When we left the charming village of Kirby Muxloe, where we'd lived for two decades, my young friend Hannah [who I'd known since birth] sent me a lovely postcard, with a quote from Jane Austen's "Northanger Abbey". I've treasured the card- not so much for the quote, but for Hannah's thoughtful farewell message on the back. But as my word of the year is 'adventure' here's a picture of the card.
Kirby is a super village - and yes I did have great adventures there - but there have been adventures in the past six years in Dorset too. In Austen's time "abroad" meant away from home, or over a wide area, not necessarily in a foreign country.
I'm going back to village life again- utterly confident that adventures will befall me there too.
To quote Agatha Christie...
“Well, my dear,” said Miss Marple, “human nature is much the same everywhere, and, of course, one has opportunities of observing it at closer quarters in a village.”
[not that I'm expecting Swanton Morley to rival St Mary Mead, in terms of crime statistics!]
You make adventure by what you involve yourself in. Am quite sure there will be lots going on in Swanton Morley! Incidentally, what a name!
ReplyDeleteAuthor Ian Sansom has written a series of crime stories with a sleuth called Swanton Morley!
DeleteGood luck for your next adventure x
ReplyDeleteLife is an adventure no matter where one might go! :)
ReplyDeleteLife in an English village sounds like bliss to me! I now you will settle in and love making friends as you continue to do the lovely things you do for other people.
ReplyDeleteI think most signs would pale in comparison to those two spectacular ones! I have such fond memories of visiting that little castle one blisteringly hot English day with much smaller sons! In a hotel in Germany two summers ago we saw a sign that said something along the lines of - will we have our adventure now or drink tea first? I'm afraid I'd always plump for the latter!
ReplyDeleteAdventures are always improved by copious cups of tea
DeleteThat is a lovely quote!
DeleteBest of luck for your retirement, Angela. Cheers
ReplyDeleteI have read your blog on and off for a while, but didn't realise the Norfolk leg of your household was in Swanton Morley - we will practically be neighbours as I live in Melton Constable.
ReplyDeleteOh that's brilliant- when things are a more settled, perhaps I should come over and treat myself to some sausages from Rutlands Butchers, and we could meet up for coffee, perhaps?
DeleteI think Rutlands are a superb family with an excellent shop - and I just love the way that the customers exchange recipes and cooking tips!
ReplyDelete