Decorating, Walking, Nagging, Bombing, Drinking, Bowing.

We didn't accomplish everything scheduled for yesterday - there wasn't much time left for swimming. The puppet show was fun, and the library visit productive. And we did manage to acquire a Christmas Tree with some bonus lights. We thought that the splashing might fit in today (Sunday), but we didn't manage that either.

We did successfully fulfil Stephanie's long held desire that we should all go for a walk along the cross country path near the school. There were showers about, but we didn't get wet while walking - not from above anyway. The track was very muddy, and in some places one had to step very gingerly to avoid boot submergence in the big puddles. We walked up Brockhill Lane, and then up another lane to the right, before taking to the footpaths and stiles. The stream was very babbly, and there were lots of contented sheep, and a cow and two calves enjoying the green green grass. Christopher's backpack weight added a little to the challenge on the way up, and over the stiles, but we all made it back to the school, where we explored the railway tracks and the duck pond, before piling into the car to go home. Hope the mud washes off all the trousers!

As soon as we got home, four of us turned around to go off to the best pub in the UK (no really), which happens to be in our street, just 150m up the hill, for lunch. We hadn't booked, and that was a Bad Thing, but they did say that we could use a table as long as we vacated it by 1:20pm. That was ok, even though there was a "Caution: Slow Food" sign on the wall. Helen's expectations were raised when she heard that sausage and chips may have been available, but dashed when the choice was reduced to roast pork/beef/lamb/veg, or fish pie. We chose one of each meat, and the yorkshire puddings were devoured eagerly - before any of the vegetables and meat, though. The girls didn't quite manage to finish theirs (the time pressure didn't really help), which meant that I had the enormous plate of steamed vegetables almost entirely to myself. It was delicious, but we almost rolled home down the hill.

The afternoon saw children playing on the common (more muddy/wet trousers), and some general relaxation around the house with reading, and then a Monsters Inc showing. I employed Google Maps directions to get myself to Evensong at Coventry Cathedral. The responses weren't Leighton - it was Ayleward tonight, with Howells in G Canticles, Bruckner Locus Iste introit, and a non-Purcellian Rejoice in the Lord Alway for the anthem. (There was no shortage of Howells around the Midlands today, with Collegium Regale at Gloucester's eucharist, and A Spotless Rose at their evensong, and New College service at Hereford's evensong.) Without taking anything away from the delight of the older Cathedrals, it was inspiring to see a twentieth century realisation: clearly not removed from the older themes, but certainly modern, and poignantly integrated with the remains of the older cathedral, damaged in WWII. The organ featured rather dramatically - almost like a concert hall. It was good to be able to repent to the clergy for having stolen an organist.

I can report on the latest wine: Perrin & Fils Côtes du Rhône Villages from Château de Beaucastel. The (50/50) Shiraz Grenache blend was certainly very smooth, and it slipped down very easily (finished the bottle in one sitting) although perhaps a little without being noticed. The acidity was not quite balanced by the fruit and tannins, but I suppose I'd probably be happy to pay the £8.99 again, until I find somewhere better than the local Threshers.

We're now practising Jota in preparation for Steph's performance for her class tomorrow. Perhaps we should have started before this evening!