Monday, Lingfield, and Walking, 16 Jun 2014

We woke up to clouds, wind, and temps in the low 60's.  I got the bug to rearrange the furniture and worked at getting things more comfortable for everyday living for the next two years.  Dad helped but wasn't quite sure why we needed to change things around.  I used what they call Blue Tack to mount the phone list on the wall by the phone.  It is a tacky substance that doesn't mar the walls or the pictures/papers.

I did the laundry.  The dryer takes a long time to dry, so I employ the shower curtain rod and the step ladder in the flat.

Brother Wade drove us to Lingfield Surgery for my appointment.  I met with a doctor to say I am me, and him to say he was he.  I asked if he wanted me to come in on a regular basis and he said that was not necessary.  

We then drove to East Grinstead where we were going to return the mattress topper we had purchased.  We got out of the car and headed to the store when we realized neither one of us had the receipt.  Talk about feeling dumb.  Brother Wade said not to worry and we could drive back to get it.  We did and were able to return the topper without any problems.  We were very grateful for his patience with us.

We then came up with a plan for Brother Wade to drop us off in Lingfield where we would get something to eat and then walk home.  He was for the idea and we headed out.  We ran into all kinds of road work, so in an effort to avoid all of it, he took a different way to Lingfield.  

We drove off into the most beautiful country - rolling hills of green green fields, horses, cottages here and there, lush and plump trees everywhere, and billowing fluffy clouds skittering across the sky.  The longer we drove the narrower the road became as it was overgrown with thick hedges, bushes, trees, and grasses.  (Some of this could be weeds, I just don't what they are as everything is so lush and beautiful.)  The trees grew up and over the road creating a tunnel to drive through.  It was so cool.  Brother Wade had to be careful as there were sharp turns and he couldn't always see what was coming.  At one turn we almost did meet head on with other cars.  Everyone just stopped and then eased forward, barely skimming by each other.

The road widened and we felt a little more safe.  Cottages were right next to the road, but mostly hidden behind the hedges.  We saw a very old church that is no longer in use and another one that has mass on the third Sunday and third Thursday.  There were openings where we could see out into the forest where the trees were thickly growing, leaving very little space for much else.  I thought of wars that had been fought in such landscapes and how difficult it must have been.

We arrived in Lingfield, stopping at the famous race track for pictures.  I looked up into the grandstand and thought of the many fans that fill them looking to make a profit and hoping their wagered animal is fit for the task.   

I turned to the track taking in the wide barrier separating the two.  I noted the gate and looked up and down at the white fencing, envisioning the excitement of waiting for the horses - the thrill of the bell, the jostling for position, flying mud and debris, colorful jockey attire, the sound of the announcer's voice,  the pounding hooves, and the steady heavy breathing of the magnificent horses.

What a flight these horses take as they pound their way around the track, flying as fast as they can to the finish line.  What a thrill!  I have never been to a racetrack before, but am reminded of Eliza in "My Fair Lady," and Red in "Seabiscuit."

After being let out of the car, we made our way to The Greyhound pub for lunch.

 

The view out of our window shows how close the road and the cars are.

Dad had a steak and ale pie with mash.  I had fish and chips with peas.

Dessert came with the meal.  Dad had chocolate cake with ice cream and I had apple pie with custard.  I was surprised when the custard was somewhat runny and poured over the pie.  But, it was delicious as they had heated the pie and the custard gave it a creamy style.  The custard reminded me of sweetened condensed milk.

Now we were ready to walk 40 minutes home along a very narrow sidewalk that sometimes completely disappears.  It was a lovely walk and I took a moment here and there to catch a photograph of some of the cottages.  I also noted some of their names:

Heatherbank

Nutwood

The Garth

Meadhurst Farm

Rowland Farm

Grassfield

Waterbury

Southview Cottages (there were 6)

Silverdale

Rest Harrow

Coming to the roundabout before the temple (Moroni is on the left).

We were pretty brave heading off on this day without a raincoat or umbrella.  We had not intended to walk home, but managed to avoid any rain, although the temperature sure did drop.

In the lodge, we discovered a TV room on our floor down the hall.  We went in and watched it.  There were a variety of programs and we discovered Highway to Heaven with Michael Landon.  Little House on the Prairie was next.  We ended with a good day and were ready for bed after all we had done.