Since this was a surprise for my brother Michel, I kept quiet about it.
On Thursday I took the train from Waterloo to Paignton. Changing at Exeter St. David into a tiny train, which did a wonderful waterside wander along the Exe estuary, I eventually arrived at Paignton. I was hiding in a small B & B until Friday evening. On Friday I had a lift to the giant M & S at the Willows, Torquay, and purchased a couple of t shirts and some excellent sandals. After that I took a bus into town and had a steak by the seafront before departing back to Paignton on the ferry. Thursday evening my friend Jon who lives in Exmouth collected me and we had dinner at the Elephant in Torquay. Exhausted by my shopping, I was collected by Nathalie, my niece and escorted to the venue for the party, which filled up rapidly. I met yet another brother, who had come over from France: Robert, and my sister Sharon was there with her husband Alan and their two sons. The party was a total surprise to Michel, who was amazed to see Robert and me. We had a very jolly evening, with musician friends playing and plenty of food and drink.
The next morning I was vaguely thinking about going to Cockington, but as I reached the road a car stopped. It was Michel, who invited me back for the day. After coffee we sat is the garden and chatted. We had a snack lunch, and later, his children and grandchildren arrived for dinner. Michel christened his new gas paella maker, so paella was served, with salads and a huge home made pizza. A lovely day getting to know people.
On Sunday, Alan collected me and we went to Sharon's for a lovely Sunday lunch, which was a real treat. There is a wonderful view from their house, and I took a couple of snaps.
I came back on Monday, and Kook had survived the catfeeding experience, not only having been spoilt by the catfeeder, but also by Dorothy and Julian, who had invited friends for a barbecue in my garden. They have now gone to Spain for a few days.
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