GRUMPY SISTERS' INK

Three days in the ancestral home if Brighton. Not so much of the bright as the sun was not over evident as the clouds has chased it away. After our laden journey from London, up and down stairs to the tube with the heavier than they should be suitcases, we were whisked away to our brother's home in Patcham, travelling thorough streets and places filled with nostalgia, which always happens when we return here. The day of our arrival was a setting in period. We shared a taste lunch and if anyone offers you brown bread and smoked mackerel, take it! One if the best tastes around. The next day dawned with thunder clouds in the sky but undaunted by the slings and arrows of outrageous weather, we donned waking shies and wet weather gear to assault the Sussex Downs, It was bitterly cold and windy, but the views when we looked back was worth it - Brighton laid out before us, childhood landmarks recognised, and new parts identified. We passed by Jack and Jill, truly up a hill, but not the errant children but the two windmills. Jill looking resplendent in white, jack sadly topless, no sails and drab I grey. Passing down into the valleys, the temperature picked up as then widen dropped. Lots of wild flowers - photos taken so we could identify with the help of Carol and her books later. Then the tunnel at Clayton, always fascinating that attain tunnel could look like a castle. Instead of the steam trains chugging through, these days it is the clatter less whine of the high speed electric train. On our way down the path by the railway track we chanced upon a woodland trust area, and wound our way away from the path through the bluebells and trees. Quite fairy dell like, and pretty though we went round in a complete circle to rejoin the track we had been on before! Not so far to go before refreshment beckoned us in the shape of the pub and suitable vivid we caught the bus back to Patcham...what a shame,we had to go past the popular bakery in the village, and double shame we had to stop to buy some more treats! A good day, we only really got showered on a couple if times. The next day was the official birthday and we were taken out to Lewes and we lunched with the brothers and wives at The Snow Drop Inn. A quaint olde pub with reputedly good food. The host was upstairs doing the books and we were the only diners or lunchers upstairs. For an olde worlde pub he was a slightly off centre host. Not overly endowed with height, he sported a shaven head but for very thin but very tall Mohawk right down the middle. He was dressed in leather and chains and had multiple face piercings (probably other piercings we were not at liberty to see). Very pleasant actually, but an unexpected personality in that context ). A leisurely lunch, a saunter through the shops and return home via the scenic route: beautiful Sussex countryside, stunning villages, nostalgic places, all good. Oh, I forgot to mention the great excitement of the day!! In the morning we went to the station at Lewis to buy me a senior Rail Card that give me a third off rail travel! Cos now I as senior!!! That not only gives me cheaper fares, but a licence to be crazy and eccentric and my practice starts now!! Friday still no fell hangs in the weather. Bus to St. Peter's church, climb up Trafalgar Street and a pleasant chat with the n ticket Mann to buy our ticket for Axminister flourishing with pride our senior rail cards. Some retail therapy before boarding another bus to Hove actually. It is Brighton Festival at the moment and the clock tower was artistically draped in coloured t shirts. Very attractive and I am sure there is a deep and meaningful thought behind it ...maybe. Lunch ( did I mention smoked mackerel and brown bread?). And then lovely afternoon at Sheffield Park Gardens. I will let the pictures speak for themselves, or you can ask mr google about the gardens too. At this moment we are on the train to Axminster, well to Salisbury really where we change trains. Bus to Seaton, then another to Beer where Seasalt cottage awaits. Sun struggling to come out, hope it tries a bit harder. I d like it be beside the sea side, ...... As the song goes.