If you go down to the woods today

 My tiny little baby is 30! 

Because of this momentous occasion she had paid for all seven of us, and all four dogs, to have a holiday in a treehouse near Winchester. For months before the excitement was building. We even had our own ‘30th Birthday’ WhatsApp group. Although some of the group husbandry wasn’t as I would like it to be. 

Eventually, just a few days after Leem was surprisedly sacked and Big Fat Steve returned triumphantly to the New York Stadium, we were packing up three cars and departing for The South. It was a bit of a squeeze I must say, to the point that when Kathy asked ‘can we fit the cans of coke in?’ , the answer was ‘No!’. At just after 10.15, (departure time 10am, not bad) we were off . We had planned to stop at Charlecote house, somewhere we had never been before. As it was Kathy’s 33rd birthday she didn’t want to drive, so I had to drive her rubbish, non automatic car. Turns out I hardly needed to change gear at all. The journey was lovely with very light traffic and Sam was a dream. We were soon rolling into Charlecote House. But wait! We have been here before after all. We all decamped and did a nice walk, in the rain, around the grounds, muttering how nice it would be in dry weather.

Wandering in the rain

After our stroll we all headed for the Orangery for lunch. Turns out it’s tricky to fit seven people and four very muddy, wet dogs around two tables, but we managed. After lots of crossed leads they all settled down and in the end we had a lovely meal. 

An orangery lunch

A second spin

We had another spin round the grounds before loading on up again and heading for The South.

Ready to go

Once again the traffic was light, there were few gear changes, and Sam was good. 

Soon we were rolling in to Forest Retreats in Blackwood Forest. It was still raining as we were directed to Treehouse 34. Turns out it’s lovely. Loads of room with a big deck and a hot tub. Vicky and Alex’s room is over a rope bridge, the rest of us ran about checking out which one we wanted. Kathy and Einar chose the upstairs one with more room for Sam’s cage. We chose the downstairs one with the en-suite to keep an eye on the dogs. Chris went for up, something to do with headboards. 

Our bit

Vicky and Alex’s bit

Once we were settled it was time for Kathy to open her presents, so we all gathered round.

Present opening

Excitingly, Vicky had ordered a gift package which included Prosecco and a Victoria sponge to feed six. We felt that would be enough. It turned out to be the biggest cake ever!

Giant cake 

The deck has a huge gas barbecue and, luckily, we had brought barbecue stuff and the rain had stopped. We sent Ian out as we had decided to eat at the big kitchen table. It is a gas barbecue which I have always resisted. Who knew how good gas barbecues are? I am a convert. It was ready immediately and Ian was off and cooking. The food was delicious too, especially the chicken legs straight from the grill.

Fantastic gas barbecue

Delicious snap

After this we loaded the dishwasher and settled down to play Trolley Problem. Lots of fun was had by all. Then we got the whiskey out and had a nightcap before bed. 

A nightcap