“BARE ARMS - NO CARDIGAN”
Sarah got us back to Ray’s safely, where Richard was visiting his dad. Dexter 🐕 (who ignored me all the way down to E. Compton and rested his head on my arm all the way home) was pleased to see his dad - and Maggie 🐕 who, whilst pleased to see him, made it quite clear that it was too late to start playing rough.
Ray had a nasty bout of asthma which slowed him down - but not enough to cut down the size of the 2 walks that he and Maggie do together, daily. There was talk of perhaps driving down towards Southampton to meet up with Steph’s (and my) ex flatmate Denise, who is in the UK at the moment, too. The arrangements were being made between them, but didn’t eventuate- so instead I caught up with Mandy and her friend Vicki for a shopping spree in Reading … Mandy - 2, Vicki - bits and pieces - me, nothing. I have since bought myself a “carry on” suitcase for the flight home … I won’t be wearing my big thick jersey home and it takes up a huge space in my normal suitcase. I’ve convinced myself I will probably need a smaller one to travel to Oz for Maravel and Jo’s wedding - so ….
On the way home, we had an early tea at a local tapas hotel, before returning to Ray’s, sans appetite. They are both good company and it was a happy afternoon, just looking around and watching others spend their money.
Sunday dawned without any plans for the day, so Keith (whose 80th birthday I came over for, initially) and I went for a stroll and lunch and had a nice day out at a pleasant local(ish) lake and play area. There were signs up, warning of green algae in the lake, but it didn’t seem to stop people throwing sticks into it for their dogs to retrieve, or riding on pedalos, small yachts and rowing boat.
When we got back to Ray’s I learned we were off for a bbq at Sarah and Rich’s and so we got back to Ray’s around midnight. A busy day of eating and catching up.
Monday dawned and Richard took a day off work to take me across to Sevenoaks to uncuz Christine and Alan for three days, which will be followed by another 3 days with her sister, Jill who has a house right next door - so hopefully that transfer won’t have to involve others to get me there! I have always really liked Sevenoaks and feel comfortably “at home” here.
Probably my only regret, if I have any, is that I have had to be dependent on others for transport. In the past, I have had a car of my own - but in the planning stages, folk over here warned me, that the traffic had become crazy. They were probably right, but I don’t feel right about being a burden on others to get me around, either. In the planning stages I’d forgotten how many stairs and people there would be, at train stations etc - so I still haven’t risked my chances on that mode of transport (with luggage) as yet. I did look up car rental costs, but was put off to find that a couple of places put 70 as the upper age limit for prospective renters … and a higher charge rate.
Christine has organised a hairdresser to come here, tomorrow… I’ve boxed up my warmer travelling clothes and posted them home today (£79!!) and I’m awaiting the arrival of a small cabin bag (£20) by courier in the next couple of days. I am surprised at the difference a thick jersey, puffer jacket etc makes to what else will fit in to the same bag, so the thought of the added baggage when I get to Singapore made the decision a no brainer.
It will probably come as no surprise, that now the deed is done, I have woken to a misty start and quite a drop in the temperature!
