Hellingly

Homeward Bound…
Just a little more to round off the journey…you have to endure for a little longer….
Yesterday was a lovely day, but sad ,as we saw our dear elderly friends still mourning their loss ,as we visited their sons grave ,he died in 1990, 2 little children ,in a terribly tragic way..His Birthday yesterday ,so we went, through the beautiful Countryside, to Crockham Hill, a peaceful and pretty cemetery ,looking up to their previous ,beautiful home, high the hill above .Beside is Andrew’s Field, a lovely place ,adjacent, a picnic area, in memory of Andrew. Reminding the loss of a child is a life long sentence ,no matter how long. Very special to see the contribution they made to the Village School ,Hall, Playground and Carpark, by gifting the land. We are reminded again, they are quite amazing people.
Back to Whitegate’s ,for lunch of fresh asparagus, hollandaise ,and fine cheeses, watching the woodpecker and others ,outside in the sun enjoying the feeders. Later a wander in the garden, with Peter, seeing the trees planted over the years, for special occasions ,now at great heights. His potatoes doing well ,in a large garden.
Spring in England is glorious , much is still coming out ,the rhododendron’s ,magnolia’s, a yellow one, I hadn’t seen before ,the wisteria is in full bloom on the house ,spectacular.. A large male pheasant, in the field , the cattle ,kept in a barn next door for way too long ,at last ,outside in the sun, with their calves…
Molly and Peter have decided to stay there now, such a large home, but familiar for them to manage ,help in the garden, and a little in the house. Amazing , Peter walks still a lot ,and good distances ,the stairs they consider good exercise. Molly cooking wonderful meals ,daily..To be greatly admired. Doing intricate needlework ,in new cushions, the tiniest stitches, of “Black Work” I have seen..ever..!
We laughed and looked at many photos, from years past, the NZ ones featuring us, from so long ago . Early Airport Road days, and more. .Sharing their happy memories.
Later a wonderful dinner ,of Steak and Kidney Pie ,and fresh vegetables, made by Molly ,an apple, almond sponge to follow, gourmet delights ,she is a wonderful hostess, to say the least.. I won’t touch on the goodbyes, so hard, but I firmly hope we can see them again. Peter drove us back to our hotel.
Today after a lovely breakfast , we left Tunbridge Wells ,our very nice accommodation ,in the leafy Common ,transported to Gatwick Hilton South Terminal , which is perfectly placed, walk through to the terminal ,and Cathay ,just right there…for our morning check in..
We have walked around a few blocks , out in the sunshine, on a nice walking path ,light lunch and coffee at Cosco ,in the Hotel. It is slightly jaded in the past 2 years, but so well placed , it will be just fine for the night.. Good to recall the past days, as I have time to write ,and nice photos to share…
Maybe a closing post from Hong Kong ,we have 2 nights at Harbour Grand ,a nice neighbourhood to roam in..
Bye now ,as we prepare to endure our first 11+ hour flight , homeward…Read more