The Art cafe of conversation in Ashbourne

The Art cafe of conversation in Ashbourne

Friday 9th June 2023

Seven out of ten babes do Ashbourne is a pretty good number especially as it included Charlotte! We each arrived in our own time at the revamped  and 're-placed' Courtney cafe in the Art gallery. In fact it was a case of 'guess who's coming up the stairs next?' With Pam leading the way, waiting for the rest of us to join her; it's always good to have new experiences. The rest of us blaming our tardiness on the coin- only operating car park (with contactless signage hidden from view), new hairdos, tractors and a near trip to the golf club. 

Once we had caught up with Charlotte's continuing horror story of post-Covid, post-fall and post-concussion, we did move on to other topics: the wonders of Ukrainian musicians, the difference between Ashbourne's day and night clientele and hairdressers' chat (best pretend to need a snooze). Spoilt for choice, we finally ordered our lunch. 

Beautiful freshly-made vegetarian salads above. And below,  fresh salads made vegetarian for Charlotte,  shown in a slightly fuzzy photo

Obviously empathising with Charlotte's state  the day after any activity.

And the other side of the table demolished apple and parsnip soup with an unknown, but lovely shake of tasty brown bits.  

Hope it wasn't the left-over sprinkles from your coffee, Maggie!

I'm only sorry not to capture Helen M's avocado on toast, but I'd already been reprimanded for my plate of  🥑 avocado air miles ... and  didn't wish to upset the applecart so to speak. And I'd tried sooooo hard to ensure the vegetarians had a good choice of menu too. 

We chatted about chance meetings with friends and ex-colleagues. Perhaps Babe Jane might share views of her art work? (Let's see if she reads this!). And when she becomes famous, all personalised gifts from her might make us a bit if money  too 🥰. 

Horror Spring Watch viewing, and we're not just talking about some presenters, led us to our own horror stories. Fact: magpies' beaks can reach into penned chicken eggs,  a Babe dog is a secret robin killer and beware the sparrowhawk on our fledglings.

And did you know that gannets' eyes change colour after avian flu? 

Not sure it works for a puffin though....

There appears to be a bit of garden competitiveness too! How full are your water butts? How are the herbs growing? You had a crested newt?! How many frogs? 🐸 As it turns out, not many if the Babe robin-turned-frog-killer is let loose! 

How well are your herbs? How many frogs? 🤣

Matters turned back to the ageing process, and 'no' we're not all hurtling towards being 80, Maggie! Although Charlotte admitted that her practise on the zimmer -frame was a comfort, but something for the distant future. Care needed in choosing which films to attend at the cinema with youngsters and yes, someone's house did 'rock' with sounds of the Download festival (Can you hear them now as I type?  Slipknot are on later)

7/10 thinking about Alison, Lynn, Janice and wishing they were here with us. 

As Pam didn't want to get yet another parking ticket, we had to say cheerio at speed, but not before our photograph and present exchanges.  How many birthdays? And whilst we are getting better at re-using bags for presents, a homemade one is even better!

 

Hope you all got home in time for a cuppa before the heat built up. Here's to next time, whenever and wherever that might be.  Cheers!