We stayed in Nailsworth in Gloucestershire with some of Woody’s friends and used them as a base to go to a friends 70th birthday in Bristol.
This is a double decker cake with fruits and chocolate pouring off it
We had a nice walk around the town discovering some interesting alleyways... very steep alley ways
Before getting back in time for lunch at an Italian restaurant which had amazing food. He reckoned he didn’t mind telling us how he had cooked the food as we’d never be able to do it as good as him! Maybe true as it did taste amazing. I had strips of turkey that were floured then cooked with mushrooms and then in white wine with lovely veggies. Woody had a beef version.
Sharing platter for starters
It was just a short break so we headed back surviving the m25 in the dark and the rain. Not too bad a journey but hard to see the white lines with all the reflections in water and from lights.
This is the church in East Farleigh decorated for Christmas
I worked the early shift on Christmas Day then came home for another christmas with Woody, Shelagh and her sister Glynis. Work had been hectic so it was good to get home and relax. The food was great and in between courses we opened more presents. Woody now has a giant terrarium and I have some new walking boots. 🥾
On Boxing Day we had a long and scenic journey to my parents in Salisbury. Particularly long because most of the motorways were shut or slow due to accidents so we went almost all the way on rural roads passing some lovely ruins and places along the way but it did make for a long journey. We arrived just ahead of parentals.
We met up with an old school friend of mine and her family for lunch and a short walk halfway between Wilts and Dorset.
Jumper says Tree Rex
There is a ford which i paddled in having brought my wellies
Where’s Woody? We walked with my parents around Finsbury Rings
I had a recipe and spices for biryani from a friend in South Africa so was having a go at it for dinner. Was v tasty
Parents new abode is within walking distance of cathedral and city centre
One of the 20 days a year this place is open.
Very welcoming! Imber is on Salisbury plain and was taken over by the army and was never returned to the residents
No hope of escape. Who you gonna call?
The church was open and had a display in it. The equivalent of church graffiti - the numbers on the walls represent a bell and which order to ring them
Most of the old buildings are gone but there are new army buildings to practice house to house fighting in
The old Manor House. I tried to get woody in the photo
Still trying to get a photo of woody...
Got one!
One of the few remaining buildings
We drove out a different route and passed about 15 tanks which remain in situ for target practice or to scare off anyone coming in
The locals are extremely welcoming in this area...
Though what is lovely is that owners of a dog who loved walking at the Rings left a basket of balls for other doggies when their doggy died.
We had another walk around the rings before heading back to the East.
Here be barracks (they shot all the dragons)
Happy walkers!
My parents have just booked a holiday and will be starting it by having a week with us in South Africa in February.
More recently we met up with Sarah whom we have lived with in guardianship properties a couple of times now. She is watching English in Korea at the moment but looking for a change.
More to come but enough for now
Lots of love
W&B xxx
