This is the last time I’ll see this view. I’ve been parked up since August waiting for parts and then waiting for enough money to have them fitted. We have moved from the site and are now on the road. This could have been a major operation as I found that the rear brakes that didn’t work worked too well and were seized on. This despite my leaving them off. It was a minor matter in the end. Nothing that my tow rope and a big John Dere tractor couldn’t solve.
Yesterday I went out for another meal. Went to town on the bus with the dogs and had a great time. The meal was superb. Turkey, ham and apricot pie. Potato brazed in turkey stock and a sharp vegetable puree. The pie was spot on and made with hot water crust pastry. Now I can make raised pies, I even thought I was good at it. This chef made me realize that I have much to learn. Three pints of beer, a funny sort of lesbian fruit beer and a coffee for my companion and all for thirty pounds….Apart from the bill it was wonderful.
In the north of England one doesn’t get owt for nowt. Well you do at Macdonald's but she didn’t seem keen on going there and they won’t let dogs in so that clinched the matter. Thank you Twenty2 in Darlington. You never disappoint, great beer, wonderful food and bar staff who use Hasselblads and develop and print their own work.
Darlington wasn’t too busy. Mind you it was a bit wet.
Tomorrow the van goes to the camper hospital for some major surgery. We all move into a proper house for a few days. A proper house will be good. I’ll be able to walk around taking big steps without getting either cold or wet, have a washing machine, a bath or a shower. This is one posh house. It even has two settees so if I get fed up I can sit somewhere else.
It doesn’t have T’Internet so I don’t expect to post again till Friday….. A Friday in July?
Have a good week and pray that Paula has her pencil really sharp when she does my truck bill.
I hope it doesn't end up costing you and arm and a leg. You'll need them to keep taking beautiful images like these. That pie sounds yummy!
ReplyDeleteHilary, I have enough, I hope!..it is cheaper than running a house. I can't wait till I get back to film and a V series Hasselblad. These DSLRs make things too easy.
ReplyDeleteThe van is looking good there Adrian. Hope all goes well at the hospital, and you're soon safely back on the road.
ReplyDeleteThat meal did sound rather good.
Ta Keith, it will be okay and there should be enough loot left over for a camera and a Kindle. Maplin sell a little digital microscope....here I am getting greedy. It's what this time of year is all about.
DeleteI hadn't realised that your home from home was quite such a big beast. At least you should get your own way in traffic with that. You'll not get to sleep in a real house if you can't hear the rain and hail pounding on the roof ;)
ReplyDeleteJohn, I don't sleep that much anyway. The van isn't that big with myself and two dogs in.
DeleteTwo settees! Wow. Next you'll be telling me there's an inside loo. Enjoy your stay. I'd better not invite you to Lewis - I don't have any settees - you'd be reet disappointed.
ReplyDeleteI've never seen hot water crust pastry in sheets or rolls in the supermarket. In fact I've never heard of it. My Mum made brilliant pastry but always in a hot kitchen so it was never like anyone else's.
Graham, there is no dashing down the garden for me.
DeleteIt's pork pie pastry. Made with flour lard and boiling water. You can mould it round the outside of a jam jar and it sets. When it's cool you pop the filling in. Then cook it.
What a lovely spot to be stuck in Adrian. I would love to do what you are doing - in fact have plans to sell my house and then when I come back from my northern hemisphere travels (have just decided I'm going to meet as many TLVD visitors as possible), I will travel New Zealand, while I look for my new house or it's being built.
ReplyDeleteFancy having TWO places to sit for a while!
Katherine, you can hire campers. It doesn't suit everyone but I wouldn't have life any other way. If you are within range drop me an e-mail.
DeleteIt's great that you're "On the Road Again." I hope the camper gets fixed and doesn't cost that much. I hope you find another good spot to park.
ReplyDeleteThanks, I have all the parts so it will be fine.
ReplyDeleteWow - that first shot is glorious!
ReplyDeleteThanks. Have a good Christmas.
DeleteTHat first shot is glorious!
ReplyDeleteI like these adventure bits. It's all very spontaneous and on a day to day basis. I like that bit:)
ReplyDeleteEven if your van looks quite big, I suppose a proper house for a couple of days could be a welcome change :)
ReplyDelete