Dear John
you were very much in our thoughts and hearts this weekend- we had a memorable weekend in Stratford.
Andrew drove us all there- tough going on a winter's night- and he brilliantly avoided an accident which took place I front of our eyes- a huge truck hit a car in front of him- Andrew saved us from running into the truck- and no one ran into us thank goodness- our angels were looking after us that night.
We stayed in the Premier Inn which was a good inexpensive hotel - but a bit of a mystery trying to find our way to and from our rooms- not a well designed place- but comfortable and staff we friendly.
We had dinner at the rooftop restaurant of the RSC building- the food was wonderful Andrew totally loved parfait and had two- we enjoyed chatting catching up having wine and relaxing.My wine called Wild Boy cost £33- can you believe it- the food was reasonably priced but the wine was crazy- however we thought -what the hell.I am sure you would have been shocked - but in the end you would have gone for it.
We stopped in at Encore before and after eating -it was a nice place- but the staff we a bit weary.
We had a big day planned for the Saturday - we got out and about looking for all the places that had been recommended to us by Lucy's family.We had brunch in Four teas- a super 40's themed restaurant- everything was interesting to look at- the menus were like ration books- the staff wore 40s overalls and turbans- the crockery was the green familiar war time stuff you used to see a lot of. best of all the food was great- we went to the market- and bought £15 worth of home made fudge and Scottish tablet- some for Lucy some for us at the theatre that night.
I got a battery for my watch-the one you bought be two Christmas's ago-we picked up out theatre tickets-then we had coffee at Encore again before we set off on our bus tour- and they had found my hat and gloves that I left there the night before.
We all loved the bus tour- you would have too-we sat on top -inside- front seats so we had a great view of everything- it was interesting and informative.
After that we went to see Shakespeare's house-which was interesting to see- I think if you were a huge fan you would feel you were treading on hallowed ground- I enjoyed the introduction more- it was a big screen showing snippets of plays and actors quoting from the plays- that was moving- they played " love is not love when alteration finds" thought of you obviously and shed a wee tear- which I did on the bus -just when Philip decided to take a selfie- my eyes look a bit glassy but it is ok.
We then had tea in Ann Hathaways tea rooms- they were great warm cosy and friendly.
The people of Stratford are good at taking care of visitors- they do not seem weary of it all- it felt like they enjoyed their work- which helped up enjoy everything all the more.
We then went back to Premier Inn for siesta time- before the going for a drink to the Dirty Duck then on to the play.
I got dressed up but still work my new sea salt coat- which proved to be a big success- so cosy and warm-it really was very very cold - I kept wishing it would snow so that it would warm up- something you would have understood- the notion- even if it is not true- we were always told it was- they boys were a bit suspicious of this wisdom- and we had a few good laughs about it.
We had a drink in the Dirty Duck- which is just as you would remember it- cosy and old fashioned- it was a bit too much for me- I felt upset and my tummy started up- I guess the whole day caught up with me- the joy of it combined with the loss you you- my dear John.
Onwards and upwards though- we then heeded to the Swan which is a beautiful building- we had a drink in the bar and ordered more for the interval.we found the insult chair which was fun.
WE went to see OPPENHEIMER- it was wonderful new play- I found the man a bit disturbing- he had no joy in his life- could not love his children- or have a true relationship with his wife- or lover- but he made an impact-no question- and he was up against so many conflicting organisations and situations- maybe he did what he thought he had to do- not a good legacy though must have been tough to live with- and he died young-of cancer- and his daughter as well as his lover killed themselves- very sad.
I am not sure if it was my sadness breaking through or the play- but I lost my appetite- and could not have any more wine-but we went to Opposition for food and it was very relaxing- the boys had big meals and wine I had a light salad and bruchetta with water and herb tea- and I felt much better.
We talked about the play for a while - after that we tried to find somewhere where we could have a nightcap- but it was not to be- we headed back to the hotel I had some wine- so we gathered in my room- talked more about the play -and the boys had some wine and i had more water.
It was a truly grand day out.
Sunday-- I was very tearful in the morning- missed you a lot-wanted to tell you all about Sauurday-
I did some writing- packed - they boys were watching Andy Murray who started well- but sadly lost the Australian Open.
We then checked out went for breakfast to RSC rooftop restaurant -- this time it was a pantomime- they simply could not get the orders right- they had two attempts at Andrew's and still it was wrong-Philip and I did not get our fried potatoes-- and it all took ages- in the end the manager - apologised-and the food was on him- so we all had another coffee- we were able to laugh about it thankfully.
Then we went up the tower to see some great views over Stratford and had a little potted history lesson for a helpful guide-we enjoyed that too and walking down the stairs was interesting too- lots of great photos from some of the plays,
After that we got into the car and off to Ann Hathaway's cottage where we saw a beautiful crescent moon sculpture in the garden-and Philip found a pizza over in the kitchen.It was an interesting place- but I was not moved- I am sure real fans would be- we had tea and cakes in the cafe-Andrew had cake and shortbread---- we had a group hug in the car park and agreed it was another wonderful mum and sons weekend.
Where will the next one be? China maybe.
I hope Andrew and I will have another one -when Philip is in China-maybe just one night away to the theatre in another city....and another time Johnny could join in---if he is able to get away....we shall see what unfolds...
So my beloved John you see we had fun- you were in our hearts-I know guilt is part of grief- I am aware of guilty feelings about enjoying myself-- especially in Stratford-- but I can hear you voice very clearly saying NO - ENOUGH -- thank you my love....xx
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