A Sunflower & Fruitbat's adventures: A day with Mary

Sunday 10 June 2012 - A day in Soham & Ely

Day 59 and 100 to go

Today was dedicated to spending with Mary and finally being able to get up to her neck of the woods. With the morning routine done we waited for Dario to arrive at 11 before he drove us the hour to Soham. Mary lives on the main street with her house right on the front path. It was very easy to locate and we were met by Mary on our arrival.

We sat chatting in the kitchen / dining room while Mary continued preparing for lunch and dinner. We had Finn the 2 year old springer spaniel to entertain us. He was such a cutie.

We had a walk though the town on Soham with Finn, heading to the supermarket for last minute groceries and walking past the Soham church.

When we returned to Mary’s we sat down to what was meant to be a light lunch, but this was obviously code for very large spread of salad, cold meats, chicken, cheeses, pork pies and scotch eggs. YUM!

With lunch complete Mary drove us to Ely about 20min away. We found somewhere to park and then walked to the massive cathedral. The stone structure is huge and intricately carved. We walked around the grounds. There was a huge swarm of bees making a nest on one of the gargoyles.

We attempted to enter the Cathedral but we were only able to see the back section, as there was a service happening. We then left and parted way with the boys who went to find a pub while Mary and I went to visit the only existing home of Oliver Cromwell. We were able to wander around the museum exhibit that went through the different rooms of the home. We were even able to try on different clothing. Who can resist the dress up box?

After all our laughing we then had to high tail it back through the town to find our next stop, Peacocks Tea House, down on the river. Mary and I were seated straight away in the front room where we poured over the huge choice of teas, eventually I decided on the Chocolate tea with cream and raspberry jam scones. Indulgence plus.

The tea-house was really cute with a mix match of crockery and interesting furniture and old tea tins. It was a lovely spot to enjoy our cuppa.

With our indulgence complete we walked along the river checking the boats and found the boys sitting at the pub enjoying the view. We sat for a short bit before the rain started to spit so we walked back to the car and returned to Mary’s.

Mary and I worked on the last bits for dinner and dessert while Paul and Dario watched the next Euro game Spain v Italy that ended in a 1 all draw. At 6pm Marcello arrived home from work. We sat watching the soccer and enjoying a glass of Champagne before sitting down to dinner and another feast. This time Beef Bourguignoe with all the vege including runner beans but without cream DAD. It was delicious. This was all topped off with crème brulee, rhubarb crumble, custard and fruit. Food overload indeed.

We retired to the lounge again when the feast was complete where we watched the next Euro game between Croatia and Rep of Ireland. Croatia being too good and taking the match 3 -1.