Really struggling to get a night’s sleep. It’s bad enough that the hotel has only got aircon in reception and the bar but even when it is cool outside the room is like an oven. I will certainly not be coming here again.
On Saturday I visited my Mother. That was fun. She had got out of bed in the middle of the night and (don’t ask me what they were doing there) trodden on and squashed her spectacles. This had placed her in the position of being unable to read or watch the television. On a tip-off from a sister who was away for the weekend I searched for her spare ones.
In this I was successful in locating two pairs - circa 1920 - which the production team at Granada would probably pay a small fortune for as they would be perfect for Deirdre Barlow. Needless to say, the earliest she will be able to get the visiting optician to call will be later today.
This holiday is costing me a small fortune in taxis - whenever I go anywhere I try to take the bus there but need a cab back. The silly thing on Saturday was that I took a taxi to my brother’s pub only to be taken back from whence I had come for a tasting session at Rebellion brewery. In fact it was a most pleasant couple of hours and the free beer and cider were adequate compensation. Saturday night I wimped out early (I did stay late Friday when the band were playing though) and, not having eaten anything bar a packet of pork scratchings all day, bought a curry meal to eat in my room. I should have had a burger for a fifth of the price because most of it was flushed down the toilet. In mitigation I should say that in my attempt to procure proper “chippie” fish and chips I walk far and wide. My observation was that I was in the heart of a respectably sized English town and I could have burgers, kebabs, pizzas, McDonalds, KFC, curry - everything besides fish and chips!!
Sunday was a special day. An old friend I hadn’t seen for 14 years agreed to drive down and have lunch with me. I had fallen in love with Sharon at first sight many years ago, sadly it was and remains unrequited but we are still firm friends. She arrived a little early just before two and after a catch up we had a traditional Sunday roast. I had mistakenly thought she might stay for two, maybe three, hours before driving back but she stayed for 7 hours and we both never stopped arguing (or debating as she terms it). It was great. With luck and a following wind re rotas (she sets them but there is a sick worker at present) she is coming on my last night (Thursday) and will get a room so we can have a proper party.
Wednesday 24th 2145
Patchy blog I know and perhaps I should have simply said service was suspended. But I didn’t.
Monday I can’t recall but yesterday was eventful. An ex work colleague drove down from Luton for a meet and afterwards my brother and his lady “forced” me to go to The Bounty pub. This place I knew as Captain Hook’s years ago. Then it was a pub situated on a tiny island in mid-Thames and the landlord - yes, really - had no hands, instead he had two hooks. The only access in those days was via a loud shout to summon a rowing boat, now it is reached via a route march and bridge. However they do have a motor launch which; for a donation to a charity bottle; can hasten your way back. We had a few drinks on a lovely summer evening by the river (see photos) and then went for a late Indian meal. a lovely, lovely evening and one which I shall always remember. And yes, we took the boat - see photos.
I will not mention the fact that this morning, the first I was even close to getting a half decent night’s sleep, my mum managed to ruin it by calling me early.
Today once I had been to the Wetherspoons pub and made myself feel slightly human again, I went to visit mater. I could really do with my e-bike here because taxis are costing an average of £25 a day, nothing to people here but a lot to me. I did though manage to get the gifts I wanted - criterion, must be made in the UK and not China. I hope the recipients like them and Joanna in particular has really had the boat pushed out for her.
Just a few days left (still no chip shop fish & chips, pork pie etc) but if I am honest I am getting ever so slightly homesick. I never thought for a minute I would say that……..
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