An interlude in the Royal Oak

Up early to do a few bits and pieces of work, then Lorraine and I assembled her new dressing table. A lovely thing it is. Then downstairs to be collected by Adele and Jane. Adele lending Lorraine a food dehydrater for Lorraine to make more of her dried orange slice ornaments. 

I climbed into Adele's yellow car and we drove off to Poynings. We ended doubling back and going via Alfreston and then towards Brighton. Plenty of banter in the car, some of it centred on Jane's love of telling anecdotes. The high downs and fields beautiful and still covered with thin snow. Eventually we reached The Royal Oak -- a pub Lorraine and I have driven past on many occasions but never stopped at. Lovely village pub.

There we met Sally, Frances, Rick around the corner, and Deana -- and had lunch which, as a non driver, I was able to wash down with a couple of pints of Harvey's Old Ale. Nice to see folks from my old glass class again. Ben unable to make it as he was -- rather mysteriously -- cooking for a friend. Luckily I had prepared cards beforehand, so I wasn't embarrassed by having nothing. Sally gave me some chocolate bears for Lorraine and me. Deana, who sat on another table because she had a cold, gave everyone some nice paper. Food there... A decent burger, and as I ordered bread and butter pudding and custard for dessert, everyone else did too. Not so great though. Fun time with new friends. 

Home again -- a very delayed journey caused by an accident. Gave us plenty of time to chat though.

Happy to be indoors shortly before Lorraine arrived. She had a massage in Seaford, and had done some shopping. 

Strangely the Christmas tree lights didn't work this evening, which was rather strange. Eventually we worked out they had been cut accidentally by Lorraine cutting some branches out of it for a wreath.

A small supper tonight, and a fairly early night.

Below Jane and Adele and in front of the field behind the pub, and snaps from the passenger seat on the way home.