Thursday, May 01, 2003

 

Day 7 Cricklade, Wiltshire. Thursday 1 May 2003

I went for a walk again this morning, this time on the north bank of the Thames. The Thames is not very wide up here and very reedy. I didn’t walk too far, the grass is long and wet and my shoes are not adapted for these conditions so I circled the paddock and headed back. Saw 3 people and 5 dogs.

Arriving back and hungry, I had a cereal breakfast followed by toast. I then hung out the still to dry washing, shoes too, after the wet grass. I mulled over Pat’s remarks and her getting used to the house, she feels comfortable and cosy. I sit on Ian’s up turned boat in the morning sun but soon find the wood hard so I get Ian’s jacket, which softens the seat. I note Vicky’s garden and note the many plants and think of her bustling young enthusiasm, and her skilful laying out of the herbaceous borders. I think as I browse of the passing years as I slowly change to become more a dreamer and less a doer. I envy her young zest and zeal.

My head keeps swivelling upwards to the buzz of high flying planes and note the frequency of the passing planes flying overhead and the vapour trails left, at one stage I counted 5 in sight at varying heights. I get a stiff neck.

This afternoon brings another trip to Cirencester and another appointment with Mr Charles. We try on our chosen suits and the alterations seemed to be spot on. Mr Charles fusses around adjusting this and that, fits me with a white shirt and tie, looks critically and says I need a waistcoat to complete the picture. I try on my shoes and enquire of cufflinks and he ensures me all will be found in the package. All the while hilarity abounds, Ian and Anthony get the same treatment and additionally are taught to ties their cravats. Laughter abounds. Mr Charles mentioned that he is considering seriously, a 3 weeks conducted tour of NZ shortly. I wonder if he made it?

Back in Cricklade and that evening we had a rather delicious meal. A thick slab of bacon was in the fridge and Vicky worried that it would go to waste, tomorrow we were all due to go to Usk. With a little thought Vicky came up with a large bowl of bacon peso and pasta with side salad. The 6 of us tucked in with gusto and soon there was not a scrap of food left. A lovely meal.

Today the weather was again kind to us and day 7 was over. Oh, I think we all forgot that today was Mayday and Jen and Pete’s 1st wedding anniversary.

posted by OldEric 12:21 am