Autumn Falls at Swarkestone
28th October 2026
A cheerful welcome outside belies the indoor chaos. Having very carefully explained the needs of our group and booked in advance, despite a jolly good hunt, our named table was missing in action. Being ever resourceful, we patiently grabbed table 101 and hoped we weren't designated later for chucking out!
Disappointingly, despite the display, pumpkin soup was not on the menu. It'll probably turn up on next week's leftover menu. We choose quickly, queue longly and wait patiently for waitress service delivery. Most of which was correct.
From field to display to plate?
Obviously everyone was ready for my saga; at least 10 minutes worth of storytelling. But, before that Charlotte went into Blue Peter mode and from four tiny napkins and a couple of wooden stirrers, a more suitably sized napkin was built. Yes, it worked!
The French saga highlights for those of you unfortunately not present: I tripped on builder's rubble and fell shoulder first into a wall in the south of France. Three firemen arrived and carried me to Avignon: "You are very brave". "You have dislocated your shoulder". "No" says the Doctor " The 1940s xrays say you have not broken anything and I believe them. Here's lots of 1960s drugs. Go and buy your own sling". Next day at the pharmacy "Here's a sling for a broken arm and drugs not allowed in UK".
There is a bit of supporting horror but more concern for the wall and whether I'd still got any 'stuff.'..
We take a break... I mean, a pause.
Very funny so far...
...We quite agree
It gives us a chance for other news. Alison has a brand new car. It takes over her driving and answers her messages. Beware, the future is already with us. We'll never truly wonder if Alison even reads her messages now!
The budget is nearly ready. Andy is very relatable, although someone wished that Kemi wasn't a Tory as she is very quick with her sharp tongue. Still, nice of the triple lock to be waived aside for cheaper gherkins.
Meanwhile, Alison's new cat, Peppermint, causes a stir. He looks longingly into the shower, as do I, which brings me neatly to:
English saga NHS highlights: "You must wait until you are home before contacting us. We will see you but you must ring up for your own Xray, a wait of 2-3 weeks unless you can plead your case. Four days later xray (without a dignity gown) shows the fractures well. Go to A&E now! Here, wear this new sling and come off all your drugs,,, ish. Read the pamphlet of exercises as we can't get you a physio appointment for weeks. You would have been better off going to the vets!" Well, you get the gist...
There were other chats but my typos are so bad, I can't decipher what we said.
I bet Alison's car knows.
We leave to potter round. Some more keen to get into the X vibes than others.
Here's a pair of lost legs. They actually waggle!!
Wouldn't want one of these indoor fountains in the house at our age!
Oh, look, a giant selfie!
We did miss you Lynn, Julia and Janice but thought 7 out of 10 babes was a good number. First blog since January, Where have I been? Roll on a good turn out for November.
Oh, baubles
