Wednesday 30 May 2007

Raining cats and dogs


The girls' grandmother is here from Japan. Day one was warm and sunny, but since then she has had a real taste of wet British weather. We went to the Surrey County Show one of the annual rural shows, complete with stalls, rides, show jumping, cattle, goats, dogs showing their skills, produce and agricultural machinery. We 'rugged up' but obviously haven't perfected the knack of keeping the wet out. The locals were there in wellington boots, long water proof coats, hats and rarely an umbrella, (not many people use them here). We bravely trudged through thick mud and darted between tents to keep dry. Lots of lingering over pygmy goats and birds in cages....so as to avoid the wet! These shows are big and take up a lot of space, and while we could hear the commentary for the show-jumping, hadn't the energy to find it. To watch would have meant more standing in the rain. We lasted only a few hours, but were all happy to have least gone and seen it.
I am now going to keep my wellies in the boot of the car, along with a warm rug and a towel. The wellies will get lots of use as I am about to start as a volunteer at a local National Trust home called Standen. See the picture above. I am going to work in the garden there. Gardening is a real passion and there are opportunities to learn as well as do something good for our heritage.

2 comments:

Kaz said...

I'm glad you're pursuing your love of gardening - and in such a wonderful location too. Rather you than me as far as dealing with rain is concerned - having lived in Southern California for 18yrs we are eternally surprised if it actually does rain. We only managed to get 3.5" for this season (July 06-June 07).

Amy said...

Wow - you've been busy!
Had a great time with Colette & family over the weeekend. I got a few photos up. check them out.
Wish I could visit too!
Amy