Caked in Mud

Today was the last day of the Easter holidays.
A pretty awful Easter holidays if you’re judging it on weather and business. Which I am.
We haven’t had such a poor start to the season since 2012 when we had rain, rain and more rain.
A few hardy souls sat outside today, dodging the showers.
One of our regular customers asked if we’d be providing mud skis for those wanting to reach us.
Next week, once the schools go back, we’re promised Costa del temperatures but I reckon some of our recent visitors will be grateful for the end of the holidays for a different reason.
This past two weeks we have had a lot of grandparents bringing their grandchildren for a day out, clearly helping out with child care.
They’re fairly easy to spot. They look slightly frazzled and lean wearily on the counter. They try to discourage fizzy drinks (mummy said you weren’t to have lemonade) but give in when facing a barrage of “but that’s not lemonade”/“but she lets us have 7up”/“it’s not fair”. They fork out for ice cream and chocolate cake having at least attempted to give them a healthy lunch.
One couple made the most of the few minutes of peace while their grandchildren disappeared into the loos. They looked at their watches and counted the hours left of their duty.
A grandad today asked me if I had anything with Valium in it.

The last customers this afternoon were a Belgian family whose son is studying at Worcester University.
They ordered tea, cappuccino, scones and a hot chocolate.
Their English was faultless.
I asked what language they speak at home? German? French? No, they speak Flemish. I asked them to teach me how to say Thank You in their mother tongue.
It’s pretty straightforward. No idea how to write it but it’s pronounced “Dankoo”.