Friday 29 June 2007

Five go out to play

Well, we finally did it. Bodran, Elizabethm, Country Craft Angel and Snail Beach Shepherdess and yours truly had our get-together yesterday.

The previous night, I didn’t sleep properly. I didn’t worry, as such, but nervous anticipation probably sums it up better.
Would there be any uncomfortable silences? Not on your Nelly.
Would we get on? Totally, absolutely and terrifically.
Would we have a good time? Didn’t stop giggling.
Would they notice I’m an air-head? Highly likely – I hold the Gold Award for “Dozy Mare”!

Angel’s house is totally gorgeous – a picture of calm and serenity. Just like her, in fact. Considering all she has been through, and is yet to share with us, you just would never know. She has this inner strength that has sustained her throughout her troubles and a graciousness that is hard to match. We were welcomed into her home and served a delicious lunch with home-made scones for afters, and it was all lovely.

I recognized Bodran immediately and no-one could fail to be charmed by this warm and funny person who instantly put me at ease. We giggled, and giggled a bit more and then just didn’t stop talking for the rest of the afternoon. Oh, but that girly car – I REALLY wasn’t expecting that!

Elizabeth glowed as she talked about gardening and you would never know she had been through what she has, to look at her. Yet another amazing woman – a privilege to meet and an inspiration to all who have hurdles to climb. And again, we laughed.

And Snail Beach Shepherdess……… well, one look at her and there were big smiles and our group really was complete. She brought us all a gift – The Snailbeach W.I. cookery book and already my mum is trying to blag it off me! She shares my love of Ludlow and has a wicked twinkle in her eye……..

The staff at Dobbies really did hoover around us, and the upturned chairs and baleful looks was enough to send us scurrying to the Little Chef. The time was passing so quickly and we had so much to say; so many of you other Purple lot to chat about and compare our perceptions of – we’ve probably got you all totally wrong! But it was fun and naughty and we giggled like teenagers.

I think I managed to convince them I was sane(ish) – I’m not sure I’ll get away with it again if, and when, we meet up again. I waved my arms around a lot (a REALLY bad habit) but didn’t actually break anything this time; interrupted too many times and generally had a fantastic time. I drove home with a seriously huge grin on my face – this site has managed to restore my faith in human nature and this lot had done nothing to alter that. I still owe Snail Beach a cuppa though, as I managed to fluff paying the bill. Next time……… if you’ll have me.x

21 comments:

snailbeachshepherdess said...

Thats OK Woozle...next time De Greys ..they won't kick us out...but no spitting in there...who said that?

Cait O'Connor said...

Sounds like a great time was had by all, sorry I couldn't make it.
Caitx

CAMILLA said...

How wonderful for you all to meet up.Thank you for leaving me such kind comments and your concern.
Camilla.x

Bluestocking Mum said...

Oh yes-Ludlow please!!

It was just great.

Great blog-Woozle-that was EXACTLY what I would have liked to have written but couldn't find the words.

You had snailbeach to a tea! A twinkle in the eye was just what I had thought-or Trouble with a CAPITAL T!!!

The day was a real turning point for me meeting you all. You won't realise how hard it was to be brave when I have revealed so much about myself. But I felt totally at ease.
And for me I realised I WILL be happy again-I just know it...can almost touch it now...

Look forward to seeing you again soon. It was a real pleasure

warmest wishes
xx

bodran... said...

Wonderfully put, especially the bit about me... and yes what a fab house and tree angel has....Isnt G'greys a bit to civilised for us? but imagine the headlines!" BARRED From D'GREY'S". can't wait xxx

snailbeachshepherdess said...

WOOZLE ...What are those chickens?
We have got Buff Orpingtons....Malcolm and Milly, Molly, Mandy and one flamin chick out of 14 incubated eggs! I'll have to take a picture to show you.
Just a reminder to read UPL the camels...I have just been back ..again..and it does not pale with time.

Faith said...

What a lovely blog about your meet and your perceptions of the others, and what a touching response from Angel.

I particularly liked you saying that this site has restored your faith in human nature - what a compliment for us all.

And Angel - if anyone deserves to be happy, you do.

Un Peu Loufoque said...

Oh how wonderful I am jealious and I do wonder what you said about us all!!!Too frightening to contemplate!!!

Elizabethd said...

What a lovely day you all had. I'm hoping that one day UPL and I might meet up, we are not that far apart.

Withy Brook said...

It would be great if the Northumbrian contingent could meet perhaps when some of the travellers who love this part of the world are around. You lot had such a lovely time

LITTLE BROWN DOG said...

Oh, that sounds so lovely! Wish I could have joined you all. (I, too, have a copy of the wonderful Snailbeach recipe book - it's fab1

Chris Stovell said...

If I'd been just a bit closer I would have joined you like a shot.
Thank you very much for the kind comments you made about my writing - and you made me laugh when I needed it!

Norma Murray said...

Sounds like you had a super day, what luck that you all live so close.

Pipany said...

Oh sometimes Cornwall seems so far away! Thanks for checking in on me Woozle - am fine just bit busy doing nothing!!! Have looked in when I can and hope to get back to blogging next week. Your day sounds lovely and I LOVED the blog about your Nan's house. Gave a great picture of you in my head (and I know we'd get on too!) xxx

Suffolkmum said...

I'm so jealous! But glad you all had such a great day.

annakarenin said...

Sounds like a wonderful day. Bit strange to think you all know each other proper like now??

I didn't realise how close I am to you and we will have to try and meet sometime too it would be really nice. Either with or without my brood or various parts of it. You are welcome to visit here it would give me an excuse to clean!!!

annakarenin said...

You're tagged 5 pick me ups when your down.

Eden said...

What a great day you had. Loved reading all the first impressions.I love Ludlow too. Esp. the tea room.

snailbeachshepherdess said...

AAARH ..just popped in to tag you and somebody else has beat me to it!

Cait O'Connor said...

Can I tag you to write 5 or more ways you 'fight the blues' and then you tag five others...
Caitx

Sally Townsend said...

Made me smile reading it !!