CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE. REPEAT IF REQUIRED.
1ST DECEMBER 2017
This is being posted two days late because we went away for the weekend and I forgot to take my laptop charger with me.
You have to be quick to secure a Ferndene Farm Shop Christmas tree. Before setting off for Bicester, we bought one and
stood it in a bucket of water in the garden. The man operating the tubular apparatus that wraps the trees was a plant supplier who had popped into the shop for coffee and a cake. He found himself standing in for about ten minutes during which time he sold 7/8 trees.
Immediately afterwards we drove to Bicester in Oxfordshire where we stayed overnight at Watts Lodge, a Bed and Breakfast establishment operated by octogenarian Mr Watts, with help from his wife.
Having checked in we enjoyed a late lunch at Jacob’s Plough. My club sandwich and Jackie’s Caesar salad were very good and we were encouraged by the friendly staff to try Sainsbury’s Superstore for a charger I wasn’t optimistic, but we thought we would give it a try.
Jackie’s late former father-in-law grew up in a small thatched cottage which, as far as she can remember, stood on a site close to Sainsbury’s, now alongside a huge Travel Lodge. I am never very good at negotiating huge stores. This one was no exception. We parked on the top level of the car park. This was entitled Level 2. Even now I can’t remember the logic which was to take us down to the ground floor from which we had to ascend by travelator to the first floor of the store. Feeling like a rat in a maze, I wandered up and down several times without finding my way back into the shopping area, until a helpful customer explained the system. Among the various items of leads, cables, and suchlike, there was no such thing as a laptop charger.
Having returned to the rooftop car park I found the best aspect of the trip. The sun
was sinking
over the town
and I happened
to be standing at the best viewing vantage point, outside the door to Level 2.
I did my best not to notice the trampoline effect of the surface as I walked across the store roof. As she sat in the car, Jackie found the reverberations difficult to ignore.
I understand that Bicester was once a prosperous town which lost much of its prosperity after the Americans who had been based their during the second world war pulled out some years later.
Bicester Village is a fabrication It is a vast shopping development concentrating on the luxury market. Because of the boasted price reductions hopeful customers drive many miles to buy the designer goods. Many travel by train from London’s Marlebone station to the renamed Bicester Village (originally Town) railway station. They have no need to visit the old town. Once they have done their shopping they go home.
Opened in 1995 https://www.bicestervillage.com/en/shopping/ invites us to ‘Discover a world of luxury at Bicester Village, the region’s ultimate shopping destination. Home to more than 160 fashion and lifestyle boutiques, each offers savings of up to 60%, all year round.’
Needless to say, we didn’t visit this phenomenon, owned by Value Retail plc.
In the evening I walked into Pioneer Square and booked a table at Shakil’s restaurant.
On my return I was diverted into New Road, at the end of which stands a house which is reminiscent of our Byron Road. In this case just one man assembles this display in order to raise a considerable amount of money for charity.
The meal at Shakil’s was excellent. It had been wise to book, for the place was packed out. We were advised that the nearest parking spot was Sainsbury’s car park.We therefore returned to the superstore. The public toilets underneath the building were surrounded by firefighters and a couple of engines. All seemed under control, so up we went.once more. A deafening fire alarm reverberated throughout the car park. but no-one was leaving and we knew the fire had been extinguished. Of course the lift wasn’t working, so we walked downstairs and through an alley to the restaurant.
Jackie enjoyed her chicken something, as I did my lamb naga. We both drank Kingfisher.
beautiful images and that sky is to die for <3 <3 <3
Many thanks, Kim
My husband make a terrific chicken-something. I bet he’d like what Jackie had.
I’m sure, Susanne. Thanks very much.
Chicken something sounds like something my wife would cook.
And mine 🙂 Many thanks, Oglach
Next time you leave a charger behind take it as a sign you are just meant to have the time off the thing that needs to be charged…. 🙂 But my, what an adventure!!
Many thanks, Pauline. Quite right. In fact I had intended to take a break, but didn’t have time before we left to dash off a post alerting my loyal friends, like you, to my absense. So I took the laptop with me. Sigmund would have been proud of my forgetfulness 🙂
I am glad you took these sunset pictures. At least something good came out of the car parking being on the top level.
Thanks very much, Rupali – every cloud has a silver lining 🙂
🙂
I have to agree with Pauline’s comment. 🙂 Great photographs, Derrick!
Quite so, Jill. Many thanks
This was such an interesting, incredible day! The superstore experience was frustrating and so glad the emergence upon the sun setting occurred. The photos are magnificent, Derrick.
I had a delicious chicken marsala with a wilted salad on Friday, for Felicia’s birthday party. We ordered individual meals, while her boyfriend ordered wines, I had worked so I had coffee. It was tiramisu for dessert. Take care!
Many thanks, Robin. Now I have catching up to do. 🙂
Wow, that was all-round a very interesting day and some great sunset pic’s, and I had chicken and salads for dinner, with a glass/or two of Fine Old Tawny, St Anne’s Vineyards, Echuca, a commemorative bottle, Celebrating 100 years of the paddle-steamer P.S.Pevensey.
Thanks very much, Ivor. My friend Norman is a great paddle steamer enthusiast
Yes, they’re fascinating craft here on rivers.
Some of these superstores are just too big and I give up the will to live after a while! The sunset photos are fantastic!
I’m the same, Clare. Many thanks
Beautiful skies.
Many thanks, Laurie. That was a stroke of luck
But chance only favors the prepared mind!
🙂
Wow!The sunset pics are simply stunning!
Many thanks, Sofia
I’m glad you are back in the sun and clouds, and out of the shadows…although I loved those photos as well!
Thanks very much, Diane
It’s good to have a beautiful distraction after a confusing experience. I’ve been known to call large stores to ask if they have an item in stock. if they say yes, I ask what aisle it’s on!
Thanks a lot, Lisa. That’s good sense. I would have had to ask how I got to the floor, never mind which aisle 🙂
I experienced withdrawal symptoms for two days due to your absence from the Blogosphere. I am glad you secured your Christmas tree. The images of sunset are top notch.
Many thanks, Uma. The most worrying aspect was that I couldn’t let you and my other friends know why I was absent. 🙂
What a glorious sunset!
Many thanks, Geetha
Most welcome Derrick 🙂
The sunset looks lovely. Worth all the parking troubles we suppose.
It was, LL/PS – Many thanks
An eventful visit by the sound of it. you do realise, don’t you, that superstores and the like are designed to make you feel uncomfortable and confused? It’s part of a Plan – which I keep meaning to write about when I’m in a suitably serious frame of mind.
Many thanks, Mike. Now I understand 🙂
Quite an adventure. Glad you managed to get it online eventually.
Many thanks, Roland
By bad organization, I was reduced to searching Bicester Village for a last-minute present for a host who lives locally. I didn’t succeed, and I vowed never again! I still shudder to think of the experience.
How ghastly, Paul. Many thanks
Naga is a seriously hot curry, isn’t it, if its reputation lives up to reality?
It is, Susan. Most of those who serve it to me wouldn’t touch it. Many thanks
Stunning photos
Thanks very much. Lynn
The shopping experience sounds horrid, but those sunset photos are stunning!
They were worth it, Merril. Many thanks
Sounds like you and Jackie had some time away to go shopping. Those sunset photos from your trip are gorgeous! One can’t buy those anywhere. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Thanks very much, Lavinia
Great sunset. I used to visit a good second hand book shop in Bicester. Just looked it up and found a reference on Wikipedia to a militia officer called Page-Turner. 🙂
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bicester#Military_links
Thanks a lot, Quercus, especially for the useful link, which I would encourage other readers to follow
🙂