Happiness is possible

My last few posts have, through necessity, been somewhat  depressing, the situation here in theUK has not improved and we are having to fight on a political level to ensure our voices are heard and the detractors do not banish us out of society completely. However all is not lost, as far as I can see the Great British public either have no interest in us, are not bothered or seem happy to see us around and many are very positive when they engage with us. The important thing as far as I have experienced it is not hostile, just the opposite.

At the beginning of the month (June 25) I spent four days in the Cotswolds area of the UK. It is a lovely area to visit and throughly recommended for anyone who loves the British country and  beautiful historical villages. Our break started with an evening meal in a very nice restaurant in Banbury, a place we have visited several times before and have always had a fabulous time. Once again the staff were superb the meal was up to the usual high standard and we had a great evening. This was a Sunday night and I wanted to make a statement, we need to be seen out there enjoying life and showing we are no threat to anyone. My chosen dress was a long green velvet number which I teamed with a sparkly wrap, it was certainly a good choice as I had a number of lovely comments during the evening. I don't think anyone could accuse me of blending in, trying not to be noticed or even 'passing'. But all I felt was happiness and as I have said the staff were lovely.

The following day was spent shopping and wandering around Banbury, not in a long green dress I might hasten to add! this is an old market town and has some lovely independent shops, after a stopping for a coffee and a further bit of shopping we returned to the hotel. That evening we went to the same restaurant as the night before, we were greeted by the ever lovely staff like long lost friends. A special mention must be made of the barman, who sadly I don't remember his name, he served and chatted to us in such a lovely happy manor, a native of Spain he is due to return home soon so sadly we probably never see him again. Another fabulous night wearing a (shorter) black dress this time which also elicited some lovely comments.

Day three and we were off the the Cotswolds proper with a visit to Bourton-on-the-Water, it rained heavily on the way there but on arrival the sun came out and it was very pleasant wondering around this lovely village. The river Windrush passes through the village running alongside the road right through the centre, which gives it a special character all of its own. After a very pleasant walk through the village and browsing in the various little shops we had a cream tea in one of the pubs situated alongside the river. We then made our way to Chipping Norton where we were stopping for two nights. The young lady who checked us in at the hotel was lovely and not phased by me even though the room had been booked in my male name.

That evening we had a meal in the Blue Boar pub, just five minutes walk from the hotel. Another lovely evening with great food and  lovely service. Then next morning, after a leisurely start we had breakfast in a pub called Bitter & Twisted, again lovely service and a wonderful breakfast. We spent the day wondering around the town, shopping and just enjoying being out in the real world having coffee in a nice little bistro eventually making our way back to the hotel to get ready for the evening. This time we went to Whistlers restaurant again only five minutes or so from the hotel. To say we had a fabulous time has to be an understatement, we were served by the lady owner who was very pleasant and chatty, the food was freshly prepared and absolutely fantastic, it made a really lovey way to end out four days away.

If you can, and I do appreciate not all of us girls can go out, please get out into the world and let the public see us in the best possible way, just ordinary people getting on with our lives.......