What a lovely weekend (last weekend). We had the Waltons and the Kelly-Browns staying and we enjoyed much mirth and amusement as is always the case whenever we get together. We had a nice cultural outing to Stratford and a leisurely stroll around a plethora of snowdrops. Very nice.
Friday night last week we went to Stratford to see the latest RSC production of The Tempest. Our collective impression was that it was “good” but not great, largely because, I think, it’s not one of his better plays – spirits and sprites and all that nonsense. Apparently, there has been some criticism of the gender-blind casting – Prospero was played by a woman! Not being overly familiar with the play, I probably wouldn’t have noticed. It’s not as if it’s unheard of – a year or so ago we saw King John who was also played by a woman. No big deal – get over it!
On Saturday we ventured out to Thenford just down the road to see the display of snowdrops at Michael Heseltine’s estate. As you might guess, they were stunning but both Penny and I thought that they weren’t quite as sensational as they were last time we went. The weather wasn’t great – it was overcast and windy with a threat of rain – perhaps that’s the reason. Nevertheless, they were still gorgeous and such a lovely harbinger of Spring.
On Sunday, as our guests departed, we welcomed our next wave of visitors. This time it was Adam, Ava, Jessica and Julieta along with one of their Chinese student-boarders, Dylan. The occasion, of course, was to wish Julieta a Happy First Birthday. I don’t think she was too impressed with the whole affair and let her feelings show during our musical (?) rendition of Happy Birthday!
In short, a very busy weekend!
Tuesday Ms Playchute and I trotted off to the NEC in Birmingham for the Camping and Caravanning show. We went mainly to scout around for a new awning/tent for the campervan. To be fair, we already have two – one which Nick bought which has a sleeping compartment and is very spacious. More spacious than we need for just us and Daisy. I did buy a smaller one last year – cheap and cheerful which, it turns out, is a bit on the small size but also has no built-in ground sheet. Subsequently, Daisy found lots of ways of making a great escape. So, the objective was to find one of a middling size with a sewn-in ground sheet to keep her somewhat more constrained. And, I am pleased to say, Mission Accomplished! It should serve us well on future camping expeditions and, especially, for our excursion to France next summer.
On Wednesday evening I was upstairs closing the curtains in the bedroom when I glanced out the window. What a sight – the crescent moon aligned with Jupiter and Venus. Can you guess which photo below is the one I took with my phone and which was “borrowed” off the internet?
Thursday saw the arrival of our replacement window which has now been duly installed and thankfully that little saga is now done and dusted. I have to say, this was an insurance company at odds with the rest of the industry. Most times previously when I have had to make an insurance claim, the standard response has been, “No. I’m very sorry but that’s not covered.” In contrast, our insurers this time sent someone out the same day to secure it with film and then, the following Monday we had a visit to measure up the job and the replacement was installed quickly and efficiently this past Thursday. Such service will never catch on.
I am sure some folks would have paid good money for the dazzling, sparkly effect the shattered window provided but I guess structurally this is a bit more secure.
Friday evening we had our latest neighbourhood Not a Pub Night at ours. You will remember, this started when the village pub closed – a handful of our lovely neighbours decided to have a gathering in each other’s homes about once a month for a couple of hours. During Covid they were held out of doors when the weather co-operated but now we’re back indoors and it’s always a lovely occasion. Just a couple of glasses of wine, some nibbles and a chance to catch up with everyone – just the sort of thing one might do, for example, in a village pub!
YCNMIU
There’s been a marvellous brohuha this week concerning the current shortage of tomatoes and other salad produce in UK supermarkets and, at the same time, the abundance of fresh produce in many parts of the EU. The Remoaners blame Brexit and the Leavidiots blame poor weather in Spain and Morocco. Surprisingly, both are right. There is an overall shortage due to poor weather. The shortage is worse in the UK because of the red tape imposed by Brexit – growers and hauliers go elsewhere because it’s quicker and cheaper. Yet another Brexit benefit.
In another sign that the government is right on top of these sorts of things, the Environment Secretary suggested that, instead of moaning about not having fresh salad produce, people should cherish turnips instead. “Let them eat turnips” doesn’t have quite the appeal that “Let them eat cake” does but with this government it’s about as coherent a message as one is likely to get.
Meanwhile, keep happy, keep smiling, be careful, wear a f**king facemask in crowded places and keep your distance. And keep safe. And be gentle to wasps and bees.
Lots of love to you all,
Greg