On returning home from a trip, normally I can pull in and commence unloading the car pretty close to the entrance lobby, however there was a pile of rubble barriered off which put paid to that. Parking up and hauling the first load through the quad it became apparent that there had been some emergency work going on whilst I‘d been away. A sizable trench had been dug right by the door exposing a thick electrical cable. I fully expected to find no power in the flat and whilst the freezers weren’t full, I worried that I’d lost their contents.
Fortunately, all seemed to be well and the heaters were hurriedly switched on with er, gay abandon. From experience there was no danger of burst pipes – sandwiched in between the ground and second floor the flat never gets really cold but the recent cold snap had certainly made its presence felt.
The flat had no central heating when we bought it in 2013, although circuits for storage heaters were still there, along with an economy 7 meter. After much deliberation we decided to eschew the installation of gas central heating and instead ordered and fitted a load of wall mounted convector heaters, for a considerably less outlay. Whilst undoubtedly more expensive to run the decision proved a right one, even today. Yes I'm more careful now ( i.e. tight) and have been able to keep the bills down to manageable levels.
The next few days though had the electric meter spinning like a Catherine wheel – heating, washing and cooking. Over the weekend a marathon session with the slow pots saw me fill the freezers to bursting with enough meals to see me through easily to the next half-term. I never imagined I'd enjoy cooking so much and being able to nuke a portion of something quickly is invaluable given my working hours.
Catching up with a neighbour it transpired that an underground water pipe had burst, causing a short that had cut off power to one of the other blocks – hence the work. I reflected on my good fortune – that would have been no fun for those affected on what was one of the coldest periods of the year.
Sandra:
We have now moved to Tuesday; 28 December 2022 and the second part of the Christmas festivities is underway. This year we have eschewed using Patsy and opted for a cosy cottage in a little hamlet called Brown Knowl, about halfway between Chester and Whitchurch just over the Shropshire border.
Last Christmas we had talked about having a traditional themed break with a burning log fire and all that goes with that. So here we are Tuesday lunchtime, Richard having left early that morning and we meet up at a conveniently placed pub car park – not five minutes from where we would be staying for the week.
The village has particular significance for me in that my great grandparents are buried at the chapel up the road and many of my relatives have gotten married or buried at the same venue. I spent many years as a young child in and around the area as we were farmers by trade.
I’d debated when to leave for Cheshire, even considering travelling the afternoon before and breaking the journey roughly half-way, but a lunchtime ale on the Monday removed that particular idea from the agenda. I decided to see what time I awoke the following morning and take it from there.
As per usual I was up early, my body clock still being on term time and by 6:30am I was on the road, calling first for some of Satan’s juice at the Marina, pleasantly surprised at seeing that the price had fallen again. Replenishing Hetty was one of the things that didn’t make it from the ‘to do’ to ‘done’ list.
Leaving at this time meant that I’d be hitting the M25 at rush hour, but the traffic gods were for once on my side and I made it to the M40 in good time. As a reward for starting early I’d promised myself a fry up at Oxford services which went down very well indeed.
Feeling frivolous I joined the M6 Toll, wound Hetty up to cruising speed which may or may not have been within the legal limit, and engaged cruise control. As per usual, rather than continue on the motorway I turned off on to the A5, then headed north up the A41 at a more leisurely pace, noting with interest the prices at a particular filling station. I planned to refuel at the Costco in Chester before my return, but this would do as an alternative if needed. Whilst not as frugal as dear old Rosie, Hetty is 250kg heavier, she'd still managed over 45mpg on the 250 mile journey, a figure I was quite happy with, taking my keen right foot into account.
Sandra:
The cottage, one of two, have been adapted from what I remember as a butchers shop many years ago. I have to say that the standard of the cottage is excellent, and they have pretty much thought of and provided everything we could ever need or want – including that all important log burning stove with a never-ending supply of logs to use. It has come in very handy as Richard is incredibly happy to play fire starter!!
Anyway, back to the cottage – the fire was the deal maker and with an unlimited supply of logs promised it was going to be a toasty Christmas.
Sandra:
On the Tuesday we settled in and rested up, obviously an early start and long drive take its toll. I cooked a simple roast chicken dinner, and an early night was just what we needed.
I volunteered for tea making duties most mornings. Having lived in single storey dwellings since I left home it was initially a little odd ‘going downstairs’ to make a cuppa, but it was equally nice going back up to bed with it!
Sandra:
Wednesday was a day of many adventures – first up was a much delayed, but better late than never, Treasure Trail around the historic town of Knutsford – in the east of the County. Knutsford is a small town, and the tour was easily broken up into manageable segments and I even managed to see sights and learn things about the town that I had never known before. There is a strong link to Elizabeth Gaskell – I attended her faculty in Manchester University, many years ago, whilst doing one of my postgraduate degrees there. It is a pretty small town with an interesting history, bordered by Tatton Park and the Mere.
The Treasure Trail was good fun as per usual. I’d seen a glimpse of Knutsford after a visit to Tatton Hall some eighteen months prior but that was when everything was shut due to you know what, so it was great to finally get to see it properly. Unusually – and somewhat reluctantly – I’d not packed any of my winklepickers. Their thin smooth soles were hardly appropriate for the likely cold and icy conditions. The thick cleated soles on the Doc Martens were just the ticket though and much needed.
Sandra:
It was then intended that we would go and pay a visit to the mansion house at Dunham Massey – a short distance away. However, unfortunately it was not open – we had tried last year when I was recovering from my foot operation but as we were still emerging from COVID restrictions, it was closed back then too. No matter, we will visit again. We were, in fact, due to visit there that evening to see the Xmas Light Trail – more of that later.
We looked at the Internet seeing what was open etc. and what took our fancy. We settled on a quick side trip to the Airport pub – at one end of Manchester Airport. A pint, warm drink for me, (it was bitterly cold still) and then we wrapped up as warm as possible to head out to the viewing area – yes there were a few other brave, hardy souls out there too. We saw a few planes take off and land and photos were duly taken. Ironically, the noisiest jet to take off was the smallest, a Cessna Citation private jet. I know from experience they are extremely loud for their size.
Sandra:
We had also decided on where to eat our dinner that night as returning to the cottage would have required over an hour or so of driving. We settled on the Spread-Eagle pub in Lymm – it was a genuinely nice pub; food was excellent and hot. Sadly though, it was very quiet with only 4 or 5 small groups of people in. Pubs are struggling still.
We started on the trail; photos will do better at explaining what we saw better than I can. I will say this, access was good, all level and plenty of rubber matting which made walking easier for me. It is not too long, length wise and there are plenty of spots to take a break. We then headed home, tired but in a nice way after a lovely day indeed.
Sandra:
Thursday arrived and a slower start was in order – we were due to meet one of my longest known friends, (some forty plus years – we were at school together and her mother lived opposite us for many years) until later that morning. We had agreed to meet for coffee and a chat at the Pheasant Inn at Burwardsley. Another venue with plenty of my family history connections. It was a pleasant hour or so and sitting close to a log fire helped a lot. All to soon, it was time to say goodbye and head off to my house to take the girls for their first daily constitutional. They were pleased to see us and having spent a summer holiday with us earlier in the year, they reserved a special enthusiastic welcome for their Uncle Richard!
Earlier that morning, before we left the cottage, we had set my slow cooker going – a lamb casserole for lunch. We returned to the cottage a bit later than I would have hoped but we sat down to a delicious meal, nonetheless. In retrospect, the timing was not necessarily that bad – we had other visitors planned for that evening and a small pick your own buffet was in place. The other of my two friends – again we have known each other over 20 years, we were work colleagues for a while until I had to take early retirement and her daughter were coming to visit. A very pleasant evening of conversation, laughter, good food ensued. I was especially grateful to my friend for making the effort to come and visit – it was a pea soup fog in the hamlet and no street lighting, but Sat Nav and torches enabled a successful arrival.
A lovely evening chinwagging in front of the roaring log burner which I replenished at regular intervals. It was indeed rotten out and didn’t envy their drive home. I do love a 'picky' tea too and what Sandra had prepared went down a treat.
Sandra:
Friday dawned – at least the fog had lifted but in its places was driving rain. Thinking hats were once again deployed as to where/what we might do. Another constitutional dog walk was required – they were most unimpressed but out they went, rain or not! We had settled on a visit to Erdigg Hall (NT) near Wrexham in North Wales. I had been several times but not for some time, so was more than happy to have another visit. We had packed our usual lunch and were able to buy a nice hot coffee and sit in the car after the visit to try and dry out a bit.
Christmas Eve – due to places being terribly busy, a quieter day was planned – a full English started the day off well and a quick trip into the nearest village with a shop to pick-up last-minute food supplies took care of most of the middle of the day. We had again put a beef casserole on for dinner in the slow cooker – as I type this it is nearing its cooking time ready for when we want our main meal in a few hours’ time. We did add in a little side trip. Not far from here is the farm where my great grandparents farmed, and they had thirteen children. We had tried to see the farm from the road on a previous visit but unfortunately due to field and fields of sweetcorn – there were no view to be seen in any direction! Today, however, we were fortunate – the fields are barren, the sun made a perfect appearance, and we could see the farm across the field and further views of the Cheshire Plains towards the Mersey in one direction and Manchester Airport and Jodrell Bank in the other. Rawhead Farm is the highest point on the 34-mile Sandstone Trail from Whitchurch in Shropshire to Frodsham in Cheshire. We then headed back to a lazy afternoon and time for me to type up our trip so far.
It was a beautiful winter’s day and some fresh air was much needed. I even got to wear some rubber too – in the shape of some recently procured wellies that is.
We shared my aging laptop that afternoon, Sandra typing up the trip so far and me getting the Ale Archive slowly up to date, along with a couple of Site Arrival videos – fuelled by our respective beverages of choice!
Sandra:
Christmas Day - we awoke reasonably early and having drunk the usual morning cuppa, our thoughts turned to the day ahead. Christmas Day lunch was to be a joint affair with my sister providing the roast goose and we would provide the sides and desert. We had a quiet morning preparing our part of the lunch and setting the table as required. It was a lovely relaxing time and all too soon, it was lunchtime and my sister, plus the girls etc. arrived. Exchanging of gifts were the next order of business and much fun was had, especially when it was Richard’s turn to open his presents from Skye and Iona. Equally the careful choice of personal gifts was very much appreciated.
Beano and Dandy Annuals! We had agreed a sum for presents but Sandra sneakily circumvented that - she should get a job in government. These took me back to my childhood, we had a good giggle over the cartoons. It has to be said, they were a little more PC than when I read them as a kid.
Sandra:
It is a testament to the cottage that, apart from the goose, we were able to produce a full Christmas dinner with the facilities they had provided.
We then sat down to a lovely and delicious Christmas lunch. All the trimmings including crackers were in evidence and it was really a pleasant time had by all. Like last year I had managed to obtain a nut free Christmas pudding, you would hardly know the difference, delicious it most certainly is. Neither of us are fans of Brandy sauce so we appreciated the plain and simple cream with which we ate it.
The lunch was delicious – I don’t recall ever having had goose before and was a little wary but it was so tasty and a real change from the usual. I may have had seconds….
Sandra's sister had kindly brought some wine which I got stuck into, the stock of grog in the cottage having been exhausted for some unfathomable reason.
Sandra:
We adjourned to the easy chairs, full but pleasantly so. It would be true to say that several 40 winks followed before The King’s Speech. We were interested to see how he would do and any changes he would make. Following that there were the usual chores, for example loading the dishwasher!
It was a good day all around. It’s no secret that Christmas is not my favourite time of the year. Thoughts inevitably turn to those who are no longer with us – and the older you get, the more the list grows. Good food and good company always helps though and sitting in front of the roaring fire I was about as content as could be.
Sandra:
Boxing Day – the last full day of the holiday. Tradition dictates that a bracing walk is the order of the day all over the country. We were to be no exception as for walk – read stroll. We headed towards Chester and having collected the girls and made for Thurstaston. This is right next door to the Wirral CAMCS club site, sadly closed at this time of year. We had an enjoyable week there in 2021. On the old railway station site, now known as the Wirral Way is a café – the lady has always opened up on Boxing Day for walkers and the fact that it is so busy shows what a good decision she makes each year. It was full of dogs, cyclists, walkers and strollers like us! A warming coffee, sausage bap and breakfast style bagel for Richard set us up for a good stroll around the site. Whilst returning to the car, a lady let her spring spaniel off by the entrance – either she did not know about the duck pond or had forgotten – a brown and white rocket shot past us and made the most graceful dive into the pond – the ducks exiting the other end post haste!! The, by now sodden pooch, was unceremoniously removed from the pond to have its lead put on. I hope they had towels!! We then decided to call in at Parkgate – the day had cleared nicely so some good photos would be possible and the tide was in. A quick cup of tea to pass the time and then back to drop off the girls. A leftovers style dinner, with some of the most delicious beef in red wine sauce that M&S could offer was very enjoyable indeed. The second of the two films and a good night’s sleep beckoned.
The cafe was doing a roaring trade - and given the swift service and quality of food I'm not surprised - good on 'em. Fair to say it was er, bracing overlooking the Dee, but the sun was out and a layer or two of dead cow kept me warm.
Tuesday morning arrived – a steady pack up and it was time to say goodbye and Richard to make the journey south again. My, by comparison, very short trip back did leave me feeling a tad guilty, still he made good time and arrived home safe and sound. Thank you for making the trip North and for a lovely Christmas holiday. Until the next adventure.
It was indeed a lovely break and something different from the usual. However, plans had changed during the course of my stay. After a night at home I was due to head off again, with Patsy, to a site in Kent, to spend New Year with another friend. Packing for said trip was lined up in the hall. Sadly she succumbed to one of the many bugs doing the rounds and had reluctantly cancelled. I had contemplated going anyway but decided to stay at home. Given the weather that was to come it turned out to be a sound decision. There were gale force winds on the day I was due to travel and the following days were wet and windy. Whilst I like spending time in Patsy I do like to get out and about and it wouldn’t have been much fun. No matter. New Year was spent at home in the flat with a good film and the start of a re-watch of the entire series of Only Fools & Horses - without doubt my all time favourite comedy. I'd been gifted a bottle of Sussex fizz from the parents of one of the kids on my bus and that contributed to a somewhat fragile state on New Years Day, sorted at least partially with a nice bacon baguette for brekky.
I met up with a couple of colleagues for brekky the day before we were due to start back which helped me ease back into work mode and at the time of typing the next trip is less than four weeks away. Not that I'm counting.
Thanks for reading, until the next time. Oh, and a belated Happy New Year!