Here I am on Saturday morning listening to Summer Sun by Yo La Tengo which I bought yesterday remembering that Nathan had reviewed it in AnotherSun for me a couple of years ago. Nice murmury stuff and perfect for an early morning. And for remembering what I was up to last Saturday...
* * *
Saturday 23rd
There was a window in our schedule for me to zip down to Brighton with MJ and we seized it. Was hoping that Brighton would look lovely in the sun, but it was a dull, rainy and overcast. However we successfully contived our own fun. Showed MJ my little house in the Twitten and then slipped up to Anna and Anton's and down for a bite to eat and a polish beer in the Tin Drum. Much warmth from Anton and Anna, with Anna most excellently extolling the virtues of Brighton to MJ, and Baby Klauds busily being adorable despite having a cold and pooing explosively. Shame we didn't have enough time to really kick back.
Then a fast tour of Brighton through the Lanes, down to the Pavillion, the seafront, pier and through the twittens back to my place and back into the train. MJ sleeping on my shoulder transforming my normal commute into a source of contentment.
Back to the hotel, and out for a really enjoyable Italian meal and much cheerfulness. The Pies really are wonderful company, although I was definitely being investigated by them. Johanna Pie asking incisive questions and listening carefully to the answers, as Michael speculated fabulously and at length about the things Brighton Boy wasn't saying.
* * *
Sunday 24th
Another action-packed day. We set off for Heathrow where Michael and Johanna picked up a rental car and from there we drove to Alton, Hampshire. Johanna in the front passenger seat putting her glasses on the back of her head to keep an eye on Mary Jane and me.
Stopping at a pleasant pub called the Poacher for a good Sunday roast followed by spotted dick pudding which MJ viewed with suspicion.
Then off to one of the holiest of grails for MJ and Mrs Pie... Jane Austen's House. I really enjoyed the place too, even though I have only read Pride and Prejudice and half of Persuasion. Lovely old house, although by no means a stately home. Was interested by Cassandra too, her sister who painted the only contemporary likeness of Jane -- which looks like a quick sketch. Quite a strong look to her body, and her big eyes set quite far apart and looking rightwards as if imagining something in what I think must have been a characteristic look.
Also amazing to see her tiny table where she worked, listening for the creak of the door ready to hide her manuscript if interrupted.
Then back into the car and Michael drove us to Stonehenge. MJ and I left the Pies drinking coffee and we took a quick turn around the stones. An energising and arresting place with the skylarks bravely making themselves heard above the traffic. MJ liking this a good deal. Felt significant for us to be walking around Stonehenge hand in hand.
Found out later that they are going to build a tunnel to hide the road near Stonehenge, which I think they should.
Then the final leg to the Combe Grove Manor hotel just outside Bath set near the top of the beautiful Limpley Stoke valley. A heavenly place.
* * *
Saturday 23rd
There was a window in our schedule for me to zip down to Brighton with MJ and we seized it. Was hoping that Brighton would look lovely in the sun, but it was a dull, rainy and overcast. However we successfully contived our own fun. Showed MJ my little house in the Twitten and then slipped up to Anna and Anton's and down for a bite to eat and a polish beer in the Tin Drum. Much warmth from Anton and Anna, with Anna most excellently extolling the virtues of Brighton to MJ, and Baby Klauds busily being adorable despite having a cold and pooing explosively. Shame we didn't have enough time to really kick back.
Then a fast tour of Brighton through the Lanes, down to the Pavillion, the seafront, pier and through the twittens back to my place and back into the train. MJ sleeping on my shoulder transforming my normal commute into a source of contentment.
Back to the hotel, and out for a really enjoyable Italian meal and much cheerfulness. The Pies really are wonderful company, although I was definitely being investigated by them. Johanna Pie asking incisive questions and listening carefully to the answers, as Michael speculated fabulously and at length about the things Brighton Boy wasn't saying.
* * *
Sunday 24th
Another action-packed day. We set off for Heathrow where Michael and Johanna picked up a rental car and from there we drove to Alton, Hampshire. Johanna in the front passenger seat putting her glasses on the back of her head to keep an eye on Mary Jane and me.
Stopping at a pleasant pub called the Poacher for a good Sunday roast followed by spotted dick pudding which MJ viewed with suspicion.
Then off to one of the holiest of grails for MJ and Mrs Pie... Jane Austen's House. I really enjoyed the place too, even though I have only read Pride and Prejudice and half of Persuasion. Lovely old house, although by no means a stately home. Was interested by Cassandra too, her sister who painted the only contemporary likeness of Jane -- which looks like a quick sketch. Quite a strong look to her body, and her big eyes set quite far apart and looking rightwards as if imagining something in what I think must have been a characteristic look.
Also amazing to see her tiny table where she worked, listening for the creak of the door ready to hide her manuscript if interrupted.
Then back into the car and Michael drove us to Stonehenge. MJ and I left the Pies drinking coffee and we took a quick turn around the stones. An energising and arresting place with the skylarks bravely making themselves heard above the traffic. MJ liking this a good deal. Felt significant for us to be walking around Stonehenge hand in hand.
Found out later that they are going to build a tunnel to hide the road near Stonehenge, which I think they should.
Then the final leg to the Combe Grove Manor hotel just outside Bath set near the top of the beautiful Limpley Stoke valley. A heavenly place.
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