Sowing Seeds in Petersfield

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I am overwhelmed with the generosity of people here. I made a pact that when I grow up I will invite others into my home with as much goodwill as I have experienced here.
Our generous hosts, Robina and Iain, have welcomed us in, without much previous knowledge of who we are, and offered to let us stay "as long as we like". What a tempting offer! We were whisked away from the train station in a BMW Convertible (no, really, were not impressed) to their darling house in Petersfield. We were then turned loose to have free reign over their laundry, fridge, beer and wine, internet and two upstairs rooms. I told Adam today, "we have stumbled upon a goldmine".
After chatting and making plans for our three day stint in this old farming town, we took a walk around Heath Pond, into town where there was a historic museum complete with a precious elderly curator who had grown up in the town. I asked about photos of historic buildings, and she was whisked somewhere far away, telling me stories of her childhood music lessons in one building, and another story about a man who had his carpetry business next door. It was truly touching to hear such genuine love for her community.
We then found a cute bakery (patisserie) and decided on a cornish pasty and prawn bun for lunch, topped off with a cheese scone. The baker suggested we eat in the town's garden just down the street. We ambled down the alleyway to find a precious garden created by the people of Petersfield. The night before, Robina had told us that when the town was in financial trouble, "The garden was the first to go". So, in response, the ladies created a garden club where they raise money for the garden from bake sales and plant sales. Consequently, every window in her house is in full bloom with tiny pots.
Our hosts have both been involved with the Navy, and explained the history of Portsmouth (an aptly named Port) and the surrounding areas as relying on the water. "We are a naval island...completely surrounded by water, we have laways relied on the Navy to keep us safe throughout our history". Even though Im not in school, Im learning.
Tonight we will be taken out to, "learn to drink at a traditional English pub" and then top it off with pizza. Cheers!

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Comments

[Sarah Bo bArah]

We missin yous
Wa-doo- Keep up the awesome blog!!! we check it about every 2.5 seconds. Yay for Portsmouth. -sarah Rachel-Love you -dad

[Susie]

Greetings from Va. Beach
My heart is touched after reading your experience in Petersfield. I had the pleasure of living 3 doors down from Iain and Robina during their tenure in Va. Beach. You both are definitely living a learning experience ~ enjoy every minute ~ you'll have lots of wonderful memories for your future! Mawh, Mawh, Mawh, Dahling (get Iain to explain) Stay safe, Susie