Ye Olde English Posy

We did see the New Forest ponies, hundreds of them, along with beautiful scenery and mile upon mile of lilac heather. Stopping briefly at a garage, where, apart from the usual dash for the loos,  we stocked up on cups of hot coffee, milk shakes for the kids and a selection of scrummy cakes. A couple of miles further on Robert found a magical spot, where we sat on the short grassy banks of a meandering stream, drinking our coffee and scoffing cakes. A few games of “bat and ball” with the kids was fun, a bit “hit and miss” though – Jasmine was throwing the bat instead of the ball and Holly kept saying my aim was out, that’s why she couldn’t hit the ball. I gave her the benefit of the doubt. In truth, she’s useless at ball games, but it pays to humour a 7 year old at times. (Nan isn’t as daft as she’s cabbage lookin’ – wasn’t going to let any tantrums get in the way of such a beautiful day).

Everyone was happy. I was so busy enjoying meself, I didn’t think to take any pics of the New Forest scenery. Robert did grab the camera later in the day, when we were on the beach at Barton-On-Sea and our final stop in Burley.  

Holly and I got brave and went paddling – after I assured her the tide was going out:  “Oh nan! You’ve got it wrong again, but you are funny” – we got a soaking as the waves crashed around us, and collapsed on the beach together, doubled up with laughter. The tide was coming in! Well, how was I to know? A mere country bumpkin, who’s spent her entire 60 years living as far as you can get, in this country, from the sea.

Jasmine was busy digging up half the beach, with a bucket and spade we'd bought at the local café, where we had some lunch. She’s gorgeous, a little bundle of laughter and contentment, who happily played beside grandad, chattering on in her toddler language, keeping him happy too.

Some weeks ago Robert gave our conifer trees a short back and sides, as they were getting too large. That job badly needed doing, because I’ve just approached the Housing Association about a transfer to a bungalow, in Buckingham, and need to have the place tidy. The Housing Association will send somebody to check over this property, before they offer us another one. It’s standard procedure, to make sure we, as tenants, haven’t abused or neglected the place.  I don’t know how long it will be before we are allocated another property, but am beginning to sort out all the stuff we no longer need and won’t have room for, as we are downsizing to a 2 bed bungalow. We’re eligible for a 2 bed because of the nature of hubby’s illness, but need a letter from our GP to back this up. We’ve made an appointment with her next week.

It’ll probably feel strange moving from a small village, after 25 years in the same house, to a small market town; but needs must, as they say. I simply can’t cope here any longer and need somewhere with mains gas heating, a smaller garden and no hazardous staircase (ours is lethal); plus there is the future prospect of not being able to afford to replace our car. If that happens, I need to be somewhere with shops, doctors and bus services on my doorstep. I’m not thinking about being without a car yet though, will keep it chugging on for a few years, with a bit of luck, a few spare parts, the wind behind me and a length of baler twine!

I can’t end this entry without saying a big thank you, to those kind people who have kept in touch during my recent abscence; especially Angie, Jan, Sara and Krissy; who, despite carrying their own burdens, have thought of me.

I've edited this entry 4 times, as aol can't get the typeface right! I've given up trying and apologise for the different sizes of type.

I will wish you all Night, Night. Take care. Thanks for dropping by.

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