http://www.vanillapod-cridfordinn.com/
Friday saw me drop H off at her Mother's and nip to the top of Haldon Hill to go to Exeter races. The bookies did well from me but I saw a most informative Novice Chase won by Walkon who looks like he may be a decent chaser, my bet Notus De La Tour patently didn't get the trip and a return to 2 miles should repay faith. Zaynar, who was second, looks like he needs a step up to 3 miles.
On Friday night we strolled round Exeter supping some reasonably indifferent beer with the exception of the Oddfellows Arms http://www.theoddfellowsbar.co.uk/ of which more later. H successfully deployed her "stones in my meal" scam to get us free desserts at the cafe where we ate. Nice one H.
On Saturday we nipped down the road to Dawlish for a lovely stroll on the beach. There were a few people there walking their dogs on the beach and we remarked about how much Ari would have had fun as well. Then, on reflection, how he would have cleared the beach in seconds and we would have been apologising to white lipped people about his behaviour.
In the evening we returned to the Oddfellows with Elder sister in law and her cleaner. My how it had changed ! The place was populated by 6 foot tall semi clad ladies. I was entranced by them until H pointed out the perception gap;
My View. Mature, urbane man, fond of the finer things in life, showing his roguish grin.
Everyone elses' view. Leering, baldy, red faced old satyr dribbling into his pint.
Sunday was the big birthday meal. All the family were there including ultra cute grand niece and nephew. The cute, attention seeking , pretty one made for her Aunty H. I wander why ?To pick up a few tips probably. Anyway the meal got off to a great start with the waitress who made up for her lack of serving skills by her ability to juggle bread rolls. Everyone was ducking for cover as they flew out of the basket in random directions. Half way through serving the starters she returned to say that there would be a delay with the rest of the soup as Chef had spilt it on the floor. This sparked some lively debate as to whether the remaining soup would be straight from the floor or fresh. Even after the event opinion was divided. Lovelyneice then asked for some black pepper to go with her main course. After a lengthy delay the waitress returned to say that they didn't have any but if she was prepared to wait a bit she would nip to Tesco Express to see if they had any there. One could imagine her retelling the tale to her friends in the evening
" 'Er only wannned blaaack pepper, praaper white not good enough for 'er . Comin' 'ere with her fancy London airs and graces"
Tomorrow, we go to the quiz and I eat humble pie there
