Bank Holiday
Categories: uncategorized
Date: 14 May 2007 17:54:50
Who cares about the weather when you've got good company and plenty of coffee?
We had a fantastic weekend at my sister's. I hadn't been there since Dad became ill so it was quite an adventure. It felt odd, driving there without Dad - I think I'd only ever done the journey once without him - but Smudgelet and I talked about him en route and it really felt rather nice, at last remembering him from when he was well rather than the old and frail man who is in my more recent memories.
It was a beautiful afternoon on the Saturday so we took Smudgelet's bike with us to Bradford on Avon, one of my favourite places, and went for a walk along the canal to the cafe and then back along the river bank to the craft shops at the end. It was delightful. Each direction was totally different, though I think I liked the river best. There was a magic moment when we spotted a heron in a tree and spent ages taking photos (none came out!) and watching him as he turned this way and that, soaking up the sunshine.
This was the pirate boat we saw, complete with skull and crossbones, much to Smudgelet's delight. It was called the Black Pig. Particularly fitting as we are currently reading Arthur Ransome's Peter Duck.
What can beat countryside like this for destressing? "He leads me by still waters - he restores my soul"
Never mind Where's Wally. Spot Smudgelet!
The boy's mad - utterly mad!
Sunday we took it easy in the morning and then made our way over to Swindon. SHOPS! Actually, it was a bit disappointing as there was nothing much worth spending on in the designer village, although I did get a rather nice set of saucepans which were rather a bargain but hardly suitable attire for a night out! Oh, and Smudgelet wangled a pair of sandals. But the afternoon made up for it as we visited STEAM, the museum of the Great Western Railway. Oh my, that was absolutely wonderful, and Smudgelet was in seventh heaven.
Monday's torrential rain was just perfect too - gave us the ideal excuse for a lie in and a lazy morning drinking coffee and chatting :D
What a wonderful way to spend a weekend.