New Year's Eve.

Up and about at the crack of eight o'clock to a breakfast of porridge with raisins and toast and marmalade all washed down with the obligatory cups of tea. The morning was spent chatting over old times and generally sorting out the woes of the world to no noticeable effect judging by today's headlines. We also had a quick walk to and around the common to work up an appetite. The weather was still mild and we headed out into the Buckinghamshire countryside first of all for a pub lunch. A lovely old pub with a roaring fire welcomed us to Fingest ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fingest). Two pints of Brakspear's and a tonic water for June the driver washed down an excellent if unusual lunch. Sausages, very tasty ones, smothered in mustard, were put between two pieces of fresh baguette and served alongside a fresh salad. Over the road then to feed the spirit. We went into St Bartholomew's church. The tower is clearly Norman (no not my mate!!!!). The nave was very narrow seating about 60 people. On then for a walk up a side road away from the village. We managed to persuade ourselves that it wasn't quite the right time to tackle the hilly part of the walk, another time perhaps. June then drove us to Turville (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turville) the setting for the Vicar of Dibley series and many other TV shows. We had a look round the church of St Mary the Virgin which had some interesting recent stained glass windows. We then drove the the beautiful Buckinghamshire countryside to the village of Cadmore End where we visited another pub, The Ship Inn.......is there a pattern here? We were joined in our drink by a large bassett hound called (tbal). On home then for a snooze, an essential if I was to have any chance of staying awake until 2008 arrived.
Early evening and the plan for the night was revealed. Round to the local for a couple of pints to start us off. No we are not alcoholics........ We found the local was having a ticket only do but Norman manged to persuade them to serve us a pint and we watched in bemusement as patrons wandered in dressed in school uniform, especially the younger ones. The older partygoers clearly felt dressing up in school uniform was not their thing but obviously, as the music volume was turned up, a good night was about to be had by all. I was glad we hadn't bought tickets!!!
Back home we tucked in to a glorious pot roast pheasant with spuds and fresh vegetables. A first for me, I enjoyed the gamy taste. We then collapsed onto the couch and with wine, chocolates and whiskey accompaniment we saw the New Year in with Jools Holland and his guests, flicking over to another channel to see the fireworks from London. Happy New Year!!