What a great week we’ve had! Not only has the weather been gorgeous – beautiful spring days with warm sunshine, scattered clouds and largely blue skies – but we’ve also had an excuse to undertake a few outings and especially to enjoy the company of some splendid guests.
Last Saturday we made our way over the Nick & Lucy’s for an excellent Pizza Party. The sun was shining which, for some reason, prompted Bubble to retrieve a stash of water balloons which she took great delight in filling at the faucet and hurling at anyone who stood still long enough. Regrettably, I was the only one who got truly soaked when her missile made a direct hit with my enormous backside. Come pizza time I had to borrow a pair of Nick’s jeans while mine tumbled in the dryer for a while.
On Sunday we made our way across to Northampton for an outing to the Phipps (now known as the Albion) Brewery. Our house was originally built as a Brewhouse and pub in 1779 and it later became part of the Phipps chain of public houses in Northampton and the surrounding counties. It finally closed as a pub about 50 years ago.
We had hoped to perhaps find a bit of information about the history of our house but alas, the tour was pretty basic – an hour-long lecture on the evolution of the brewing process from several thousand years BC followed by a quick circuit of the cellars. We did get to enjoy a few tastings and a decent enough pub lunch, however, so it wasn’t all a wasted journey.
On Monday we whipped ourselves up into a state of frenzy in anticipation of the imminent arrival of Ben and his friend Brex-Anna. They have been on a bit of a holiday – a few days in Madrid, Barcelona and Paris to be followed by four days in the Guest Wing of Framington House, Moreton Pinkney. In preparation for their arrival, floors, window sills and skirting boards were thoroughly hoovered and the lawns were freshly mowed. With the daffodils still performing, the tulips beginning to emerge and the blossom in the orchard just starting to show, the whole place looked grand! Boy, were we exhausted by the end of the day.
On the recommendation of a friend I had booked an outing to the Cotswold Distillery on Wednesday. So, we drove leisurely across and through the Cotswolds to make our way to Long Compton where we had an excellent lunch at the Red Lion. Afterwards we made our way just a few miles to the distillery which is set in gorgeous countryside just outside the village of Whichford near Stourton.
The tour was interesting, I thought. They are working towards becoming a whiskey distillery but, in order to be legally called whiskey, the alcohol needs to age in casks for at least three years and one day. Their first batch will be officially released in October later this year. In the meantime they have also been distilling gin which does not require any specific length of time in casks. As with all good distillery or brewery tours, the visit concluded with tastings of various of their concoctions including some “whiskey” which is not called whiskey. Very good.
As Pen is not a great fan of either whiskey or gin, she kindly volunteered to drive home, which was just as well. We meandered our way home via Traitor’s Ford where Ben reminded us that we had pranked the boys many years ago by pretending that our car had stalled in the middle of the ford. “OMG! What are we going to do – we’re stranded!”
After drinking gin and whiskey all afternoon we stumbled our way across to our newest favourite pub/restaurant in the vicinity, the Crown Inn at Weston for dinner. As for every visit we’ve made, it was excellent – sitting by the fire enjoying a lovely meal with fine wine and company. An excellent day!
Thursday morning we set off to visit the fabulous gardens at Hidcote in Gloucestershire. I’m not sure that Pen is aware that cars are indeed allowed to drive up to the car park at the top of the hill. Instead, she insisted on parking at Mickleton and walking the rest of the way. The day was glorious but Mickleton happens to be at the bottom of a relatively steep hill on top of which is Hidcote. Naturally I complained almost the whole way up until Pen threatened to smack me. So, I trudged along reluctantly behind as we ascended the mountain which eventually brought us to the gardens. And glorious they were too!
Thursday evening Nick, Lucy and Annabelle came across for dinner as well as an excellent game of Sardines in the orchard at Bubble’s instigation. We barbequed Sandy’s salmon with pesto which, as always, was delicious. A lovely evening.
And so to Friday when, sadly, Ben and Brex-Ana had to begin to make their way on their homeward journey. After a leisurely start to the day we put them on a train to London where they spent the night prior to a flight back to LA on Saturday afternoon. It was more than lovely to have them here.
Love to you all,
Greg