Old friend comes to visit

Our long lost friend and colleague, John, was in Gatwick for some training for work and he came home with me on yesterday (Fri) afternoon so that we could spend a few hours socializing.

Rhiannon, Tryfan and John at the Coach & Horses pub

First we picked up the kids from Emma's house, then we gave John a tour of our house and yard before we went down to the Red Lion to see who the new managers were. The kids rode scooters and we let Bentley come with us too. As it turns out, the bouncy castle was NOT up yet, but Rhiannon made a new friend (daughter of the manageress) and we had a good time chatting at the pub. Then we decided to take Bentley home and go out for dinner at the other pub in the village (Coach & Horses), except we ended up driving to that one because it was starting to get dark.

We had a lovely meal and everyone behaved themselves, then the kids voted to take John to the train station ourselves rather than calling a taxi. So they got into their jammies and we piled into the car to drive John to Haywards Heath station. Tryfs and Rhiannon were so sweet and thoughtful and engaging with John. It helped that he has a son who is Tryfan's age! They thought he was hilarious and they loved his stories.

The next day when we spoke to Rhodri (who is now on a cycling tour back in the French Alps), they were able to tell him (in a Texan accent), "Dad, we're goin' to Texas!". Anyway, it was a really great night and I'm so grateful that we were able to make it happen.