Views and News from Glatton (May 2010)

8th May 2010 It's a first for me and a reminder that there's so many wonders of the world to experience - yet to be revealed.... I have just witnessed the majestic flight of a red kite for the first time ever! I hope I may be lucky enough to see more of these beautiful birds in the week I'm visiting the shire of Huntingdon - perhaps a little closer, perhaps for a little longer - ideally when I have my camera at the ready so I can save a record in more than my memory bank. If memory begins to fade I hope my photographs will serve as a reminder of happy times, exciting times, passing moments and snapshots of my life and times for future generations, that may wonder what life was like way back when....

I still have to see a live badger for the first time although I can confirm two more 'firsts' for me (during the last twelve months) - my first sighting of a woodpecker - in the tree outside my dining room window and first viewing of a red squirrel - in woodland, next to Killhope Lead Mine - beautiful.... but I digress

Meanwhile - back in Glatton I've been watching a family of robins, mum, dad and two youngsters in Joyce and Den's garden. I'm surprised that both male and female are around together with their youngsters.... is this usual or am I mistaken..?

9th may 2010..... It's a beautiful day today much better than the horrible cold, wet, day it was here yesterday. I've just got back from taking Pixie a short walk and guess what.... I watched swallows darting low across a sunny field with horses and grouse looking on.... it really must be the start of summer - long may the sun shine and I have the luxury to "stand and stare" ...just as the poem...even if, today, it was horses and grouse rather than sheep and cows...

Eventually home time after a week in Glatton seems to have arrived very quickly. I've had a great break, seen some lovely countryside and even enjoyed a visit from Andrea, Stan and baby Branna, driving down from Stamford. We all went next-door-but-one to the pub where I was treated to a great lunch. The pub was busy with locals enjoying a pint and good food - the service was friendly and attentive. But the time has come for me to say farewell to Pixie, Joyce and Den and to thank them for the opportunity to spend some time in their lovely home..... if Pixie needs company when you go away again... just call me and I'll be happy to journey south once again.

Trip to London on a shoe-string

My recent trip to London for the day cost a total of £18.60...!
£11 return bus fare via Northern Express from Feethams, Darlington to Victoria Coach Station, London.
I spent £4 on local bus fares (two journeys at £2 each)
£3.20 on two wonderful coffees "to go"
40p to get into the toilets at Victoria Coach Station...

My friend Rosemary and I set off at 0045 on Saturday morning and we arrived at London Victoria at 06.00. It was a great time to arrive as it was very quiet and we were able to get into lots of little arcades that would become packed with people later in the day. We saw some wonderful things... it would have been very easy to spend a fortune. But we settled for a coffee to go and a scrumptious piece of strawberry cheesecake from a fabulous patisserie. Rosemary treated herself to a lovely piece of amber with silver which she'll make into a necklace. Later we walked to Kensington Gardens and took our shoes off while we sat on the grass and watched the world go by. Then it was time to make our way back to the coach station for 4 o' clock and the journey home. I was so impressed with how much cleaner London appeared compared with my last visit albeit ten years ago - it was litter free and graffiti free and everyone we spoke to was very helpful and nice.... from the community policewoman who actually took us to the first bus stop we needed to find and even explained how the ticket machine worked - to the stall holders, the toilet attendant, the shop assistants.... it was altogether a lovely day and we'll try and make another trip as soon as we can. I'd certainly do the trip again.... it may seem madness to spend 12 hours out of 24 on a bus.... but it makes a trip to the capital possible if there's something special to see or experience. All for under £20.... it's got to be worth it...