Well I’ve no idea where the last two days went. Driving was involved. Himself is intent on Cambridge. Possibly our turning point back east to Exeter? Possibly not too – 1 September is still a long way off and England’s heatwave shows me sign of abateing. If anything it’s forecast to get hotter. Meanwhile the heat maps of western Europe appear aflame – deep red across France, Italy and Spain do not bode well for travel abroad post 1 September. Hmm.
We had plans to stop at a National Trust site over these two days but the heat eventually stills us. Himself attempts to clean the motorhome under a hosepipe ban while I house elf away and devour books. Sitting still isn’t my natural state so this comes with a side order of grumbling.
So, not the most exciting two days. I’ll turn my focus to sharing a few things that haven’t made it into the blog thus far – a bit random but I found them interesting and I hope you do too.
The cost of living seems to be a hot topic for most countries, England being no exception. There’s been a sharp increase in cost of living over the past three years, mirroring Australia’s experience. It’s not standardised though – fruit and vegetables are extraordinarily inexpensive compared to Australia, at least 50% to 70% less than we pay. The quality and range is excellent, especially fruit and tomatoes. Meanwhile, a leg of lamb will set you back more than double the cost back home. Supermarket delicatessens have disappeared – cheeses and sliced meats are all prepacked, serving to reduced volume and increase both prices and plastic production. I hope that trend doesn’t extend to home. Himself meanwhile notes that the cost of motorhome stays have doubled since 2013 and diesel is hovering at AUD $3.70 per litre. And don’t get me started on the cost of mechanical repairs/auto parts here. Insanely high.
But on to happier thoughts. I spied this enterprising soul, determined to have his canal boat and BBQ too, cleverly rigged aloft so he doesn’t burn the boat down every time he has a pizza craving. Clever, no?
Also on the Thames, this pretty, pocket sized little ducky, not a species I’ve seen seen before.
This heartfelt ode to a beloved dog in Windsor’s Moat Garden. Anyone who’s loved a furry one will relate.
Gorgeous roses everywhere, thriving in the endless heat.
Bumbles that seem to be doing well, dotting most flowers we pass but showing a distinct preference for purple. It’s a worrying summer for the pollinators. National Trust gardens are usually bursting with flowers but so far most of them have been dust bowl wastelands. Where they looked obliging, bumble bums have been patted to great delight.
The impressive range of fresh flowers available at a local supermarket
and these unusual daisies. Possibly related to the echinacea family with similar spiky centres, although they’re a dark pink.
Pretty creature inspired packaging that features dapperly dressed bunnies, badgers, stoats and foxes, proving that packaging does not need to be hideous….and it’s recyclable. Tinned wine features at most tourist attraction cafes and it’s perfectly drinkable.
This extraordinaryly intricate Indian embroidery that’s survived centuries, since 1740, with its delicate stitching and colours intact. Spotted at The Vyne, now framed for protection.
And the many, many things one passes in antique shops that would be finding their way home if one lived locally. Want. *Sigh*
Miss Baci Travels 