A lovely catch up with old friends

Firstly, thank you Mollie for completing yesterday's blip. It was pretty well remembered from my original draft!

Today, we woke at 8 to rain pounding on the caravan roof. I actually like that sound...the sound I associate with happy times. That's holidays and guide camps. Jon got dressed and went to collect Daniel, while I cooked us a fry up.

The sun came out after breakfast, and we sat for a while reading. The 'kids' played Frisbee and football. It was nice to see them altogether playing nicely!!!

At 12.30, we went out to the National Memorial Arboretum just outside Alrewas where Daniel is currently living. There we met Karen, my friend from college days who lives close in Rugeley. We walked right round the arboretum. It has some incredible memorials, statues, art, gardens, and above all trees of every native species. It was a lovely 3 hours ending with tea and cakes in the cafe, and a quick browse in the shop. If you get the chance you must visit it. Just £3 to park all day.

Karen kindly invited us back to her lovely house for dinner. We have spent a lovely afternoon catching up with Karen, Neil and her family. Her boys, who are now young men, are a credit to them. All doing really well and working hard. The 'children' don't really remember much about each other...but it was probably over 13 years since we all got together at Wandlebury when Neil graduated.

We will head back to our caravan soon, but at least today there is no problem blipping!