This weekend was very enjoyable for a variety of reasons, even if it did involve quite a bit of driving again for me.

In the bid to make my life as chauffeur easier after last weekend’s long trip I decided it might be nice to break it somewhere. Dr T’s Bro was busy so we headed for the Formule 1 Hotel in Coventry. Much like McDs it would seem all Formule 1’s are built the same just different cladding (this one was brick, Brum was grey render), but comfy and cheap all the same. It was also really nice to be away from the flat, just the 2 of us for once, as this doesn’t seem to happen very often (note to self: more mini-breaks are required).

The Cov one was a really quick walk (10mins) into the city centre so we left the car there for Saturday morning rather than pay to park it not that much closer! A nice morning was spent pootling around Cov, most of the time was spent on a re-visit to the Cov Transport Museum that now has it's Phoenix initiative front face done (it was under construction at our previous visit). Dr T took lots of photos (he didn't really take any last time), I took some (mainly of Thrust SSC). Some shops and lunch later we headed back to the car all Cov up again. I rather like Cov, I feel it’s a bit the Portsmouth of the Midlands (friendly, compact).

We then had the short hop over to Lufbra for Claire’s getting old party…
There were faces seen recently (ie last weekend) as well as new ones and ones not seen for a variety of years (or part thereof). Much talking occurred, some tea etc. was provided halfway for caffeine fix to get through to late night chat (this is obviously the difference that comes with 30th parties) Granville had great fun playing with Master A’s toys on the Sunday morning (as did Dr T for a while) along with the rest of the floorspace users (although we were honoured with the spare bed, there is a bonus to being attached to Dr T). A thoroughly enjoyable way to pass a Saturday/ Sunday. I also had a number of my readers comment to Dr T about his lack of driving skills (see it works!) which amused me.

Muchas Gracias to Claire for having a party (and Phil for his BBQ skills).

The return home was adjourned for a visit to Kenilworth Castle. Far better than expected (for a ruined castle). So Dr T was happy as his castle levels had risen again (but I’m sure he’ll want a top up before too long, that’s why life membership of EH is good!)

With all this excitement we were rather tired when we got home (Dr T even did a fine example of resting his eyes in the car) so an early night was had.

Next weekend involves just a bit of flag waving, aka Region Thanksgiving Service at Salisbury Cathedral, with yours truly carrying the Pompey South Standard (lets hope they don’t have a short inner door to the main door like Canterbury as I don’t have escorts to check I don’t knock people out! Also there is no rehearsal for it … we shall see how things go). Hmm need to find long bucket before Saturday .. as the one with the standard is all of a couple of inches long … too short for standard waving! (Apologies to those readers not of a S/G nature .. are there any? Who don’t understand this technical lingo!)