A Day Out in Horncastle
Regular readers will know that Tuesday is reserved solely for one purpose. Last week I whined about being derailed, well things are back to normal, here is a brief report.
A pleasant 40 minute drive through the Lincolnshire Wolds brought me to the book town of Horncastle. The three secondhand bookshops are not the only draw for me, far from it in fact.
First job is always parking - can be tricky and often expensive. No such problem for me.
Tim Smith, Bookseller, has his own executive parking space which is kindly reserved for your host on a Tuesday.
De luxe - and just the start of special treatment
Swinging straight into Tim Smith’s Horncastle bookshop always proves worthwhile. Both in terms of affable company and good books. A huge selection.
Must be something here!
Next stop Good for Books. A nicer more welcoming bookshop you’ll struggle to find.
This is also the meeting place for the Witches of Eastwick, regular readers will only be too aware of WoE who writes collectively for all 3!
Book dealers who go around bookshops looking for books will know only too well the usual hospitality. When you’ve been going to a shop every week for at least 5 years, spent about £20,000 then you just might, and I mean just might, get a cup of instant coffee in a chipped and listeria ridden mug.
Not so Goldeneye!
Hospitality a la the I-H’s
French bread and crab rillettes. Tuna brioche and mayo. Prawns, beetroot salad with vinaigrette and cherry tomatoes - beautiful
To further infuriate lesser bookdealers, here was my second course
Sushi homemade by WoE
You’ll note the well turned, boho booted ankle - the actual WoE herself
All washed down with freshly ground French coffee - superb!
Craig turned up and can always be relied on to answer any combuster related problems and give you the latest from the high-tec world. If you have computer problems in Horncastle - call that man!
Several hours of stimulating and entertaining conversation - a perfect day.
As a parting gesture I decided to take a picture of all 3 Witches of Eastwick by their cauldron, in this case a French coke burning stove
Such is the mysterious ethereal nature of the Witches - they failed to show on the developed film
Belting - thanks to everyone I saw today!
Little Brother said,
November 7, 2006 @ 10:09 pm
Rod,
Seriously only you could land that one. Yesterday I visited my butcher who I spend £80,000.00 a year with-what did I come away with? a bag of organic cous cous from the health food stall opposite. It’s a bloody travesty.
Little Brother said,
November 7, 2006 @ 10:14 pm
Witches,
There must be far more deserving causes for your culinary talents than Redeye (me!) Congratulations to you and Sarah, the food looks great. Did the sushi rolling mat come with the kimono’s?
Witches of Eastwick said,
November 7, 2006 @ 11:19 pm
Little Brother,
The witches would be delighted to see you here enjoying a few hours of mind boggling conversation and nibbles. I think it fair to say though that Rod seems to eat everything with gusto, whereas with you we might have to refine our menu. Lucky for you we have the time and energy to do just that so get yourself over here.
My sushi rolling mat has served its time outside the shower and now has a new life, witches like to recycle ……….. alas the weather today was a bit chilly so the old kimono didn’t make an appearance, we must get some damarts to go underneath. In fact LB, under garments were on the agenda today after we discussed the intricate workings of world politics …..we jump effortlessly from one subject to another, our thoughts fly through the air with the greatest of ease! With all this going on our kind hostess has to work hard to sell books but being a witch she is able to spin more than one proverbial plate at a time. WoE
Rod said,
November 8, 2006 @ 8:55 am
LB,
I am indeed very fortunate, and I mean that sincerely.
Shortly I will be in town for a bacon and mushroom bun, not quite the same.
Still I’ve got a cheque to wang in the buildo ( © SC) so that will console me somewhat.
Jordan said,
November 8, 2006 @ 10:46 am
You lead such a ‘tough’ life Mr Collins. WOE are far too nice to you and you wont lose those ‘extra few pounds’ re your above photo by eating all that rice!
Rod said,
November 8, 2006 @ 12:29 pm
Jordan,
thanks for the sympathy, life here in the salt mines is indeed gruelling.
I struggle on in the hope of triumph over adversity.
Weight loss is still going according to plan, though, as you say, the last bit on the picture means cutting something nice out
Witches of Eastwick said,
November 8, 2006 @ 4:18 pm
Rod, with reference to agenda item 3.2, the giving and receiving of flowers … the witches were delighted to get a box of exquisite orchids in the post today. Momentarily thrilled at the thought of a secret admirer, but only too pleased to find out they were from a girl friend (thank you A, how thoughtful x). What stylish women the witches are acquainted with, they are a constant joy to us …. as for the men in our lives, well we can only hope! WoE
Rod said,
November 8, 2006 @ 4:32 pm
WoE
glad to hear of your stylish friends, good job as well, I suspect the twigs would all fall from your broom and your black cat turn grey before a man from Lincolnshire sent anyone a box of orchids.
Whilst understanding the devastating power of flowers, I just cannot bring myself to buy them.
Hope they last
Rod
Witches of Eastwick said,
November 8, 2006 @ 4:51 pm
Rod, ….. just as well, the Far East can only produce a limited number and may not be able to meet your requirements and budget!