An impromptu visit by two very dear friends……

Some people enter your life, and no matter how long time has elapsed since seeing them last, it’s always like you were never apart. My two dear friends Chris and Jayne are two such people

They were into camper vans long before they became fashionable and had been staying on the nearby east coast. I had a txt from them the night before asking if I was busy the following day, Saturday….well no matter what I’d have been doing, I would have cancelled it.

I’d felt lost from the moment I’d woken on Saturday. I’d sat on the stairs after getting dressed, trying to work out what to do next. I had my camera in my hand but my head was blank, as though a dark cloud was passing over obliterating all logical thought. As soon as I stood up and moved, I promptly slipped my way down the stairs. Slightly battered and bruised, I rubbed my back while checking my camera, but it looked ok 🥵…..I turned back and went up the stairs to start the day again….

As I lay on my bed with a cuppa tea, my morning games starting to lift the cloud, I suddenly thought I’d go to town early, then Jayne and Chris can arrive whenever suits them as they had the long trip back to Wales……I looked at my photos from the day before just to check I hadn’t been to town already 🙄 but I hadn’t.

I’d gone fungi hunting the day before and was pleased with myself for finding as many as I did, but these were my favourite

Lots of tiny delicate umbrellas for even tinier fairies to shelter under……

Luckily Jayne and Chris were due around lunchtime so I set off to walk into town with the purpose of coming back on the first bus of the day at 10 past 10……

I felt I’d left my sparkle at home and was conscious of walking slower than usual

But I managed to get back home as planned….I pottered around in the garden, feeling the need to be outside in the fresh air instead of closed inside.

As midday approached I had a message from Jayne to say traffic was bad and sat nav said 20 minutes. Two minutes later, I had another message to say:

“It lied, we’re here” 🤣

I trundled down the Main Street looking for their cream and champagne coloured motorhome, which they’d managed to park near the duck pond……there was Chris sorting the dogs out for a comfort wander and suddenly it was like it was only yesterday since I last saw them.

A Chris hug is like no other and it felt quite emotional seeing them both stood in front of me. For some reason, I’d thought I”d never see them again, yet here they were.

We sat inside their cosy camper van and suddenly all was right in the world

We chatted, put the world to rights, laughed and chatted more

Their two adorable dogs sat taking it all in…..

…..every now and then, appearing from under the table for a cuddle

As I looked round their compact home, I could see why they loved it so much, especially Chris. Everything in the same place, all within touching distance, all cosy and warm. No wonder Chris even spends time in there even when it’s parked at home. 

I didn’t want their visit to end. I could have chatted all day to these two wonderful people, but needs must…..but another photo

We said our farewells by taking the dogs for a walk to the pond ……even Teresa Terrapin had made a special appearance for them…….

and we sat, just for a few more moments before going back to the van.

One precious hour in the company of friends

And they were gone………

Chris is living with dementia and calls his wife Jayne his logistics manager (🤔 mmmm I’m sure it’s something different but those words popped into my head 🙄). Some years ago they made the brilliant Panorama programme, which if you didn’t watch it…….you missed something truly brilliant. Can’t seem to find a link anymore, which is a bit tragic, but maybe if you search better than me you’ll be able to find a copy…….