OK, so it was the last bank holiday before Christmas, and the weather was it's usual unpredictable self, but instead of doing what we usually do (attempt to have a BBQ), we packed up the car and took ourselves off to The Cotswolds; Stow on the Wold.
I absolutely love this part of the country. The last time we visited, JB wasn't even a twinkle on our eye, infact, we were hell bent on NOT having another (very happy we did - bless), and now I wish we hadn't left it so long, because a day is just not enough.
I love the Cotswold for a number of reasons. It has the Grapevine Hotel in Stow, where Jefferson and Lily hang out during their "exile", it has the most stunning array of cottages and country homes with my favourite greeny grey doors and windows, it has uber cool coffee shops and bars that manage to remain quaint and most importantly, it has Daylesford farm shop (more later).
OK, first stop, coffee. I try to get the camera to work to show you the gorgeous carrot cake and cookie we had with our tea (me), cappuccino (Big Fella), Coke (Little Fella), milk (JB), but the batteries ran out at the crucial moment, so you'll have to imagine. Anyway, the place itself was lovely, a combination of a tea shop turned cool coffee house.
We sat outside braving the breeze, but, it was fine, because the air was fresh and opposite the Grapevine, sending tingles down my spine as I imagine Jefferson and Lily sharing a moment of intimacy, and for one silly moment, I wonder if they're there, in the Gigot bar beside the roaring fire.
Right, so we stroll off to find batteries and all Little Fella wants is some bubbles, but carrying a pack of batteries makes him feel useful, so for the moment he's happy with that. I'm craving a glass of wine, and Big Fella some grub. He's seen the twinkle in my eye as we approach the Grapevine, knowing it holds a special place in my heart so he suggests we eat in their La Vigna bar (tapas, pizza and pasta), so we do. JB's asleep, Little Fella's hungry and the restaurant is empty, which is how we like it since we have a manic toddler and a buggy piled high with coats, nappies, a snuffy and milk. We are a smooching couples nightmare.
We order, and no kidding, I could eat everything on the menu. I opt for goats cheese and roasted vegetable penne and a glass of dry white. Big Fella has a mozzarella and plum tomato pizza and chips to share with Little Fella, who is fascinated by the big knife and fork and wine glasses and the "interesting" noise they made when bashed - not so good.
The restaurant is starting to fill up, but thankfully our food arrives, which means Little Fella stops chattering our heads off for all of, um, 10 minutes. He chomps happily on the pizza, but snaps disapprovingly at his daddy when attempting to share the chips. Like Father like Son.
Anyway, I tucked into my pasta and my wine and was having a really great time, wishing tomorrow wasn't Tuesday and it wasn't back to the hum drum of the ordinary working week, but then I guess we wouldn't appreciate these special times if we did them all the time.
OK, food over and time's ticking on. We have a brief look around the shops, disappointed our favourite deli is closed, so we make the definite decision to cut across to Daylesford, the BEST farmshop in the world (after The Hollies in Tarporley, Cheshire, close to where we used to live), because they sell the most AMAZING olives I have ever tasted. Even Big Fella swoons over them.
We wave goodbye to Stow, promising to come back again REAL soon (maybe without the kids!) and drive out to Oddington, a beautiful village, unmistakeably Cotswold. We stayed here 18 months ago for my birthday in a sweet self contained annexe attached to a very nice house. As we drove through, we talked about the fond memories of walking with Little Fella, then in his bright orange Quinny, to the park and playing happily on the swings, and I get that pang in my belly, because I don't want to go home.
Anyway, Daylesford beckons and we drive into the car park to the full throttle of the "Cotswolds Set", yes, they've got the cars, they've got the clothes, and man, they've got the money, but we've also got the taste and off we head inside to find those olives, maybe a crusty loaf and some cheese.
5 minutes in and I'm having to stand outside with Little Fella because he cannot stand still, plus, he's getting loud and bored, he needs a sleep, but will not give up until we're back in the car. Fortunately Big Fella knows just what to get, so I leave him to it.
We bundle ourselves back in the car after Little Fellas driven me to despair crawling around in the dusty path and kicking small stones everywhere. The engine starts and I peer into the Daylesford bag Big Fella handed to me, and smile. I can't wait.
On the way home we take a detour through Stratford Upon Avon, envious of the revellers sitting outside the pub beside the river with their pints in the sunshine. Again we promise to come back, soon, but maybe without the kids!! And talking of kids, they're both asleep, so we've got at least an hour's grace before it all starts again.
Anyway, we arrive home in good time and I'm yearning for those olives, so like the gentleman he is, Big Fella pours me a glass of sparkling wine and I have a sneaky olive or 2, knowing once the kids have retired to bedforshire I can indulge in the rest of the good stuff we bought, and there's a not Louis Vuitton or Marc Jacobs handbag in sight.
Sad the Big Bank Holiday is over? Yeah, me too, but it was good while it lasted.
Be good
K xxxx
