The Old Dart

We've been in Blighty for a week now, beginning in Market Bosworth with Den & Barb, who were kind enough to pick us up from the airport - and it's so welcoming after all those anonymous arrivals and fights for a taxi, to be met by family. Doubly kind as they are already playing host to my daughter Liz.
Market Bosworth is a beautiful village with historic significance (battle of Bosworth Field, 15th century War of the Roses). Many of the buildings of the time are still in use, including a 14th century Norman church. And of course the PUBS! Den must be slipping 'cos it took us at least 2 hours to hit the first one, a swift pint in the 'King Bill' before dinner. Another round of eating has begun, too, between visits to local restaurants - notably the 'pie&wine' night at the Black Horse - and Barb's home cooking, weight loss isn't going to happen anytime soon. We are getting at least some exercise, though, as everything in the village is a walk away, and it's such an enjoyable walk.
On Tuesday we went to Stratford upon Avon, birthplace of the bard, and visited the cottages and walked along the river. The guide at Anne Hathaway's cottage was most entertaining, and we had a lesson in language and the origin of terms such as 'sideboard' and 'upper crust'. The gardens are another delight - visitors are invited to taste the fruit growing in the orchard and we all felt we could sit for hours in the tranquility of an English country garden.
Liz was determined to have a day's shopping 'mother&daughter', so Sue & Liz headed to The Bullring, leaving Richard home to cook dinner. The Bullring has changed beyond all recognition, and is now a multi-level modern shopping precinct spanning both sides of the road. Gone is the fresh market with the game-sellers and fishmongers of my childhood - no hare and pheasant complete with head and feet, no cockles and whelks and jellied eel.............. quite a disappointment. Girls will rise to any occasion, however, and we enjoyed the day, returning with Krispy Kreme donuts to follow the fab curry Rich had waiting for us. We spent the next day walking the village, looking at the sites, including the lovely old Norman church and graveyard. Den & Barb braved (!) Rich's curry for dinner and really enjoyed it.
It's delightful weather here - bright, sunny, warm days that lend themselves to relaxing in Den & Barb's lovely back garden. Many a cup of tea & glass of wine have been shared with them, and our pictures can't do justice to the setting or the friendship.
Friday sees us off to the south coast to visit Clive Gill, an old school friend from Richard's days at Chertsey. Thanks to Den's generous loan of the car, we have cancelled the train tickets and will make a day trip of it (promise to drive at least CLOSE to the speed limit!)