Saturday 15th March 2014

I have not said much about Jools and her job, now ex-job at the factory. Well, she saw the week out, and will get paid until the end of the month. She negotiated this as they wanted this week to de-brief here. In other words press her for her knowledge and experience. Its the modern way I guess. So, she went to work as normal, not knowing each day whether that was to be her last, until Friday rolled round and then it really was.



At one point she was asked why she had not applied for some of the other jobs that were available: well, she says, I've been rejected twice already. So that was it, trying the lay the blame on Jools rather and just accepting that the choice had been made weeks if not months ago.



As I said life goes on, and we are not undaunted.

I worked from home Thursday and Friday, partly as I did not want to drive to Ramsgate in the fog. It also gave Jools the option of being able to leave work when she could or when the emotion of the situation got too much.



When the working week was over for her, that was midday on Friday. Those who were being let go then headed to the Duke of York for a meal. You would have thought that the LFB would have paid, but no. Her boss only could say 'see you later' as Jools left. Jools said, 'no you won't', but under her breath.



It was all over.

When she arrived home, we put on our walking boots and decided to head out and walk to Deal. And once at Deal we would end up at The Berry. That's the sort of planning that I like.



We headed down to the pig's copse, down the dop, through the mud, up the other side and then along the Kingsdown Road. We dodged manic cyclists, and a couple of spotty herberts thrashing their fizzy which was untaxed and unregistered.

Once past the junction where we normally head over the fields to the Dover Patrol Monument, instead we headed down the narrow lane towards Kingsdown. We passed the golf course on the other side we normally do, but still we could hear the pringle brigade having a fine old time.



We walked on.

Until we came to the beach and Kingsdown, which is where we rejoined the coastal path. We headed along the beach, pausing at Kingsdown on a bench to look at the scene. And then onto the final stretch, along the shingle beach passed Walmer Castle and on, until we came to The Strand, and there down Canada Road we could see The Berry.



We walked down, found a table near the window and ordered a pint and half of cider. The first pint seemed so lonely so I sent another one down after it so they could have a party.



In time we called for a tax to take us home, so we could be ready by the time Gardners World came on so we could worship at the altar of The Don. Monty Don.

Amen.

Outside the three badgers argued amongst themselves as they hoovered up the peanuts and fat balls. Much more entertaining than the TV for sure.