Brown Cow Cottages

Sometime between 1978 and 1985, which were the years my family took an Easter break in the Lake District, I stood on the other side of that large window, looking out at Hawkshead. I think it might have been raining. 

The room behind me contained two single beds and my brother was on one of them. I can't remember what he was doing. I think we were probably a bit bored although, not being outdoors types, I think we would have preferred to stay in than go out. There was no TV but we were both avid readers.

I loved the cottage - it was my favourite of all the places we ever stayed in the Lakes - but I don't know why that one memory of standing there, looking out of the window has stayed with me. Many years later, I became friends with the owner but I didn't ask to go inside the cottage; I worry about trampling on old, delicate memories.

I was back in Hawkshead this afternoon with the Minx as it's four years today that we first met. I've had mixed success with celebrating this event: three years ago I was at Peter Gabriel concert and last year I was at a Gary Numan show. (2014 was good, though; dinner at Hipping Hall.) Tonight we were staying at the Sun Inn.

We dropped our bags off and went for a mooch around the shops whilst also sizing up our dinner options. The Kings Arms had been recommended to us but the Sun had some awards for food and looked rather nice so we decided to eat there. And the food was excellent, as was the company. These have been four very happy years and I hope we'll have many, many more.