Thursday 22nd May 2025

I slept on a mattress on the floor, so therefore I was awake at five with a stiff back, then laid in the half light wondering when I should try to get up.

But my bladder told me I had to get up at half five, on the way I put the kettle on, and soon after Jen emerged, so we had a brew.

We didn't have much to pack, just wait for Sylv to get up then we could leave. We had another brew and toast, and just before eight, Sylv herself graced us with her presence.

We loaded the car, hugged and said our goodbyes, and Jen took us out into the school run up the hill from Kearsley to the roundabout leading to the motorway.

We were soon zooming through Rochdale and up the long climb to Saddleworth, Jen's little Ford eating the miles. Noisily.

For a change, the fine weather faded as we approached the border with Yorkshire, and then the rain began to fall. We cruised along before dropping down through Huddersfield.

Again, to avoid traffic on the A1, we turned down the M1 through Sheffield, then across on the M18, thus cutting out a huge chunk of the A1 out, and the roadworks, so we were soon speeding towards Newark.

Traffic was light, and so the trip was enjoyable, and we made for good company, of course.

We made good time down the A1, stopping at Peterborough for a snack and to change over driving duties. I made do with a large Cornish pasty, while Jen has chicken noodles.

Then it was back on the road, and from then on, it would get busy.

We turned off onto the A14 to Cambridge, then down the M11 to that London.

I mean, I could go on and describe each mile that we travelled, but truth is we just wanted to get home. And get to Dartford as soon as possible.

We crossed into Kent just after one, and so back in The Garden of England.

The M20 was pretty busy, doubly so when we reached the contraflow where the Brexit checks have been re-instated. All was well until there was a breakdown, and traffic was going nowhere until it was towed.

[time passed]

Suddenly, traffic began to move, and off we went for the last half hour run to Dover.

Back home at half two. Jen drove back to Whitfield, and I let myself in as Jools was out. I made a brew, and as always, that meant Jools returned within five minutes.

Back home.

Soon enough it was dinner time: pork pie, Jersey Royals and salad. And wine.

Sweet wine.

And oh dead. No football in the evening.

No worries, pooped we went to bed well before dark.