M:

This entry takes us from the farm back into London, via (for Mick at least) the scrap yard at St Mary's!

Ron had been scheming a way of giving me a scenic tour through the Upper Thames Valley en route to cashing in a pick-up and trailer load of scrap at St Mary's. Each day we had risen in hope of fine weather to provide the cherry on the cake of the scenery, but that was not to be, and as Friday was our last day, the decision was that we were going rain or shine. It rained.

Rita had provided a spare coat of Ron's for the occasion - another of his end of season bargains. This is the one with which it became apparent to me was a women's coat. That - and the fact that it was supposed to be an XXXL, and even with Rita's cooking, there was no way I would have filled a men's coat of that size in quite the way I did this one. Ron had not been aware of the different protocols for fastening men's and women's apparel until then! Because Ron had still never worn this particular item, I swapped for a much more macho number which had seen some years of service - and was much more appropriate for a scrap yard run.

We loaded up and set off via the backroads as (a) we were travelling slowly with the load and (b) we were in breach of a number of road rules which were better undetected. The Ford pickup we were in was the same beast that Ron had used back in 84 when I was working with him (a couple of bodies and one engine later).

The visit to the scrap yard was of interest just to see what was being recycled. Our major contribution was a massive metal tank, with various odds and ends. The trip back was via the scenic route and Ron explained how he and Rita with three other people had run a campaign many years ago which had overturned a decision to flood the valley simply to provide water to flush out the Thames (and London's sewage) during the summer months. All the properties which had been resumed in anticipation of what had been a done deal are now planted in trees and the whole area in its autumn colours (now beginning to fade) was just a picture - check out the album. Meanwhile, back at the ranch ....

A: I managed to set myself up on a small piece of carpet at the top of the stairwell just outside our bedroom and with the aid of the computer and the hard disk onto which Beth had loaded my Body Balance classes, I did the whole class which felt really good.This is yoga, thai chi and pilates. Rita was busy preparing her famous vegetable lasagne which we enjoyed when Mick and Ron returned from the scrap metal run. Meanwhile Rita went outside in quite heavy rain to clear out the bird feeders and took Rosie with her. Unfortunately I could not find the camera (Mick had it) to take a photo of Rita washing Rosie's feet when they came inside- this was something I wish I had captured on film! I am so glad out dog is an outside dog and happy to be so!

We packed up after more of Ron's stories and left with Rita to head to London for the afternoon. Ron was invited but you know Ron- London is a long way!! We spent a relaxing hour or so at Chapters- coffee/ chai latte and a good look through the book store before taking in a movie - "The Ides of March" directed by George Clooney who is always good value in my opinion. A tasty dinner at Tony Roma's, then we were welcomed by Cecilia and Ryan and Eva at their place having to say our goodbyes and a big thank you to Rita who we are sure will be back in Australia soon to escape the Canadian winter and catch up with family. Tim was out in BC working- he travels a lot with his work in surgical sales but was due back the next day.

We skyped Beth that evening- she has a sensibly small replacement fridge while the original purchase is being repaired. We really hope that the sorry saga of the fridge is nearing its end!