Memories

This picture came up on the internet today.  It is the view of St John's Church in Yeovil painted from the car park of Porter Dodson Solicitors - the building we used to call The Close when I was working, next to it was The Chantry and then Central House and across the road Mayo's.  Mayo's I believe has been turned into a private dwelling,  Central House which was previously the Central Cinema was recently converted into flats, I don't know if The Close is still occupied by the firm.  When I was there the mish-mash of buildings proved a challenge in terms of IT but they were quirky and part of the history of the town.  Things change.

I recently learned that my secondary school, Bruton School for Girls aka Sunny Hill is closing after 122 years.  I feel really sad about it because I was lucky enough to pass my 11+ and go to this school where I spent seven happy years and made the most amazing friends.  I was lucky enough to return in 2018 for what was our 40th reunion.  It was the most incredible time.  Girls (actually mature ladies) from the class of 76/78 (exam years) came from all corners of the globe to get together.  I am so glad I did not miss this opportunity.  We are trying to get together a group next year here in Cyprus to celebrate what will have been 45 years since we left school.  I hope we manage it because there is a bond that was forged all those years ago that has been impossible to break - social media makes it easier to keep in contact obviously but you still need to want to and it is brilliant that we celebrate the achievements of our fellow class-mates rather than knock the success.  Read this link - well done Vanessa Evans (or Eccles when I knew you)!

So back to today, Charlie is pulling the fur out of his hind quarters.  He has done this for the last two or three summers when it is particularly hot.  It could be caused by any number of things so we started off by making sure he was completely flea free and we like to brush him regularly because he seems to have a sort of double coat in the Winter.  Even though I do it regularly this was what I removed this morning - it is the same very day - no wonder he looks marginally slimmer!

We had hoped that we might take a wander into the village late afternoon/evening and catch up with Di and Rob in the Garden at Finnikas but sadly they had been out for a meal there the night before so couldn't make it.  We seem destined not to meet up.  John does catch a coffee with Rob most weeks, normally on a Thursday when Di is with her fitty friends but this week he is going to do it tomorrow (Friday).  Next week I am due to go to Mum's on Thursday but that will be dependent on me feeling ok as I am having my 4th jab on Tuesday.  I had been in two minds about it but several people we know who are fully vaccinated have had it and tomorrow the island is reintroducing masks indoors in all public spaces which in this heat is a nightmare.  

Anyway we did have a wander through the village - they have trachanas drying everywhere.  Trachanas Soup is a Cypriot dish which is a bit like marmite I think - you either like it or hate it.  I guess much depends on the preparation of the trachanas and then the making of the soup.  I don't get it personally - it is made to be sour - not much umami going on there in my opinion!  Anyway it is marginally more palatable than Resi which is another traditional dish, often served at weddings, which looks like a cross between thick porridge and gruel!