Remember last week when my little trip to Uttoxeter in Staffordshire went all wrong? Well I bought a new railway ticket for today and everything worked out just fine and dandy. The trains were on time and I did not stupidly mislay my camera.
It had everything. Some lovely private houses, two churches, a village hall, a small primary school, two pubs, a recreation ground and a lot of history. In another life I could have happily dwelt there with my family, lost in the middle of England.
It was a long circular walk and it was clear to me that some of the public footpaths I had chosen were rarely trodden. Finding my way was more than a little challenging because of that but I made it!
The trains home were punctual with no bing-bongs to drive me mad and I was home in time to watch England lose to Argentina by two goals to one in their World Cup semi-final.
About this, I have to say two things. Firstly, we lost to the better team and secondly - after Anthony Gordon had put England ahead, that was the time for our manager to drive home our advantage with attacking substitutions. In my opinion, he screwed up by instead strengthening our defence when he should have been going for the jugular.
I watched the second half of the second half, and somehow I had a sinking feeling that the Argies would score two. Love that Rock n Roll Dodge.
ReplyDeleteBritain was beaten by a very strong team.
ReplyDeleteIt is sad that England lost, but there's always next time. What is sadder is the final game is being ruined by a longer half-time break with added entertainment as per orange blob's wishes. He's trying to "Americanise" the event to be more like their Super Bowl. In my opinion he shouldn't be allowed to do this, he should have no input whatsoever.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like a great walk, and you dealt with the challenge of hard-to-find public footpaths. No bing-bongs is what we all hope for when we use public transport. Please keep your fingers crossed for my sister and my journey to Harrogate on Monday.
ReplyDeleteI have very little interest in football but felt compelled to watch this match. It seemed to me that the Argies were playing rough too often and that the change in tactics lost us the match.
ReplyDeleteIt is always good to see that eccentricity still lives on in our villages and towns. All I can say about football, we were fairly near the ultimate final game, might do better next year.
ReplyDeleteThe walk sounds pleasant. Two pubs, two churches, sinners repent.
ReplyDeleteSad about the football result. I was rooting for England.
I thought of you when I heard that England lost the match with Argentina. I was hoping that you could cheer on your home team in the finals. I think I would really enjoy living in northern England. The village you describe seems so quaint, and I love that you can take trains to go places!
ReplyDeleteSorry about the football, a valiant effort and hopefully a good show. James May posted a new YouTube video about reach that certain age when British men go rambling or take up new hobbies, he bought the car of his dreams in the 1980s .https://youtu.be/VP6uSFOQTsk?si=aLogrz9Oh5SkLYaF m. Oh how I wanted one of those in about 1981.
ReplyDeleteLove those quirky photos you took!
ReplyDeleteI love all these tiny towns you visit.
ReplyDeleteThe lone cow at the end is ready for her close up. What is that structure behind her? Too bad about the football. Do you think if you gave them the Malvinas back they'd have thrown the match?
ReplyDeleteGlad you had a good trip and a nice hike. I jinxed your team when I watched them play after I heard they were up 1-0. I could tell they were just on defense for the part I watched. I shouldn't have peeked at the game. Sorry, Neil. They went far in the tournament, tho.
ReplyDeleteUttoxeter. Arcadia by another name. Silent, in the burning heat of July.
ReplyDeleteElizabeth Taylor began a novel in a country English railway station in summer.
Yesterday I learned there were writers who loathed her work. I can't think why.
Be careful. Stay hydrated. We oldies collapse when out walking.
Et in Arcadia ego.
Poussin's painting is all tangled up with theories about mystery religions.
Glad it worked out better for you this time. I'd probably just have given up! ;)
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