This morning when Sam, Holly, Malachi, and Orlaith arrived from Elizabeth’s I travelled with them on a shopping trip, first to Burley, home to lunch, then off to Waterstones in Lymington.
It wasn’t until early afternoon that the threatened precipitation. plummeted down.
After investigating the few open shops in Burley we settled on
A Coven of Witches, where , having checked out
the windows, the children spent a considerable amount of time selecting presents from me and purchases of their own. They decided to wander around the village again to ponder a little more and to return for final decisions.
The precipitation in the form of large ice marbles bouncing off our bonces soon sent us scuttling back inside. Final choices were made. Orlaith chose a pair of silver earrings from me and a ring from herself while Malachi selected an egg shaped polished malachite stone from me and a ring from himself.
We stopped for a drink in The Queen’s Head before returning for one of Jackie’s cold meats and salad buffet lunches.
Rain kept up its deluge during the Waterstone’s visit. Again a generous amount of time was spent deliberating on book choices. The two grandchildren each settled on two books with which they were very pleased.
Elizabeth joined us all later when we dined, courtesy of the Culinary Queen, on succulent roast chicken; flavoursome sage and onion stuffing; crisp roast potatoes and Yorkshire pudding; firm carrots and Brussels sprouts; a tasty vegetable bake, and meaty gravy. White wines were consumed by Jackie, Holly, and Sam, while I finished The Guv’nor.
My sister then impressed us all by engaging in a game of Champed Up with the Australian branch of the family, while Jackie and I pleaded age and limited reactions.
Despite the rain and ice (!), it sounds like a lovely day spent with family. Such interesting shops, too.
I had to look up both bonces and Champed Up. 🙂 I think I would have abstained from the game, as well.
Thank you very much, Merril. 🙂
The food looks delicious! Watch out for those ice marbles, ouch! You guys have family in Australia too?
Yes. Sam married an Australian in Holly. Thanks very much, John
That’s nice! ☺️
What a fun day! I liked your description of how they looked, deliberated, wandered around, and then made their final decision.
Thank you very much, Laurie
Looked a lovely outing and delicious food Derrick.. Sending Hugs your way
Thanks very much, Sue X
A rainy, icy day, but such a wonderful time with family. Your dinner looks wonderful, Derrick and Jackie!
Orlaith is such a beautiful name.
Thank you very much from us both, Lavinia
All sounds good. Shame about the rain though.
Today they are off to Wales, where they may get snow. Thanks very much, Chrissy
What a delightful afternoon to explore and imagine! It certainly brought some magic to my day ✨
Thanks very much, Val
Well, well. Here’s another connection. “Malachite” was the name of the Hans Christian 41′ I sailed for a few years. It was sold, and then went on the market again, and lo! There’s an online video that the broker posted. Believe me — when I was sailing her, she was in Bristol condition!
Well, well, indeed. A lovely boat. Thanks very much, Linda
I like the dog statue outside the shop which appears to be accepting donations for the RSPCA. Glad no one was injured by the ice marbles.
Well spotted, JoAnna. Thanks v very much
A wonderful share, Derrick. The Coven store windows are full of treasures, including the huge ammonite fossil and the opened and strikingly symmetrical amethyst geode. Glad you all had such a fun, albeit wet day.
Thank you so much, Maj.
I got a big kick out of your last paragraph.
Sounds like it came very close to a perfect day.
Thank you very much, John
I love the relaxed days that are spent wandering around little shops and gazing in shop windows. I think I would have thoroughly enjoyed browsing the Coven.
Thank you very much, Sue. If you ever come this way…….X
Were you buying Prince Harry’s book in Waterstones?
Not even at the half price it is now. Thanks a lot, Andrew.
Me neither Derrick.
I would love to go to that Coven of Witches too 😉 Super delicious dinner as always 😉
Thank you very much, Ribana.
Seems like delightful spent even with the inclement weather. Jackie’s food looks delicious.
Thanks very much, Eugi
You’re welcome, Derrick.
Proper weather. I love the look of the coven.
Thank you very much, Gary
The art of well being, Derrick !
In friendship
Michel
Thank you so much, friend Michel
What a lovely day!
Thank you very much, Sheree
A scrumptious spread and a great day with family -what could be better.
Thank you very much, Dolly
My pleasure, Derrick.
Second try at posting a comment. Can I remember the one which vanished, I wonder? ‘Marbles bouncing off bonces’ made me smile, Derrick, though I’m sure it was most unpleasant for all of you. Some lovely choices from the grandchildren and another wonderful family-filled day. How will you cope when life settles down again? 😉
By flopping, Sandra 🙂 Thanks very much