It felt like time to do an update and the weather is playing a big part on our days as seems to be something we are getting used to now. Its day three of nasty stuff, storm Angus and the follow up of constant torrential rain. So I have prepared my favorite chilli for this evenings meal, Denise has Bowie’s greatest hits on and is reading, browsing and singing along and I have a glass of something nice. Seems to be the perfect time to get typing.

The Cotswolds proved to be as lovely as we hoped. We particularly like Cirencester and will definitely go back. We did a great walk around some lakes on the outskirts of the town and decided to go into the town as a friend had told us it was nice and dog friendly. All of that is true, dog friendly pubs, cafe’s and shops that make retail therapy even more delightful that normal. We didn’t even get to do the cultural bits and there seemed to be loads. Heading home with some bags lighter wallets and some gorgeous Turkish delight purchased from an amazing “coffee” shop happy girls we were.

Our trailer continues to interest people and I wish I had struck a commission deal, I seem to have written out the details of where we purchased it loads of times. As we pulled up here in Lychett Minster and were unloading in the pissin rain two helpful “dicks” advised us “use an A frame girls its easier” in my head the air was blue telling them to go do something to themselves, Denise politely told them “Not in Portugal!” To which the helpful “dicks” conceded was true as A frames are not permitted for use in several European countries. Still in my head them going and doing something to themselves seemed a better response.

Back in the Cotswolds we drove and walked for England. It had not really entered our heads it was half term. It did when we went to visit Adam Hensons farm (him “off of” Country file) hundreds of squeaky excited little people with halloween painted faces tired and not wanting the food provided. After a nice lunch in the farm shop we decided the planned farm tour was probably better on another day, unfortunately another day happened. The long way back to the campsite was via a place called Snowhill where we found a brilliantly decorated halloween house.

I think I complained about the showers in the campsite previously, this proved a bit premature as either we got used to them or they got better someone definitely turned the heat up which was a blessing as we started to require the heating on in the evenings. The campsite had a beautiful lake and the surrounding rolling hills made for some great scenery especially with the Autumn leaves changing color brightening everywhere up. Some of the sunsets were beautiful.

It was a great couple of weeks we met nice people ate in some smashing places and got to meet up with our dear friends for lunch. Jarjar continues to encourage strangers to engage with us, well him and when I say strange I mean strange, more street people, rather posh gents in Broadway and the local special people everywhere. The old trick of not making eye contact doesn’t work as they don’t want to make eye contact with us, its him and the slightest hint of there may be a treat boom that’s it we are in it, listening to tales of other peoples dogs, their friends dogs and their life histories. I am not complaining its the source of much smiling and meeting folk, my favorite encounters are with other Vizsla owners current and previous but particularly those with puppies. Especially those who have their “first” puppies. We have great conversations about what’s normal or common for a Vizzie and then the question “when do they calm down?” Or “do they calm down?” Oh yes they do around 8! We always finish off by saying we will have another one when Jarjar is fed up with us.

Currently we are in Lychett Minster, we have been here a week having been home for a couple of weeks. Whilst at home Hobby was fixed. The anticipation was that the repair would cost an arm and a leg it didn’t so a result. Its great when we get home to catch up with friends we miss our friends and family but the quality time we get to spend with special people is brilliant. Our niece Jade celebrated her 21st birthday and we joined the celebration in Newcastle going to the races in our best bib and tucker and having great food in a super little Italian restaurant. The races were brilliant we have never been before, it was a night event and we came home a little less well off but not much. £2 each way bets! Last of the big spenders.

Constantly, well not so much these days we think about have we made the right decision. The answer is a constant yes, even like this past week when its been nasty weather which has confined us to base a bit we still have the freedom to decide whether we do some thing and if we can’t do it today we do it another day. Certainly we are getting used to the small space and we keep packing more clothes than we need but gradually we are finding our way. When we do our washing, when and how we shop (no convenient freezer) we do a few days at a time and defo buy eggs from the campsites. We get things delivered to the campsites and of course technology helps with being in contact with family friends the bank and planning activities. The one thing I need to fix and struggle with is my fitness regime I haven’t got it cracked yet.

Life is not simple its simpler and clearer. Over the past few weeks we have said fond fair wells to family members, been amazed at how friends have responded to health challenges and loved the special time we have had with people especially our family and friends. We have so much to look forward to and whether we do some thing is not just down to the weather. Its down to us.

Some photos …….