Good morning on a cold, frosty, gray and dreary foggy day, in marked contrast to the last couple of days which have been bright, sunny and positively spring-like. It seems, if the weather people are to be believed (are they ever?) that we are set to inherit the freezing Arctic conditions which the Russians have enjoyed over the past week – temperatures of -30 degrees centigrade (something in the region of -25 Fahrenheit, I gather) which sounds to me to be taking things just a few steps too far. No doubt it won’t be as grim as they are suggesting but just the thought of it makes one want to put on a few extra layers.
Friday and Saturday, in contrast as I say, were absolutely gorgeous days – temperatures into double digits with sunshine and bright, clear skies. So gorgeous, in fact, that Ms Playchute and I wandered out on our bikes both days for a little cycle through the countryside. Nothing too energetic, mind, a short little loop of about 12 miles carefully selected to avoid the most demanding hills in our vicinity and to make use of some narrow, country lanes devoid, for the most part, of any automobile traffic. Not only was the ride absolutely lovely but it’s always a great treat to have an opportunity to enjoy Ms Playchute’s sense of direction. Although she proudly tells me, whenever I make fun of her geographical expertise, that she secured a Grade 2 GCSE in Geography (in one year instead of the normal two!), her sense of direction and orientation is somewhat puzzling at times. On the Friday afternoon, as we cycled along a lovely, quiet lane from Aston-le-Walls towards West Farndon, I pointed out a couple of farm houses on a distant ridge with fabulous views across the valley and explained that when we walk the dogs along the West Farndon track we pass very close to these particular houses. The look of puzzlement and bewilderment was fabulous to behold. I tried various methods of explaining where we were, in which direction we were riding and where Byfield could be found to no avail until, about ten minutes later as we came round a bend just near West Farndon the light went on – we had reached the point where, when she takes the dogs for the famous 84 mile loop, she emerges from the fields onto the road again and her bafflement changed immediately to confidence – she knew the way home from here!
Out to dinner last night with Pete and Sally next door to Paul and Mary’s from across the road, the couple that Sallie’s amazing coincidence put us in touch with. They are a fun couple and the dinner was fabulous. They are very much looking forward to Sallie and Rod’s visit in the spring (as are we, of course – we do presume you are still coming?)
Yours, digging out as many sweaters, overcoats and underpants I can lay my hands on,
Love to you all,
Greg