We had planned a BBQ on Friday with the intent that it was a minimal effort for Mum and Dad. We had conferred over What's App (although according to the kids this was 'talking behind Mum & Dad's back'!) to ensure we didn't end up with 10lbs of sausages and nothing else, and as if by a miracle we all arrived with the right stuff and the ingredients of a lovely meal. Simon made fab salads and chicken tikka, as well as the most indulgent fudge and caramel cheesecake. Amanda brought burgers, banana cake (for Ben) and I was tasked with sausages and beer amongst other bits and pieces. I managed the meat OK from Rumwell but the beer alluded me - town was gridlocked between the Flower Show and roadworks on the Wellington Road. I tried to get to the Co-Op having failed with all the other options, only to realise that I was going to leave one traffic jam to sit behind a horse and cart! I gave up and went later when it was clear Simon and Alex were going for a full on boding session over a larger amount of beer than we had at hand!
While we vaguely got the cooking in hand Amanda had the pleasure of all the kids wanting to be with her. Nothing to do with the fact tat she was the one with the horses and an offer to make gingerbread men and choc chip cookies... Mum, Dad and I took the chance therefore to head off to stalk their new house. We couldn't go in but we a drive by, then a walk by, before heading up to the gorgeous but tiny 13th century church which looks down on their house. We braved the cows (we are all a bit wary of cows after various scary encounters) and went and looked round, before then walking on into the village. The views from the area are stunning and the village looks lovely and full of footpaths - I think they will be very happy once settled.
when we got back we walked the dogs while the kids 'walked the river' - they wanted to walk from the bridge to the leat. My only advice was keep your mouth closed and your ears above water (did I mention they managed to persuade me to allow them to have their ears pierced in a moment of weakness?!). They did neither and were soon jumping in and screaming with delight, until they realised just how cold they were of course. It was into a shower and then down for food. The BBQ was lovely - we had everything we needed including 2 enormous puddings - Simon's cheesecake and Dad's signature chocolate cake. Most of us had both - our wasitlines may never recover!
As I packed our bags this morning I did a final walk round and said a quiet farewell to the house. I'd already been up early to take the dogs for a pre-walk walk and as I headed out the door I saw a pair of Kingfishers going peep peep in a brilliant flash of blue from the house down the leat. We have had such wonderful times in the Mill. Weddings, babies, celebrations and heartaches, plans for the future, big discussions and small. From such humble beginnings it has been a labour of love for Mum and Dad and they have created such a special home - somewhere we have all loved coming back to and our children have adored. I have every expectation they will do the same again with Church Cottage. What matters is where they are, not what they are in and I can't wait to see what they do with the next house. Goodbye Longaller, we have loved you dearly over the past 27 years.
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