Strolled down to the village Post Office to get the Saturday newspaper, an institution of huge proportions and real journalism. Drove the short distance to Witney to meet our first housesit folks. They are both ex GPs with a black labrador, heading away the next day for holidays. Super property and folks.
After meeting the folks we headed into Oxford using the Park and Ride option from Peartree Park. Being a Saturday it was heaving and they have congestion parking, few carparks in Oxford and if so at an outrageous £20 as against Park and Ride £2.50. No contest!
We always go to Waterstones bookstore and found a new one called Blackwells, which was unbelieveable for its astounding range of books. One could go mad. A few essentials from Marks & Spencers, another UK institution. Although there were Saturday crowds a great vibe in the city with its iconic university buildings.
Blackwells downstairs, this is repeated on other floors. Book heaven.
Settled into 1 Wood Lane Sunday morning. First thing we do is take our new pet for a walk as soon as the owners leave. Seems to settle them down. Next was an enormous shop at Waitrose for the weeks groceries. Disgorged our packs a washed most things, especially our small backpacks that were reeking after two weeks on our backs while cycling. Felt great to not be moving on for a while, fabulous bed and all the creature comforts one would want. The female labrador is 9 years old, very sweet natured and loves walks of which we undertake at least twice a day.
Monday we went into Witney township proper, 5km away or 3 miles ( UK still use imperial for distance). Jeff had no trouble swapping roadside for driving in the UK after our 6 weeks on "the otherside". Jeff pottered about with Omey, who folks love to stop, pat and chat as they are all dog mad here, while I escaped to a much needed haircut. When you move into other homes there is always a few things missing for your own domestic purpose. Jeff loves going into the charity shops and gathering....placemats/coasters and slippers for the flagstone floors.
Today, as Blenheim Palace is only 20 minutes up the road, we thought we would go and using the public entrance from the village of Woodstock, do the Blenheim Palace 10km perimeter walk with Omey. The alternative is to pay £31 each for entry to the big house, walled gardens etc but could not take the dog of course. Smarty pants as it sounds we have seen numerous big houses over the years but always love the big parklands attached, in this case 2,000 acres owned by Duke of Marlborough whose Blenheim Palace is the family estate since 1705. Includes magnificent old trees : oaks, limes and beech.
No comments:
Post a Comment