Happy New Year
07 January 2019 | From Thornton le Dale.
Happy New Year.
After two Christmases being consumed by the news of cancer and chemotherapy, we were determined to make the most of this Christmas. We spent it in Weymouth on Leslie Frank and celebrated in style. We enjoyed cliff walks, beach combing and seaside cafes. We found some beautiful old churches for candlelit services, Christingles and Nine Lessons and carols and enjoyed the mulled wine and Christmas cake after the services. We had a few day trips out to the old market town of Dorchester and found a splendid cafe where the owners were really friendly and got me drunk on blackberry gin served in their best china cups. We braved the cold and windy weather at Lulworth Cove, walked out to the arches at Durdle Door and marvelled at the chalkman with the giant willy at Cern Abbas. On Christmas Eve we went to the local Panto which was excellent, despite it being too much for many children who just wanted Santa to arrive. On Christmas Day and Boxing Day we enjoyed some bracing walks along the coast, and followed a boating tradition of a G&T in the local pub whilst the turkey cooked.
Then on the 27th we made the seven hour journey to North Yorkshire and picked up the keys to our new house. We had a takeaway Chinese, sitting on the carpet and slept on the floor, but nothing could dampen our spirits, not even the news that our furniture was not going to be delivered on time! We were truly welcomed by all the neighbours with cards, food, wine and cake. On New Year’s Eve we were invited next door for a fantastic party where the champagne flowed and the food was delicious. On New Year’s Day we cycled to a foody pub for lunch which was very tasty, but after a 20mile round trip we were walking like John Wayne.... perhaps we need to break ourselves in more gently. We also had our second Christmas with my mom, Farmer frank and Ruthy. We had normal presents, and charity shop pressies which turned out to be a real giggle, ending in a game of Buckaroo which I have not played in years.
On Saturday we went to the local ‘house clearance auction’ and I am already on friendly terms with Angus the auctioneer. In fact he commented several times that he was glad I had made it, although I do not know what I am going to do with three mahogany tables!!! It is so sad that MDF furniture sells very quickly and yet C19 oak, walnut and mahogany furniture goes unsold. We bought water colour pictures, a stunning singer sewing machine and a very old writing box for £10 each. Then came the crockery boxes and I bid on a box of Sylvus pickled onion, beetroot and apple sauce pots(shown in the picture). Nan had a set for years and they were used on high days and holidays, so I had to buy them. They are now taking pride and place in the kitchen.
I have also purchased a trampoline, and the local kids came and asked if they could borrow it. It feels as if we have stepped back in time as they borrowed or, bought it back, asked where we wanted it put and if there were any jobs they could do to make up for borrowing it. In our row of houses we all have front gardens which the deeds of the house forbid to be turned into drives, so there is a very friendly atmosphere, although number 6 has rabbits keeping the grass cut which drives the dogs crazy.
We are going to be here until mid February before we return to Leslie Frank to sail to the Baltic. It would be great to have some visitors and then we plan to holiday let the house, with very generous friends rates, so we hope that it is enjoyed by lots of you.
With love and best wishes for 2019 to you all.
Sadie, Jules, Tinker and Scrappy xx