redandwhiterag 
On discovering this long promised day trip was only open on Sunday and Wednesday, we decided on a late morning trip to Layer Marney Tower and Gardens just beyond Colchester. Expected a ‘tall tower’, got the ‘statement house’ befitting a VIP in the reign of Henry VIII, along with very fine landscaped gardens, a small farm holding, a good tea room and the lovely adjoining church of St Mary the Virgin.
On a whim, decided to return to Orford to remind ourselves again just how many lovely villages are on the doorstep if you can just be bothered to make the effort. This return visit allowed us to revisit the village centre with all its attendant lovely and stereotypical architecture, a selection of local hostelries and the fine quayside café, where we had a surprisingly sophisticated …
Booked for this relatively late, largely on the strength of owning and enjoying Gretchen Peters 2015 release “Blackbirds”. Looked on-line on the off chance after a reminder email and was fortunate enough to get two of the last tickets remaining for Thursday night at the Apex in Bury St. Edmunds. She may often be compared to her country alumni (usually by the critical fraternity) but her peppery barbs have little in common with any of her peer or contemporaries.
Just returned from Playa De Palma after a week’s relaxation in Majorca. Found the location ideal for a quiet break with the couple with whom we had previously visited Lake Maggiore in 2017. Ventured into Palma once (others twice) and took the now obligatory hop on hop off bus, which was an ideal way to see the highlights of the capital. Took a number of walks along the long and flat promenade, stretching the day with a number of mini golf competitions (honours even). Strongly suspect that in the height of the season, the section around El Arenal could well be the stag weekend area of the Playa.
Back from a five day break in an English Heritage cottage in the grounds of the lovely Kirby Hall, and the cottage proved to be perfectly suited to a couple with more than enough space for two little’uns. Having said that, it didn’t stop one of the pair running some heavy duty furniture up to the back door every night and still not sleeping for the first three nights of the break.
Just back from a couple of nights in Norwich, staying at the Assembly House just round the corner from the Theatre Royal where we went to the appropriately named ‘pensioners matinee’ of the excellent Art. (well, I’m sure I was one of the youngest in the audience)!
A Saturday nighter at the Bury St. Edmunds Apex and another fan(s) visit to the super talented Eric Bibb. Seen many times before, this time with a three piece band (Canadian Michael Jerome Browne, Neville Malcolm and Paul Robinson) fleshing out the sound in a way which I have always preferred. Coupled with an overnight hotel stay, a great breakfast, a lovely pre gig meal …
As I was scheduled for my CT scan for my pulmonary veins, we combined it with a two night stay at the Hotel Felix like before. And as on the previous occasion, the hotel (with room upgrade) was excellent. Superb dinner on the first evening, very relaxing environment typical of a country house hotel but within walking distance of Cambridge town centre. The stay kicked …
Scott down for a long weekend from the grim Wearside footballing area, lovely to see him again. Friday night at Milsoms, a Saturday morning bowl at which no-one disgraced themselves and Scott managed to catch up with some of his Ipswich mates, which included a visit to a local escape room. Even managed a bit of home cooking after a bit of a lapse.
A two nighter (Sunday, Monday) at the Kings Head Country Hotel. Took a chance, didn’t know what to expect but were rewarded with a lovely room, superb food and all at a very reasonable (Secret Escapes) rate. Was very quiet so I hope it starts to fill as the tourist season kicks in ‘cos on the basis of our experiences, it deserves to succeed. Even …
Just returned from two nights at the Hotel Felix on the outskirts of Cambridge to combine a short break with a trip to Papworth Hospital for an Outpatient appointment. Managed to include a visit to the very fine and recently re-opened Kettle’s Yard, ‘a living place where works of art could be enjoyed… where young people could be at home unhampered by the greater austerity …
Didn’t fancy booking an evening Valentine bash so decided on the more civilised lunchtime bash instead. Yesterday at Kesgrave Milsoms proved to be the usual excellent choice. Wine, starter, main and liquor coffee all very fine – we even passed on dessert. Duty manager perfectly civil but his welcome and overall ‘demeanour’ the only downside, hopefully an isolated aberration.