Yesterday was the day to move location so in the morning the caravan was packed up and moved to a new siting within the estate. The considerable distance moved was measured as 12 feet but that gave a whole new set of views from the windows. As the weather was somewhat inclement it was not possible to sit outside under awning for morning coffee so that had to be taken inside the caravan.

During the day the Saturday Red Cross parcel from the local shop was delivered by a laid back helper who sauntered casually in with the delivery which he left by the door. Great initiative displayed by the newsagents in setting up the delivery service. Obviously they had their own newspapers and stationary but also gifts, toys, bird seed, and a number of other items that they had taken to stocking. To this they did a deal to add milk and a further deal with the local bakery to supply bread and various pies, cakes etc. In the end therefore quite a range of things to offer. This week’s bag was eagerly examined by Junior Management to check that two items deemed absolutely essential had been included. Fortunately they had – a chocolate swiss roll and an individual steak and kidney pie.

As is normal Senior Management was in charge of dinner arrangements cooked and served in the caravan. (for reason for Senior Management in charge see previous posting). For those who take an interest Senior Management served a three course meal. To start there were spinach and feta parcels. The main course consisted of a goats cheese and caramelised red onion quiche served with sliced potatoes fried with herbs, ginger and black pepper, and broad beans. To finish there were strawberries served on a slice of the aforementioned chocolate swiss roll.

With the meal was served an interesting white wine from Chile, a 2019 Viognier quaintly named Bicicleta with a bicycle frame moulded into the glass of the bottle. The rubbish on the label assures us this is because the workers move around the estate on their bicycles! Believe that one if you chose to. Turning to the wine itself at 14% you would expect a bit of something and it pretty well delivered. An attractive nose although not quite all the aromas promised on the label. Reasonably dry it had plenty of taste and quite acceptable. Fairly easy to obtain and a good option if you are looking to get away from the endless piles of indifferent (or worse) chardonnay that seem to litter the shelves these days. This was followed by an offering from the emergency supplies sent by International Management. Here we had an 2018 Anubis Malbec from the Mendoza region of Argentina. This one from Susana Balbow. 14% again, it needed to be fairly robust to follow the white and it did not disappoint. Pretty full bodied with a bit of a bite it was a pleasant offering. If you come across it probably would taste even better in a year’s time but in these times needs must so down it went.