Or possibly good evening, as it is five after midday and I was never sure as to when the cut off between afternoon and evening is. Maybe it's five; in which case it is evening; early evening, or maybe late afternoon. There are still football matches being played. Probably. So, whatever.
Anyway, it is late afternoon/early evening, dusk is falling and the mist rolling in once more as the day turns from light to dark grey to black. It has been a mild, damp and misty weekend, with no sunshine and little light to break the gloom. But that did not stop us from enjoying ourselves.
We get up fairly early, and after what has become our breakfast of choice on a Saturday, croissants, we head up the a2 to Bluewater for some shopping, hoping to get there before the rest of Kent and get out again with our sanity intact.
I would like to say the drive up the A2/M2 was pleasant, but in heavy spray and heavier traffic, it was enough to arrive safely and without delay. That we were the slowest car on the road, and the maniacs carried on speeding as though there were perfect conditions is another matter. No police to point out the error of their ways, and even less in the future of course.
Bluewater is a shopping Mall a few miles from the Dartford crossing, built in the remains of an old chalk pit, with parking to 10,000 cars. At nine, the opening time there were about 9,500 empty spaces to choose from,a nd so we park near an entrance and go in.
We go into House of Frasier to buy me some aftershave, into the Sony shop to try and get a cover for Jools' Walkman and finally a date with the fancy nut and snack stall before it was time to head to Faversham and meet up with friends.
Faversham is on a creek which flows into the Medway and then into the Thames, and brewing of beer has happened without interruption since 1692. And I had booked a tour around the brewery that still produces fine Kentish Ales to this day from the same location.
We met up with our friend, Bob, for a drink and then dinner before heading to the brewery for the tour to begin. Another friend, Frances, joined us. I had a pre-tour beer just in case. In case of what I don't know. And then it was a short film and a walk round the brewery and back to the bar for some tasting of beer and buy more beer, if needed before it was time to head back home again.
And today; well, after our glorious victory in the pub quiz the other week, our prize were vouchers for a carvery meal, and today is when we cashed them in. 13 of us met at the Harbour Board Social Club for a meal, chat and a drink; and very nice it was too. Doubly so when it's free and there is no washing up!
And just like that the weekend goes and Monday looms up behind us. Oh well, just another 5 days and we can do it all again......
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