tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89140142024-03-18T18:03:36.182+00:00The Gorse FoxThe ramblings of an aging body housing a mind that still thinks it's 25!The Gorse Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06953397087108631778noreply@blogger.comBlogger11771125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8914014.post-38565511458419792132024-03-18T18:02:00.002+00:002024-03-18T18:02:41.437+00:00Just Stuff<p> The alarm was set, and I had to be up in time for Ellie to be dropped off soon after 07:00. She seemed a bit grumpy when she first arrived, but a cuddle with Grandpa and then with Nana snapped her out of it. After eating, washing and dressing, she came downstairs to sit with me and practice her handwriting. She will need to improve how she holds the pencil and places the paper. At the moment she is blocking her view of the words as she writes. This will need some attention but I have no doubt she will get it.</p><p>After we dropped Ellie at school, we returned home for breakfast before getting on with our various domestic chores. I also had to order some more coffee and arrange for the collection and recycling of the used pods. This latter task took an inordinate amount of time as Nespresso had outsourced the pod collection to Royal Mail and each bag of pods needed to be separately entered into the system. It was a salutary lesson in how not to design a user interface.</p><p>I stuck my Airpods in my ears and headed off for a walk, listening to Bosch as I looped around through the village. The book already has me hooked and I was tempted to walk another complete circuit so that I could listen to more. I resisted. It is an incentive for my next walk.</p><p>After lunch, we had our Kindle hour before collecting Ellie from school. She did some more handwriting practice and some work on the times tables before running out of steam. We'll pick it up again when she is dropped off tomorrow morning.</p>The Gorse Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06953397087108631778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8914014.post-40046634436179678942024-03-17T17:51:00.000+00:002024-03-17T17:51:21.335+00:00Multi-tasking<p> I was very slow to get going this morning. It was wet and miserable and did not endow me with a spring in my step. By mid-morning the rain had died away. By lunchtime, the sun was peeping through the clouds.</p><p>I did venture out, briefly. The car would need petrol this week, so I sorted that out rather than wait until it was too low. I should have gone for a walk but kept finding excuses to do something else instead. After a light lunch, I settled down with my Kindle in the Orangery. Another book bit the dust and yet another was started.</p><p>When it came time to start on dinner, I switched off the Kindle, inserted my Airpods and fired up a |Harry Bosch" book on Audible. True multi-tasking. One book and one audiobook on the go while preparing dinner.</p>The Gorse Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06953397087108631778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8914014.post-77867271807358440822024-03-16T18:30:00.080+00:002024-03-17T11:12:09.280+00:00Crew<p> There was a gentle start to the day. Caffeine was absorbed and porridge was consumed. I settled in the study for my call with the cousins. The call seemed less boisterous than many, but it was fun to chat and to stay in touch.</p><p>I spent some time looking at specifications for various new cars. I'm not seriously considering a purchase but I'm aware that the road tax changes for April 2025 will impose Tax on EVs. Now, currently, there is a luxury vehicle tax on any car over 40K and this is payable for years 2-5 after purchase. Most EV's that we would consider cost well over 40K - but as long as we get one before April 2025 we can avoid these taxes. As I said, I'm not seriously considering a purchase, but I thought I'd do the research. (If you are interested, the two cars that I configured were the Skoda Enyaq 85 and the Hyundai Ioniq 5).</p><p>What we didn't know, at this point, was the total meltdown that was underway at Sainsbury's. IT systems had failed, taking out the online deliveries, the tills, the Smartshop, the headsets, and everything else that makes the stores tick. Zoe was at the heart of this in her store, trying to keep the place running. She phoned us in the early evening and was still on an adrenalin high as she related the story.</p><p>Oblivious to the drama at Sainsbury's (not that we could have done anything to help) we went into Chichester with Chris and Maureen. We met up with Ian and Trudy at The Giggling Squid for a long-awaited Sonning Crew lunch. It was ostensibly to celebrate Maureen's birthday (last week) but really was just a long-missed get-together. We had a lovely meal, though Ian was suffering a bit from colitis which rather stymied his choices. We sat and chatted for several hours before paying the bill and heading home.</p>The Gorse Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06953397087108631778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8914014.post-67215915975100573712024-03-15T18:12:00.000+00:002024-03-15T18:12:09.735+00:00Stab Vest<p style="text-align: left;">Being the Ides of March, I have been wearing my stab vest all day. I may not be Emperor of Rome, but I am not going to take any chances.</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixQByHYo3R3YRz2nR3JjmR19gawp_9mfD6RZpuKQLuUrUDamYEY20IwamB-M5zPKEcelOCW7deGvOvnG0hAXf-b8sOsNJd-PERdnsM1oO4AhKFXZcP0Vjr2zL95swbvTnXhY01ZPzaOG81auk0cRuQy_7mFoVlXGt5pwOQIIwjAotWcKBJaqOJ/s4032/IMG_1355.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixQByHYo3R3YRz2nR3JjmR19gawp_9mfD6RZpuKQLuUrUDamYEY20IwamB-M5zPKEcelOCW7deGvOvnG0hAXf-b8sOsNJd-PERdnsM1oO4AhKFXZcP0Vjr2zL95swbvTnXhY01ZPzaOG81auk0cRuQy_7mFoVlXGt5pwOQIIwjAotWcKBJaqOJ/s320/IMG_1355.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br />There had been rain overnight, but it was drying out by the time I walked to Zoe's for the school run. Being "Red Nose Day" Ellie could wear her own clothes but despite having a themed t-shirt, she decided to wear her own gear, rather than submit to the peer pressure for Red Nose regalia. That's my girl!<p></p><p style="text-align: left;">It brightened up during the morning and I took the opportunity to have a swift walk around the area. I ventured down North Bersted Street and saw that the flooding had not yet subsided. I trust the homeowners of these last two houses have big 4x4s or their own kayaks.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Back home, I got on with some admin and then settled with the Kindle for a while. Zoe had forgotten to pack Ellie's laptop with her stuff for the weekend with Pete, so I wandered around the corner (between showers) to grab the technology and thus allow her to stay on top of any homework that may be assigned.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Pete has just collected Ellie and we have finished dinner. A quiet evening is planned.</p>The Gorse Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06953397087108631778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8914014.post-87789930565546579622024-03-14T18:33:00.003+00:002024-03-14T18:39:17.481+00:00Update<p> It was mild and dry when I got up this morning. The usual coffee jump-started the day and at the appropriate time, I went to provide the school escort service. Back home, a second coffee was required, along with a bowl of porridge before we started the day.</p><p>We had the usual Sainsbury's trip. For some reason, we spent far more than usual, and I'll bet there were things we forgot (despite maintaining a shopping list throughout the week). Once everything was packed away, I had to make a second run to the shops to get the cat litter that wouldn't fit in the boot after the Sainsbury's raid. When I got back, I did manage to complete the online forms that allowed me to update my Will.</p><p>The afternoon saw us enjoying the Spring warmth of the Orangery while reading our Kindles. Di headed off to join Zoe and collect Ellie. They were caught in the one and only shower we saw all day... and it was torrential (but fortunately short).</p><p>Di's been on the phone with Denise while I prepared dinner. I have also tentatively booked a hotel in Stowmarket for Di's cousin's (once removed) wedding. We are not sure we will be able to make it, but can cancel the room if necessary.</p>The Gorse Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06953397087108631778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8914014.post-8538303319747049482024-03-13T17:52:00.000+00:002024-03-13T17:52:20.157+00:00Pixie<p style="text-align: left;">The weather had dried up overnight. Ellie slept through, and though awake at 06:30, only disturbed us when gone 7 a.m. We followed the normal procedure and once fed, washed, dressed and prepared, we took her to school.</p><p style="text-align: left;">It was a fairly quiet morning. I had some admin to get through and Diane had a call with one of her girlfriends. (She had an appointment at the hairdresser later, preventing her from going to Pilates). Once my admin was complete, I headed out for a walk. It was grey but bright and there was a strong breeze from the South-West.</p><p style="text-align: left;">I got home just as Diane was preparing to go to the hairdresser. I grabbed a bite of lunch and then settled down with my Kindle until she returned. Collecting Ellie from school, we stopped off at the park so that she could let off some steam before coming home. Zoe came to collect her soon after 4 p.m. and plans to take her along to the Parents' Evening at the school this evening.</p>The Gorse Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06953397087108631778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8914014.post-35902272980786905582024-03-12T18:37:00.004+00:002024-03-12T18:37:47.123+00:00Wet Again<p>Heavy rain set in during the early hours and continued well into the morning. It was wet enough that I wore my waterproof trousers when walking to Zoe's to provide the school escort service.</p><p>Back home I settled down with the news, some coffee, and some porridge. When I finally stirred myself I decided to follow up on a recent campaign by Martin Lewis (the Money Saving chap). It appears that some finance companies paid discretionary bonuses to car salesmen. These bonuses were financed from the contracts they were selling. This was not disclosed to the customers and is now being examined. We had three agreements in the window of time from 2007. I dug out the agreements, checked the reference numbers, and used the MSE online tool to construct a letter to VWFS to register my interest. I am not convinced it will come to anything - but if you don't ask, you won't find out.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd0y9y1zO_7DR23Lmou0iPOP0-L0ICdLgKjBh0eg7VqT_hoUX5n1x1Tt8vnFlMI8zk1UWei2WPekr0_Pp9B-Xwj6h88m-ZZjY3U8XwCgKdEeqqoAukaljy5fU5OvyVRZSt4VYiA0Nks8OGinYBJAwp2pvLt8BdkCIQumoovjqj0CD6lfaNAE7G/s4032/IMG_1352.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd0y9y1zO_7DR23Lmou0iPOP0-L0ICdLgKjBh0eg7VqT_hoUX5n1x1Tt8vnFlMI8zk1UWei2WPekr0_Pp9B-Xwj6h88m-ZZjY3U8XwCgKdEeqqoAukaljy5fU5OvyVRZSt4VYiA0Nks8OGinYBJAwp2pvLt8BdkCIQumoovjqj0CD6lfaNAE7G/s320/IMG_1352.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br />At lunchtime, despite the rain, I headed for school. Ellie needed to have her ear spray administered. After that was done I continued for a brief walk around the estate and the lake. It wasn't too far, but it was exercise. There were plenty of dog walkers sloshing through the puddles, but nobody else had ventured out.<p></p><p>The afternoon followed the familiar pattern of an hour or so with the Kindle before heading off to collect Ellie from school.</p><p>Ellie is staying with us overnight.</p>The Gorse Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06953397087108631778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8914014.post-7196330289464024182024-03-11T18:28:00.001+00:002024-03-11T18:28:09.053+00:00Booked<p> I didn't sleep well last night - but Diane did so we balanced each other out. I was up soon after 7:00 and started the caffeine infusion while reading the news. Zoe had a 9:00 start, so I walked to her place and provided my usual escort service to the school.</p><p>Our friends, Jan and John had asked if they could come away with us on one of our short breaks. There is no real opportunity to do so this year, but we agreed to do a short break next May (2025). I waited on tenterhooks for confirmation that the Cattery could accommodate Jasper in his usual suite. With that booked, I contacted the Carlyon Bay Hotel and booked a room. We heard this afternoon that John has also made contact to book their room. So, it's all booked and in the diary.</p><p>I went for a short walk before lunch and then settled down with my book until it was time to collect Ellie. She seemed a little distracted this evening and made heavy weather of her homework. She didn't seem focused. </p><p>I prepared sufficient "Manzo Picante" for Zoe to take some home with her. She's just been to collect Ellie and her Red Cross parcel. That way, we can be sure she'll eat.</p>The Gorse Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06953397087108631778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8914014.post-69028247776780067802024-03-10T21:30:00.011+00:002024-03-11T10:03:58.974+00:00Mother's Day<p style="text-align: left;">We had a quiet start to Mother's Day. No imperative forced us to get up, but my body clock insisted that I was out of bed by 07:30. Coffee and breakfast were taken at our leisure, and then I started to prepare for lunch. At this stage, it was unclear who would be here - Kim, Zoe, and Ellie were definite, but Darren and his daughter Millie were possible, too. In the end, Darren and Millie didn't come.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Kim turned up first. She had been at home watching her Mother-in-Law's funeral as it was streamed live from Spain. (Jon was attending in person). We had a quiet 45 minutes with her before Zoe and Ellie arrived. The leg of lamb that I had roasted was excellent and everyone seemed to enjoy it along with all of the trimmings.</p><p style="text-align: left;">When lunch was over, we chatted through the afternoon until Kim had to leave. Soon after, Ellie was seriously flagging, so Zoe took her home and left us to a quiet evening in front of the TV. It had been a nice celebration of Mother's Day.</p>The Gorse Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06953397087108631778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8914014.post-38246741403660785312024-03-09T18:17:00.004+00:002024-03-09T18:17:44.840+00:00Stitch up<p>We had a gentle start to the day. There was no need for an alarm, but I woke up at 07:00 anyway. I snuck downstairs to make coffee and read the news, leaving Diane to sleep for as long as Jasper would allow. At 09:00 I had the usual call with the cousins. This was fun as there had been a suggested theme of "meat-related" sayings. The theme petered out quite quickly but it did stir discussion of Kate's forthcoming trip to the UK, whether you can use the reactor on a nuclear submarine to cook (when the microwave breaks down), and whether you can protect against meat pilfering with a burger alarm.</p><p>Though rain had been forecast for late in the day, it was a bright morning, scoured by a chilly wind. Diane wanted to do a Spring Clean in the front garden. The leaf blower was retrieved and the leaf vacuum was fired up. Working in tandem (and ably assisted by the east wind) we soon dislodged the fallen leaves from last Autumn and those not removed by the wind were soon vacuumed up. Our lesson from this was to always deal with the leaves on a windy day when nature provides the optimum assistance. With that done, Di continued to tidy and prune the flowers and shrubs and I washed down the paintwork. It was a very successful exercise.</p><p>After lunch, as I was finishing my latest book, I received a message from Trevor. They had been due to travel to Seville for a few days. He has tested positive for Covid, however, so the trip is on hold. Let's hope he recovers quickly.</p><p>Audible is a service, now owned by Amazon, which provides audiobooks. I have probably discussed it in the past as I have used it extensively, particularly when I was still working and needed some entertainment while commuting by car or train. I no longer subscribe, but I still have a significant number of titles in my library that I haven't yet listened to. As the weather is now improving and I am hoping to get some more walking in my weekly routine, I thought it the ideal time to select the next unread book in my library. It was not that easy. The "app" through which I used to listen is now suggesting that I need to accept a "Free Trial" which then morphs into a payment of £7.99 a month. I don't think so! What a stitch-up! I spent a couple of hours tracking down a way to access my library and downloading the books. Then I managed to load the books into the "Books" app on my MacBook. Now I need to find a way of synchronizing the books across all my Apple devices. This last bit is proving problematic at present, but I will continue to investigate.</p>The Gorse Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06953397087108631778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8914014.post-52496055412957422702024-03-08T18:09:00.000+00:002024-03-08T18:09:55.082+00:00MOT<p>There was a bitter wind scouring the South Coast today. It was bright and sunny, but very chilly in the wind. I provided my usual escort service to get. Ellie to school and then returned home for breakfast. Diane sloped off to the Community Centre for her Cardiac Rehab while I did some chores and completed some admin.</p><p>A few weeks back, I mentioned that I had been called for an MOT at the doctor's surgery. The results of my blood tests are now back and I have received a report card saying, basically, "must try harder". It would appear that my cholesterol is higher than it should be and if it doesn't improve, I will be up before the headmistress and force-fed statins. I spent much of the morning navigating various online questionnaires which probed my diet and lifestyle to make some suggestions as to how I can reduce the cholesterol. The main conclusion was that, from a diet perspective, we don't need to change much. I should have some fish one more day each week than I currently manage and should eat nuts (that's not going to happen, as I'm allergic to them). I think the most sensible approach will be to reduce my portion sizes.</p><p>Diane went out with Zoe. A local garden centre was calling! I warned her that dinner would be ready by 17:00. That gave her 5 hours to browse and talk to everybody in the garden centre. I settled down with my Kindle.</p><p>The doorbell rang. I put down the Kindle and wandered to the door. I was greeted by what I can only describe as a gnome (female). She was dressed in dungarees, boots, a bobble hat (without a bobble), and a yellow scarf. She grasped a bike and a satchel containing leaflets for the Lib Dems. "Hello, Andrew" she began. That threw me. How did she know my name? Anyway, she then started to talk to me about voting and whether she could interest me in her candidate. My mind wandered. Where was the nearest care home for people having a mental health crisis... I snapped back into the moment. I was very polite but explained that I would vote, but it was unlikely my vote would go her way. At least she wasn't one of the psychopaths trying to peddle the Labour Party.</p>The Gorse Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06953397087108631778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8914014.post-39381942330310883452024-03-07T20:00:00.071+00:002024-03-08T10:15:51.117+00:00The Eyes Have It<p> Ellie slept through and, though awake, didn't disturb us until I was moving about. For World Book Day, she had to take her favourite bedtime story to school and wear her pyjamas. It was fun to see that all the kids turned up in their PJs - and find that the teachers had joined in.</p><p>We had our traditional Thursday trip to Sainsbury's and managed to accost Zoe while there.</p><p>We had a couple of quiet hours with our books before Di set off to collect Ellie. I stayed put as Chris was due at the eye clinic at Whitely, and I had volunteered to take him. Despite warnings of traffic, we whizzed through and arrived with 30 minutes to spare. He went in to see if they could see him early and I stayed in the car with my Kindle. He was in the clinic for just over an hour and the laser did its job. He came out and declared he felt great and could have driven home (though it wasn't permitted). The journey home was not as straightforward. We hit traffic as soon as we joined the M27 and sat in a nose-to-tail jam until we cleared Portsmouth. It took well over an hour to get home.</p><p>Because of the time, when I got in we ordered some fish and chips for dinner and I popped around the corner to collect them (I'm not keen on deliveries as it eats into the profits of the provider and can be a bit soggy by the time the food arrives). </p>The Gorse Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06953397087108631778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8914014.post-55408135712496860802024-03-06T18:26:00.000+00:002024-03-06T18:26:28.082+00:00Promenade<p style="text-align: left;">No imperative forced me to get up early, today. Well, no imperative other than the stress of a full bladder. So it was that I was up at 6:40 and, once relieved, enjoying a coffee as I read the news before 7:00. At the allotted time, I strolled to Zoe's to provide the daily school escort service. The sun was out, it was cool but the forecast was good.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Back home, Diane was preparing to head out for Pilates and I settled down for breakfast. She headed off just before 9:30 and I followed soon after. I picked up the bus at the end of the road and headed to Bognor High Street. The plan was to enjoy a walk by the sea. </p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzhmKcXFpyb7pZ5kkFwey8CIPOm0iv3vzESbpsi4iDILdr9jbQC3XfmcX9qDijZQc8hUveu6RtHqBEBzy5V39Fl7nmk8JP1chyphenhyphen-qqMw3eqTcoqq2eVH2GP1e_j9odRy-cpM2RMgORFzS1mE6E08psRgSL-BYGb2un68mto4FkpamwahduZ-bUK/s4032/IMG_1335.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzhmKcXFpyb7pZ5kkFwey8CIPOm0iv3vzESbpsi4iDILdr9jbQC3XfmcX9qDijZQc8hUveu6RtHqBEBzy5V39Fl7nmk8JP1chyphenhyphen-qqMw3eqTcoqq2eVH2GP1e_j9odRy-cpM2RMgORFzS1mE6E08psRgSL-BYGb2un68mto4FkpamwahduZ-bUK/s320/IMG_1335.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br />To start with, I headed east. Unlike recent walks, I was not deterred by the huge emergency outflow pipes. I clambered over the pebbles and leapt the pipes. They were still discharging huge volumes of water into the sea.<p></p><p style="text-align: left;">I made my way past the pipes and back onto the path to the Lobster Pot. It was very quiet and I was tempted to stop for a coffee, but decided that I was there for exercise, not caffeine.</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzo_bXna1y49c1utXifb3K6Lu95ijJQSySsxqwAhb_7_cXjWhzpEodgSYeqmlvxplKfGa9qVH5SGL4PQRCjL_VNq3wdj4GLRbfRgH4iKNl3tOK_PrHi0oKoHblegZqTK8jfruT88j4GoXBER4PzvTPt1RI1g4s5h4kjqVfwyQL5Bi3LYLdkh-h/s4032/IMG_1337.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzo_bXna1y49c1utXifb3K6Lu95ijJQSySsxqwAhb_7_cXjWhzpEodgSYeqmlvxplKfGa9qVH5SGL4PQRCjL_VNq3wdj4GLRbfRgH4iKNl3tOK_PrHi0oKoHblegZqTK8jfruT88j4GoXBER4PzvTPt1RI1g4s5h4kjqVfwyQL5Bi3LYLdkh-h/s320/IMG_1337.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br />I strode onwards along the promenade towards Middleton-on-Sea. At an arbitrary point, I turned and headed back the way I had come.<p></p><p style="text-align: left;">I headed back, passing Butlins, and the pier, and then turned back when I got as far as the sailing club. As I arrived at the High Street, my bus was waiting and I was home in just a few minutes.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Diane had a good session at Pilates but commented on how bad the traffic had been. After we had some lunch, she went to do some pruning in the garden (making the most of the afternoon sunshine). When she finished, she joined me in the Oranger for a quiet couple of hours with the Kindles.</p><p style="text-align: left;">As Zoe had a day off, she collected Ellie from school but has just dropped her off to us. She is staying with us tonight as Zoe has an early start (and Darren is away overnight).</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p>The Gorse Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06953397087108631778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8914014.post-53776275372833168132024-03-05T18:05:00.002+00:002024-03-05T18:05:27.358+00:00Do Not Disturb<p style="text-align: left;">Zoe's plans had changed so I was up, showered, and ready for Ellie to be deposited at the door just after 07:00. Her trainers were missing and were needed for today's PE lesson. So it was that once Ellie had eaten breakfast, I strolled around the corner and started a forensic search of Zoe's house, searching for the trainers. It only took me a couple of minutes to find them. They were in the shoe cupboard (who would have thought?) under one of Zoe's coats. We dropped Ellie at school (with the correct items of uniform for the day) and headed home for breakfast.</p><p style="text-align: left;">There wasn't a fixed plan for the day. I updated the accounts and then returned to the 1990's journal. This is going to take a lot longer than anticipated. It is not just the fact that it is sparse, it is more the case that key family events were not highlighted in the journals of the time and my only record is my photo and video library. It is already looking as if the final book will be well over 200 pages. I do need to be in the right mind frame, however, to make more progress.</p><p style="text-align: left;">The early afternoon was spent with our Kindles, ploughing through our latest books. Soon after 3 p.m. I went to the school to collect Ellie. She was her usual chirpy self and once she had demolished a snack she settled down for some maths homework. When that was complete, she finished off a present that she had been making (with Nana) for the upcoming Mother's Day.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Ellie had dinner with us this evening and has just been collected by Darren.</p><p style="text-align: left;">It's been a nice quiet day.</p>The Gorse Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06953397087108631778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8914014.post-82493212725654398122024-03-04T17:59:00.002+00:002024-03-04T17:59:53.698+00:00Alarm<p>My alarm went off. I shot out of bed with all the grace and athleticism of an arthritic walrus. We were expecting Ellie soon after 7:00 and I had to be ready. My eyes, still a bit fuzzy, it took a moment or two to insert a toothbrush into the correct orifice. (My nose has had the scent of spearmint most of the day, however). I was ready for the day,</p><p>Ellie arrived, looking as if she had only just emerged from bed. It only took a few minutes before she had jump-started her brain and moved into top gear, as usual. Breakfast, ablutions, some play, and then we headed to school.</p><p>Back home, we had a very quiet breakfast. As I was preparing to start on some chores, I was asked to look at the Gmail templates. Bizarrely, they only work from a browser - not the Gmail app. This rather threw me, and it took a while to get it sorted for Diane's responses to future INR tests. Once that was done, I got on with the domestic chores I had on my mental checklist.</p><p>After lunch, I finished my book and started a new one while enjoying the warmth of the Orangery. We collected Ellie at the allotted time, and she was with us until Darren collected her. Zoe's shifts have changed for tomorrow, so we will again expect to see Ellie just after 07:00.</p>The Gorse Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06953397087108631778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8914014.post-76924661561248062602024-03-03T18:04:00.001+00:002024-03-03T18:04:37.684+00:00Seafront<p style="text-align: left;">There was an air frost overnight. When I came down for my coffee infusion the Orangery roof was decorated with intricate fractals of ice patterns. Jasper sniffed at the open door and walked away. It was too cold for him.</p><p style="text-align: left;">After a while, Diane wandered down to join me and we had a leisurely breakfast. Again, I had decided to skip football (though to be fair, Sunday's games aren't really a problem as the "children" don't play on Sunday). ~Diane had considered joining me for a walk but decided to stay put and write to Jan (Mrs Tiggywinkle). I grabbed my jacket and shoes and headed down to West Park.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4vhDSRmilNlCAEeJ7suo3yarX29BZgfmiqGnodQo78F9YIL3hx_3nHKYAzVVezuAaoeKse8ewXwvUq-ZrPXom7_mstOV1qY6ezSkKwfR1s014UAy2a4lZDGoG6Fjm2B-rgDnwHPKlyD2H4rydXzKomjQrEJBdbTXlRZwXfY6BLdldsEXoZmcA/s4032/IMG_1332.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4vhDSRmilNlCAEeJ7suo3yarX29BZgfmiqGnodQo78F9YIL3hx_3nHKYAzVVezuAaoeKse8ewXwvUq-ZrPXom7_mstOV1qY6ezSkKwfR1s014UAy2a4lZDGoG6Fjm2B-rgDnwHPKlyD2H4rydXzKomjQrEJBdbTXlRZwXfY6BLdldsEXoZmcA/s320/IMG_1332.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">The sun was up, there was little or no wind, and it was the perfect morning for a walk. It was clear that I was not the only person to think that way. </p><p style="text-align: left;">The promenade was heaving with walkers, cyclists, dog walkers and "obeseycles". Despite this, it was a really pleasant walk up towards the Lobster Pot and back.</p><p style="text-align: left;">I was only walking for about an hour, but I felt deeply refreshed and at peace with the World.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Back home, I caught up on some writing while Diane continued her missive to Jan, I decided to check and update the accounts and was delighted to find that I won no fewer than 6 Premium Bond prizes this month. They were not worth a fortune, but it is always pleasing to win.</p><p style="text-align: left;">After lunch, we sat in the Orangery and made the most of the glorious sunshine. I had to fling the door open as it was so hot in there. Long may this continue.</p>The Gorse Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06953397087108631778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8914014.post-52754412981144251972024-03-02T21:00:00.075+00:002024-03-03T10:24:54.918+00:00Draughts or Chequers<p style="text-align: left;">Being Saturday, the day started with the usual call with my cousins. There was a lot of banter and laughter particularly when Red Tim started to talk about the preparations "The Party" is making for the next election. Tim revealed that he had volunteered to get involved but hadn't quite realised how much time that would consume.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Call over, we jumped in the car and headed up north. We had arranged to visit Jan and John in the wilds of Hampshire. The overnight rain hadn't quite died away, so we had a fairly wet trip and there was a bitter wind with the temperature failing to rise above 5C. We were sorry to see that John is suffering a bit with his back and neck as he prepares for an operation on his thumb. As he said, getting old is no fun. We had an hour or so to drink coffee before heading out for lunch. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Lunch had been arranged at The Chequers, a Gastro-pub in the tiny hamlet of Well. The pub may be in the middle of nowhere, miles from the coast, but it specialises in fresh fish. We had a wonderful lunch. Diane had skate wing, Jan and John had sole (lemon and Dover), and I had turbot. We lingered over the meal and it was gone 3 p.m. before we left. It had been expensive but was worth every penny.</p><p style="text-align: left;">We returned to Jan and John's and spent the rest of the afternoon chatting about everything under the sun and drinking tea. At 6:30 p.m. we finally said our goodbyes and headed home. The car warned us that the temperature was below 4C and as we headed across the country we could see that the roads had been gritted. Despite this, we were home in just over an hour and settled down for a quiet evening. It had been a very pleasant day.</p>The Gorse Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06953397087108631778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8914014.post-88558428204826767312024-03-01T18:54:00.002+00:002024-03-01T18:54:25.582+00:00Random Numbers<p style="text-align: left;">After the mandatory coffee and a brief run through the news, I went to Zoe's to do the school run. It was still slightly wet after some heavy overnight rain and there was a bitterly cold wind. I was glad I~ was wearing my heavy jacket.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Back home, I had breakfast while Di headed to the Community Centre for her Cardiac rehab session. I checked the bus timetables and at a suitable moment left to get the bus to Chichester. Rain was still sporadic, but when it fell it was heavy (in Littlehampton it fell as hail). In Chichester, I made myself comfortable in the chair at the dental hygienist. She was late starting, but once properly prepared with safety goggles, a canary in a cage, a helmet lamp, and protective gloves she started mining in my mouth. After 30 minutes of prodding, washing, sucking, probing, scraping and sandblasting, I was given a clean bill of health. I paid the bill and left.</p><p style="text-align: left;">As I approached the bus stop, a bus drove away. Not to worry, the next bus was due in 14 minutes. I waited. After 10 minutes, the live display told me the next bus was now only 4 minutes away. 10 minutes later the bus was still 4 minutes away. So it continued. I got a text from Di and explained that I only had 4 minutes to wait... but those 4 minutes seemed to be part of a wormhole that stretched to infinity. As I responded, 4 minutes changed to 3 minutes, and then 2 minutes. At last, the bus was near. No, it wasn't. It only had about half a mile to travel from the depot, traffic was light, but still it took a further 5 or 6 minutes to arrive.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Once aboard I was home in no time. I have no problem (honestly) with buses being late. What I deeply resent is information boards that blatantly lie or use a random number generator to keep you on your cold wet toes.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Quiet afternoon with the Kindle until it was time to collect Ellie. She wasn't with us for long as we had arranged for Pete to collect her early. We had to get Jasper back to the vet. We had the usual trouble digging him out from under the bed and depositing him in his carrier. Once there, we had no further trouble (except his incessant whining). Needless to say, there is some carpet to clean up. At least the vet was happy with him and said how well he was doing considering his age (a statement we can all relate to).</p>The Gorse Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06953397087108631778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8914014.post-20342687652259926822024-02-29T18:04:00.001+00:002024-02-29T18:04:28.882+00:00Searching<p style="text-align: left;">Ellie pottered into our bedroom soon after 6:30. "Grandpa, where's my school iPad?" The last time I saw it was on the console table on the landing, but Di had moved it downstairs to the kitchen for some reason. So at this ridiculous time of the morning, I was wandering around the house looking for the iPad (which isn't an iPad, it's a Microsoft Surface). Finally, clutching the errant tablet, Ellie returned to her room and I returned to bed for another 25 minutes.</p><p style="text-align: left;">We had the usual morning protocol - coffee, tea, empty dishwasher, fruit for Ellie, ham for Ellie, bread and jam for Ellie, then ablutions and dressing for school. It was very wet so we sloshed through the puddles to get her to school before returning for our own breakfast.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Being Thursday, which is, traditionally, our shopping day, we headed for Sainsbury's. It wasn't urgent this week as I had shopped on Monday, but there was a list of items that would be needed before next Thursday. With our local Tesco still underwater, Sainsbury's had a lot of additional customers. Many of them clearly do not have the requisite etiquette for Sainsbury's stores or car parks. It was quite obvious who were regulars and who were interlopers.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Accounts were updated and I answered some emails before settling down for a quiet afternoon with the Kindle. Diane went along to join Zoe in meeting Ellie from school. I stayed put with the Kindle.</p>The Gorse Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06953397087108631778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8914014.post-69124505150786439912024-02-28T18:29:00.002+00:002024-02-28T18:29:51.509+00:00Walk on the Wild Side<p>It was decidedly grey when I got up. Rain was forecast, but not until the afternoon. ~I strolled around to Zoe's and escorted Ellie to school, with Zoe. She has a partial day off but has to work in the Horsham store overnight to help with their stock take.</p><p>Diane's Pilates had been cancelled. The organizer had come down with COVID-19, so the girls had the morning off. Arun Amblers had football arranged, but I had not put my name on the list. I am a bit fed up with the politics, inconsistency, and occasional hypocrisy regarding the interpretation of the rules. I decided I could get as much (or more) exercise by walking along the promenade. Diane debated whether to join me, but decided she wanted to process the pile of ironing instead.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS4is8TLByUV-XoMAJz4ztw5DoJiaQpvwB8I8NKOSlRp3bi5qGZDjT7-3EYnLSQ33Zyfgb1GxXr0pIOJmvuyZQq3-GzGANK322TI3xmer6kBO6pcc67OSEKTppBftQK81HwVyB4D0oaMnVMb9zsUpnRsBHT4Ya_AM-zWl2qYBR79FR9wnC4PWR/s4032/IMG_1322.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS4is8TLByUV-XoMAJz4ztw5DoJiaQpvwB8I8NKOSlRp3bi5qGZDjT7-3EYnLSQ33Zyfgb1GxXr0pIOJmvuyZQq3-GzGANK322TI3xmer6kBO6pcc67OSEKTppBftQK81HwVyB4D0oaMnVMb9zsUpnRsBHT4Ya_AM-zWl2qYBR79FR9wnC4PWR/s320/IMG_1322.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br />I pottered off and left the car at West Park. I then walked through Marine Park Gardens to the promenade. <p></p><p>I headed east along the promenade (which was deserted). There was a weak and watery sun, but it was bright enough for me to wear my sunglasses.</p><p>As I approached the pier, I dropped down onto the beach. The tide was on its way out and there was a large expanse of damp sand just begging for my footprints.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUE4sMIyY-HB0ioqCYsIvss9VF3JMxFf6t32wG2Tm-Jr8zqctiIdgRDjGJAMd6QUrv_SuGzXOcMNzzPCZPBjTzKZ3FhVpXACR3NGvTERZKXG1VDeCmijJYOzM7p8mZjHguW0hdZo4bB9q_yO8EVsUhDbW-ygy6yIqqNCCef1EjrLFScz4Buw0v/s4032/IMG_1325.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUE4sMIyY-HB0ioqCYsIvss9VF3JMxFf6t32wG2Tm-Jr8zqctiIdgRDjGJAMd6QUrv_SuGzXOcMNzzPCZPBjTzKZ3FhVpXACR3NGvTERZKXG1VDeCmijJYOzM7p8mZjHguW0hdZo4bB9q_yO8EVsUhDbW-ygy6yIqqNCCef1EjrLFScz4Buw0v/s320/IMG_1325.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">I ducked down under the pier and grabbed this view against the wishy-washy sky.</p><p style="text-align: left;">My walk along the beach continued until a stretch where the tide had not yet receded far enough for me to continue. I climbed the shingle bank to the promenade and continued up to where the walkway is blocked at the mouth of the Rife.</p><p style="text-align: left;">I turned around and headed back. By the time I arrived at the car, I had been walking for nearly an hour and completed nearly 6km.</p><p style="text-align: left;">The early afternoon was spent with our Kindles. Zoe collected Ellie from school and dropped her off with us before heading for Horsham. Ellie will be staying with us overnight. Since getting in from school she has done a lot of maths practice and completed a project about the Arctic.</p><br /><p><br /></p>The Gorse Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06953397087108631778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8914014.post-75603074423999604812024-02-27T18:40:00.002+00:002024-02-27T18:40:46.373+00:00Nothing of Note<p style="text-align: left;">It was a cold night. The temperatures had dropped to 2C and, though bright, it was chilly when I walked to Zoe's to take Ellie to school. </p><p style="text-align: left;">The morning was uneventful. Carl came to do the windows, I updated the accounts, and I prepared the Travel sub-folder for our November break. I did spend some time researching Anti-Virus offerings for the Mac but did not come to any firm conclusion. I will revisit this later. I did spend some time browsing the virtual shelves of Amazon's Kindle Unlimited Library. This resulted in several more books being downloaded to my Kindle in preparation for future reads.</p><p style="text-align: left;">We spent a few hours with our books before collecting Ellie from school. Once back home, and she had finished raiding our snack supplies, she settled down with Nana to work on her times tables until dinner was ready.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Zoe has just collected her, so were are preparing to settle down for a quiet evening.</p>The Gorse Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06953397087108631778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8914014.post-83141306524036554512024-02-26T18:47:00.001+00:002024-02-26T18:47:33.169+00:00A Semblance of Normal<p style="text-align: left;">We are back to a semblance of normality. Zoe was on a 09:00 start which meant she had time to drop Ellie at school. In turn, this meant that I didn't have to get up at 06:45 and could stroll around the corner at 08:20. A relaxing start to the day. (Though the northeast wind was bitterly cold).</p><p style="text-align: left;">As soon as Ellie was dropped at school, I headed off to Sainsbury's. Having not shopped last week, and having run the fridge down to empty, a major restock was required. It took me about an hour to fill the trolley with all of the items we required, but I was soon home.</p><p style="text-align: left;">It was time to collect Jasper. Mark had called to let us know his drive was flooded and we should alert him when nearby, and then he would bring Jasper out to us. It all went remarkably smoothly and we managed to talk to him about a booking for late November. Back home, with Jasper patrolling his domain, I phoned The Victoria and managed to change the dates we had reserved last week, The change means that we all get the rooms we prefer.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Trevor's iMac arrived, so we exchanged various messages about setting it up. He now seems pretty well set.</p><p style="text-align: left;">We met Ellie from school and she has spent an hour or so on various aspects of maths homework. Zoe has just been along to collect her.</p>The Gorse Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06953397087108631778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8914014.post-59410070961106834072024-02-25T13:22:00.000+00:002024-02-26T18:47:54.244+00:00And Home<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihXLBtZuaNR4w0NBaayWgL-fuQKbTjFV7voZ1J0zkkcogQXhFMaZLv2L9XXlo7R-wZ6aTDbBoN9F-Y4nWmqCo_s68fPPbFjgtvHaiGNuHapWGwvpH2UxkwcqIgEqCS0lKPd5z92kWuA178UfDJa3rH6zuf4hN-MxUFV383X5qaVGdFupNsJchu/s4032/IMG_1321.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihXLBtZuaNR4w0NBaayWgL-fuQKbTjFV7voZ1J0zkkcogQXhFMaZLv2L9XXlo7R-wZ6aTDbBoN9F-Y4nWmqCo_s68fPPbFjgtvHaiGNuHapWGwvpH2UxkwcqIgEqCS0lKPd5z92kWuA178UfDJa3rH6zuf4hN-MxUFV383X5qaVGdFupNsJchu/s320/IMG_1321.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br />The wind had howled around the hotel throughout the night. It was a bleak start to the day. A Yellow weather warning was in place for all along the south coast today.<p></p><p>We had done some preliminary packing before going to bed last night. We finished it before breakfast and I made several trips to the car to load the boot. As I came back from one trip, I stopped at reception to settle the bill. A little old lady was settling up next to me. She was complaining that she couldn't find the final total on the bill. The receptionist patiently showed her the total on the second page, to which the old lady complained that it was a stupid way of presenting a bill. She then went on to complain that the newspapers, she had requested had been itemised and charged. I had the feeling, as I walked away, that she was trying it on.</p><p>We had breakfast and then said our goodbyes and set off on the King's highways. Jane and Trevor headed for Dart's Farm and then the M5/M4, and we headed for the A35/A31/M27. Despite the weather, we had an excellent run-through and were home in under three hours,</p><p>We were soon unpacked and spent a quiet afternoon with our Kindles.</p>The Gorse Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06953397087108631778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8914014.post-39111826255864414062024-02-24T22:30:00.001+00:002024-02-26T13:07:44.531+00:00Mixed Bag<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfWO8cat-zU8sPwJoLlOlpMeQMGfZ1Xs959hftdXN6cUv5MqrYquqobONBaST2U3HhbXeQYQSfZ7awpMttRuJhw9KsSgNpt3fEEBgn0OVr3Q2iOiGkRzJSknR9hXp-mkevCe1RQoswF0nasejwd77uWgbvXikQMAOsOsw5MRF2zHpDehrQ63CN/s4032/IMG_1294.HEIC" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfWO8cat-zU8sPwJoLlOlpMeQMGfZ1Xs959hftdXN6cUv5MqrYquqobONBaST2U3HhbXeQYQSfZ7awpMttRuJhw9KsSgNpt3fEEBgn0OVr3Q2iOiGkRzJSknR9hXp-mkevCe1RQoswF0nasejwd77uWgbvXikQMAOsOsw5MRF2zHpDehrQ63CN/s320/IMG_1294.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div>We both had a good night's sleep and woke refreshed. It looked a bit grey at first but the sun came out just before I took this photo. By the time I had grabbed the camera and opened the balcony door, it had hidden itself behind the morning clouds. The forecast suggests we will have some light rain for the next hour or so and then it will brighten up.<p></p><p>The plan (always subject to change) is to spend the day here in Sidmouth.<br /> </p><p>We had a leisurely breakfast and then went our own ways. Diane and I walked down into town intending to look for a Birthday card and wander around some shops. We spent quite a while in a gallery/shop called Azure. This had some lovely artworks and ceramics but nothing that tempted us. We carried on window shopping and then decided to grab a coffee in "!4 Miles East". No trip to Sidmouth is complete without a stop in the toy shop. We ended up with several jigsaw puzzles. Two for Ellie, and one for Diane.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpk-jU1GffU8WsCoyi7cwqQjkVhYKehFDLBXpMSXUge_Hev0M0-0r5op2ewx7WxJZ3AdMixKkfDIndeiGkkpjMdS947leiLKRLa6diDI4fhPyFBVS5hujFjgzKs5mHRVanTj7wyqydbHhts5x758yBnajqtmEpIgwtwZ9D9wLQ7Zf36P9ZCkC_/s4032/IMG_1300.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpk-jU1GffU8WsCoyi7cwqQjkVhYKehFDLBXpMSXUge_Hev0M0-0r5op2ewx7WxJZ3AdMixKkfDIndeiGkkpjMdS947leiLKRLa6diDI4fhPyFBVS5hujFjgzKs5mHRVanTj7wyqydbHhts5x758yBnajqtmEpIgwtwZ9D9wLQ7Zf36P9ZCkC_/s320/IMG_1300.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br />We decided to drop our purchase back at the hotel. This proved to be a wise move. As we entered the foyer, it started to rain. The rain didn't last long, and we set out for a walk along Jacob's Ladder and through Connaught Gardens. <p></p><p>We were somewhat surprised as we left the hotel to find three Harris Hawks perched on the lawn, preparing to scare the gulls from around the hotel. They were drying themselves in the sun before being allowed to fly and wreak havoc.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Ses-b73_Qv0KhlcPbXobuezxU5Shndz-l8fFHpR3ra0locphLgXd3dhjqeYIw90JxdZwK9sLel3NkJKe7IFQA1IfXHyxL7FY6jyZ-Fk2eVU35vxVBm18C75Wzh7PcYLZqz8FXGuzzy3IhtFwMhyphenhyphenQ5j0ALJ3Ww40dzqNRRFsDwUlL_DCTwwCv/s4032/IMG_1306.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Ses-b73_Qv0KhlcPbXobuezxU5Shndz-l8fFHpR3ra0locphLgXd3dhjqeYIw90JxdZwK9sLel3NkJKe7IFQA1IfXHyxL7FY6jyZ-Fk2eVU35vxVBm18C75Wzh7PcYLZqz8FXGuzzy3IhtFwMhyphenhyphenQ5j0ALJ3Ww40dzqNRRFsDwUlL_DCTwwCv/s320/IMG_1306.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br />The walk along Jacob's Ladder was lovely in the warm sunshine. There was a large number of people on the beach, and on the walkway, making the most of the weather. I dropped down onto the sand to take some photos before rejoining Di on the path.<p></p><p>We walked on as far as the West beach then walked up the slope to the gardens. We picked a bench and sat down to enjoy the warm sun. That didn't last for too long as we were mercilessly attacked by an errant shower of rain. We headed for one of the shelters and sat watching the sea as the shower passed over.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv53At4iFbiljCr9PEuEcceA18HTAy7i-grictadWcoUGWA46x32WDQ_4Et3FsX7PX0Bb4sO1VWDFS9i2X9D7vfSQ7wSup9vN9R2udfICHuEEVD9LeiRHPPJtPYKN8YHIzArIgBZ6MVP5gt2IjyIOShQmlkzwZng7wj7jkIMdhb1L7hYgvB1FJ/s4032/IMG_1320.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv53At4iFbiljCr9PEuEcceA18HTAy7i-grictadWcoUGWA46x32WDQ_4Et3FsX7PX0Bb4sO1VWDFS9i2X9D7vfSQ7wSup9vN9R2udfICHuEEVD9LeiRHPPJtPYKN8YHIzArIgBZ6MVP5gt2IjyIOShQmlkzwZng7wj7jkIMdhb1L7hYgvB1FJ/s320/IMG_1320.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br />We completed our walk around the gardens and then headed back down to the esplanade where we walked up as far as we could to the mouth of the River Sid. Strolling back, we stopped for an ice cream - again just missing a shower of rain. By the time we emerged, there was a vivid rainbow painting the cliffs to the east of us.<p></p><p>When we got back to the hotel, my new Kindle had arrived so we sat in the lounge with a cup of tea while I set it up.</p><p>We met up with Jane and Trevor in the bar before sitting down for our final dinner of this trip.</p>The Gorse Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06953397087108631778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8914014.post-74135485503709491952024-02-23T22:30:00.008+00:002024-02-24T08:12:58.298+00:00Brighter<p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiKtEYWEEtDKjPEaKUuKUSfUChLVH1oQMcWYUdYcBMclszfHWcZDK0FueC_rj7kRZIAFNNS6cc4wshffCgljhW6DHvm8dTpT44RLrxanReeMBM0bM__v09nThxCzBuhnQ_AkfwpVdox77DPswuDv8pxPhZczYmvyX18JmEf8pni8QeElsKwHWK/s4032/IMG_1265.HEIC" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiKtEYWEEtDKjPEaKUuKUSfUChLVH1oQMcWYUdYcBMclszfHWcZDK0FueC_rj7kRZIAFNNS6cc4wshffCgljhW6DHvm8dTpT44RLrxanReeMBM0bM__v09nThxCzBuhnQ_AkfwpVdox77DPswuDv8pxPhZczYmvyX18JmEf8pni8QeElsKwHWK/s320/IMG_1265.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br />We had a brighter start to the day. The sun was straining to gain ascendance over the ragged clouds. Diane had slept well and I had slept lightly (the hotel rooms are hot and I find it dries me out). <p></p><p style="text-align: left;">Today's plans are not set in concrete, but the likelihood is that we will go to Lyme Regis. The one firm plan, however, is that we are meeting up for breakfast at 09:00.</p><p style="text-align: left;">During breakfast, I ordered a replacement Kindle which should be delivered to the hotel tomorrow. Using the iPad as an interim alternative is all very well, but it's a bit big and a bit heavy when lying in bed trying to read.</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5f6DKCq9mLbeoTtslVqdjUeOfGCpw03DxsF5nWCpKUfExapBu4Jd66UyB1HTKzFt7e4KAHPE0QNVpSRH2IUdDoNNbdIj_OlPyWoovKahW66RDm4G1D8rFcc9oi92z_kdD7zoSoY09d9qNAMM-ad05ZQgUmsNjtvcWk27d4xYa9tF-ATNEHzXV/s4032/IMG_1267.HEIC" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5f6DKCq9mLbeoTtslVqdjUeOfGCpw03DxsF5nWCpKUfExapBu4Jd66UyB1HTKzFt7e4KAHPE0QNVpSRH2IUdDoNNbdIj_OlPyWoovKahW66RDm4G1D8rFcc9oi92z_kdD7zoSoY09d9qNAMM-ad05ZQgUmsNjtvcWk27d4xYa9tF-ATNEHzXV/s320/IMG_1267.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br />We decided that the trip to Lyme Regis would go ahead and met up by the car at 10:30. Trevor was kind enough to do the driving today and we drove along the coastal road and over the border into Dorset. We took a quick tour around the town before finding somewhere to park but then strolled down and along the river bank to the Town Mill. <p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigWdQuR-XWYJlnqhs3JQgiVkh_EMcnTnOH5LHYBxxXH2C8sfXjhldUYAYgH7bHn3hqcDwiLMvSVUdkrzU8QIyVCtY0MrlqnIkJ9YIZetPAAZIMzVM3jERwz8LRsJYpzA-Fvo0jvoP_iPTAF56ROswDdJe44r9YvGSJ-r5_fnPkTbfhMMhqWvwQ/s4032/IMG_1273.HEIC" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigWdQuR-XWYJlnqhs3JQgiVkh_EMcnTnOH5LHYBxxXH2C8sfXjhldUYAYgH7bHn3hqcDwiLMvSVUdkrzU8QIyVCtY0MrlqnIkJ9YIZetPAAZIMzVM3jERwz8LRsJYpzA-Fvo0jvoP_iPTAF56ROswDdJe44r9YvGSJ-r5_fnPkTbfhMMhqWvwQ/s320/IMG_1273.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br />From there we dropped down to the seafront and took a gentle walk along the promenade towards the harbour and the the famous Cobb. The sun was still trying hard, and we stopped for a coffee, sitting out in the February sunshine and enjoying the view.<p></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6OcmtVIYpWbkZJrTwg-1fkKJXxCV3pGQDedSazfcdOuHDYbeNAoggNcKP-ikJXxu9WzPgT740yhfvqJiHMELfaPyJ2Xw6-Ohsjr_srXBqpj2kjwPL9R-E-TPsmnWQVyxGyY0x3SAYKLbk7YREMx9oGfFlYnZz0GqSRz7Zlv1gn4Zm4zWkBd0q/s4032/IMG_1286.HEIC" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6OcmtVIYpWbkZJrTwg-1fkKJXxCV3pGQDedSazfcdOuHDYbeNAoggNcKP-ikJXxu9WzPgT740yhfvqJiHMELfaPyJ2Xw6-Ohsjr_srXBqpj2kjwPL9R-E-TPsmnWQVyxGyY0x3SAYKLbk7YREMx9oGfFlYnZz0GqSRz7Zlv1gn4Zm4zWkBd0q/s320/IMG_1286.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br />With the requisite amount of caffeine coursing through our veins, we continued to the harbour and walked along the wall to look back at the town nestling beneath threatening clouds. Some light rain started to fall but the sun had not conceded the fight. A rainbow was cast protectively across the pastel shades of the town.<p></p><p style="text-align: left;">We slowly made our way back and stopped in the High Street to look in the shops. Di and I popped into the Old Red Lion Hotel where we stayed some 30 years ago. By the time we came out, it was raining heavily. We scampered across the road, but the kerb was very high so I tried to help Diane up, unfortunately, she twisted and ended up on the floor with a very wet backside. Thank goodness she wasn't hurt.</p><p style="text-align: left;">We went into the Fossil Shop to allow Di to wipe herself down a bi,t and shelter from the rain. We took the opportunity to have a good look around. It really was a treasure house for dino-philes (if there is such a word). We spent about 30 minutes in the shop and then went back through some alleyways to meet up with Jane and Trevor back at the Town Mill.</p><p style="text-align: left;">We decided that a drink and a snack was the order of the hour, so snuck into The Ship and made ourselves comfortable in the corner. We ordered our food and Di disappeared to the Ladies' room where she was found, by Jane, trying to dry her leggings by poking her backside at the hot-air hand drier. Jane provided assistance by waving her hands under the sensor that kept the drier blowing. If only there had been CCTV!</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6qsMyXOmWUvq05x5dshHTqY46Uj1DiWQUSg9jX0kqJpom0833FWeeq-KFlYW8WbSlCPinm13PQlpiuAARdEwhwm5EgVFP7nwxgxnI6hXEASTj92Np9W_GqjVlFPHFrjppiPbE4J20oGnpkZWtqVoZi2skaauWZJxLzxxqLLyQ71jBD1zMmiaD/s4032/IMG_1289.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6qsMyXOmWUvq05x5dshHTqY46Uj1DiWQUSg9jX0kqJpom0833FWeeq-KFlYW8WbSlCPinm13PQlpiuAARdEwhwm5EgVFP7nwxgxnI6hXEASTj92Np9W_GqjVlFPHFrjppiPbE4J20oGnpkZWtqVoZi2skaauWZJxLzxxqLLyQ71jBD1zMmiaD/s320/IMG_1289.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br />Talking of strange goings-on, as we finished our food, a man walked into the pub with a white parrot on his shoulder. (It sounds like the start of a joke). I couldn't resist and went across to ask if he would mind if I took his photo. He replied, "Better than that..." and put the bird on my shoulder. It felt like the start of a Monty Python sketch.<p></p><p style="text-align: left;">From the pub, we made our way back to the car and came back to the hotel for a pot of tea in the Lounge. Then we had a quiet hour or so back in our rooms before meeting up for a drink in the bar and dinner.</p><p style="text-align: left;">It had been an excellent day and we were all quite taken with Lyme Regis.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p>The Gorse Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06953397087108631778noreply@blogger.com0