Two weeks ago it was our wedding anniversary and my husband took me up to the Lake District for a few days. We were delighted when Andrew and Morag accepted our invitation to join us for a day and to dine with us at The Rampsbeck Country House Hotel which we had visited last year and where the stone skimming match had taken place.
The weather was perfect , bright, sunny and warm and we so looked forward to seeing them both again. The hotel staff were thrilled to hear that our guests would be Andrew Johnston and his mother and said that there was more excitement than if the Queen herself was visiting. Andrew is obviously greatly loved and respected for his beautiful voice and I was told that the people of Cumbria consider him to be theirs.
When they arrived we set off to Grasmere to search for “ A host of daffodils” of Wordsworth fame. We failed unfortunately to find them but Andrew did point out a couple by the roadside!!!!We visited Dove Cottage where William Wordsworth lived and marvelled at how so many people had been able to fit in to the house.One room of particular interest was a tiny room where the children slept which Mrs Wordsworth had very carefully lined with pages from The Times to try and insulate from the cold!!. Then on to the Wordsworth museum for a further spot of culture.
After the culture fest we decided some fun was in order so we drove up to Keswick and visited a very Puzzling Place which was full of optical illusions. What fun we had joining our faces together by the aid of strip mirrors, and watching Andrew grow to immense height before our very eyes. Best fun I have had in an age.
Back to the hotel for dinner and we managed to persuade a very reluctant Andrew to try his first caviar and smoked salmon canape.....jury still out!!! The food was to die for and Andrew ate everything put in front of him and some which was put in front of others!!!We had the best table which befits a Star , overlooking lake Ullswater. Morag and Andrew very kindly laughed at all Ken’s jokes and the evening flew by.
Afterwards in the bar Andrew gave us a demonstration of his not inconsiderable piano playing ability on a rather stunning baby grand piano . To say Soups had not been learning very long he acquitted himself astonishingly well, even breaking in to a bit of jazz. All without music and showing his natural musical talent. It was all over far too quickly and it was soon time to say goodbye.
It had been a complete joy and a great privilege to spend some time with them. It was wonderful to find that Soups is still the lovable,charming, fun loving and caring person he always was. He is fortunate indeed to have such a beautiful, intelligent and selfless lady for a mother whom we adore.
A couple of days later on our homeward journey Ken and I were listening to Classic FM on the car radio when I decided to phone in a request. About an hour later I heard my voice asking for Andrew Johnston singing Pie Jesu and then the most sublime sound filled the car. I sat there with tears streaming down my face and Ken drove with a huge grin from ear to ear. We sat in stunned silence for a while and then Ken just said “like a bell, so perfect, crystal clear” What a perfect end to a perfect few days.
sounds and looks as if all of you had a wonderful time. thanks for sharing it with us, Pearl. I’ll just have to continue to visit Soups in my dreams!! 
