return..and catching up.

We've seen half of my offspring and grandkids, and a third of Pirate's...sadly no grandkids...

We get accused of wanting everybody to fit in with our plans, but those saying that, ignore the fact that we are trying to fit in with all of theirs...Co-ordinating all that lot, especially when they don't give you all the information needed for planning (and complain afterwards) isn't easy!!

Full marks to those who helped .

We collected a heavy duty bike stand from near Grange over Sands..a twenty mile detour..for The OilyOne to use in his role as main mechanic for Pedalpower Cardiff. If you put an e-bike or Nextbike
on an ordinary bike stand the weight just makes it slide down,so this will make their work easier.

Presents of my jam and chutney were given and useful items passed on in various directions.
 In return I've brought back a stainless steel breadbin, small jamjars ( I run out of those as they are good for "end of batch" pots and presents) and some upholstery fabric and curtain lining fabric !

It was sad to not see everyone, but illness, inconvenience and non-communication can't be helped.
We'll just have to see them next year.  Why is it usually us that travels?  Mostly  it is because they are thankfully in work or education, so we are thankful for that.

We gave my brother's blockwork drive its annual weed and clean in return for looking after us and sharing the visiting driving whilst down with him.  Our car still racked up over 1500 miles...
But having a relaxed base where we could muck in and not have to be on "best behaviour" was marvellous!!

He is lucky to live in an area well endowed with artists of all kinds, and I had an afternoon out with him...visiting Yandles woodyard in Martock,with its wood and toolstore,craft materials shop, gallery and cafe. Then John Leach's pottery in Muchelney and Paul Jessop and Marion Lewis at Barrington Pottery..a pity that Barrington Court was itself closed, it being a Winter mid-week visit. We can earmark that for another visit! 
Brother gave Paul an order for plates...they'll fit in nicely with what he already has in the kitchen.

After a long drive home, 14 hours including a couple of traffic jams and some decent stops, we are home.

A day out straight away was vetoed..after a week away there is much washing and catching up to do.
We are running out of days to organise trip details too,although mostis falling into place nicely.