Bring the ivy down!

Keith and I were asked to go next door this morning to be witnesses to our neighbours' wills and other legal paperwork. We were only too happy to agree so it was a bit of a solemn occasion, with their two sons present as well.

Once we'd done what we needed to, we drove to Mawsley, bought some bread and croissants for breakfast and came home to enjoy them. Well, I did... Keith went out into the garden where Mike had made a start on cutting down the ivy that's covering our wall. It needs to come down as it's gone mad, and Keith's worried that it'll get into the guttering and cause dampness on the internal walls by blocking the downpipes. Of course, we also need it gone for the new window we're having installed!

As I read the paper and munched on my croissants, I heard a lot of swearing and a few cross words, so when I finished I went out to see if I could help. The ground was covered by branches and ivy leaves so I made a start on gathering them all up to put in our garden bin.

I filled the bin, plus two plastic boxes, and brought another load through from the gravel garden. Sophie had texted me to say she was arriving in Northampton at about 1pm, so I had to leave everything in the garden. At least the worst was done and the ivy was all down! That's saved us about £800!

I dropped Keith and Mike off at the pub for a well-earned beer and carried on down to Northampton. Sophie was tired but had had a brilliant day in London and had thoroughly enjoyed being at Wimbledon!

We called to the pub to pick up the men and Keith offered us a drink as well. As I was still in my scruffs, we sat in the garden and enjoyed a cold Guinness - what a lovely way to spend half an hour!

Back home I pottered about, and then had a long hot shower before joining Sophie in the conservatory for Scrabble and a new cocktail - Campari, Vermouth and the remains of the Cava from last night. It was delicious!

After we'd played Scrabble Sophie and I sat and chatted about our California trip next year. I'd been looking at car hire prices on Friday morning, and I was shocked to see how much a car would cost us while we were there - about £1200! I think we only paid about £300 last time! We discussed going to Napa by Uber, and then picking up a car there, the day we travel down to Monterey. We don't really need a car in Napa as our B&B is within walking distance of the town, we're planning on taking two escorted wine tours, and we could get the bus to Yountville.

Sophie then made dinner completely on her own while I sat and chatted to Keith. A lovely, relaxing end to a busy day!