Car Rally

On our way home from our new. home (confusing - much ?) we remembered there was a car rally taking place at a National Trust property just up the road from us, so we thought we would stop in, given that M and Bear love cars and would be happy, I love vintage so I would be happy, and Butterfly is such a joyfilled little soul she'd be happy to go where the rest of us were going to go and be happy.
 
And a very lovely time of it we had too. There were more cars there than I've ever since in one place I think. I never realised there were so many vintage cars on the road! Because we got there so late in the day some were already leaving, but actually that worked in our favour - not only did we get to see and hear them roar down the driveway of the historic house (which looked and sounded simply amazing - so Great Gatsby) but the crowds were considerably thinning and we got to see plenty up close.
Adding to the atmosphere was a jazz quartet playing some great classics and the sounds drifted out over the Ha-ha and down onto the fields were the cars were all parked. Thank heavens for good weather as  I dread to think what it would have been like if there was rain! 
There were all types of different cars to see - I mentioned before about the lovely Rover that brought back so many memories. There were real proper vintage automobiles - one we were reading about was from 1932 but had been off the road for the past 50 years and was recently lovingly restored. The love and care that people put onto these maginficant machines is phenomenal - I'm no petrol head by a long chalk, in fact I'd be hard pressed to know how to open my bonnet, still less identify what was what underneath, but some of the engines were maginificantly polished edifaces of steel and sleek curves. There were some funky American cars (I dream of driving across the States in one of these babies, dressed in a circle skirt, glamourous scarf at my neck and sunglasses firmly in place, lips the reddest of red shades, handbag and heels at the ready)
 
Then there were some real quirky numbers - a bright pink Mini that Butterfly claimed for her own (pink! small! perfect!) :: a silver bullet shaped car that wouldn't have looked out of place in a sci - fi film:: and in complete contrast a green classic car that was just waiting for Mr Toad to jump in and go off driving irresponsibly and having lots of adventures (that or a dashing Brideshead Revisited type, all slicked back hair, cream linen suit and long white scarf with driving googles - definitely seems more appealing)
 
Lots of fun to mooch about - we will definitely do this again ! Parp parp!!

Sent using BlackBerry® from Orange

-----Original Message-----
From: julie pyne <juliepyne@hotmail.com>
Date: Sat, 2 Jun 2012 06:58:12
To: <juliepyne@hotmail.com>
Subject:

Things to Remember

I don't know why this ever comes as a surprise to me, but writing is my therapy.
 
Whether it's writing out lists of things to do, so that I can get it straight in my head what needs to be done at what times, writing here for pleasure and to connect and to remember and record all the good stuff that goes on in our lives: writing in my personal journal (which sounds far more impressive than it is, actually it's just a pile of loose sheets and scraps of paper with my stream of consciousness thoughts scribbled on them). As soon as I commit to paper, as I get it down and out, on the page, or the screen, suddenly I start to feel better. Back in control, be that of my arrangements or my emotions. The swirling mass in my mind is given form and shape and sometimes even beauty.
 
And every single time this amazes me. Shocks me. And then I am shocked that I've been shocked. Really, it's mental. I let things build up in my brain until it is nearly ready to explode! with unsaid thoughts! with emotions! with Things! I! Must! Remember! (and then promptly forget as something else takes front and centre of my attention). And then I get stressed and snappy and not my happy mellow self. And I Don't! Know! Which! Way! To! Turn! I stop seeing the joy in the everyday. Kind of like a kettle building up to the point of whistling, full of steam and heat that must be released somewhere. And then I write, and all the stress and tension seeps out and the pressure lifts off, just like turning down the gas under the kettle, and the shrill whistling, the whirling thoughts are slowed and stillness, peace and calm are restored.
 
Once again the same thing happened this morning. I've been going over and over in my mind in the small hours of the night and the moments of the day when I should be focussed on other things all that there currently is to do and remember and trying to think how to balance it all and fit it all in, constantly thinking one thing then remembering another. So I wrote out my frustrations, then I wrote out a list of the days and started filling them, shuffling things a bit, and now I have a workable plan for the next few weeks that (I think touch wood at least) fits in all we need to do, balanced out with some things that I want to do, some places we have to be, and some places we want to be. And it's like a lead weight has been lifted from my brain and shoulders.
 
I think I might just print this off somewhere and remind myself of it, about 60 times a day should do the trick! What's your therapy ? What do you do to relieve the pressure
 
[Totally unrelated photo - there was a car rally at Killerton last weekend and we stopped in on our way home from our new home - there were some lovely cars, some very special and beautiful ones - I know nothing about cars, but even the engines on these were like works of art - anyway, I digress, this particular Rover was just like one my Dad had when I was growing up and the minute I clapped eyes on it I was transported back to be being 8, wearing my favourite navy skirt with white flowers on and a white  lacy edge, standing on the seats and sticking my head out of the sunroof while eating an ice-cream and looking down at the river from Woodbury point (one of my favourite of the many Special Sunday Outings I used to take with my Dad each week, which were the highlight of my weeks as a child, an afternoon of true love and happiness); of driving up to London to visit my beloved Grandma, falling asleep in the back of the car with my head resting on a brown blue and orange abstract floral cushion and the arm rest/divider between the back seats which was brown velvet and strokable like a pet (we'd only just left the 70s behind folks!) - amazing what memories a simple car can trigger. Not sure I like the fact it was at a Classic car rally, but given that there were some brand new cars there too, I'm going to assume it was more in the modern part of the display than the classic!!]

Sent using BlackBerry® from Orange

Chai Wallah

Exciting though our new home is, we thought the weather was so cracking on Saturday that we just had to get out and enjoy it for a bit (plus the fact that there is clearly a limit to what we can do with the children being at home, versus cracking on when they are at school) so we took ourselves off for a long walk. We decided that although  the beach was appealing, after all the sunshine all week and given that we weren't able to get out until the afternoon, going to the beach wouldn't be the best move as everyone else would probably be there. But we wanted to be by water and watch the sunlight dance and sparkle so we decided to walk along the River Exe.
 
Rather than head into town and walk from the Quay we decided to drive to the other end of the path and walk back, minimising our time spent in the car and or stuck in traffic - no fun on a hot day. It was an inspired plan and we walked much further than we had originally realised or intended but did end up on the Quay side in Exeter. There is always a wonderful atmosphere there, particularly when the sun is shining and everyone spills out of the cafes and bars and restaurants in a most continental way, sitting on the cobbled pavements and watching the world go by.
 
We tried out a new to us cafe which I had noticed when we passed recently called The Chai Wallah - no prizes for guessing what attracted me there! They serve the most amazing range of tea of all types and coffee too, together with some rather lovely locally made ice-cream, but of course, it was for the chai that I was interested. It's proper chai tea, rather than the commonly found alternative of chai latte (with the foamy bits on top), but which I enjoy every bit as much.  I was in utter heaven I promise you, sat basking in the sunshine, chai in hand, sunlight sparkling on the water, surrounded by my loved ones, listening to the sounds of happy people enjoying themselves.
 
An added treat was the inside of the Chai Wallah - it's in one of the cellar's that line the quay, but inside looks like a sumptuous Morrocan palace - the ceilings are swagged with purple silks and there are luxurious eastern/oriental fabrics and furniture and delights for the eyes. I couldn't take any photos as the sun was so bright outside that the inside really was very dark and cave like despite the two gorgeous chandeliers (did I mention them, they were amazing?!) but I will most definitely be back and ready to take some photos and some decorating inspiration for the new house.
 
Fortunately the temperatures had cooled a little as we set out on our walk back which made the going much more pleasant and we made it home in good time to enjoy a lovely dinner - quiche and homemade potato salad with a crisp cold salad - just what was required after a long day in the sun. And then the delight of sitting enjoying a blissful long warm and light evening - I could definitely get used to that

Sent using BlackBerry® from Orange

We're Home!!

Well, after all the struggles, some difficulties and a couple of highly unpleasant meetings, we've done it! We finally officially own our new home!! I am beyond happy and exciting and cannot being to say how good it feels or how "at home" we already feel, at least, as much as is possible when there are no carpets, no curtains and no furniture. Minimalism in the extreme!!
 
We spent a joyous happy afternoon there on Friday drinking champagne and running from room to room enjoying the  peace and the views and the space in all of the rooms. Savouring the special parts that are going to make it just right for us (a roll top bath and a proper wood burner and a range cooker being my long dreamt of special features)
 
More photos will follow in due course, probably not for a while though as now the real hard work starts - today is curtain pole day, Thursday is turfing the garden day, next week involves carpets and fixings (toilet roll holders and other not so glam but very essential bits) and then moving in day is set for June 15th) Squeal!!
 
Most of all though, I am grateful. Grateful for the support of loved ones who have helped us with our purchase: the support and hard work of M without whom none of it would have been possible: grateful for my darling family with whom I will be sharing such a wonderful new home: grateful for the kind friends who have wished us well and propped us up when the going got tough and grateful that we have been able to secure the home of our dreams. We are so blessed and so humbly thankful.

Sent using BlackBerry® from Orange

Genteel Jollying

We had a very genteel jolly trip out on Sunday afternoon. We were toying with going into Exeter to watch the build up to the arrival of the Olympic Torch, but as it wasn't due to arrive until early evening, which would have been too late for the children, and the weather was looking rather unpleasant in the morning - damp and dull and not really conducive to standing around watching events we decided against it. By all accounts it was a fabulous event and lots of fun, but having seen some of the photos I think we made the right choice for us anyway- there were huge crowds everywhere, which is stressful enough with two smallish children, added to which they probably would have spent the majority of the time staring at someone else's back (as would I being of the rather shorter stature).
 
In the end we decided to head off in totally the opposite direction. My Dad's been under the weather with a heavy cold so we spent the morning making Get Well Soon cards for him and putting together a little care package, then we headed off to Budleigh dropping his goodies in on the way, which cheered him up no end.
 
I do love Budleigh, it is such a genteel civilised sort of place. The pace of life seems more sedate there (largely because most of the population can't walk quickly anyway some would say!) In some ways it remains very much a 1950s town, lots of individual shops, traditional features and a proper seaside feel. We had decided we would walk along the River Otter in the direction of Otterton so we set off eagerly. The initial part of the path skirts alongside the town cricket pitch - they were playing as we went past, and we enjoyed listening to the "thwack" of cricket ball on bat and watching the players in the crisp whites - a certain young man has been playing cricket this term at school so he particularly enjoyed seeing it all!
 
Our walk took us upstream, past fast flowing gurgling bubbling rapids, then on to still quieter spots where it was hardly possible to discern the water moving at all. There were lots of different birds to spot (sadly, I have no idea what any of them were although the boy, who has also been studying birds at school) was able to name some of them. Then we were on again, over stiles and across fields, chatting about this and that and everything and nothing, exchanging a merry "good afternoon" with everyone who crossed our paths.
 
I particularly enjoyed this as I did the same walk a few months ago with my Dad, but back before there was any sign of spring, and it was fascinating to see the changes in the landscape as the spring has come into full being, everything looking so lush and green: there is a beautiful fresh light and energy, a special shade of light, almost lime green to the new leaves that gives a little magical sparkle to the surroundings.
To my amazement we walked all the way to Otterton Mill (2.25 miles) - well, the little lady had a few piggie backs along the way but the boys and Mama made it all the way. When we got there we were intending to stop for a well earned ice cream and drink but time and the selection of ice-creams were against us (there were very specific requirements) so Mama reluctantly gave up the chance to sit and take tea in the courtyard and we retraced our steps all the way back to the beach. I was so impressed, not to say staggered that the children were able to walk such a distance, and not once was there any complaining about aching legs either. Possibly helped by the regular refuelling with trail mix and yogurt raisins. 
Once back on the beach we turned our toes in the direction of The Creamery, purveyor of the finest ice creams, and there agonised over the vast selection of flavours (lemon meringue, strawberry cheese cake, blackberry and cream being amongst those considered and then rejected or at least, postponed for another time). Enthusiastically licking our cones we stopped along the promenade to admire a beautiful classic car (the one I posted a pic of before)and fantasised about driving holidays along the Amalfi coast in such a beauty. Well, hubs and I did, the children were too busy devouring the ice-creams!!
 
All in all a most civilised and genteel way to take in some fresh air and exercise for a Sunday afternoon.

Sent using BlackBerry® from Orange

Cute Car

Isn't this just the cutest little car? How much fun would you have tootling around in this?

It makes me think of Fleur's recent Italian adventures (www.diaryofavintagegirl.blogspot.com)

I think it would be compulsory to wear scarf, sunglasses lipstick & heels in the car - the whole retro glamour shebang!

Off to dream in the sunshine of glamour & vintage loveliness xx
Sent using BlackBerry® from Orange

Jubilee Jubilation

Today at school the children are having a special Jubilee Lunch and Celebration - somewhat early, I think because they are on half term during the actual Jubilee and there are various other events and sporting commitments next week which would have made it too difficult to fit in.

They had to dress in a red, white and blue theme today, so are looking very patriotic. School lunch is being replaced with a street party (possibly with jelly and icecream in the manner of all things traditional) and there are various games and even a Jubilee Conga, so I am told. They are most excited for it and I am sure it's going to be a fun event and should get them all ready for the proper celebrations in a few weeks time. We are probably still going to be between two houses at that point, but hopefully our new house will be nearing completion and in our new town they are holding a big celebration along the canal with trips on the horse drawn barge, live music and various  entertainments so we will hopefully be able to go along for some of that (weather permitting - but at least the children have glorious sunshine for their street party today whatever). I am so looking forward to moving to our new town and starting to be able to make little trips and get involved in the community. Whilst we are a mile or so out of the town in the middle of a field (literally) it will be a matter of a few minutes to be in town. It's what I call just the right size, there are a few shops, some chains but quite a few independents and some real quirky little places, there's a couple of cafes I want to get to know better (!), a small library, a sports centre and a few gorgeous parks, as well as a local footie and rugby team for the boys to support. It will be really good to have all that right on the doorstep - at the moment we live in a small village which has a local shop/post office, but to be honest we rarely use the shop (too many stale loaves and gone off bottles of milk mean we don't want to take the risk). Whilst it is a 20 minute drive to the big city with loads of shopping choices and so on, it's a faff to have to go there everytime and whilst the size means plenty of choice, it can be very impersonal. What I am looking forward to in our new town is that we are likely to run into people we know when we are out and about and there's that sense of community and belonging. I can't wait.

Tomorrow we go to see the new house and find out if, after all the delays it is finally ready. We've had a few wrangles and more than a few headaches with the building work and certain bits of it not being done to a sufficient standard, so there's a sense of nervous anticipation about tomorrow - being positive and hoping that everything has been done and done properly, and anxiety in case it hasn't. So, keep your fingers crossed for us and hopefully by the end of the week we'll have a fixed moving in date!