Time for a day in the country and a visit with Norma and John. Originally we had intended to get the train to New Romney but then we found we could hire a car from around the corner for a mere £37, so much easier and less hassle. As usual it took a couple of hours to get out of London and on to the M20. It wasn't long after that when we came across the remnants of Operation Stack, a result of the chunnel fire. That must have been one heck of a queue!

We were greeted by the wonderful smells of dinner, followed by the familiar voices or Norma and John, backed by Archie's barking. Tom spent most of the time out in the garden wearing Archie out with a game of fetch. Ian sank in to his favorite chair in the conservatory and the rest of us followed. It's just like coming home! John has started a veggie garden out the back and what a great job he's doing. We even got to enjoy some of his produce for lunch. We had a lovely time talking and catching up. Then came the part that Tom is most likely to remember the day for. Norma had been busy baking....we had to virtually beat Tom off with a stick to get at the jam sponge!