Glastonbury Tour

I haven’t used a Sat Nav for quite some time and there is no doubt that in a busy urban area they are a godsend.  I had expected to be routed out from Manda’s south to the A217 and then Junction 7 of the M25.  Instead we were taken west via the A3 to junction 10.  A smooth if busy run north and were in Milton Keynes by 2pm and the home of Sarah and Stu Glastonbury, Grace and Jack.

Stu was out when we arrived collecting Euro’s for an early morning flight to Koln the next day.  Kim’s auntie Claudia arrived soon afterwards prompted by Sarah that we had arrived.  It was yet again lovely to reconnect with family and remind anyone that doesn’t know that the family we are visiting is Kim’s as well as mine.  It is so good to be part of such a large and diverse family.

The sun shone down on us and a walk beckoned.  Milton Keynes is often held up as a non-entity of a location with few redeeming features.  I beg to differ.  Sarah and Stu have a wonderful new home that faces out onto farmer’s fields beyond a very well landscaped green space.  The houses around them are architecturally different and include thatched roofs.  It’s a very pleasant location.

We walked together with the two little ones in their buggy and headed out to the Mercure Hotel for a mid walk drink. 

 

It was at this venue that the wake for Chris Clifton, Claudia’s husband took place less than a year before.  Chris is sorely missed but it is good to report that Claudia seems to be emerging from her grief and is positive.  I always remember Chris on top of our dog pile at the Rings and that he always took part.  The bottled beer form the Milton Keynes Brewery was mighty fine and actually made me think of a brew from Victoria in BC Canada called Fat Tug.

 

Post drinks our walk took us into Milton Keynes Village and back again to The Glastonbury’s home for one night only.

As part of our visit we then left with Claudia to see her home about five minutes away.   Kim’s mum Sue was very keen to see some pictures so that she could associate place with conversation when calling from Canada.  It was a very cosy home with a warm feel about it we got the guided tour before returning to Sarah and Stu’s for dinner.

I have included a shot here of Sarah sweeping the lawn.  This might be held up as odd behaviour in most quarters but when your lawn is actually plastic it all makes sense!

 

We had an excellent meal with excellent wine and chatted the chattering that 3 years apart requires for getting up to date.  Jack and Grace are delightful and I confess to really enjoying CBeebies on the TV. 

 

 

Grace is a smart cookie and very well behaved.  Sarah and Stu have taken to parenting like ducks to water and the pristine interior we used to see is now replaced with children’s toys and quite right too!!  That said the house is fantastic and our accommodation delightful.

I love this picture of Kim and Sarah with Grace and Jack; one for the family wall along with many others from this trip I'm sure.

 

Grace took some ownership of our room which normally doubles as Granny Claudia’s room.  She did remark that it was untidy and Kim took that on the chin and promised to clear up.  Hope this is tidy enough Grace?

 

We slept extremely well and woke a good while after Sarah and Stu to a Croissant and Preserves breakfast, Tea and the standard sounds that accompany homes with young children.  Not crying or screaming I hasten to add but playing.  We left Chez Glastonbury at 0940 and set a course for Lincoln and Auntie Sal and the Dimitriou clan.