I am on the run down to my vacation but am currently suffering from the influence of the “Inverse Rule”
I am on the run down to my vacation but am currently suffering from the influence of the “Inverse Rule”
Earlier in the year, we had the rellies over from Oz. During their stay we traveled up to visit Blenheim Palace, stayed overnight in Woodstock and did a small vaguely Downton Abbey related tour of the locale. The following are a few photo’s taken over the weekend.

















Bampton in Oxfordshire is the “real” name of Downton, a name familiar with all Downton Abbey fans. As one would expect the real thing looks very different to the images presented on screen.






Burford is a small town on the River Windrush in the Cotswold hills in west Oxfordshire, England, about 18 miles west of Oxford, 22 miles southeast of Cheltenham and only about 2 miles from the Gloucestershire boundary.















Last evening we popped down to see how my daughter and her husbands new venture was progressing. They have just opened Glam & Glitz Boutique in Albert Road, Southsea. Since it was near closing time we all decided to go out for a meal. Albert Road is a great place to go if you are hungry. There are eateries catering for just about every taste imaginable.
We chose to try Aubergine, a small Bangladeshi and Indian Cuisine restaurant.
What a good decision that was. There were six of us and we hadn’t booked. This didn’t phase them and very quickly they shuffled some tables and chairs and we were quickly seated.
I ordered a starter, “Luck Now Ke Seek Kebab” described as “Minced lamb with chefs own spices, coriander, cheese, moulded on to skewers” which was quite tasty. This I followed with “Juicy Gosht” which was effectively a lamb shank in a spicy sauce. My description is probably doing it a disservice but it is not on the internet version of their menu so I couldn’t plagiarise their description. However, it really was juicy and the meat was oh so tender. This was the star of the evening, and, ably supported by Pilau Rice and Bhindi Bhajee was a meal fit for a king.
Two of our family group kicked off with the the mandatory “Onion Bhajee” and two more decided to try the “Tandoori Champan”, which comprised “Tender of lamb chops marinated with fresh garlic, ginger and other spices”. For their mains two brave souls, including my wife, went for the Lamb Jalfrazi.
All agreed that the service was good, the staff friendly despite my introducing confusion by ordering a refill beer brand that they didn’t sell.
I would say that Aubergine stands out as one of the good restaurants in the area and I heartily recommend a visit. I for one will certainly be going back.
Man dies as fire destroys Waterlooville bungalow – Portsmouth News.
Sorry to hear that a man has died despite the best efforts of his neighbour who tackled the fire with a garden hose.
A beautiful lady. Another star will be missed. What a legacy.

Union Jack was a Newfie, a Newfoundland, and he has sadly passed away. He was a big friendly pooch.
Sadly missed by his family and those of us who only knew him briefly. Keeping company with Robin Williams and Lauren Bacall.
His passing will have left a huge void in his home and he will certainly be missed.
Says what many of us are thinking and says it better than I ever could
This is just too good not to share.
My daughters new venture seems to have gotten off to a good start. Now the hard work really begins. Just a few pix to show the new store……



