Spider season!

We awoke to thick fog this morning, and that had been forecast for today! The mist highlighted the abundance of spider webs in the garden. I've never seen so many! One was huge and was right in the path we'd take to get to the back of the garage. A face full of web if you hadn't spotted it! Ugh! And there were more in the trees and bushes!

After pottering around in the morning, we drove to the pub in the village for lunch. The car park of the pub is tiny, so cars were parked everywhere, and we went in expecting crowds of people, but the bar was quiet. We had a drink sitting in the window seats first and then moved to our table in the snug at the back of the pub. 

We were hungry and we ordered starters of chicken wings (Keith and Sophie) and a beetroot and goat's cheese tart (me). My tart was beautifully presented and delicious! Gradually, the pub had filled up and the staff were hurrying backwards and forwards carrying loaded trays of food and drinks. It was great to see the place so busy.

For our main courses, we enjoyed roast chicken (Sophie), roast lamb (Keith) and fish and chips for me, which was not usual! Keith was envious of my crispy batter, but said his lamb was excellent and it had fallen off the bone. Sophie and I shared a bottle of South African Chardonnay, and we even found room for puds, after a little break! I went with something I hardly ever choose, the sticky toffee pudding, while Sophie chose the chocolate brownie. We were stuffed! As it was our only meal of the day, though, I didn't feel guilty one bit! It had been a lovely meal, in great surroundings, and the staff were friendly and hospitable. We feel lucky to have a good pub on our doorstep.

Back at home, it was definitely an afternoon to loll about and do very little. We tried to entice the cats in, but they seemed content to stay outside where it was still overcast and chilly. It was heaven to curl up on the sofa in the living room, sip a glass of Ratafia digestif, and while away the Autumnal afternoon!