25th August 2012

Roger Woolnough and I enjoyed a week-long vacation in Italy to visit our friends, Joan and Phil. Escaping the rainy weather in the UK, we had a sunny and relaxing trip.

Upon arriving in Ancona, we were greeted by Joan and Phil, who drove us to their charming home in Santa Vittoria in Matenano. The drive was a pleasant one, offering stunning views of the Italian countryside. The heat was intense, a stark contrast to the cooler temperatures we’re accustomed to at home.

We were delighted to see our old friend, Wags, the dog. He remembered us immediately and accompanied us on a walk through the valley.

The days were scorching hot, with temperatures soaring to new heights. Even the shutters in our room felt like ovens in the morning. We managed to explore some of the local hilltop towns, where we found unique souvenirs like butterbean seeds to plant in the garden on our return. We also embarked on a scenic drive to the mountains, although Roger’s motion sickness made it a bit challenging for him.

We spent our afternoons taking leisurely walks through the town and capturing the beautiful architecture with our cameras. To cool down, we enjoyed refreshing beers at local bars before returning for Joan’s delicious vegetarian meals ensured my holiday wardrobe might need some forgiveness upon our return.

The journey home brought a sharp reminder of the UK’s weather: a rainstorm greeted us, compounded by a flat car battery. Thanks to Roger’s help (a strenuous push), we managed to start the car and navigated our way home through the downpour, a soggy but memorable end to a sun-filled trip. I must admit, I gained a few pounds in girth!

It’s raining again, which at this point feels less like weather and more like a personal vendetta. I continue to take my daily bike ride regardless, though at times it resembles a water aerobics class on wheels.

Since returning from Italy, in between showers, I’ve been busy mowing the lawns and paths at both allotments and harvesting vegetables, essentially a masterclass in getting muddy, sweaty, and slightly irritable. Sue’s been kept equally busy preparing the produce for the freezer, which is, I imagine, far less enjoyable than actually eating it.

While Sarah and Charlotte swanned off on a sister jaunt to Paris, Sue was on grandparent duty, entertaining the boys with trips to East Carlton Park, Corby Boating Lake, and Sacrewell Farm Park. She even braved the Brampton Valley Cycle Track with them, which sounded less like a leisurely ride and more like an SAS training exercise.

Yesterday was Sue’s birthday, and what a day she had. It began with collecting two excitable boys from Charlotte’s, who promptly helped her open her cards and presents. From there it was off to Foxton Locks to feed the ducks, followed by a picnic at Knighton Park, though, inevitably, the rain tried its best to gatecrash.

In the evening, we escaped for a Thai meal to celebrate properly. A lovely way to round off the day, even if it wasn’t quite the relaxing, peaceful birthday Sue might have wished for. Still, memorable birthdays are often the soggy ones.