Ledbury and Logaston

This evening we have the book launch at the poetry festival in Ledbury so we are heading off early to pick up glasses and wine and get them to the Shell gallery. Andy has a meeting in another town so Karen and I will have some time to look around the shops in Ledbury and I have booked a haircut and colour because my streak has faded to pale pink! It is quite expensive at £70 but I need it.
There are quite a lot of quality shops in this town and it is fun to look but I am not really in the mood to buy anything. We need a jug to make the elderflower cordial so browse some of the op shops In the hope of picking up something useful. To my delight I find part 2 of book three of Game of Thrones so I am wrapt because I have just finished part 1 of Book three. I bought it in Santiago when I saw it and decided I had time to read and I couldn't wait till I got home to continue the series! This issue is in perfect condition and  only cost a £1.50. A bargain.
Karen and I have lunch in a cute little cafe up a lane and then make a booking for an early tea at the Horseshoe Inn opposite the gallery. It is very quaint with low ceilings and scrubbed floors.
The hairdresser is a bright young woman and gets what I want done to my hair. She hasn't  thought of doing just a streak before as most people want an all over colour. It looks great and my hair has loved being washed with real shampoo instead of soap. Nothing like a visit to the hairdresser to make you feel glamorous. We all meet up for dinner and then cross to the gallery to set up. I take charge of the drinks and nibbles while Andy mans the book sales and Karen acts as MC. The place is packed before we know it and I can't even move from the table/ bar.

  

We close the front door of the gallery so the poetry readers can be heard more clearly. There are six different readers which makes for an interesting evening. Andy sells 44 books and everyone is very happy.
Next day we are all a bit slow to move but we need to rake up the paths that have been whipper snipped in the wood to make it easier for Andy's neighbour to mow them. It is quite a large area and the day is delightfully warm so I get into my old walking gear and set to the task. From bar attendant to farm worker in one smooth move. I raked a lot of paths.

  Mole hill

 It was quite satisfying to be so physically active again. I have been a bit lazy with raspberry picking, book deliveries and sweeping the floor my most strenuous activities unless we've been for a walk.  We also have to smooth out the molehills otherwise it is very bumpy for the ride on mower. The moles in the wood  stick their noses up out of the dirt and leave little piles of dirt everywhere in the paths. I have yet to actually see a mole but I have been told they are quite small. I always thought they were large animals. Blame TheWind in the Willows children's story!
Karen's parents have come visiting and say they feel like they have got to know me through Karen's blog! It is a bit disconcerting but then we certainly feel like old friends because I've heard about them from Karen too! After my exertion and lunch I hit the couch to read but doze off. It is siesta time after all. Another delightful day in the country. It is lovely having this interlude because I have been on the move for so long and Croatia will be busy too.