Wednesday 20th December
After a quick walk in the morning I dropped a Christmas card into Bernard’s post box. I had expected him to be there. When I last saw him he hadn’t any plans for Christmas so I expected he would open the door, but perhaps he had gone to one of his children for the week.
When I came back home Maggi was ready to head into town and we took the tube to Bond St.
On the Tuesday she had bought a pair of Doc Martens and now the next day we returned them. We looked around unsuccessfully for a new wallet for me. In the process we dropped into a a shop I had never noticed before called John Ruston Shoes. It seemed like we had reverted to a previous time zone. The sop had Led Zeppelin music in the background. Admittedly the shop had no customers when we walked in but the two guys serving exuded a friendliness not often found in your average retailer. I didn’t find a wallet that I liked but I did buy a belt and a determination to return and buy a great new pair of boots.
We continued to Marylebone Lane and ate Fish & Chips in The Golden Hind Restaurant. I had poached plaice and chips with mushy peas. The meal conformed to my expectations and the staff passed the friendliness test.
Thursday 21st December
See other post about the day and the meal.
Friday 22nd December
Today we met up with the nieces in Richmond Park. We all arrived around 2 pm and meandered through Richmond Park. I chatted to Martin, Vikki, and Mel and had a hug from the 3 little ones. We walked along a path and then came to a group of large stags.
The sight of 6 or more large stags with their huge antlers surprised and awed us all. They showed no signs of fear or any idea that they might run off even though Henry, Mel’s dog accompanied us. We moved pass them cautiously determined not to disturb them and a little concerned that they might actually charge at us. Thankfully neither of these events happened.
I can’t remember the last time I had walked in Richmond Park, but I’m pleased that I have renewed my memory of the place. It occupies an enormous area of south London’s suburbs and is part of the Royal Parks including Hyde Park. The royalty have had it good for a long time.
After the stroll we made our way to The Albert in Kingston. All the adults ordered burgers and they tasted pretty good, which surprised me. While the kids ran riot when we tramped around Richmond Park, making as much noise as they knew how, when they arrived at The Albert they behaved themselves impeccably. They ate their meals in peace and stayed at the table for most of the time. We parted with hugs all round and wished each other a happy Christmas.
Saturday 23rd December
Another day featuring food. A week before Ann Fenton had called Maggi to say would we like to come round for dinner. As we had no other arrangements she said yes. Their other guests being Helen and Issac it meant we all knew one and other. Subsequently we invited Helen and Issac to come to our house for 5:30 so we Arsenal fans could watch the top of the table clash with Liverpool at Anfield. A very tight and intense match ended in 1-1 with both sides having chances to win. The most glaring chance fell to Liverpool when from and Arsenal corner they broke with 4 Liverpool players streaking forward and only Rice in defence. Salah passed to Alexander-Arnold with only the goalkeeper to beat and his shot hit the top of the crossbar and passed into the crowd. A mighty relief to all Gooners everywhere.
After the game Issac drove us round to Ann and Charlie’s. I wondered where he learnt to drive. Maybe in the dessert of Israel. He appeared completely bewildered in the short run to West End Lane and I wondered if we would arrive.
Charlie forever the great host has lost quite a few pounds since we last saw him at our house almost a year ago. We had a very chirpy meal. Helen and Ann always have a lot to say and you had to fight to get a word in as Maggi also put in her 4 cents. Much better to have such a lively chat than a meal when you are trying to think of something to say. The only person who didn’t really make any contribution, our driver. I often caught him looking down at his phone through the meal. How can he be that rude? Issac, slightly more assured on our return dropped us off and I rushed up the stairs to have a poo.
Sunday 24th December
Post yoga Maggi and I wandered around the back streets of Pinner. We popped into a new coffee and snack bar entitled French Corner in the High St. We didn’t eat anything and the cappuccino you could only say was ok.
Monday 25th December – Christmas Day
As we had no family around, Matt and Helen kindly invited us over for Christmas lunch at their place. Also in attendance for the event, Rory, Ollie, Nicky and Jude with their little pugnacious dog and ready to enjoy a hearty meal of venison stew. Quite a difference from your traditional Christmas day fare. Clare and Martyn also showed up for drinks and nibbles before they headed off to Clare’s brothers for their meal.
We had a good time, but I did note that Rory didn’t help one bit during the whole time we were at their house and was decidedly morose. I think he has a bit of a chip on his shoulder. I don’t know why.
