Normal things in The Midlands

A brisk walk on the Clent Hills

Monday I got a haircut, hurrah, about time too. We went in to Selly Oak by train in the evening to a partial Monday Club. Tim and Ellie, his daughter, were in town where she used to study, so were visiting her favourite Korean restaurant, before going to her ‘local’ for a pub quiz. Ellie was competing with a group of friends which left, Tim, B&I and Bill and Martina as a team. We were at least double the age of any other team, so although we may have forgotten more than any of them knew, none of it was any use. We probably weren’t last, but not far off. We don’t know as we missed the last question, dashed up the road , into the station and onto the train. Sadly it was the wrong train, terminating in Bromsgrove and not Redditch, but fortunately we could get off at the next stop and wait for the correct train!

There is a Robin in this photo, can you spot it. It was definitely a Robin although it looks a bit Sparrow like

Tuesday we both had dental appointments, not very exciting, but important none the less. Fortunately one in the morning and one in the afternoon as they were in completely opposite directions. Wednesday I went into town with John, to meet Arif, one of my, and Sarah’s, ex colleagues. We spent a very enjoyable few hours chatting and reminiscing. Brian had called to see if we wanted collecting as it was pouring with rain. We turned him down as it was ok where we were, only to call him from Barnt Green where our train unexpectedly terminated! The day finished with ‘Wednesday Club’ so another pub, and a couple more beers for John and I! It’s all getting a bit much on the beer front!

Passing St Leonards church, SW Clent

Thursday mum had a haircut, after which we went into Redditch, where we had a much more successful shopping trip. There will be many sequins on this cruise! Friday was a lovely day, after much rain so a walk was on the cards. He found a route in Paul and Denise’s book over the Clent Hills, which was very good, and fortunately easy to follow, as the book remained on the bedside table. We knew there was a cafe en route, so I was all set for tablecloths, a hot chocolate and a cheese scone. On arrival we found outdoor tables, and a menu of sausage, bacon and egg in any combination. The smell was amazing, so a yummy bacon and egg sandwich went down very well, with a hot chocolate, so not all was lost!

The Four Stones, Clent Hills summit. They look like a Neolithic site, but in fact they were erected in 1763 by workers of Lord Lyttleton of Hagley Hall. Its worth the walk up here for the panoramic views

A late breakfast on Saturday, after much clothes trying on, suggests many more clothes will be taken on a six day cruise than on a three month US trip. I have yet to work out what suitcase will carry all these clothes! We went to see Helen and Ian in the evening, along with Monty Dog sporting a very fetching cone. He has had a couple of little lumps removed from his lower right eyelid, so he has to be stopped from scratching. This was two days into his recovery and he seemed quite his usual self, so a walk to the Attic brewery before home for fish and chips so as not to leave him home alone. A good, restrained, evening H&I on dry January and B driving, but lots of chat and catching up.

Vista from the top. The hill in the centre on the horizon is The Wrekin, a hill 407m (1335 feet) high and one I have never been up (must put that right sometime soon). I have used the expression as a child 'all around the Wrekin', which is a local expression meaning a long, indirect route, as in 'it took us a long time to get here as our driver took us all around the Wrekin'. As a child I'd never heard of the hill, but it was commonly used as an expression around here. Little did I realise then that no-one outside The Midlands would have a clue what I was talking about. I bet Jackie hadn't heard of it before I corrupted her! Also in this picture a bit to the left, is the folly castle of Hagley Hall, put up at about the same time as the four stones. I've never been there either! I can feel another outing is in order

The little church of St Kenelms in Romsley, passed on our way back from the Clent Hills