Thursday, May 01, 2003

 

Day 8 Usk, Wales. Friday 2 May 2003

Vicky left for Usk early this morning leaving Ian in charge of us. We all would leave for Usk later. The most important task for Pat was to keep her appointment with the hairdresser and pick up her orchid wedding spray. Later in the morning Pat reappeared complete with her lovely orchid and her newly cut and styled hair that suited her well. Very smart indeed and I think she liked the style too; Pat had a soft smile of contentment on her face. She was every inch the bridegroom’s mother.

I’m not sure what everyone did but I was in charge of the greenhouse plants that I duly tended and then I decided to vacuum the carpet and tidy up. A quick run around with the vacuum and the place looked neat and tidy for Vicky and Ian’s return.

We brought our bags downstairs with Anthony’s help and Ian packed the car for the 5 of us. We had a lot, not just the wedding clothes but also enough clothing for our trip up north, leaving directly after the wedding. We managed to fit everything in including ourselves; we were fortunate to have a larger car, Ford Ghia. Usk here we come.

We travelled to Wales via a scenic route rather than the quicker M4 motorway. Ian took us in the direction of Tintern Abbey and on to the Moon and Sixpence pub for a late lunch. As we arrived the threatening rain also arrived and we dashed quickly into the pub. Good food abounded on the menu board and it was difficult to choose. I settled for a light meal of a leek and garlic sausage baguette with chips and salad. The place was old and low and very comfortable with a view across the river. We did not dally too long and then we retraced our steps to Tintern Abbey, we looked at the souvenirs in the well stocked shop but Ian and Anthony were the only ones brave enough to look around the Abbey now only a shell of its self but still impressive. The Abbey was a casualty of Henry VIIIs dissolution of the monasteries, an excuse to raise money for his warring expeditions. It fell into disuse and eventual ruin leaving only the outer stout walls standing

We now headed for the M4 and then on to the old Severn Bridge, which is also the border into Wales with a toll of 4 pounds to get into Wales and free to get out. Not far now to Usk, we travel a few miles further on the M4 and turn off on to a dual carriageway in a northerly direction for a few miles further to Usk. The M4 was quiet but later would be very busy, this Friday was the start of a long weekend.

Our 2 nights accommodation was at the Kings head Hotel where Ian dropped us off, Ian was booked in to the Cross Keys in the main street. We were shown to our rooms, Pat and I lay down to rest, and it was later afternoon. Sometime later there was a knock at the door and the smiling face of John filled the doorway. Then it was the exited chatter of John and Edith with Jen and Pete and now that the sun was over the yardarm, it was a good excuse to retire to the bar. Soon Ian showed up and we all ordered a bar meal. A couple also seated at the large table offered to move to an empty small table a short way away. They were with a bell-ringer team performing at the local church. As we were finishing our food Quentin and Michael, Vicky’s 2 brothers in laws made their appearance. First impressions are usually the correct ones and I liked them both immediately Michael, the extrovert with Irish charm certainly charmed the ladies; I don’t think Gillian had had her hand kissed before! Quentin was quieter but equally charming, he, unobtrusively took photos, an expert, and his pictures were excellent. Vicky’s long-time friend Emma, also a teacher with husband Richard arrived, they were bother very pleasant people. Emma was very talkative and as we talked she unconiously picked fluffs from my pullover, she does have 3 small girls all neat and tidy. Later Ian told me she is a “touchy, feely” sort of person.

Pete also took many photos on his digital camera and later gave us a copy of them all. John and Edith along with Jen and Pete were all in fine form. Pat, Anthony and Gillian also, their smiling faces on the photos said it all. Ian of course was present and he was his usual relaxed self with 2 very relaxed photos of him contemplating life whilst propping up the bar sipping a pint whilst waiting drinks order for others!

Later Vicky arrived, the to be bride at the bachelor party! No, that did not faze Vicky, Everyone welcomed her as she made her vociferous entrance and we were all glad to see her.

Pat and I said our goodnights at 11pm and John was nor far behind us. We had had another busy day and tomorrow was to be even more demanding and eventful.

posted by OldEric 7:14 pm