Things really are looking up after locking down and this is seriously welcome. You see, we are creeping out more after our cautious distancing from folk. Here’s what we’ve been up to.
We had an impromptu short break at a posh country hotel in Nottinghamshire. I can tell you, enjoying our breakfast in a very grand dining room while watching the frost melt outside was very special. In fact the whole time was special. In years gone by we have enjoyed a little break at this time of year when winter is beginning to drag on a bit; in these Covid times a Mediterranean break seems inappropriate and besides doesn’t the UK have so much to offer?
Judging by the other guests, it was clearly a haunt for retired folk. We were probably the youngest there and I think from almost another generation. There I was, in my denim jeans, enjoying the evening cabaret show and loads of people got up to dance – ballroom style! They were all smartly dressed and took it ever-so-seriously. Far more seriously than we did. In fact we thought we were at risk of being shown the door at one point
We enjoyed fine dining, a lovely indoor swimming pool, learning a little archery and some strolls outside. These all added up to be a lovely break. So thankful and perhaps we look forward to do the same next year! Having said that, my conscience would be seriously troubled if we indulged too much, not to mention our bank balance.
Observant readers might have seen in my last post that I have had my ears pierced. Yes really! When I wake up in the mornings I can hardly believe it actually happened. Perhaps this might seem a strange thing for a 60 year old bloke to do – what do you think? It was a strangely liberating experience and a mixture of curiosity, a little edgy rebellion against being always so conventional and catching up with the fashion back in the 1980s when I never had the courage. Mind you, going into a tattoo and body piercing shop was an ‘interesting’ experience with everyone else liberally covered in ink and so many holes. I think I’ll be content with my two new holes.
On Sunday we went to our church in Dunstable, first time this year. It was so nice being there and catching up with some friends afterwards – we have missed everyone. Following on from that, earlier today we had a coffee in the church’s coffee house where we caught up with a few people we knew. Again, a sense of having missed seeing people.
Most days we go out for a walk somewhere. Sometimes around the village, also Ampthill, the Grand Union canal and we visited Sharpenhoe Clappers for the first time. We also paid Hannah a visit on the south coast to wish her a happy birthday!
As ever, DIY things never seem far away. For now I’m doing some little “catching up” and “finishing off” jobs around the Quirky Museum. There’s a few bits of paint which needs tidying up, finishing tidying up in the back garage and so on. I like to be methodical about things, I don’t like having too many unfinished jobs around, so I want to complete these odd things before starting new jobs.
We are also re-energising our decluttering. Rachel has a steady stream of books etc being posted to successful bidders, along with surplus furniture which I have blogged about before. After a lot of deliberation I am putting my old bicycle up for sale.
I have mixed feelings about selling the bike; it is almost like selling an old friend. I think of the thousands of miles, the camping adventures, the commuting, the endless rides in hot sunshine and winter blizzards. I should also say it is a bit like Trigger’s broom (think ‘BBC comedy Only fools and horses’) as almost everything has been replaced – everything except the handlebars, front wheel and gear levers. I need to be logical about this, although we have a large house we don’t have room for old unused bicycles. I haven’t used it for years, so it needs to go.
Knowing the value of some parts, such as the Brooks B17 leather saddle, the Campgnolo seat post or the TA chainset and knowing how they are all holding their prices well, it is tempting to break it up for spares. Instead I would prefer to sell it as a useable vintage bicycle. Compared to the current crop of sportive bikes, this steel framed touring bike, with the natural springiness and long wheel-base, it is an easy, safe and comfortable ride. Let me know if you’re interested.
