I am back in deepest Wiltshire, after having wandered up to deepest Warwickshire for a couple of days with Penfold. We drove up on Tuesday afternoon, carrying a ' Mini Cool Box Meze' with us to the Dutchman's place. We were all in Cyprus 30 years ago and had decided to get together for a reminisce and a Cypriot style barbie. I had made sheftalia, kebabs, feta, mint and yoghurt dip, taramasalata, greek salad, haloumi and TASHI sauce. I had spent the the previous day wandering around the Turkish/Asian shops and was delighted with my haul. When I explained what I was making, a couple of the Turkish guys tried to invite themselves!
Penfold had to go and cut some grass for his Ma so he dropped me off in the middle of Leamington Spa for a spot of retail therapy. Leamington is a beautiful town and I thought about getting my hair done whilst there. Hmmm...for a wash and blow dry I was quoted £26-£41!! Am I a little Cornish Muse or is Leamington a very rich area? Needless to say, I didn't get my hair done. Penfold picked me up and we set off for The Dutchman's pad.
I love Deppers Bridge, it is a really special place. The barbie was lit and the beers opened, the peace and tranquility of Deppers Bridge worked it's Magic as we chilled out, and the fun began. The Tashi sauce certainly invoked some memories. Penfold and the Dutchman were hilarious, telling me that my Tashi sauce was not up to standard as it didn't have any crusty bits around the edge and a big black hair in the middle! Ahhh... the delights of Georges bar - we miss you so much! I had been searching for some Metaxa brandy but had failed miserably. 'Probably just as well' muttered the Dutchman. I had no idea at the time how prophetic his words would be...
These oldies but goodies decided to party and play some loud but decent music. Large amounts of alcohol and good food followed. It was getting chilly so the guys made a command decision to light a fire in the fire pit. Oh! that was so much fun, sat in the dark, grilling Haloumi on sticks over the fire and hiking up the music. The only person missing was Kelly who had gone down to Cornwall. We were drinking wine at this stage and with the atmosphere, fire and great company, it just slipped down...not my fault she says. I decided that a bit of hair fluffing was needed and trying to step out of a fire pit gracefully after a lot of alcohol is not the easiest thing for a girl to do. One forward roll down a grassy bank and the guys completely helpless with laughter followed. Ooops, where did that bank come from! Penfold has taken to calling me 'DangerMuse' ever since...
I was fine in the loo, at least I thought I was until the guys came looking for me. I walked out of the bathroom to find them stood there, looking at me with concern. They both smiled at me and I said 'I think I need to go to bed now'. So at the grand old age of 46 I was put to bed by two wonderful friends. Oh the shame! I think I was about 20 the last time I got put to bed in that state.
Penfold and the Dutchman left me to sleep it off and kept checking on me...bless. They were up early and spreading a nasty rumour about my snoring. I do not snore...honest she says with fingers crossed behind her back! I finally emerged about 11.30 and having been put to bed, I had no idea where the bugger I was. Deppers Bridge is a bit of a maze and I wandered through the house until I finally found Penfold some 10 minutes later. Penfold, heroically fed me tea and water until I felt able to face the shower.
The Dutchman was busy with telecommunications (don't ask) and other things so Penfold and I went into Leamington for lunch. He took me to a place called The Old Library, which is a fabulous community project. There is an Art Gallery and a great vegetarian restaurant. A small but beautifully cooked menu is cooked by wonderful chefs, bizarrely playing Queen tracks, whilst they cook in an open kitchen. Strange but delightful.
I had another spot of retail therapy, this Cornish Muse does not get to the big city very often but enjoyed being in Leamington Spa. It is such a pretty town. Back to Deppers Bridge, where I made a chunky tomato soup for the guys and had a bath. I was feeling a lot better as we departed for The Newbold Comyn Arms to meet a couple of young singers from Folk on The Water, Ellen and Tom. Ellen is a fantastic young talent and is going off to gig in Greece so it was a bit of a farewell do. I'll share a video of her later on this Blog. Check it out as she is going to be huge. We had a great evening with Ellen and Tom, talking about Folk on The Water and Fliss, Ellens sister entertained us with her love life. The Git is in Wales with the folks at the moment and is 'truly, madly, deeply' with Fliss.
It was all too soon time to leave and we said a few tearful farewells. Folk on The Water was such a special time for us all and we are going to do it all again next year.
Take Care out there.
Namaste
Muse x
No comments:
Post a Comment