Gra Pao

 It was a gentle start to the day. The sun was up and the sky was clear but for a few dabs of cloud left by a cherub's paintbrush.

Our plan was to pop into Chichester for a bit of shopping and then to meet up with the Sonning Crew for lunch. Chichester seemed quiet. Maybe people were making the most of a long weekend and the good weather. We found our way to Lakeland, in North Street. The Gorse Fox wanted a butcher's steel so that he could better hone his kitchen knives. While in the shop he noticed a couple viewing and debating the display of air fryers. He chipped in with his experience and spent 10 minutes with them. He suspects they left the shop clutching a nice new appliance.

We wandered back to Giggling Squid. It was the first time that the whole Crew had been out together since last July because of Old Bill's health troubles. With everything on the mend, it was great to get back together. As usual, the discussions were far ranging - health, cars, Falmouth, air fryers, mandolins, grandchildren, children, and so forth. Before we knew it a few hours had leaked from the continuum and we were full of fine Thai food (Red Thai Curry for the Silver Vixen, and Chicken Gra Pao for the Gorse Fox).

Back home, it's been a quiet afternoon. We made the most of the Orangery (with the doors open for the first time this year). Then the Gorse Fox retired to the study to index the 2009 blog extract.