The best part of the bus ride was Ann. Ann is in her 90's. She's is a very sharp dresser, wearing a tasteful Jackie O type of dress with pearls. Today was a big day, Ann (from here on out known as Ann1), was going to show her friend Ann (from here on out known as Ann2) how to ride the bus. Ann2, also in her 90's, had lost her husband this past December, and had never taken public transportation. Ann1 and I chatted about how she and her husband, John, had been married for over 60 years. She is Irish, but met him in England when she and her cousin came over on the boat for a visit. She did a 6 year stay in the states in the 50's as a nurse at Massachusettes General. She and John have traveled all over, but settled in Chipping Campden and had a family. Their kids are strown all over the world, but they visit their daughter in France the most. She is one sharp cookie, and told me all about the towns we passed through on the way to Ann2's stop. Ann2 is right out of a Tim Burton movies. The complete opposite of Ann1. Ann2 has wild hair, 1930' ish fabulous dress, and lots of eye makeup and lip stick. I bet she was something in her day. Ann1 got out of her seat to help Ann2 into the bus, telling the driver he was just going to have to be patient, because Ann2 was old and it would take her a moment to manage the step. I offered to help, but she would have none of it. Ann2 was clearly excited about her outing. She said she was afraid she was going to miss the bus, so she got there 15 minutes early. (no seating at this little village stop, by the way) Ann1 introduced me as "Maureen", and that was my name for the rest of the trip. What's in a name, anyway? The two Anns sat in front of me and chatted about their friends and the perils of bus riding. Ann1 would turn around and point things out to me occasionally. Ann2 would repeat a story, and Ann1 would say - "yes, you mentioned that" in a very sweet way with a little giggle at the end. So cute. We arrived at Stratford, and Ann1 took my arm (she had quite a grip) and told me that this is where I would catch the bus home later, pointing at the stop we had just left. She didn't want me to get lost. So sweet. I watched them head down the street arm in arm through a sea full of people to Marks and Spencers for lunch. The 2 Anns were fab!
Stratford is a college town, that coupled with Bill's birthday, made for a really crowded place to be. There were free plays happening in the park, and all sorts of folks dressed in character. The river was gorgeous. Lots of boats and swans.
Avon
ah... spring time
I wandered along the river for a while, and came upon a butterfly farm. Amazing to be in a space with lots of these thing flying around you.
did i mention it was spring time? (cover your eyes kiddies)
Long bus ride back to Windy Ridge. I hope the 2 Anns made it home ok.
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