Coach and Horses, Chislehampton

Well, it seems to be snowing yet again. Actually it’s probably more sleet than snow. Heavy sleet if there is such a thing.

We have been out for our Sunday lunch to the Coach and Horses, Chislehampton. We have tried to have Sunday lunch here once before, in summer, but were told it was too busy. We got in today and it was rather good. It helped that I was extremely ravenous after eating only a bowl of Rice Krispies for breakfast. Anyway, the things I would fault are: 1) the fact they didn’t seem to have our name down on the reservations list even though we phoned up to book at 11.30am; 2) we waited a while for our table, only to be seated eventually at a table for 6, along with another couple who were seated before us even though they hadn’t booked, 3) I ordered a sweet dessert wine along with a sticky toffee pudding, and by the time the dessert wine arrived I had finished the pudding. I wanted to drink the wine with the dessert. Apart from that it was great. Seeing as it’s only a 7 minute drive from our house (I timed it) we’ll certainly be going there again.

The dessert wine was lush. I’ve never had it before but wow. I am now feeling mildly tipsy which is a nice feeling to have on a Sunday afternoon ( I have always loathed Sundays, anything that helps to make them more pleasant is a bonus).

The couple who were seated on the same table were speaking Spanish but they weren’t from Spain. I speak Spanish so I know the accents. They were from Latin America, maybe Argentina or Chile. Anyway, the woman complained when their meals arrived because she said they were still waiting for their wine. She said can we cancel the wine and order lager instead. After the waiter had gone, she said to her partner ‘how silly, wine is for drinking before the meal, not with it.’ I thought what absolute tosh. The French always drink wine with a meal. That’s what wine is for. I’ve never understood who go out to a bar and order wine. It’s not for drinking on its own, it’s to enjoy with food! Honestly.

So, we are getting married on 1st August in Woolhampton, Berkshire. I have yet to find a dress, organise a florist, photographer etc. But, this morning, I decided where we are going to go on our honeymoon. We’re booking a Greek Island hopping holiday with Greek Sun holidays, the best travel agent for the Greek Islands. Assuming it’s available we will be going to Schinoussa, Koufonissia and Amorgos. The lesser-know Cyclades. Can’t wait : ) I love Greece, I could live there if I didn’t have to worry about earning a living. Quite happily. Food is great, very underrated, and the wine.

Snow/Ice

Well, it did snow in Oxford today but not as much as I’d hoped. I wanted proper, deep snow so that it would be really exciting, but it didn’t happen. Tomorrow the pavements are going to be treacherously icy apparently. Great. I can’t do icy pavements; I hobble along like an old lady. I bought some expensive snow boots with really good grip when I last went skiing, but wearing them doesn’t help allay my fear of falling.

Picked up a couple of books from the second hand sale in the library last week: Charlotte Mendelson’s ‘When we were Bad and Ellen Gilchrist’s ‘Starcarbon Both 20p – bargain!

Sunday

Went for a walk this morning in Sydlings Copse nature reserve. It’s nice to go out even for a short walk on a Sunday because it makes me feel ‘fresh’ and entitled to relax a bit for the rest of the day. Not that I’m going to relax much – I have a list of things I want to get done, including a fitness session with Davina; some writing (I’m doing a course: ‘Introduction to Writing Poetry’); and the usual dull washing/ironing/cooking.

At weekends I tend to put my usual reading material aside and turn to the magazines that I subscribe to. This morning, in bed with my cup of tea, I read my latest copies of ‘Mslexia’ and ‘Word’. The latter is a fairly recent discovery of mine; it’s the best, most intelligent music magazine I’ve ever read, and also talks about books, TV, film etc. You also receive a CD with the magazine with the latest music releases and I have discovered stuff I really love. Highly recommended.

Nuffield Place

On Sunday we visited Nuffield Place, the former home of Lord and Lady Nuffield. Lord Nuffield died in the 1960s and the house has remained pretty much as he left it, with all his belongings still there.

Me and my fiance's new hobby is looking round stately homes. We have a preference for those which are still owned by the family, rather than the National Trust. They have more character , because you see the family's belongings lying around which are usually a great contrast to the ancient furniture and paintings. I suppose I'm just nosey!

Another good thing about looking round stately homes is the opportunity to go for a cup of tea and a scone or slice of cake after you've wandered round the house. On Sunday I had a lovely slice of sponge cake topped with icing and coconut : ) Nice way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

Mostly Books

On Saturday we went to 'Mostly Books' in Abingdon for the first time. I couldn't help but buy a book, even though I already have about ten piled up on my bedside table. I bought 'Madame Depardieu and the Beautiful Stranger' by Antonia Quirke, which is a memoir about her obsession with male film stars. I think this is one I'll really get stuck into. Will probably read it when we go on holiday to Northumberland in a couple of weeks.

Really liked 'Mostly Books' but I can't see myself going again for a while, mainly because I almost never buy books. I prefer to borrow them from the library, more sensible because it's free, and because we don't really have space in our house for more books. I generally only buy books for my summer holiday.