Back Again

Feel a little rusty after not writing this for three days, still, a good reason for not doing so I think. The weekend at home was brilliant. I got home as I thought just after 9pm on Thursday, time enough for a couple of hours to wind down after the drive, and to be made a fuss of by my parents and my cat, who was delighted in her way to see me. It's always nice to be missed! Friday was a wonderful day: we drove up to Lancaster (thankfully my mum drove me, I don't think I could have faced getting back into the car so soon) and we were immediately treated to fish and chips by my uncle Eric. We then worked them off gathering and chopping wood for a bonfire. Eric lives on a farm, bordered by a stream with overhanging trees, so no shortage of wood. He had also had a big clear out from his shed which contains years of family oddments. On the bonfire pile was an old wardrobe and a commode chair!
We broke from the firewood collecting to have slices of ginger cake, a recipe called 'Moorland Moggy' which is deliciously soft and gingery, with lemon icing. As it grew dark we lit the first phase of the bonfire, tremendous! The heat and the speed of the flames devouring everything was awesome. We had hot potato soup while we watched it, and put some potatoes wrapped in foil in the embers at the bottom. Eric keeps a few chickens who danced about a bit watching the flames, not too bothered, and then took themselves off to roost (not roast, these are pet chickens)
We had the bonfire in two stages, a quick burst to burn all the rubbish, and then a longer burning fire for all the wood. It was damp at this time, so it steamed and smoked for a little while before erupting.
The potatoes were cooked perfectly, and had a gorgeous smoky taste, nothing better. I think though I ate far too much carbohydrate - three lots of potato in one day! Plus cake, chocolate and fish. The pounds are creeping back... Then again, I think gathering all the wood probably knocked a few off.
It was a real winter day, bone chillingly cold, and then the heat of the bonfire. Even Auntie Dorothy who is a venerable lady of one hundred was able to enjoy it from indoors. Eric is her son, and carer. She would not have made the age she is without his care.
I seem to be jumping from one thing to another, but I feel there is a lot to write about. I have actually missed writing, now it's all blurting out!
It was a good weekend. So much to pack in, and not enough time to see everyone I wanted to. I only got to visit a couple of friends, but it was good to be home again. I do miss Wirral, despite being in some ways gald to be away from it. Coming back to Falmouth this time was not as bad. I went home a month ago, two weeks after starting the course, and was very reluctant to come back, this time as I have said in my laste few entries, I'm feeling happier here.
I think this is enough for now, rather a chunk of words. More tomorrow!