Thursday morning 6th November 2014 and croissant's filled with sausages for breakfast before departing for Lincolnshire and the second phase of our trip. We had such a wonderful time at Samantha's and being based in Northampton for 8 days gave us precious time with the kids. Reece we would not see again until he comes to Canada or when we return to the UK. Samantha and Marcus were going to join us at Cherie's for a short spell so no farewell's there yet. All in all quality time.
Car packed and goodbye's said we pointed the Megane north and made for the Rings and Sal. Sal is Kim's aunt and the Rings has been a shared sanctuary for over 10 years and is quite simply relaxation. Our intended arrival time of 1 pm we beat by an hour so we decided to drive into Auborn Village and lunch at the Royal Oak. Lincolnshire sausage and red onion baguette for me and Stilton and Mushroom baguette for Kim. Both accompanied by Thatcher's Gold Cider on Tap.
We held off our arrival while Sal finished appointments and pulled in just after 1 pm to a warm welcome as always. The Rings is special because their are no airs or graces here, no rigid standards of behaviour. It is a home from home.
When we were in the UK the Rings was where Boxing Day was spent for family and that included at varying times, Samantha, Reece and Marcus. Reece and Marcus and Heather spent their teenage years visiting here growing up alongside Sal's daughter Thea and sons Dimi and Stef. Precious memories.
We chatted for an age trading family updates before the light started to go and an evening meal beckoned. Sal produced Aga roasted lamb and a pasta side dish and I continued to detach from UK bottled beer. The five years in Canada had clearly affected my palate and the beers coming in at around 5% no longer had the bite. An Aga for the uninitiated is a type of oven. Aga Cooker
Sal had kept with the tradition of bed presents and we had balms and unctions, perfume and after shave. Post dinner we continued to catch up before dropping into bed and sleep.
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