Back to Friday evening where we last left you. After Betty’s Tea Room, a short walk around and a rest, Clevedon put on a ‘proper’ Yorkshire dinner for us. Many of the residents had signed up to join us, so we were about 20 people. A lot of introductions and a nice greeting by Doug Warren, the manager here. For dinner we had a lovely roast beef, roast potatoes, veggies artfully arranged and, of course, Yorkshire pudding. Each of us had our own and each was the largest Yorkshire pudding I’ve ever seen. Wine, of course and individual desserts of berry crumble. All huge delicious portions!
After coffee and water (for me) at Khristine and Phillip’s and lots of getting to know each other kind of talk we went to the bar for lunch. Lou and I shared a chicken Caesar salad because we knew we were going out with Shirley and Brian Lee for a special dinner at box tree. More about that later.
The afternoon was busy. One of the residents, another Brian, Ridsdale, set up archery. We both got instructions – it isn’t easy – and let the arrows fly. Most of them fell far short of the target, but...Yea!!! I actually (and by accident!) hit it (the larger target, not the bullseye). But I didn’t care, I’d actually hit something! Lou, however, didn’t fare quite as well.
From there, Michael Whitaker, another new friend, took us over to ping pong. The ¾ size table was a little hard to get used to, but I did eke out a 21-20 victory. Three cheers for Maravilla!!! Couldn’t give Michael a rematch at the time because we were already late for Bridge where we held some good hands but not such good scores.
After a rest, we were invited to see Shirley and Brian Lee’s apartment. The same set up as our guest quarters which, hopefully, you’ll see in our photos. We had to leave ‘spot on’ when the taxi arrived to take the four of us to dinner at Boxtree which has a Michelin star rating. Hate to admit it, but have never even heard of a Santa Barbara restaurant so elegant, with regal service and food to match!!! The demitasse of squash cream soup with toasted pumpkin seeds was to die for (excuse the expression) as was the chocolate tart accompanied by raspberry sherbet!!! The lamb entree was very good but...the soup and tart were unbelievably delish!!!
Sunday morning I went for a walk around our area. It’s sunny and breezy. Discovered all kinds of nooks and crannies. What I thought looked like the fronts of attached houses, turned out to be the backs and the fronts were quite separate and impressive. Directly across the street were a pasture and many sheep just lay there watching me, obviously thinking “Whatever is that nutty woman looking at & taking picture of?!”
The countryside is gorgeous. Reminds me of the Robert Louis Stevenson poem “The Land of Counterpane”. Sure hope at least some of my photos of it come out.
Doug and his wife Anne then showed us around for the whole day. First they took us for a short ride before coming back to Clevedon for its traditional carvery luncheon meal. More soup, turkey and roast beef with roasted white and sweet potatoes, veggies, of course, huge Yorkshire puddings! And more delicious desserts.
We drove through the countryside afterwards. Went to see the Bolton Abbey at Addingham, which is about 10 miles away. Part of the church is crumbling, part is still in use. It looked like a picture from a history book, cemetery and all. We left as it started to drizzle. On the way home, from a distance, we saw what looked like gigantic golf balls. Doug explained that they were listening devices on an American Air Force base.
Back at Clevedon, a nap felt good and then one of the helpers brought us sandwiches, cookies, coffee and tea. A quiet evening will get us ready for tomorrow.
Lou and Muriel
Sunday 11th September 2011
Tony and Carol Gregory – from SRG Maravilla, Santa Barbara, California
We are enjoying the busy schedule. When Carol and I dine at Maravilla, we are hosted by a couple of residents. We sit at a table laid for four and enjoy swapping views and stories over lovely meals.
Sunday morning after breakfast, we were driven in one of the village buses to the ocean front in Santa Barbara to view an art sale/exhibition of works of various types of art, interesting. We then had lunch at a restaurant at the end of the pier and then had a scenic tour of the area calling at an old Spanish Mission, a very interesting place.
We were hosted at evening meal by two more residents; this is such a good way of meeting people and exchanging ideas. It is a very worthwhile exchange, we have much to bring to the table on our return.
After our evening meal, we were entertained by a brilliant pianist and had a sing-a-long with the residents.
Tomorrow morning, we are visiting an air force base for a tour. It is one from which missiles are launched -
We are finding it difficult to find time to have a gin and tonic - busy, busy schedule - not complaining though, so we are off to have one now for a nightcap !!
Carol and Tony
P.S We are being treated like royalty. Lots of photographs taken by various residents and staff. We are approached continually by residents who want to meet us and shake hands.
Posts
0 comments:
Post a Comment