The last day of September

This very strange, hot and sunny weather continues.
Everyone who came sat in the garden today.
Everyone was in a good mood.
Most everyone drank tea and no-one appeared in any sort of hurry.
A man called Ray wrote in the visitors' book: "I want to live here."
That made us all smile.

A numbers game

"Two teas, twice please."
"So that's four teas?"
"Well," he said, "there are three of us."
"So you'd like three teas?"
"Yes, please."

QI

Two questions which have stumped me recently.
Both from customers.
1. "Is there any fruit in the Apple Cake?"
2. "Is your cheese vegetarian?"
Turns out some cheeses aren't. Use of rennet in the process apparently.
So I've checked and our cheese is indeed vegetarian.
And yes, there's fruit in the apple cake (he meant sultanas).


Very busy today. Back to high summer. 24 degrees and almost everyone sitting outside. I had to call in two extra people when it became clear the rush was going to last way beyond a normal lunchtime.
We're supposed to close during the week from Monday but if this weather is going to continue I might just cook another ham* and keep my fingers crossed...


*not vegetarian

Happy Mondays

This morning the church warden came in to see us.
He was a little bemused.
He'd just been speaking to a couple in the Church.
"We don't like Baroque" they told him, as they gazed around the interior with wrinkled noses. He urged them to look at the monument near the altar.
"It's too ornate" they commented.
As they were leaving he suggested they visit the tea rooms.
"We don't do tea" they said.

Shine, shine on

Veeeerrrrryyyy quiet today.
We started well. Lots of groups and couples for coffee. But then the rain arrived and the people departed.
This afternoon it brightened up and all talk was of this week's forecast heatwave.
I really hope it happens. It will be a lovely way to end the 7-day-week part of the season.
But I'll believe it when I feel it.

Turn and Face the Strain

A change has occurred. A big change.
I've decided not to close at the end of October but to plough on for weekends in November.
Why?
Because at some point I should try to find out whether there's any demand for us in the colder months, and now's as good a time as any.
And because English Heritage is only opening Witley Court at weekends. In previous years they've been open during the week and they're expecting their new hours will mean more visitors at weekends...
So it'll mean a change to our menu. Out with the salads and sandwiches, in with the comfort food.
I have another one of those knots in my stomach.

Cheek

I am blessed (?) with what is known as "rosy cheeks". I've always had them.
Apparently it's a sign of good health but anyone involved in the make-up or facial business puts their head on one side and looks, well, a little too sorry for me.
Last week when I delivered a tray of goodies to two couples in the conservatory one of the men startled me by saying:
"My dear, you have a lovely complexion."
I was just trying to think of a suitable response when he added:
"Or are you just hot?"