Thursday 20th August 2026

We decided to go to Solley’s Ice Cream – the farm. It is very near to us and we have never been there, so decided to put that right. It is a lovely place in the countryside. It would be the ideal place for camping although there weren’t many campers there.  We had breakfast and as much as we love dogs it was a little annoying having the “farm dog” watching every mouthful and no one asking if it was OK!

Ellie lay down very quietly the other side! I asked for a sandwich with brown bread and they brought white, Mal’s coffee was not good. Obviously we know their ice cream is very good but it was too early in the morning for that. I have changed my mind about having it as a Red Hatters venue!

But it is in a lovely place.

On arriving home it started to rain and quite heavy and then a thunderstorm.

Wednesday 19th August 2026

It rained but at least our walk was dry. Mal went to the allotment but obviously not wet enough yet!

Lunchtime the Kent Lavender Ladies, Red Hatters, we all met at The Jolly Farmer. I had curry, I  can’t say it was very good, more like soup with a few bits of chicken in it! A shame but we enjoyed ourselves.

 

 

Tuesday 18th August 2026

A cooler day and Ellie was a little livelier. As we were walking around the cricket pitch we were chatting to another dog owner whose dog is 13. He takes her to Hydrotherapy in Whitfield, it is Waves. I know we were going to try it as it has so many recommendations but then I was ill and it became forgotten.

As soon as we arrived home, I completed the online form and sent a request to the vet to send all the details to Waves.

Monday 17th August 2026

A work day and because of all the closed road chaos around us (Southern Water repairs), I left half an hour earlier but still arrived in good time. I heard all about Jack’s holiday and his birthday.

A busy day and I managed to get Mal some “allotment” trousers at one of our rival shops (we didn’t have any suitable). He ruins them anyway at the allotment but these were brand new, zip pockets, everything he wanted for £4!!

Coming home I then had to find the alternative route as Ramsgate road is closed but I did it in far less than their suggested 31 mile diversion!!  The problem with that way is it is through tiny villages with tiny country lanes and obviously heavy traffic otherwise you couldn’t get back in to Sandwich!

Sunday 16th August 2026

Ellie chose the walk in Knees wood again and went further than we thought , then a drink for all of us at the Captains.

We then left an exhausted Ellie at home and went into Deal and had our lunch at Spoons.

It was nice sitting outside.

We both had the chicken breast with tender stem broccoli and it was surprisingly good. The gin and tonic helped too!

We then went along the seafront to the bandstand to listen to the Railway Swing Band. They were not as good as we hoped. I guess we were spoilt by the Royal Marine Band we saw previously there.

We didn’t stay until the end, instead walked along the sea front. The lifeboat out, ready for action…

On returning home, we opened the door and Ellie was still lying with her face right next to one of the fans. I think she had slept most of time we were gone!

Friday 14th August 2026

We drove to the cricket pitch, so Ellie didn’t have to walk too far and this was at 6am.  Quite a lot of people out walking their dogs.

So many more tomatoes in the garden, our menu has changed slightly to accommodate fresh tomatoes! Delicious.

Mal started decorating the bedroom, starting with  the woodwork.

A hot day!