Never Say Never

Well, you know what they say...NEVER SAY NEVER! I did something today that I told you all I would never do...I ATE BLACK PUDDING! My new friend, (the one who took us to the Pigling Bland signpost yesterday) asked me if I would try just one bite of hers, and I did. It actually wasn't bad, tastes kind of like spicy meatloaf, but you just don't want to think too hard about what you are actually eating. Anyway...that was my culinary adventure for the day!

A very special day today as Sarah and I had visitors from Manchester, England! My cousin Steve Boettcher, whom I haven't seen in over 40 years, and his wife Jean came to spend the weekend with us. After catching up on the past 40 some years over tea and Helen Kirby's amazing scones (truly melt in your mouth...oh my!), we drove to Hawkshead. Sarah and Steve watched the England-Paraguay World Cup Soccer match (England 1-0...hooray!), while Jean and I went to the Beatrix Potter Gallery and the Hawkshead Grammar School. We then traveled on to Ambleside for dinner. Upon returning to Sawrey, I took them up to Moss Eccles Tarn for an evening walk. Beatrix Potter and her husband, William Heelis kept a boat on the tarn, and would walk up to go fishing in the evening. I just have to smile when I realize that I am truly walking on the paths and roads that she walked.

On our way back to the village, we came upon a confused looking lamb standing on top of a stone wall trying to decide whether to jump into the lane or not. After some discouragement from us, he decided against it, and jumped back into the field with his friends (I was thinking of all the times Mr. Hawkins has to chase cows, pigs, chickens, etc. that wander away from where they are supposed to be!)

I hope you are well, thanks for reading.

Your aff friend,
Kathy Hawkins

P.S. MES FIRST GRADERS....I MAILED YOUR POSTCARDS AT THE RED MAILBOX TODAY!