27th September 1066 - On this day, 960 years ago, William set sail with his army, from Normandy, to come and fight the English. His flagship The Mora had been a personal gift from his wife Matilda
Most of the fleet were smaller Viking longships. William's ships carried 7,000 or more men, and very importantly
up to 2,000 horses for the knights. Horses don't like boats, and it must have
been difficult to get them on and off--the Bayeux Tapestry shows them being
made to jump over the sides of the ships. The ships also carried armour,
weapons, shields and supplies, probably including salty bacon, cheese,
hard-baked bread and certainly barrels of wine. William drank wine with his
breakfast on the day of the landing. They sailed for about twelve hours under cover of darkness, arriving at Pevensey Bay on Thursday morning. They came equipped for fighting a war.
This week I am in London, to look at that ancient tapestry - and I think of those crossing the Channel today. In smaller boats - many fleeing war, looking for safety and sanctuary. The boats are much more fragile, harder to steer, often overloaded, but their passengers are desperate. Today's travellers come in peace, and I pray for them, and for those who will help them safely to shore.
O God, whose power and mercy hold the seas, we lift up to
you all those who travel today in small and vulnerable boats.
Protect those who face the cold winds, deep waters, and dark
nights in search of safety and a new beginning. Be a quiet calm amid their
fear, and guide them safely away from peril to a place of welcome, dignity, and
peace.
Strengthen the hands of rescuers and keep watch over all who
wander in distress upon the deep. Soften our hearts to show compassion, and
lead the nations toward justice and understanding.
I love puzzles, and do a daily killer sudoku each morning - a 3 x 3 grid into which I have to fit numbers. But this week I have done a different sudoku challenge- one for packing my suitcase! We are going on holiday to Cyprus. I needed to pack the minimal number of garments for the week. Following the example of my daughters I've used the sudoku method. You choose 9 garments which will combine to make 27 outfits. 3 tops, 3 bottoms, 3 pairs of shoes = 3 x 3 x 3 =27
I looked at what was in my wardrobe, and decided that I did not need 3 pairs of shoes - trainers and sandals would be fine. I also wanted to avoid strappy tops- it may be hot, but if we visit local churches, it is respectful to have covered shoulders. I'm definitely 'coastal grandmother' looking at the stuff in my wardrobe
Blues and whites abound. But I am not taking jeans. They are currently way too snug for hot weather. I don't want shorts. This was what I've ended up with- 4 tops - white linen, white cotton tee, blue cotton tee, striped tee
3 bottoms - blue linen trousers, pale blue/white stripe linen trousers, cotton pattern skirt,
2 shoes - sandals and trainers [the latter for clambering over ruins etc] This should be 4 x 3 x 2 = 24.
Plenty for a week [not that I'd wear the stripes with the floral skirt]
But I did add an extra outfit for fancy evenings out, a new black cotton maxi dress with heeled blue shoes, and silver accessories [chosen by Liz and Rosie] and a blue cardi in case it gets breezy [ suggested by Steph]
Plus of course sunhat, pjs, and swimsuit [and underwear]
The only item specially purchased for this trip was the dress- and that was paid for with my M&S reward vouchers.
Have you ever used the Sudoku packing method? Do you buy new clothes for your holiday?
I had carefully planned some activities for the 9 hours I was expecting to spend on trains over the weekend. "The best laid plans of mice, men [and enthusiastic grandmas] gang aft agley" said that Scottish guy [almost] Bob bought me a newspaper at the station, while I got a croissant - I'd got a flask of coffee in my bag.
When I boarded the train, well before 8am on Saturday, I was thrilled to find a table seat. I folded the paper back to the crossword. I was joined by a very chatty woman going to Leicester to watch her son play rugby. She was accompanied by the son's girlfriend and his shorts, which he'd forgotten to pack when he left earlier in the week! She chatted all the way to where they changed trains. The girl dozed [or pretended to!] I now know all about burial customs in the French Cameroons [where she regularly visits her late mother] and grape-growing in Norfolk. They got off, I began my crossword. Filled in two clues. Then the next person came and sat opposite me. She also started up a conversation, I put down my pen.
A delightful woman, a charity worker, en route to a surprise birthday party. "Do you mind if I put my make up on? I didn't have time before I left?" She managed to do amazing things with brushes and palettes whilst conversing about anything and everything. I learned, among other things, that the phrase in use when I retired from teaching "high functioning autistic" should now be replaced with "twice blessed" [Duly noted] She de-trained just before Sheffield.
My final travel companion was off for a girls' weekend with old friends from Uni. Her two children were the same age as George and Jacob, but she was confident their Dad would cope. She had been a teacher, but after the children arrived had moved to a part-time admin job, which was less stressful - and finished at 'hometime' - not evening marking and prep work! She got off and I had half an hour to myself. I finished my lukewarm coffee and my crossword. Steph and Liz met me at Manchester Piccadilly. Liz had brought a book with her to lend to Steph, and I speed-read it over the weekend.
I may review this later! The journey back was good. I boarded the train with a couple of similar age who were going right through to Norwich, and on to Yarmouth for the racing. We chatted for a bit as we settled in, then he did a huge crossword, she put in her earbuds, and I sorted out my cross stitch. Having established which colours I needed beforehand, I made three strips of card, drew the little symbols and numbers and cut and threaded lengths of yarn.
I was pleased to have my threads ready for beginning the project. Then I read my book right through! I can't review it yet, Bob wants to read it first! Yes I know "Murder under the Mistletoe" is somewhat unseasonal.
It was a birthday gift from my old schoolfriend. She is still in hospital, and unable to shop. So is wisely regifting her Xmas presents, and felt a book by a Rev was one she could happily pass on to me.
I did pack a second book, but I suspect I have left that in Manchester...
Twenty years ago, I was very fond of watching Everybody Loves Raymondon Channel 4. Like Frasier, and Cheers, you can still find it there. A family sitcom, starring Ray Romano and Patricia Heaton with a good supporting cast. Ray's sister-in-law Amy is played by Monica Horan. She is the [real life] wife of Phil Rosenthal, creator and director of this very clever show, which ran for 9 seasons.
In the past month, Bob has discovered a new series, on Netflix, also created by Phil Rosenthal. It's called Somebody feed Philand stars the man himself, travelling the world, eating everything. When Bob has time to watch TV and there's nothing else he fancies, then he turns on yet another episode of this show. The ultimate in binge-watching What can I say? It is utterly delightful. The man is a joyful, positive character, full of hope and love and laughter - and usually quite full of food too. Each episode is in a new location where he seeks out the cuisine. He eats the simple food of the locals in their homes, the exquisite takes on the regional dishes provided by the top chefs, the fast food takeaway street foods, and the generous portions served up at foodbanks and community projects. He isn't patronising, always grateful, and eager to promote the hard work done by the producers of the dishes set before him.
His brother Richard is executive producer, and is often called to the other side of the camera to sample a mouthful of whatever is on Phil's fork. Sometimes wife Monica shares the meal with him - and she is screamingly funny too.
Described as a "foodie do-gooder", via the "Rosenthal Foundation" Phil supports many feeding programmes, and gives a link on his show in case viewers feel moved to help this. Towards the end of every show, he has an online chat with someone [a family member, or a well known celeb] and his guest is required to tell a joke. He is very Jewish, as are many of his guests, although he certainly doesn't 'keep kosher' when it comes to his diet. I'm not 100% in agreement with all his politics -but nevertheless I think it is great fun.
The one he did from Ireland was splendid - visiting Darina and Rachel Allen at the Ballymaloe Cookery School, and doing cold water swimming with crazy vegan chefs Dave and Steve [identical twins] from The Happy Pear in Co. Wicklow.
I can recommend it if you want a burst of sunshine on a gloomy day [you may want to save this up for winter viewing] Good entertainment, his exaggerated facial expressions are a hoot - but watching it does make me hungry...
We had hoped for a short break after the Kitchen Project was completed. Bob wanted to return to the Canterbury area where he grew up. Things kept getting in the way. Last Wednesday we decided if we didn't book it soon, it would be the school holidays...So we investigated possible accommodation. Airbnbs seemed quite expensive for what was offered. But Keynes College, part of Kent Uni, offer a really good b&b deal.
Double room, with ensuite. Use of kitchen and lounge, full breakfast menu, free parking. So we booked Friday - Wednesday. And planned our schedule. Whitstable, walk by the sea. Canterbury and see the sites, and be nostalgic. Return to Littlebourne where Bob grew up, and the Churchyard where his dad is buried. Deal Beach Parlours [once owned by Bob's Italian godmother] for an ice cream. Stroll through picturesque Rye. Eat a sandwich in Sandwich...It didn't happen as planned
Friday drove down, over Dartford Bridge, stopped at Bluewater for lunch in Leon. Got to uni at 3. Checked in [2nd floor room] Bob had back pain, so I walked to nearby Campus Co-op, got a couple of microwave ready meals for tea. He felt better after food, so at 7pm we drove to Whitstable for dessert.
Saturday into city centre for 9.45. The Medieval Pageant was due to start at 11. We pootled along, visited his Mum's church [not been there since his sister's wedding nearly 44 years ago] looked at people in costume setting up stalls, and displays in the Library, had a coffee. 10.55 we were in the Methodist Church, and Bob said he needed to sit for a bit. I went outside for 10 minutes to watch the procession pass by. Returned to find him feeling really unwell, The kind church ladies looked after him whilst I fetched the car and was able to drive it round to side entrance. Back to Uni. Arranged to change to a ground floor room. It was Really Hot. Bob slept. I took the car to big supermarket for more food.
Sunday after a disturbed night, Bob said he still wanted to go to Littlebourne. The sun was shining brightly. We had coffee in the local pub, visited the lovely old church [no service this week] and stood quietly at Dad's grave under the trees. Onto Sandwich, for a sandwich
The Folk and Ale Festival was in full swing, great music and Morris Dancers everywhere. Excellent sandwiches. Onto to Dover, to the Ancient Maison Dieu. Then the heavens opened, we were soaked to the skin. Bob felt ill again, acute pain, nausea and more. Back at Uni he phoned 111, we ended up in Ashford Hospital Urgent Treatment Centre. Kidney infection, antibiotics. Monday He slept all day.
Tuesday we came home a day early, it was a long drive - and I managed it ok [but 8 miles from home, we stopped for petrol, and he kindly took over for the last bit].
I did manage to get a few good pictures, and will post them later. Right now I'm concentrating on nursing duties. Happy to say that Bob is getting better, slowly
I had so many lovely birthday cards, they are all hanging on the wire in the hallway. This is so useful, as there is nowhere else to display them properly, and with all the kitchen traffic in and out at the moment and doors opening and closing, the draughts would blow them all over the place if they were standing up.
Towards the right is a bright blue one, handmade - with 70 cut out of card, and each numeral covered in colourful tinfoil. It's from my old friends Elisabeth and Mark in Cambridge. She sent a lovely newsy letter with it, and posed this question"have you got a list for the year?"It's apparently a thing for 'milestone birthdays'. Either you have a long list of Small[ish] Aims, or a shorter list of Big Ambitions. So she suggested 70little things I might want to do before next April 10, or seven major things, one for each decade.
Learning the Saxophone, Growing My Hair To My Waist, Writing a Crime Novel, Visiting The Kennedy Graves At Arlington, Seeing the Northern Lights, Owning a Lotus Elan [like Emma Peel's], and Running A Half Marathon. These seven were all previously considered at some point in my youth, but long since abandoned due to lack of finance, time, health and talent. So The Big Seven List is out... This week I shall try and come up with 70 things which I could aim for. What's that phrase? SMART Goals
My dear Auntie Peggy used to have a plate like this in her china cabinet, my Mum gave it to her, because she was always saying
"One day I'll get around to it" So maybe this is the year for me to do all those things I have been intending to do...
Watch this space [please, NOsuggestions, I am afraid that once I start writing it down, there will already be more than 70 on my own list, without additions from well meaning friends!]
ITEM NUMBER ONE - WRITE THE LIST!
I just spent 10 minutes on this project and came up with 20 items without much difficulty
From 1981-1991, I loved watching Bergerac with John Nettles. It was set in the Channel Islands, and I dreamed of going to Jersey one day. Jim Bergerac was a smart young detective -with a failed marriage and a drink problem, and a millionaire father-in-law who was a good mate, with dodgy friends. Played by a slim John Nettles- before his waistline thickened and he moved to Midsomer!
Last month a new Bergerac launched on U channel with Damien Molony in the title role - and Charlie Hungerford is now feisty female [Zoe Wanamaker] whereas the original urbane Charlie was male [Terence Hungerford]
First time round, episodes were mostly stand alone stories - this time they take a whole series [six shows] to tell the tale. We binged watched it over two evenings!
I have to say we both enjoyed it, the fresh approach worked well, but there was enough of a nod to thirty years ago to justify it being called Bergerac. A good reboot, we thought. And he is driving the exact same classic Triumph Roadster
If you liked Nettles, I hope you will like Molony too. And I hope they make a few more series.
They offered John Nettles a cameo role, but he turned it down, citing his age [he is 81, after all] However he has made very generous comments about the new show and Damien's performance, saying he is very happy with the new guy. There's a great interview here between the pair of them, discussing their different approaches to Bergerac[and that fantastic car] It is short, and well worth watching.
And if you have time, try the new series, still available on U. I rate it *****
[yes we did get to Jersey eventually, for a minibreak, about 20 years ago]
We left Flatford at 10.40 Sunday and drove on through the beautiful countryside to Dedham. More spring blooms here than we had seen in Norfolk last week, but I expect our village will catch up very soon, with all this sunshine. Beautiful blue skies. I need to look up Alice Lee - I am embarrassed that I had not heard of her before. The properties, from different centuries, appeared well maintained. An attractive place. That's the house of Alfred Munnings, painter, bottom left. My great grandparents were his housekeeper and handyman for a while. But I'm not sure if they lived in that house!
On to Lavenham, a fantastic place, full of amazing half timbered Tudor houses. Including the Guildhall, another NT property. We enjoyed delicious red pepper and tomato soup in the garden, then looked round the house. Many relatively wealthy people lived here through the centuries, including dyers and weavers. There were lots of examples of their crafts displayed in the upstairs rooms. Look at the gorgeous smocking on this garment!
During lockdown, one of the NT volunteers spent her time researching the dyeing methods which might have been used by the previous residents. She produced a lovely sample book listing all the dyes used, and knitted triangles of bunting in all these various colours. Onion skin, turmeric, carrot tops, woad, ivy leaves, copper, iron, walnut shells...Quote fascinating. I said to the chap on reception "perhaps I should try growing woad..." But he warned me off, apparently it's very invasive!
We walked slowly back to car and drove home. It had been a brilliant break together, and the glitches at the hotel didn't spoil that. We were home by 5pm. Early to bed, a busy week ahead.
We had a fabulous mini-break in Essex, with a few little hiccups, but a lot of laughs. We knew we needed a couple of days 'away from it all', so at the start of January, I booked two nights b&b in a Hotel on the edge of Colchester. Following our Airbed Adventures in 2019, the girls suggested maybe we ought to relax the thriftiness a bit, and pay for a proper bed to sleep in. I chose a hotel which not only had decent looking bedrooms, but also a swimming pool and sauna on site - which I thought would be excellent relaxation for us both. "I may not leave the site" I said beforehand, "I will just swim, sauna, sleep, eat and lie on my bed with a book all weekend"
Unfortunately this was not to be. The pool was out of order, and had been for more than a week. I suggested to the receptionist that had we been informed of this, we would have cancelled and gone elsewhere as the pool was the main reason we chose them. She said that a lot of the families who were booked in for half term had said the same thing!
Meanwhile Bob was trying to establish where the blue badge parking spaces were. There were three - this is the one with the clearest marking. The others just had vague yellow splashes. Despite the website saying "There is a hotel carpark" it did not make it clear that there was a daily charge for this. The two receptionists decided to waive the parking fees because of our disappointment re the pool.
But we decided not to let these things get us down. We settled in on Friday night and found the bed very comfortable, and the shower was lovely. Saturday morning we set off to explore the Colchester, using our bus passes to get us right into the centre without worrying about parking.
Lots of history - the Romans came in 20BC, and Camulodonum is the oldest recorded town in the UK. Despite some people's hopeful theories, there is no evidence that Camulodonum has anything to do with Camelot, or that Colchester gets its name from Old King Cole. But Queen Elizabeth did grant the place city status as part of the Platinum Jubilee Honours, signing the letters patent on 5th September 2022, just days before her death - and King Charles III visited on 7th March 2023.
Colchester has a long and intriguing history. The High Street is full of some splendid architecture, and behind it is the Castle Museum. And an intriguing statue of two sisters, Anne and Jane Taylor, who wrote a lullaby in 1806 which is known and loved the world over - Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.
We strolled slowly in the sunshine, visiting bookshops and charity shops, and a delightful coffee shop opposite the Castle. In the afternoon we relaxed at the hotel - briefly using the gym, then having a sauna. In the evening we went out to a Carvery.
On Sunday, after another delightful breakfast, we checked out* and drove up to Constable Country. I have always wanted to go to Flatford Mill, and was not disappointed.
It is managed by the National Trust - and we sat by the water chatting to a pair of kayakkers [is that a word?] The young woman offered to take our photo. Then we went to look round the Bridge Cottage museum. I loved the little family on the mantelpiece, and wondered how the mice are doing in Dereham Museum
But the ceilings in the back room were awfully low - Bob really had to bend over to walk through. I picked up a few gifts in the shop.
It was only 10.30, and the NT coffeeshop had been open since 10 - but the queue was already round the block! We returned to the car to continue our journey. Part Two tomorrow...
* I am sorry to report that as well as the pool and the parking, there were a number of other things we felt unhappy about. We mentioned them at the time. I am not naming the hotel here, but I have emailed my concerns to them.
I learned that phrase from my grandparents - Grandad's carpentry and Nan's dressmaking relied on accuracy when cutting materials. And if you cut something a bit short, then it is really hard to correct it, and you may end up having to buy another length of wood or fabric.
Yesterday morning we took both cars to the garage [mine for MOT, his for service] and got the bus back home. Then I spread the dismantled curtains and the interlining out on the dining table. I was very conscious of the cost of the original curtains, and the cost of the interlining - and the need to take my time and do it properly. Ann in Scotland had wisely cautioned me against shortcuts, and the risk or errors - and of staring sat the curtains every night thinking 'I wish I'd...'
I worked really slowly, taking my time to measure, measure again, cut and pin. By 4.30pm, all the interlining pieces had their raw edges dealt with, and the two shorter curtains were pinned up ready for machining. Then I walked to the garage and collected Bob's car. I was quite tired by this point, and decided it was not sensible to attempt any more sewing. I pushed everything up to one end of the Dining Table so we could sit in comfort for our meal [beautifully prepared by Bob] The work will be completed today - it is not as if I can go anywhere - my car is still at the garage, waiting for the brakes to be fitted. And this afternoon I am having my cooker proferssionally cleaned. This is the first time ever I have paid someone else to clean it, but something spilled on the floor of the main oven, and I cannot shift it.
On the picture you can see my orange-handled Fiskars scissors, and beside them a black and grey object - my sharpener. This gadget is brilliant, and ensures you can start your project with razor sharp blades every time [details here] I love Fiskars products [I have their garden secateurs now as well!] and would award the sharpener a 5* recommendation. These are nearly 13 years old and as efficient now as they were on Day 1
Preserves = [noun] Jams, chutneys etc [verb] maintains in good state
Jam = [noun] a fruit preserve [verb] to squash inbto a small space
Can you believe it? people are actually trying to sell these empty jars on eBay, now that is potty IMHO [average price, inc postage, 50p each]
I suppose some people might want to buy them. Here are some ideas for using them. Remember to label them!
Buttons when I am dismantling shirts for memory bears, I save all the buttons [four shirts can yield anything up to 60 little buttons]
Seeds saving seeds - from tomatoes, sweet peas etc
Herbs and spices - especially when they are sold in flimsy plastic bags.
Packed lunches and picnics - a small amount of salad dressing, or sugar for someone's coffee, a few peanuts to nibble
PVA glue - when I run craft workshops, its often easiest to give each person their own little pot, rather than have them reaching across the table.
Especially when working with children! And the unused glue will keep liquid if the tiop is screwed on firmly.
Craft supplies - as well as buttons, they are a good size for beads, sequins, etc.
Travel - earrings, pills, earbuds, hairclips and elastics, mini sewing kit.
Small change- useful in the car, £s for the trolley, and odd bits of 'shrapnel' for all those Norfolk Pay&Display carparks which only take cash if you do not have their particular Parking App.
Tiny gifts- pot up a little terrarium with a mini cactus and some moss, or put some home-made jam or chutney in a jar
[and add a fabric 'hat'], or fill the pot with tiny sweets or mints - or make a mini candle. Glue on a padded ciurcle of fabric to make a pincushion.
I was at a lunch event before Christmas, and every woman had one of these little gifts at her place, prepared by our hostess.
There are literally dozens of ideas out there for reusing mini jam jars
Julian only had one full weekend off in December, so we designated last weekend to be his "Christmas Family Weekend In Norfolk" The best laid plans...
He arrived mid morning on Friday, but Bob was away at a funeral till teatime. We went out in the evening to a Christmas Production [more on that later] which was brilliant.
Saturday, up early, and after getting the evening meal veg prep sorted, the three of us went to church to set up for the Craft Fair. Home for lunch, Oven timer set, and back again for the 2pm start.
People had worked so hard, knitted goods, pottery, cakes, millinery, books, woodcraft [Bob] textiles [me] ...there was lots on offer. Crystal, the Pastor's wife had a table of children's activities in the back room [all free] Beforehand, Julian helped her set up, then he came through to manage the card reader [useful for all those who didn't have enough cash!]
Quite a few people from the village came in, not just church folk. A couple of the Mums and Toddlers said they'd really enjoyed Tuesday's story, and were reading the little book to their children each evening. It was cold and wet all afternoon, as Storm Darragh rained down. When we got home, we noticed the lights in the Nativity Tableau were off "I think we have had a power cut" said Bob. "My oven!" I said. Fortunately, the power had comer back on again, and we were able to switch on the oven straightaway, and realised our meal would be only about half an hour late.
We all worked hard getting ready. Menu was roast chicken and loads of veg [potatoes, carrots, broccoli, sprouts, red cabbage] plus pigs in blankets, yorkshire puds, cranberry sauce, gravy.... to be followed by choice of two puds [frangipane tart with cherries, apple strudel - and creme fraiche or custard] There were a couple of candles on the table, and napetties elegantly folded in the glasses. I'd just got all the veg in their serving dishes in the warming oven when Adrian and Marion arrived. Bob ushered them into the lounge. I started bring food through to the table and summoned everyone for dinner [this was the second call, first call was the smoke alarm which went off when I opened the oven door!]
As the other four came to sit down, all the lights went out. I found and liut more candles, switched on the three little battery pillar candles- and Bob fetched his huge worklamp. [Think searchlight in the tower at Stalag Luft III]
We ate our meal by candlelight. It wasn't quite how I'd planned... We retired to the lounge, without our usual after dinner coffee. Adrian and Marion went home at 9, to their own, dark, house. We loaded food into the fridge and crocks into dishwasher by torchlight. Power back on at 9.30 and we went to bed promptly, in case we were plunged into more Stygian gloom.
Sunday morning, up early [again] Bob and Julian went off to church in Wymondham [Bob was guest preacher] stopping to pick up Joseph, who had toppled over outside. It was wet and windy. I set off to our church, and was just over halfway when I encountered this fallen tree blocking the road...
No option but to turn round and take a more circuitous route. I got to church 5 minutes late.
It was announced we had raised well over £700 at the Fair - and excellent result, and great community involvement. I came home, in the rain, and picked up a fallen Wise Man before going inside to prepare lunch.
Oops! Julian and Bob got back [safely] and we ate our meal, then J drove back to Essex. He messaged me later to say he was "home and dry"
It was so good to have him with us for a couple of days, and we had fun despite high wind, rain and powercuts. Other people in other places had it much, much worse. I hope you have not been badly affected by Storm Darragh.
Alexa and the 'smart' gadgets took a while to recover from the powercuts, and resetting all the electric clocks took a while too
Make sure you have torches and blankets on hand, and take care when you have to go outside.
This weekend up in Manchester caring for the boys, then midweek, down to London to look after the girls. This prayer is very apposite. [And Lord, please look after both sets of parents as they travel abroad, and bring them home safely]
The first thirteen properties in the close have dropped kerbs, a drive with space for at least one car to park off-road AND a garage. We are fortunate to be on the corner [round the bend !] and so we have plenty of space. The remaining ten have no vehicular access, but at the end of the Close there is access to their 10 garages - two rows of five. Built in 1973 they are rather small, and 80‰ of them do not contain cars The turning area at the end of the Close will take half a dozen cars parked perpendicular to the pavement, and residents often double park. It is mayhem at weekends, and when the bin lorries, tankers full of heating oil, grocery deliveries, ambulances or hearses arrive they often struggle to get out again. And such vehicles come most days.
From my kitchen window I see all the cars parked in front of Cornerstones. I did a double take one day this week
They were actually touching! These belong to the members of the same family.
Two days later, another family member added his car. Three in a row, bumper to bumper.
Their mobile catering van takes up 1½ spaces at the end of the Close. When these bungalows were built nobody envisaged ordinary families having more than one small car.
Fortunately I'm not too bothered by all this. Other residents write regularly to complain to the Parish Council.
When neighbours ask why I'm not complaining about the cars outside my home, I politely explain that I do not own that space. And if I were living in a Victorian property in Manchester or London the parking situation [and 24 hour passing traffic] would be infinitely worse.
I am grateful for my home, and my car. Romans 12 verse 18 has wise advice for those seeking to be good neighbours
Do everything possible on your part to live in peace with everybody.
Preacher, teacher, wife, mother, grandmother, craftswoman. Married to wonderful Pastor Bob since 1979, now happily retired to Norfolk, but still busy. I am blessed with two brilliant grown-up daughters and four wonderful grand children
