This morning we motored across to Wisbech to see our accountant, and then to have a pub lunch with an old schoolmate and his wife. It was a gloriously sunny, but a very cold and frosty morning (really healthy weather), and as Ann was driving, I got a bit trigger happy with the camera and took the above four shots whilst driving through the Chase- Thetford Chase that is- although we went through Brandon rather than Thetford. Some places looked very wintry, then a mile further on, absolutely spring like. Got to Wisbech at about eleven fifteen, where Elizabeth (who has kept me on the straight and narrow with regard to book keeping for well over thirty years now) went through last years accounts with me. She's up to all the best wheezes with regard to keeping the taxman happy (and no one wants to give that poor chap more work than is absolutely necessary) whilst making sure that Michael is obeying all the rules. I took her a bunch of early daffs (yes, yes, I know I shall be paying her for her expertise, but these small gestures of gallantry ease the wheels of business - and we both like Elizabeth - she, in turn, does more than the call of duty demands, bless her). Left Elizabeth at around twelve thirty and drove round to the Blacksmith's Arms at Elm, where we met up with Roy and Janet. The place has been given a facelift and a new chef, and the differences are rather marked. While we were reading the menu Janet asked of a chicken dish "What does chargrilled mean?" and Ann replied "Burnt, I think." Which wasn't too far out. It seemed to mean that the chicken was cooked (probably boiled Ann said, who tried the dish) then branded on a grill. Generally the food was solid and satisfying. Nursery food, but welcome on a cold day. We left them at half past two (we left early to try and get home in daylight). Didn't succeed, but it didn't matter too much as the weather was milder and clearer than it had been for a day or so.
The below picture is of a building just outside Downham Market that has fascinated me since I first saw it as a boy, when it was in use as a barn. It is a mediaeval manor house, and is now not in use at all, which is rather a pity. It was built as a home, and should still be one. Ann's just gone up to bed after a busy day , and I feel every inclination to call it a day meself. So shall follow her up. Goodnight all.
P.s. to Crowbard.
Roy (who always asks after you) sends his kind regards.
4 comments:
That is a spooky coincidence Mike. Rog was driving to Norwich yesterday and took very similar photographs of frosty tree lined roads. I am glossing over the fact he was the only one in the car at the time.....
Please convey my fond rememberings and best wishes to Roy when next you are able. Was Janet by any chance from around Elm way, perhaps a Convent School-girl? (I so admired those chocolate brown birettas with the gold tassles.) - doesn't that take you back; when a biretta was a hat,unheard of as an Italian gunsmith!
Hello Paff. I have every confidence that Rog pulled into the side of the road, parked very carefully, switched the hazard lights on and the engine off, and then took his photographs. Mine afraid were taken through the windscreen with the car in motion (Ann, as I said was driving) and as a result are mostly a bit fuzzy. I'd be the first to admit that Rog's method (detailed above) produces much the betterphotograph.
Hello Crowbard; will do. Janet, I think is a native of Upwell, and probably went to school there.
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