When I woke up I knew there was something wrong: I mean my big toe shouldn’t hurt like that! Ow that smarts I thought. I hoped it would wear off, so carry on as normal. I tried to think if I had stubbed it, or something else that would explain the pain. But nothing came to mind. Anyway, back to that later.
After breakfast we headed into the forest! About time too. We drove about, from town to town, village to village, but it was bloody cold. Thinking about it, I think its in the mind, in that like on Tuesday when at least the sun did shine, you kinda ignore the cold. But on a grey Thursday it was easy to feel cold and then it get colder and colder.
We ended up in the village of Beauleiu , as the woman who cut my hair yesterday said it was a nice place. Indeed it was, but it part on an estate owned by Lord Montague. I guess his family has owned the land around there since the enclosure act was brought in, and the Lords have lived off the fat of the land, and the shoulders of other’s labours ever since. Maybe it’s my inner socialist that finds this repulsive: everywhere you could see the family crest. At least we can see we gave little, if anything, to his coffers.
We did go into the café for breakfast; and breakfast turned out to be cream tea. Cream tea is tradition on a plate: two scones, butter, jam and clotted cream all washed down with a pot of tea. Usually taken in the afternoon, but makes a good breakfast.
After that we head to Lymington, but it seems crowded and we are now cold, and more wandering around seems pointless. We head back out into the country to have a drink at a country pub. And getting out of the car my tow is agony. I remember passing a hospital in Lymington, and so after the drink we head there for an assessment. Not broken, (probably) not infected, so gout is top of the suspect conditions. I am given some paracetemol and told to rest.
So we head back, over the moors. I was hoping that the clouds would fade and the sun come out. And as we took our time, by three the clouds were chased away by the north wind, and the late afternoon sunshine lit up the landscape. And well worth the wait it was. We went to a couple of places on the moors to look and marvel at the moors in the sunshine. Doesn’t sound much, but it was good.
And so, here we are back in the cabin, last evening here before we go home. It will be good to be home, as nice as holidays are, heading home and being reunited with them cats is wonderful. And it is Jools’ birthdays on Saturday. Family get-together and all to look forward to.
Thursday evening we headed to the village of Three Legged Cross for a meal at the local also called Three Legged Cross. As we pulled up in the car park, the air was heavy with the smell of woodsmoke, and it being cold, the guy who met us at the door showed us to a table beside the open fire so Jools could warm up.
I ordered a wonderful spiced lamb pie, apparently home made and accompanied by fried sweet potato chips. A couple of pints of fine ale to wash it down with, followed by a fine cheeseboard, and I was set.
Friday.
It was tempting to spend the day in the New Forest, but once the decision had been made to head back a day early, we seemed to want to leave as soon as possible. We loaded up the car, checked the cabin for stuff and set off. We had waited until nine to leave, so the worst of the rush hour had worn off. As forecasted the sun did shine, and the thought of the forest and healthland in the sunshiiine would have make lovely photographs. But, let’s go home.
As we drove on, the weather got worse and worse, until as we turned off the M25 the rain began. And fell harder and harder. Oh this is fun! We had called the cattery to say we would pick up the cats a day early, they said yes, as long as we got there before midday. So, despite the rain, we had to press on. Just as well that the roads were very quiet and we made such good time. Back home at half eleven, pick up the chequebook and off to the cattery.
Our three kitties were huddled on a shelf, all looking very miserable. They didn’t even put of much of a fight about going back into the box. And back home again, let the cats out of the boxes. And whilst Jools unpacks I head to Tesco to get the shopping out of the way. Once the shopping had been put away, then we can relax as the washing gets done, and I can look at the shots I took.
The cats told us that they had not been fed at all, although Mulder’s full belly suggested this wasn’t true. But it was great having them back home once again, and life soon settled down back to normal very quickly indeed. I put on some of the radio shows we had missed on. Oh, this is the life. No matter how good your holiday was, being home is better.
Saturday.
We headed to the old folk’s place on Saturday, it being Jools’ birthday and all. And we thought we would see Nan. So, imagine our surprise to find that Nan is still in hospital. Seems that she has an upset stomach, and they won’t let her out until that clears up. So, we agree to head over to Ashford to see her in the afternoon.
Nan was just getting back into bed as we arrived, and is chirpy enough. Well, considering she ‘died’ twice on Monday! Her memories are a bit frazzled, but getting better each day that passes. She at least remembers us, and laughs when jokes are made.
In other medical matters, Jen is now almost back to normal after her jaundice. She is on high amounts of vitamins and she has now given up drinking. As well as smoking too.
Mum is still ill, more upset tummies there too. She is quite down about it. She called to wish Jools happy birthday. Anyway, that is our duty done there.
And it can be confirmed I have gout. Or at least a mild version of. The pain has worn off, but looking at my toe there is still redness. So, I shall have to be more careful.
Saturday night I had arranged a meal in a local Chinese restaurant. Sadly they called home when I was at Tesco to confirm the time a seating numbers, thus telling Jools what time the ‘surprise’ party was taking place. D’oh! Oh well, she had guessed most of it any way. At seven we drove into town, found a place to park and walked to the Moonflower. The family was waiting, and so away we went.
Eat as much as you like for £17. Yipee.
And that was it. All over. The food was good, much laughing and drinking.
Sunday.
All good things must come to an end. And so our holiday has too as well. We laid in bed until it was light. After strong cup of coffee, I braved it and watched MOTD. Every now and again it would be nice to be able to watch more than the occasional edition through my hands as another defensive horror show unfolded. A 2-1 defeat at Newcastle doesn’t sound too bad, but it was a woeful performance, and CH’s time must be drawing to an end. Next week’s match against Palace is a must win for us, and will probably decide if Hughton stays or goes.
We went into the garden to pick up the fallen leaves, so we can make some compost. Oh, I remember working outdoors, back in the days before I worked at a desk!
I spent the afternoon messing around online trying to order calendars for family, and listening to the radio at the same time. Who said men can’t multi-task.
And to round the day off, despite the gout, I cooked roast beef and all the trimmings, washed down with wine, albeit just cava. The rain beat down outside, I lit the fire and so we were soon toasty warm, watching the recording of Saturday’s Dr Who. A bit disappointing really. But there you go. Something else that is now 50.
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