minutes snooze.
I awoke with the timer to remind me to visit Bishopstone near Swindon and Anne. The drive was disgusting, via Wantage, ( seem to have been there a lot lately) puddles and flooding and heavy rain. However, as I arrived near Uffington and it’s white horse the steady rain gave way to showers and hints of sunshine.
The pub people had lit a fire in response to the weather, but allowed it to die down with the appearance of the sun. The outdoor kitchen / bbq is still busy. We had a wonderful meal and a long chat. There were plenty of dogs to interest our two. I do like this ramshackle place. Thank you Helen Browning. And they are pig farmers who align with Jeremy and his feelings about pigs. They also do vegan ranges.
They offer high end accommodation, camping and glamping in yurts and rambling walks across their own land. A future weekend away maybe.
My return journey was much less wet, though the rain was trying to replace the sun and there were still plenty of puddles to annoy me. But I was home by around 17.30.
No time to do anything else much. So I didn’t. Do anything else much.
Thought for the Day
Leave a Reply