Last Sunday, we were in Glastonbury where we'd arranged to meet up with friends Vivien and John who live in Yeovil. Like most of my closest friends, they're wa-ay off the mainstream of humanity. 8-))
We met Vivien at one of the early Queen Fan Club Conventions - about 1989. She's a Virgo and a vegan. At that time she was recently widowed. Her first husband, who was thirty eight when he died, suffered from the same disease which killed that gorgeous actor, Richard Beckinsale (father of Samantha and Kate Beckinsale), at the age of thirty three. In such unfortunate cases, the body produces its own cholesterol which clogs the arteries and leads to an extremely premature heart attack. Vivien reckons that by feeding him a vegan diet, she probably extended his life by several years.
It was a very hard time for them both, as he knew every day could be his last and so was very demanding of attention. On top of that, he was a teacher which is exactly the wrong job for someone with his condition. Consequently, it was something of a relief when he died and Vivien was able, for the first time in many years, to live her own life, or rather, kick over the traces big time! {g}
She's tall, and by then she was painfully thin. Her hair was about ¼inch long - or short. {g} When we first met her, she'd just been hassled in the ladies loo because other 'ladies' thought she was a man, despite the fact that she has a beautiful face and can carry off the very short hair perfectly. She had a shaven head for a while too, and has had a few tattoos done.
Anyway, as she'd come to the convention on her own and was having a bit of a rough time, our little gang befriended her, and we've been friends ever since. 8-) Her hair is longer now, and she's really blossomed since her second marriage. We are
so pleased for her - for them both. 8-))
We spent much time going round lots of interesting little shops, all smelling strongly of various shades of incense and selling crystals, ethnic and New Age artefacts, and such like. I was
very much tempted by a large, almost life-size, crystal skull. It was carved from deep sapphire blue goldstone which was full of tiny twinkling golden specks. Unfortunately, it was also well over £500. {sigh} I was also much tempted by a wand that looked like it really
might work some magic. However, that was around £250. 8-(
Vivien and I also explored many intriguing looking alleyways that led to even more tiny mystical shops. One such was Witchcraft Limited ~ 'Purveyors of Fine Esoteric Goods to the Discerning Witch' ~ which only opened this month. The shopkeeper, Trevor Jones, is a very entertaining character, full of interesting tales. So if you're in the Glastonbury area, pop in! It's in Monarch Mews off the High Street.
As we were talking, he recognized the dragon artwork on my tote bag, which was made by Hugo Award winner, Sue Mason, who is a Really Beautiful Person. 8-) And Trevor also knows Chris. I'm beginning to wonder if there's anyone on the planet who doesn't! 8-)))
I did spend a little money on a Nefertari tarot pack. I collect tarot cards, and this pack is really splendid, the background of every card being finely gilded. The other thing I bought was a large shoulder bag, woven in rainbow stripes, from India.
After that the four of us went for a cup of tea and cosy chat in a highly rated tea shop called Rainbow's End. Hm. Spot the theme for this weekend? {g} We then wandered off to Glastonbury Abbey which, as always, was transcendently peaceful. It has that mystical timeless quality that is often found in ancient buildings of any stripe, but Glastonbury is peerless.
As the weather continued sunny and warm, we picnicked under the trees in the Abbey grounds, and then explored the wildlife areas, especially the duck pond. There were a couple of dozen ducks there of several species which were in eclipse, and also a number of geese. The water was alive with many carp, tench and roach which were going on for two feet in length. There were also hundreds of tiny silvery tiddlers. Rod took several pictures of the ducks and fish for Ali... {smirk}
Afterwards, we all adjourned to the George and Pilgrim for a drink and good conversation before going our separate ways. There was much banter about the name of the ancient inn after Rod suggested that St. George, before embarking on his encounter with the dragon, practised on pilgrims first as being easier competition.
On the way back to Bristol, Rod and I stopped at the Waldegrave Arms at Chewton Mendip for a bite to eat - a salmon shantie for Rod and venison sausages for me. Tasty and very filling. 8-) And that about wraps it up for the weekend except for my impish behaviour the following day...
We left Bristol on Monday morning in warm sunshine and the certain knowledge that a broad band of heavy rain was working its way towards us. Not far into the journey, we met it, and conditions were atrocious. We consoled ourselves with the thought that at least we were going home, not setting out on holiday.
So anyway, we stopped at a random service station for a drink, a break and to change drivers. The car park was flooded; wellies would have made life slightly pleasanter. As we headed for the food counter, I was given the hard sell by a very bouncy and charming young lady named Dawn who wanted me to sign up for an Alliance and Leicester credit card. I already have two credit cards and only really use one of them. I don't need and don't want another.
We had a bite to eat and a drink and I went to the loo. As the saying goes, never pass up an opportunity to pee... So I'm going back to our table and Dawn's in my face again. Well, she has to earn a living based on the number of people she signs up, and she
was very nice, so having ascertained that there was no standing charge and that the card wouldn't be activated unless I 'phoned up and activated it, I caved. Sort of... {g}
Now on one of the Yahoo groups I frequent, (MICHAELSHANKSFANS) there is a continuing roll-play in which most of us have taken on the persona of a character from 'Stargate S.G.-1' - a science fiction programme on Sky One, m'Lud. I play Colonel Harry Maybourne, a recurring character on the show. He's a rather shady character whose heart is basically in the right place though his methods are distinctly suspect. {VBG}
Soooo, unless someone at the Alliance and Leicester watches 'Stargate S.G.-1', I may soon be in possession of a credit card bearing the name, Col. Harry Maybourne. {snigger} Of course, I have no intention of ever using it, but I thought it might be an interesting curiosity. If nothing else, it will give Ali a laugh. 8-)