October 24th

Dear Heidi,

I have had so many photos from you and we have spoken too, and I am really enjoying all your adventures.
In the meantime Pappa and I have been to fetch W from school, and we had a lovely visit with lots of people and in many places! First we went to Wisley, and Pappa bought so many bulbs we had to buy another suitcase to put them in! We then drove to visit Aunty A, and had supper in a proper English pub. Yes, I had venison sausages, cabbage and mash!  That night we stayed at the same hotel in Midhurst that we had our honeymoon in! We even got the honeymoon suite, which is actually three rooms, where the first Queen Elizabeth is supposed to have slept. It was really lovely. The next morning we went down to see Grandad for lunch and then the men went to the Mazda dealer to buy car parts, whilst I went to the shops....I was looking for a dress to wear for W’s confirmation. No luck.

We were supposed to drive on to Wells that night, but decided to try our usual rooms near the school and were able to get our favourite rooms there too. We actually had supper in the farmhouse kitchen that evening, a la famille, which was fun. (Ham, eggs and chips, and pear& peach crumble for pudding).

After breakfast, various errands in town, and a trip up to Wells to sort out the menu, tables, decorations and rooms at the hotel, ready for the big day next month. Pappa sensibly located the most useful car parks for all our guests, and then we did buy a nice black dress for me, with a jacket and scarf. I just hope and pray it doesn’t rain!

On the way back down to Cannington we stopped at a real cider Farm, and watched the apples being pressed, and tasted (and bought) some different ciders to bring home. Then we had to buy some towel s from Dunelm to wrap the cider in in case it leaked in the suitcases;) Fish n chips Friday that evening!

On Saturday it was time for the Harvest Festival at st Mary’s. The cross country race was cancelled because yet another hurricane was fast approaching the SW of England. We finished our supermarket shopping, yes, more cheese, and the suet, currants and sultanas I need for Christmas baking, then whizzed up to see Aunty S in Wiltshire. Whilst she and I chatted, Pappa and W stacked two pallets of logs for her. Another yummy pub supper and off to the hotel at Gatwick for a 6:30 am flight the next morning. We were all pretty exhausted on Sunday, and D and the animals were all glad to see us home again.

Since then it has been raining again. Pappa has washed and oiled the harvester, and tucked it up for the winter. I have been catching up with laundry and grocery shopping as usual. W has finally got his birthday present, and I think he is pleased. (I don’t know for sure, but he is sitting 100% of the time in front of the screen with his headphones on!!!)

So now you are off to Rome, and We have been sent the planned activities for your very busy few days. Have a fabulous time; keep an eye on your purse and phone, pick pockets are professional in Rome. Take care of yourself and your friends, and if you need to stop and write, phone, hunt for a pen or whatever, stand against a wall, so you are safer!

Lots of love and hugs,
Mamma.