Sunday

My walking boots were still wet so I had to resort to the old ones which have a hole in. But, I discovered that the plastic wrapping of two rolls of kitchen towels fit quite snuggly over size 8 feet inside a walking boot. The wind had also dropped and the rain was intermittent so clad in various layers of clothing we set off for a walk. This time we took in Lealhome and Glaisdale to complete the walk of the day before.

We discovered our perfect house in Lealhome - unfortunately no pictures. But it was quite secluded with lots of windows which would give perfect views and let in the sun all day. It was a bit further along this path that we found we weren't sure of where to go so crouched down to look at a map. I caught a bit of movement out of the corner of my eye and fearing it was a rat looked up - it was a Jack Russell. A well known fact is that they may look sweet but are probably one of the most vicious creatures known to postmen. There was a moment of hesitation as neither of us (nor the dog) knew what to do and then we slowly - with great care we got up and backed away. Still the Russell said not a word. We were half way up the path when we met a horse rider that we had seen earlier - she pointed us in the right direction, which was straight past the Jack Russell again. It still said not a word but looked at us in sort of 'there ain't nowt as queer as folk' way. We then made it (up and down more hills) into Glaisdale where we had a picnic on a bench and watched the world go by. Glaisdale is a special place for Stephen because his Aunt used to live there and a special place for me because its where we had our first holiday. After a bit of reminiscing we left the bench and marched on.

At the bottom of a hill is a lovely bungalow which on our first visit we thought would be perfect for my parents (we do window shopping house hunting for everyone we know), and opposite is a small garage which never seems to be open. I have decided that when I fully retire I want to own a two pump garage in a small village. No car wash; no jet wash (although I might lend people a bucket and sponge) and definitely no flowers.

It was then up the hill into the woods. Because of all the rain the path was quite slippy and very narrow. Being a gentleman Stephen found me a stick to help me up the hill. It had a pointed end which was perfect for sticking in the ground and a knot at the right height for a thumb hold. I originally named it Gandolf but it soon became Mr. Stick E. Stick or 'Sticky' for short. As you can see from the pictures Sticky became my firm friend and was obviously good for me as in one of the pictures I look about 12. I have now hidden Sticky near the cottage in the hope we will be reunited later in the year.

As it was Mothers day I was relieved to find a large mobile phone transmitter in the middle of a field so I could use my phone to wish my Mum a happy Mothers day. I felt like an intrepid explorer talking to her whilst marching through a field of sheep in a howling gale (I let Stephen hold Sticky during the conversation but they never bonded).

In the evening we went to the Horseshoe. This was the place we normally visit when in the area. Usually I would say that it is a wonderful friendly pub with huge portions cooked really well at a good price. Unfortunately this time I would say it was full of disinterested staff (although I had booked it took 45 minutes and a reminder before anyone took our order), and when the food arrived it was bordering on bland and the veggies were overcooked. To make up for the disappointing meal I had a glass of wine when we got home- I felt something against my lip and found a drowned moth (I have a phobia of things that flap even when they are dead) - not really the best end to what had been a good day.