Mothering Sunday

In the UK, today is Mothering Sunday, also known as Mother's Day. Quite coincidentally, both my mother and her mother were able to spend it with me! They, along with my dad and my great-aunt Maxine, arrived yesterday afternoon for a week-long visit.

Because they arrived much later than expected yesterday, we had to nix several of the planned activities. Nevertheless, we were able to take them to eat at the Impy, a nice local pub conveniently located near the train station. We took advantage of the two meals for £7.20 deal and ordered various dishes, including fish and chips and three-bean chili. Because a rugby match was being broadcast when we first arrived, it took us a while to find an inside table where we could all sit together, so for a while, some of us sat outside while the others sat inside. Finally, though, we were able to all gather together and enjoy our meal. 

This morning, Dad went to the Cooperative Food grocery store and purchased eggs and pork and apple sausages which he then cooked for breakfast while the rest of us showered and got dressed for church. The group of us went to the morning service at our church, Mint Methodist. My family was pleasantly surprised by how friendly everyone was, including Rev. Sails. Following the service, we stayed for the tea and chatting time and then went to the Hog's Head for lunch. There, we enjoyed traditional Sunday roasts (chicken for Mom, Dad, Will, and me and beef for Granna and Aunt Maxine). The roasts were cheap, at 2 for £6.95, and terrifically tasty. In addition to the meat, the dish included carrots, mashed potatoes, and Yorkshire pudding (which in not "pudding" in the American sense but is instead a type of bread). In the middle of each pudding was a dark fried object which looked something like a hush puppy. When we asked a waiter what it was, we were initially told some random name. We then tasted it and found it tasted EXACTLY like stuffing. Hilariously, the waiter then came back and told us that it was actually a stuffing ball. Apparently, he didn't know what we were asking about at first. 

Following lunch, I had to go to work at Build-A-Bear, so Will took my family on one of the free Exeter city tours. Their tour, entitled "Heart of Exeter," focused primarily on the cathedral and the area immediately surrounding it and was led by a retired schoolteacher who reportedly did an excellent job. Importantly, she often spoke directly to Granna and Aunt Max, making sure they felt included. 

After the tour, my family enjoyed a Devon Cream Tea at No 21, a restaurant in the cathedral close. I am a bit jealous, because I have not yet had the opportunity to enjoy this local specialty, but Will has promised to take me next week. Following the tea, Mom and Dad met me at Build-A-Bear, and I took them on a walk down to the quay. Granna and Aunt Max went back to our flat with Will to rest. 

All in all, today was quite successful. Tomorrow, we are off to Stonehenge.