Well we've managed to get away from Northumberland for a little while and the pin we stuck in the map dictated Zmatket Drayton, where we're staying in the Bulkeley Wing of Buntingsdale Hall.
We're here with my mum and sister and two of her girls, and so far it's been great. The hall is massive, and there are grounds with a lake, a basement with a huge games room, and massive sitting room and kitchen. It's very peaceful - and we can get away from everything and everyone here if we need to.
Yesterday we drove down and on the way picked up my new Beetle from Congleton. I bought the car on eBay a couple of weeks ago and although the description was just what I wanted I was a bit nervous buying it unseen and undriven. But it's great - and the eight years that seperate my last B reg beetle and this K reg 1972 one have seen a number of small but significant improvements. A bigger engine, 12 volt electrics and a few cosmetic changes, such as more upright headlights mean that it's quite a different feeling car. And for the first time I was able to go over 70 miles an hour!!!
Last night we walked around the lake, past the pheasant enclosure, then chilled and had some wine and watched tv after a tag team snooker tournament. This morning we explored the grounds a bit more then went into Market Drayton.
I've never been here before and this being a Sunday it was deserted apart from Argos and Wilkinsons, and the nearby Morrisons. We checked the place out though - Clive of India first brought curry to the UK to Market Drayton, so it's technically the birthplace of British Indian cuisine.
We went for a spin in the Beetle and had a pub lunch at the friendly Kings Head just at the end of the drive, then home again for a rest.
We've just returned from an expedition through sone very tall crop that's a bit like bamboo. Michelle and Charlotte proved very exciteable and I only had to mention the name of any insect to see them both scream and run around in circles. I could have done this all day, but after eight hours or so let them be.
I'm Reading Goodfellas at the moment - great film but never read the book, so giving that a go. I'm also learning a few new tunes on the ukulele, including Black Orpheus and it has some fiendish jazz chords in it. Beautiful but tricky.
Tomorrow, depending on weather, we'll probably go to either Stoke on Trent or Chester Zoo. Ta ta for now peeps.
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