That dreaded day!

Monday's post (Don't worry, be happy) reminded me of that dramatic day when I left school and was suddenly thrust out into the big wide world.

It was the day after the end of term, and about five of us had to catch the early train to London.

I remember, as if it was yesterday, walking out through the impressive 14th C entrance 'Porta' building, above, and thinking that from here-on life was going to be very different; I was totally unprepared for it. I also remember standing and looking back at The Porta for the final time. I stood there probably for far longer than was necessary; feeling very emotional. I was leaving a well loved home for ever.

Once in London, four of us went to a small Italian restaurant near Victoria station where we regularly ate (Spaghetti Bolognese) at the beginning and end of each term. The restaurant knew us well, and made a big fuss of us at each visit. Once we had explained that this would be our final group visit, the manager offered us a free bottle of Chianti, and there was genuine sadness all round as we took our boaters from the hat rack for the final time.

I had already acquired a good job in The City, but first I left for a two week holiday before starting my serious life.

I'd had no preparation for life outside school, but fell into the rhythm of daily grind without difficulty. I've always been a disciplined person, so early rising and time-keeping came easily to me. What I didn't like was my job as a Stock Exchange 'Blue Button' (trainee broker).  After receiving my first full year's bonus, I handed in my notice, ran away to Paris, and instantly felt the true feeling of freedom.

For a couple of years before Art College I had a wonderful time firstly managing a small Art Gallery in Marylebone, then running my own antiques business in Chelsea. London was 'swinging' at the time, and life was very good.

During those years between school and college, I had a terrible feeling of separation, or even divorce; of having been cast adrift. This soon changed when I found my true vocation, and my studies began in earnest.

I still find it surprising how long it really took for me to break away.

It's Oh So Quiet

It's terrible when all your guests leave, especially if they go all at once. As the nice lady says; it's oh so quiet.

Still; what fun we've had. It's never a dull moment with my boys around. We've eaten ourselves fat, we've laughed till our trousers fell down, and we sang our hearts out to Vera Lynn and others.

We are now expecting no more visitors until next Summer, unless Kimbo can snatch a long weekend away from work.



So, for the moment.... what on earth will we do with ourselves! Maybe I'll teach Lady M the rudiments of Boxing, or how to dig holes..... I'm sure we'll find something to do.

Evening Croquet.

                              

It was Bastille Day. Cro, two sons, and one grandson, fight it out on the Croquet Lawn.

The long shadows heralded the end of the day. It was cool, we'd just eaten a delicious leg of Lamb, and consumed a certain amount of wine; it was perfect for a game or two of Pall Mall.

The girls watched from the pavilion and took photos, as we complained about cheating, the run of the ball, or who had played out of turn. Nothing was too insignificant for our accusations.

It's the perfect game for a summer evening.

Then yesterday we had dull skies and a few drops of rain. As someone once said "What a difference a day makes". It was, of course, St Swithin's Day, which also meant it was Wills's birthday.

Don't Worry, Be Happy

Here are the school leaving members of the 'King's Barbers' (from my alma mater) singing a classic song for our difficult times, 'Don't worry, be happy'. Traditionally the 'Barbers' are given a pitch-pipe as a leaving present; which are in the small boxes that they open.

Don't expect perfection, they're certainly not pro's; just a bunch of boys who sing for the love of singing.



At 3.38 mins you will see two boys walking down a narrow road. On the right is the medieval building where I spent four years of my youth. Ah, memories!

Another hot day.

Looking out through the sitting room door, it is hot, dry, and airless. The grass is drying, and there is that unmistakable warm scent of Summer in the air.

Indoors it is cool, dark, and comfortable. The thick stone walls and quarry tiled floors give us some respite from the relentless heat of mid-July.  

The pool is hardly ever without someone splashing about, Billy sleeps on the ancient cooling flagstones in front of the big fireplace, where no doubt generations of dogs before him have found relief, and after all our tasks are finished, we sit reading books until it's time for an aperitif at about 5.30 pm.

We feel guilty of our laziness, even though I mowed most of the grass earlier in the day.

It's only 30 C in the shade, but it feels like much more. I have a feeling that Billy really doesn't like the heat of Summer.

Mild, long, Peppers.

These Peppers are the French equivalent of the Spanish Padron Peppers. Here they are known as Piment long doux des Landes. The Landes region of France being that lower part of the West coast, before arriving in Spain. 

As the names suggests, they are mild Peppers, and are gently fried in Olive Oil to be eaten as a snack with drinks etc.

They are one of my favourite Summer crops, and I was quite surprised to see that there were already several awaiting my attention.

A few minutes in the pan until soft and blistered, a very slight sprinkle of fleur de sel, and you have a real treat. They are surprisingly delicious.

Dead Walnut Tree.

Yesterday was a good day. It was hot, sunny, and we got things done!

I'd been worried for some while. Bits had been dropping off it for months, and recently two very large branches came down with a real thump, after some strong wind.

A couple of pro 'lumberjacks' were working nearby so we asked if they could come and look at a job. They quoted a price and came the following day (yesterday). What an amazing couple of guys!

Considering that the tree was rotten, the smaller of the two shinned up to the top, and started cutting bit by bit with his tiny lightweight chainsaw. He seemed to have no fear.

You can't see him too well in the top picture, so here he is in close-up, holding on with one hand, whilst sawing with the other. Everything fell exactly where they wanted, nothing broken, no wires down.

This is the finished pile. It doesn't look much, but it'll probably keep us going through much of this coming winter.

It's such a relief to have the tree down.... I shall sleep again at night.