Tuesday, 17-03-26

Morning, everyone.  So here I am in the village of Islip, staying at the Woolpack Inn for a couple of nights.

The journey was quite stressful, mostly because I really don't like driving among huge lorries, etc.  I have to admit, most of the stress was self inflicted and next time I would know what to expect in terms of roads, junctions, etc.    There was a road closure but it was home end and I know exactly how to get round it so no worries and, going home, Beth said the Harlow junction was so much easier than the Stansted one so I'll go further down to Harlow on the way home.  I do like a simple left turn!

Anyway, this is a lovely place to stay.

This is part of the accommodation.  The rooms are rows of little own-front-door things (mine is the middle door in the photo), converted from stables, I believe, and recently done up so they are warm, comfortable but not huge. 

 The bed is though; one of those beds that can be separated to make two singles.

The shower/toilet room and also very nice.  Clean, neat, not posh but good quality and with plenty of good hot water.  I had a lovely shower this morning!

I arrived, Beth was already here and we had a good chat over a hot drink before separating to chill, unpack, etc.

I make no apology for this.  It was absolutely delicious!

Both Beth and I 'know' someone who lives round here which whom we have both virtually cheated (later edit - chatted, not cheated.  Ooops!!!) for a long time.  She was an OU student when I was and we had things in common.

Anyway, she came over from her home and we had dinner together and it was the loveliest time.  We laughed, talked, caught up, shared stuff and - well, it was one of the nicest evenings I have had in a very long while.

One of the horses in the field at the back saying 'good morning'.

After a lovely night's sleep, I woke early and the sun is shining.

No apologies for breakfast either - it was so good!

A really pleasant dining room . . .

. . . and fresh flowers on every table.

Today, Beth and I want to have a wander over the bridge and into Islip/Thrapston before we part company, she to go to her friends while I drive down to Rushden Lakes, a retail shopping park.
Later on, she will be back to collect me and go back to her friends for an evening take away.

And then, tomorrow, it is home again.  I probably won't post tomorrow morning but might post later, depending on how the journey went.  :-)  As Beth said, going home always seems easier - and she is right, it does.

Have a lovely Tuesday, everyone.  Take care and see you again soon.  xx