My social diary is full in the run up to departure. A lazy afternoon by the duck pond at the Rose Inn Baxterley with Ian was followed by a beer induced afternoon snooze. Totally OK! That was only three days after Graham and I spent a convivial evening there catching up on news. Then the next day, Saturday, Alistair arrived for a stop over that included an al fresco lunch and an inevitable long walk to the Rose for more beer. Ali often comes over at Spring break, and usually brings Mediterranean weather with him. We ate Greek. Ali was relieved when it turned out to be Moussaka. He feared that it would be bread and water. The evening was still warm when we got to the pub, so I took up residence by the duck pond again. Tribute is a beer to wax lyrical about, maybe later. Light and hoppy. Not too strong. Not too weak. It doesn't affect my conversation (a lie), and it doesn't make me snore (a bigger lie). The waist band on my shorts tells me I cannot maintain this life style. Short of having breakfast there I don't think I could have visited the pub more this week.
See the pubs website http://www.roseinnbaxterley.com/
Sober eventually and after a four mile constitutional, Alistair left me to the company of my Cousin Rob and wife Jeni, visiting from California. No pub visit today. I am slipping. A couple of hours to catch up with family. I am in a different place to when I last saw them, thankfully. Three years ago when I was exploring the dark side of the moon, they looked after me nicely. Good people.
Elsa has new boots that I am scrubbing in. I am preparing to leave in earnest now. nine days to go. My hair is cropped short and the red beard is back. Next week I put my cares behind me and go out to play for the summer. I am looking forward to spending time with friends in Northern Europe very much. Catching up to do. Music to dance to. Roads to ride with friends. Favourite places to revisit, and pastures new to explore.
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