Perfect Day

Piment d'Estruval wins the 4.45 at Newton abbot. Sounds like a bird and was number 5. We cleaned up

Today was a perfect day because
It was sunny from sunrise(5.20) to sunset (9.20)
It was a Saint's Day - St Swithun's Day
It was full of meaning for us.
We did something we have never done before - went to the races at Newton Abbot over the sticks.
We mastered something more complicated than rocket science. I refer to approaching an on course bookmaker with a name like 'Improve your stash with the man with the tash' and putting a bet on.
We kept winning. This was due to Mrs M's system of only betting on horses with bird names and Hawk Gold, Sassy Wren, and the oystercatcher all romped home. If there was no bird name we bet on number 5. Number 5 and a bird name meant a dead cert.
We had a great time. As Honest Ivor said as he handed over our winnings(£3.30) "this is the friendliest course in the British Isles".
We weren't ripped off- 2 for one paddock tickets, free car parking, and cream teas with two scones and a pot of tea for £3.80.

Afterwards we had a meal at a pub with one of the loveliest settings in the country- the Coombe Cellars on the river Teign estuary. Mrs M was in house martin heaven here.

At home we sat outside for a bit and watched the moon set. On this day 41 years ago we were married. A good gamble as it turned out , even though my name isn't Robin or Martin but there is a 5 in the date.