Another (mayfly) day

By heck, but it’s warm, isn’t it? We came back home this afternoon from a wonderful afternoon out visiting Richard and Jill in Malvern, in which we ate and drank well and nattered to our hearts content, when I realised my swimming costume from the open water swim on Wednesday was dry, but not washed. Oh…. and I need it for a 9a.m swim tomorrow!! Even though it was seven o’clock, I quickly popped the items from the washing machine onto the line and bunged the cozzie in the machine on a quick wash. By the time it was finished, an hour later, the previous load on the line was dry and ready to put away. Howzat, eh? A dry cozzie’ll be along any minute now!

We had a good journey down to the Malverns this morning, no-hold ups and great scenery on the way, of course. It is ages since we’ve been down to Richard and Jill’s and I was looking forward to it. Jill has master-minded a wonderful garden over the years and I was keen to see it. It didn’t disappoint. A fabulous wetland area in the front garden and lush vegetation in the back garden, including lots of fruit and veg. Wasn’t half jealous of her green fingers!

She also cooked up a lovely picnic-style lunch, while Richard found just the right drinks, and we tucked in with gusto. Lovely afternoon with old friends. That’s what it’s all about, isn’t it?

I had had a lovely time last night with another old friend, too. I met up with Sue Wakeford at The Folly at Napton. She was down in the Midlands for a few days, catching up with friends (including me, yay!). We sat outside in the balmy evening air and were treated to the Mikron Theatre Group (specialists in presenting to canal users, apparently) performing their play in the gardens of the pub. Not that we concentrated on the performance, mind you. We were too busy gassing….. very, very nice to see Sue, I must say.

Winding backwards to Wednesday, it was another exciting day with an open water swim for me with Linda and Anita and then, for us both, Quiz Night. Once again, lots of lovely laughter among dear friends.

Meanwhile, in between times, we have had some lovely chats to the Sleaths-who-are-holidaying and been envious of their time at the seaside. It looks like they are having a whale of a time one way and another! Splashing in the sea and the man-made splash pools, mackerel fishing and cream teas – can’t be bad, eh?

Freddie on the fishing trip all smiles and very hopeful at the beginning of the trip, and looking very dapper……. but apparently they didn’t catch anything. Shame!

In other news, it has taken a trip across to Jersey to see Granny and Grandad over there to get a photo of the Kenilworth Newby boys together all smiling! Wonderful!

Back at the ranch, John has continued his quest on the car and, despite some setbacks, he is making progress. Oooooo…. I hear you say! About time, too, I say! Hehehe. He is especially enjoying his new piece of equipment he bought last week, which he says is worth its weight in gold.

And John’s new motto is to greet each new day as a mayfly does. Taking it one day; and one day; and one day; and one day at a time. I’ll drink to that! Mind you, I’ll drink to anything! Where’s that Prosecco?

Take care everyone. God bless.

Susie Dent’s Word of the day yesterday was ‘mafting’ (18th century): overpowered by stifling heat and an oppressive lack of air. Phew!