Rainfall across England through the last two years has been well below average. We have had two record breaking dry winters. Reservoirs are at their lowest levels since 1976. Hose pipe bans are in place for eastern England already. So here I sit sheltering from a very unseasonal storm. Howling gales, lashing rain, and it's cold. It's been wet and cold for nearly two weeks now. Last week we were barbecuing at the village hall for a wedding reception. The couple prayed for summer temperatures, which can happen at the end of April. Sleet and hale was a nasty surprise. Is this the wettest coldest drought ever?
We cooked 80 steaks in the open, in the gale. The wind blew away part of our canvas field kitchen and repeatedly blew out the gas grills. The father of the bride apologised for putting us through it. We had advised strongly against a barbecue wedding breakfast on the 21st April. Wet and cold we got the job done, and honestly they were the best steaks we ever cooked. Dinner was a little late, but we got through. Then we cleared down and started again for the evening party.
The wet drought continues into week three with wide spread floods now. April is the wettest on record for England. NO SHIT! English people have webbed feet you know. Everyone's mood is dropping. The rain continued but I had my own sunshine arriving from Gothenburg in the shape of Anders and Maria. They had a horrible drive across eastern England from Harwich. Once they arrived and the domestics were seen to, we installed ourselves in Rose Inn for great food and ale, and a warm welcome. It is their 2nd wedding anniversary and they are celebrating with a soggy road trip around southern England. For my part I contributed to their big day with a guided tour of the Cotswolds, followed by dinner at my place complete with canapes and champagne. The next morning included a long lye in no surprise, and a lot more rain.
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