10.10.10 - important date - to me

August 1985. 


He reached up and pulled out of the back of the pick-up my entire belongings...I had just arrived, flustered and tired, having travelled for hours and hours,  first by coach, then by train and finally by the company pick-up down to Devon. 


As he lugged my suitcase he grunted ....

'F¥**! <  H3$$! what have you got in here - the kitchen sink?' 

I was partly shocked at his statement and totally taken in by his deep voice and northern accent. And give or take a few days, we have been inseparable since -  25 years of friendship and love.

Happy birthday to you my best and truest friend - I shall always love you.


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And to celebrate his birthday - Himself declared a day of walking.

It was a gloriously warm and sunny autumnal day. With a picnic of birthday cake (ginger and apple) vegi sausage rolls, egg mayo sarnies, tea and apples we set off.

The rays of sun through the trees sparkled on the leaves, reflected brightly off the river and warmed our faces and our moods.

I took many many pictures, I love the shades of autumn, the crisp colours and honey scent of decaying leaves. I love the lengthening shadows - making me over ten feel tall!

I love the historic reminders of an industrial age, they are silent testament to the strength of self belief and mistaken invincibility. Enormous monuments to the power of the few and the sweat, blood and probably death of many. 

At a confluence of two rivers, we stopped and observed the strength in the flow of water. Trapped by rocks were clusters of mosaics and tapestries made from fallen leaves.

We followed ancient drover's tracks, packhorse ways,  a Victorian ha-ha and riverside walks. We went through and over many different stiles with great anticipation how giddy dog would tackle them. She 'throws' herself at them with apparent lack of planning or care and some of her attempts are quite spectacular, others have us gasping with laughter or admiration.

The views were  glorious as we sat in the sun and toasted  to Himself's birthday  with mugs of tea and munched on cake, and finally when we came off the hills it was almost dark. A quick stop off in a favourite town on the way home to buy steaming hot fish and chips to eat with burning fingers and gusto.

And, later, much later Himself said that, when in the morning I told him to cut his cake and make a wish (like I do for the boys) he had wished for a lovely day, good weather and a wonderful walk

and his wish came true....... I so love him!