Ladies who lunch...

It was heavenly to get up a little later this Monday morning, and even better that Sophie had booked today off! We had planned on going to Weedon for lunch, and a look around the shops, so we set off in the most dismal, miserable weather at about 11.30am.

I took the scenic route to Weedon and we both commented on how the countryside was just a mixture of greys, greens and browns. The trees looked drenched and the fields were sodden. It was a typical late November day.

We arrived at Weedon and had a look around the shops first, picking out a jar of paté and some crackers to have for our evening meal. Keith was looking forward to leftovers from last night's dinner, and I knew we wouldn't fancy much to eat after lunch.

At 12.30pm we made our way to what used to be Darlington's but has now changed to a restaurant called 1867... when did that happen? The decor inside had changed and the lovely friendly man who used to be there all the time had gone. Things always change...

We were lucky to get the last table outside and although they had heaters and blankets on the chairs, it still felt a bit chilly and we could hear the rain falling as a section was open to the elements! Sophie chose lasagne for her lunch while I opted for a seasonal turkey and stuffing baguette with crisps and salad. We indulged in a glass of wine each and sat and had a great chat, reminiscing about the last time we were seated out in the "tent", and marvelling that it was December 2020, at the height of the pandemic!

The food was lovely, so in that respect, the place hadn't changed at all, which was good. After we'd eaten, we had a good look around the shops, and I managed to buy another stocking present for Sophie in Abraxas.

I was on the hunt for candlesticks and a new glass, as I'd broken the one Sophie had bought me and which was perfect for a whisky and ginger or gin and tonic! The glasses in the cookshop only came in boxes of four, so we headed to the antique centre in Weedon Bec to see what they had there.

Because it was such a chilly, damp day, we were glad we'd wrapped up well to visit the antique centre! Today, the place seemed full of tat, so we crossed to the other side of the centre where vintage items mingled with antiques. Sophie spotted a pair of cloudy white candlesticks which were perfect for what I wanted and only £7! Bargain! I didn't see any glasses, though, but I had a sneaking suspicion that I had some gin glasses in the cabinet in the garage!

We left, and before going home we called into Dobbie's Garden Centre at Harlestone. Sophie made straight for the pet section while I looked for a plastic plant pot for the new orchid I was given. I bought two, one for now and one for when it grows a bit bigger! Sophie bought some treats and toys in the pet outlet, we also bought squirty cream and marshmallows for hot chocolate and returned home as it was growing dark.

Back home we enjoyed hot chocolate and relaxed for the rest of the evening, enjoying our paté and crackers with a bottle of red wine a little later than planned, as we were still full from lunch!