The old folks at home

I made a trip this weekend to see the folks back in Essex. The main thing that strikes me when I return to the south east is the volume of traffic and people - how do they all fit into that tiny corner? And that's without visiting London! The M25 is the usual nightmare - just sheer weight of traffic slows everything down. People are also much ruder, mainly because they don't have time for common courtesies that are generally maintained here in Devon. I was also disappointed that the petrol was no cheaper at the pump than I had been paying here (it usually is). Prices varied from 106.9 down to 99.9 - in fact it was 107.9 on the M4. When will this be sorted out? It was certainly good to return to the peace and quiet of the Devon countryside - even though there is a lot of mud about!

winter draws on!

Yes, as noted in the excellent Silvertonia blog,it has become decidedly chilly this weekend. The logs and kindling have been hauled in by Tufty, the fire duly lit and the extra warm duvet put on the bed (that lot should ensure that the weather turns mild again!) It's not a pleasing prospect - the clocks going back this month and therefore getting up in the dark to go to work - yuk! And I heartily agree about the "C" word - it should be banned until December. Mind you, Tesco seem to be selling hot cross buns as well the chocolate Father Christmas - the world's gone mad I tell you!

Country pursuits

Another of my pastimes in the country is watching the herd of cows at Killerton that are driven home along the lane just before the railway bridge at Ellerhayes at about 3.45 most days. I feel sorry for them as they amble along with the farmer in an old van behind tooting at them to move! I often drive home from work that way and so I'm prepared for it- other people aren't and get quite upset - they could lose at least 5 minutes from their lives I suppose. As the poem says: What is this life, if full of care, we have no time to stand and stare.
Until next time........