Goodbye Goldie

So we have just had one of the wettest weekends we have seen for ages – and of course it was a bank holiday. But we were determined to have fun and relax. Especially after I had a day of total crisis at work – the stress after-shocks of which I am still feeling.

Anyway, we still had our days out. Firstly we took the boys for along the river in Sandwich. Alexander had the rare chance to get on his scooter and scoot free. They both loved it. Unfortunately the fun was cut short when Alexander got badly stung by a stinging nettle. It only brushed him but his whole arm blistered – leading us to wonder if he has an allergy to then? Thankfully it went down again very quickly.

The next day we went to a steam rally. This was a mix of old steam engines, vintage cars and  – the only thing that interested the boys – fun fair rides. We were treated to the sight of Alexander and his little brother enjoying something together for once. L just looked up at him with a look of sheer pleasure and joy as they went around and around on the mini roundabout.

Maybe I am getting old but after paying to get in, paying for three or four rides and having a hot dog each for dinner we burnt through £50! What happened to cheap days out?

Then it chucked it down – we got out just in time. So we went around to visit Nanny Jean and Grandad Maurice. This was L’s first visit to any of our relatives – most have now met him but at our house. Nanny has a new large tropical fish tank which they were both entranced by.

The forecast for the next day was again for heavy rain. Once again were up early – relatively – and ready to go. I found us something to do but I knew if I said what it was it was unlikely to appeal to Rachel. So I declared it a mystery tour. I reasoned that the best place in the abysmal weather would be underground. So we went to Chislehurst Caves. And we had a fantastic time there – reminded us of our Holiday at Wookey Hole a few years ago. L was wide-eyed with wonder all the way through and Alexander thought it was a great adventure.

So it was back to work today and back to reality. Now have the extra project of seeking out a new hosting partner for our web app. The day was further spoilt by the loss of one of Alexander’s goldfish – Goldie. He was very brave about it, Helped me fish her out and bury her. He insisted he wanted a “cemerony” and made up his own prayer – which went like this.

“Oh God! My goldfish is dead. Amen!”

Short and to the point I suppose. I think we will get the reverberations of this in a few days when it sinks in more.

But overall it was a good weekend.

A Good Weekend – the Details

Well as promised – though as I am not being allowed time to write properly – shorter than intended – the details of the weekend.

Saturday:

We met up with David, Lois and Spike to have a day out around Leeds castle. This was a lot of fun despite Alexander being totally headlong into everything. We went around the maze and the play park and Alexander insisted on getting a sword and shield for both him and Spike. We also went around the castle though Alexander went through at breakneck speed so didn’t really get time to look at anything.

Alexander IMG_6930 IMG_6946 Fun in the Formal Gardens

We came home and had a quick tea. The Liz came around. She and Rachel chatted while I got Alexander to bed. Then Liz and I went to the pub for a few pints and a long chat like the old days (and not just about the old days but also about the future.)

Sunday

We had a slow lazy day on purpose. We took a leisurely walk down to the village and went to the pub (Queens Head) and had lunch. There was a reception for a christening going on so it was busy and there were lots of children for Alexander to play with. We came home and Alexander played with his friends out the front for quite a while. We then had a lazy evening.

Monday

We went to a Kent Wildlife Trust event at Bigbury Hill. This was an old fill fort where the local Celtic tribe – the Cantii (from where Canterbury gets its name)  resisted the advance of the Romans. Ultimately unsuccessfully but bravely nonetheless.

They had set up a camp with roman soldiers walking around and showing off their armour, and a play dig for children. There was a guided walk which was just starting as we arrived so we tagged along. However at the first  stop Alexander announced very loudly that the man was taking for too long to talk about it. So we discretely slipped away and did our own walk. Liz and Martin were also there but we didn’t see them despite Martin calling out to us. – Sorry guys. We we probably chasing Alexander.

The walk was lovely. The bluebells were out as was the sun and the shade of the trees was welcome. Full of birdsong too.

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Then we came home for a relaxing evening – somewhat marred by Alexander and Rachel having bad Asthma – probably aggravated by hay fever – but otherwise and nice weekend. Walks, beer, kids and friends.