I was sitting on the couch in the conservatory, looking out across the picturesque, stone-walled fields of Somerset. The potbelly stove in the corner was flickering warmth throughout the room and the sunlight streaming in through the tall, glass conservatory windows, all added to the cosy atmosphere and my growing reluctance to play any sort of ball games. I tried to avoid looking into those pleading eyes, and to ignore the second paw being surreptitiously placed next to the first on my lap. Alfie is a con man who knows if he keeps the pressure up sooner or later I'll cave into his doggie demands.
We had been here for a week since our visit to Brittany. The house is a converted Methodist church set high on a ridge near Bath. It is very comfortable with 4 bedrooms, bathroom and ensuite upstairs and lounge, study, dining, eatin kitchen and conservatory on the lower level.
I was particularly impressed with the kitchen, being newly renovated it had the latest in everything.
Corian bench tops, glass cooktops with finger touch controls and fantastic corner cupboards which floated out on sparkling metal slides, capable of displaying all their secret treasures in one glance. At home you were in danger of suffering a back injury when retrieving a utensil from the corner cupboard. The pantry glided out and could be easily accessed from both sides and the metal slide out trays, behind the cupboards contained every kitchen appliance that one would ever need.
This was going to be my new kitchen back home, I excitedly told himself, who didn't seem to hold the same level of enthusiasm about any of my projects that might involve his participation. He probably just needs a little convincing?
It has been hard to tear ourselves away from this very comfortable abode, however we did manage to make a trip to Glastonbury during the week. The town is the home of Glastonbury Abbey purported to be the earliest Christian sanctuary in Britain and the buriel place of King Arthur and Queen Guinevere . It certainly would have been a magnificent structure in its day, towering above the landscape and the proportions of the cathedral were gargantuan in length and size.
The town itself is a mix mash of history combined with modern day magic and alternate lifestyles. We saw a few residents walking down the street without shoes, and I'm sure it wasn't because they couldn't afford to buy them.
Lunch was at the oldest pub in town and in Britain, the George and Pilgrim Hotel. We consumed enormous helpings of the roast of the day in front of a roaring fire. There was enough food on our plate to feed a family of 4 for a week. They haven't discovered the meaning of a light serve in UK pubs as yet.
The hike up to the top of the Glastonbury Tor was not made any easier after partaking of the lamb roast, 3 veg, numerous boiled and roasted spuds and Yorkshire Pud! It was a steep climb, with numerous steps winding back and forth up the hill..
At the top we were met by a lone man, in a long grey ankle length coat, who appeared to be just standing there awaiting our arrival. His hair, long flowing locks, were buffeted by the wind so much so it was hard to see his face, let alone the big earring dangling in the breeze. A guided tour hadn't been an option and only crazy Australians do the climb in winter, so we were at a loss to explain his presence.
However he greeted us warmly and told us of the history and the mysteries of the place, where we should walk and where was the best place to stand to avoid the wind. It only took a few minutes to walk around the structure it was about 4 metres square and 5 times as high.
Returning a short time later, our friend had disappeared and was nowhere to be seen - an eyrie encounter to contemplate on our way home.........
Alfie has now started to up the anti, he has raised himself up so we were both on equal footing I could no longer look away from those pleading, penetrating eyes. A low whine emanated from somewhere deep in his belly and his tail has started a rhythmic thump much like the crowd does when clapping in anticipation of the next act. Two paws were already on my lap and before I knew it a third was raised and then looking exceedingly guilty he raised the fourth and squeezed his body in between Chris and I on the couch. After making himself comfortable and settling down for a snooze, I knew Alfie had won out again.
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