A perfect Saturday!

Earlier in the week, Mike had texted me to say he was moving to Nottingham to live with Abbie. It was a bit of a shock as he had always resisted giving up his greenkeeper's job and moving, but obviously, he had had a change of heart. He sent me a text this morning to ask if he could pop in on his way to collect some stuff and say goodbye.

Keith went shopping this morning, armed with a long list of things to get for Sophie, who was planning a special afternoon tea for later today. Mike arrived mid-morning and gave me a lovely hug, facing our barrage of questions with a grin on his face. He had given in his notice at work and was going to find a job in Nottingham (hopefully). He also told us about his travel plans, and I do hope he manages to get away and see some of the world.

He went and fetched his huge collection of lighters, which were contained in two boxes, and he showed us his prized ones, some of which were like little works of art! I then gave him one of my Dad's watches, which he was pleased about, so he went off to Nottingham in a very good mood! We said we'd visit him when he got settled in and take him and Abbie out for a meal. We're glad that Nottingham isn't as far as Southampton!

Sophie spent the morning preparing for the afternoon tea, making a Victoria sponge cake, and whipping up various fillings for sandwiches. What a treat to look forward to! She suggested a walk to the pub in the early afternoon, and Keith said he would come with us!

We all walked up just after lunchtime and parked Keith on a bench in the community field. Sophie and I had a squelchy walk around the perimeter of the meadow and then rejoined him to walk to the pub.

Perfect for a picnic in the summer!

It was a beautiful day, with fluffy white clouds scudding across the blue sky. At the pub, we ordered drinks and a bowl of chips to share and sat in the window to chat. The pub wasn't overly busy, and it was bliss to sit and relax for a couple of hours.

After our drinks, we ambled back home, and Sophie carried on with her preparations, bless her! Within an hour, she was calling us to the table for Champagne and a selection of goodies! We enjoyed a selection of sandwiches (coronation chicken, egg mayonnaise, cheese and ham with chutney and smoked salmon, cream cheese and cucumber), sausage rolls, Scotch eggs and quiche. 

After the savoury, we enjoyed scones with jam and clotted cream and cups of tea. We had no room whatsoever for Sophie's cake, so it had to wait for later!

It was time to relax, and we sat in the living room and watched Newcastle v Chelsea. Newcastle won, much to our delight! What a great end to a truly lovely day!