Stormy Weather

 Storm Arwen struck the North-east overnight. There were extensive power-cuts and heavy snow in some locations. Down here in the South the only inconvenience was a strong blustery wind, the occasional showers, and temperatures hovering around 3C.

We had plans. Both having taken lateral flow tests, we checked with Betty and Barney Rubble and all concluded it was safe to meet up. The Silver Vixen and Gorse Fox set off and, sticking to the main roads, made our way up to the wilds of north-east Hampshire. It was very noticeable how strong the wind was, knocking some 15mpg off the car's usual consumption - at least it should work the other way on the way home.

We settled down with coffee and biscuits and caught up on the various news of the families and what we had all been up to since we last met.

At lunchtime we headed off to the The Hoddington Arms. We have been there many times before and it is always very good. Today, not quite up to its normal standard. The Silver Vixen had fish and chips but the chips were over cooked. The Gorse Fox had a spare rib burger - which sounded delicious but was dry and chewy and quite a disappointment. They were immensely busy, so we will give them the benefit of the doubt and conclude it was just a bad day at the office.

Back to Betty and Barney's for tea and cheesecake and more chat - air-source heat pumps, EVs, nuclear energy, health, sport, and education were all covered and put to bed.

As the wind started to whip up again, we left to head home. Again, the Gorse Fox decided to stick to the main roads. It adds 8 miles to the route but is far less likely to be littered with fallen trees or debris. We were home before seven, and settled down for a quiet evening in front of the TV.