Enjoying retirement
In The Red Rose County
We were here for my Birthday. The Festival was on, but first we enjoyed some time relaxing on the new patio and in the 'new' garden. We went to just two shows. The days of rushing from one show to another are over (far too expensive anyhow). After a leisurely breakfast at the terrific Victor Hugo we strolled through the Meadows...... and along a new road for us - Meadow Lane - which reminded us of the 'country' lanes in Penzance............ although the back of the old hospital is hardly rural.......... We were to see 'Mrs Roosevelt Flies to London' (recommended by Katherine) and very very good it was too. Alison Skilbeck was terrific. After lunch (again at Victor Hugo)........we went to see Aiisha in one of her productions. Very well-attended and good atmosphere. Walking back through the Grange area is always interesting with lovely houses everywhere. Dog walking was enjoyed.......... in different ways....... Another day saw us at 'Dragons and Mythical Beasts'. Unexceptional plot, good animatronics. In the afternoon we hired a car and drove over the Bridge to Fife, first of all to Aberdour which was a charming and laid-back seaside place, the equal of anything in Cornwall. Lunch was hard work.... The only thing we couldn't do was walk around to the other beach through the woods as a metal bridge had collapsed. But we enjoyed the harbour and surrounds...... The playpark was good too....... and had trees for climbing......... and sleeping........... Next stop was Elie, fairly remote and attracting wealthy visitors....... Dinner at The Ship was good......(the only pub in the UK with its own beach cricket team). and we liked it (if not quite so much as Aberdour). My Birthday treat was to be a cruise on the SS Waverley from Glasgow to Bute. Departure was delayed by nearly an hour because of exceptionally low tides Views were of ex-industrial for a short way ie shipbuilding........... to long stretches with magnificent country and glimpses of inlets leading to romantic mountains......a superb scenic journey..... And Rosyth where we got off (I should say disembarked) was lovely........ Our destination however was Mount Stuart just outside Rosyth, the home still of the Marquesses of Bute and full of amazing contents and architectural details as well as innovations - from an early telephone system to a Victorian passenger lift. All built on the riches of coal mines in Wales. It was fascinating to hear from one of the guides who had worked there more than 20 years ago as an aide to the family Butler. It really was a very special place. The journey home proved a bit convoluted, nevertheless an extremely enjoyable day and a great Birthday. Thanks to the Smith-Meer family!
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August 2023
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