2025 Diary - Page 65

25 November

I didn't get a space in Matt's class so I decided to walk over to Marks and Spencer and test the walk for Sunday. I dropped the Snoopy map into Ginny's on the way so she could do the walk.

We have (yet) another bakery / cafe in the High Street so I went to deliver an On the High Street flyer and get some cake from them. The portions were far too big but my carrot cake was pretty nice.

I also went to the local jewellers for some of her special Christmas cards for close family.

We brought the big table umbrella in after dinner. I think we have it sorted as it takes hardly any time at all now rather than the stress it used to cause us. It's partly because we're used to it and partly because we changed the bolt at the top for a longer one so the nut doesn't fly off as soon as you look at it.

Gilda and I went to see "Murder at Midnight" in Bromley. It was OK but I think we should have left our brains at home.

26 November

I went to the gym then Jonathon and I went into London. Our main reason for going into town was to visit the newly refurbished Banqueting House. We were met by a load of very noisy tractors when we came out of Charing Cross station. It was Budget Day so there was a farming protest against the inheritance tax that was introduced at the last budget.

Back to our visit, as members of the Historic Royal Palaces charity we enjoyed a members only preview. The Rubens ceiling was amazing. HRP provided mirrors that we could use to magnify the artwork and have a better view. Such a good idea.

I popped down to the High Street to deliver a Knoll flyer to TUI and buy some Christmas cards.

Nicola and I went to Thai Square in Minories in the evening. She is a lot better nowadays and can walk pretty well without needing crutches.

27 November

Gym first then dog walking. Carol has already put her Christmas decorations including a new wreath on her front door. It lights up at night along with the lights in her bay trees so her front garden becomes very purple when it gets dark.

I went to have my shingles jab but the doctor wasn't there this afternoon so I now have an appointment for 9 December.

Jonathon and I went to TUI to book a holiday for September 2026 while the Black Friday deals were available.

I went to choir practice in the evening.

Amazingly, it was mild enough to eat our dinner outside.

I cut a load of greenery for Perry Hall school before the daylight disappeared. Carol B will collect it in the next few days.

I went to Thera Dance Fit in the evening and had a lovely time bopping around.

29 November

Amazingly I didn't take a single photo today (can't remember the last time that happened) so I "borrowed" one of the greenery from yesterday. It's still sitting in our porch awaiting collection so I think that's fair enough!

Gym first then my main job for today was collecting money for Marie Curie at Morrisons in Sidcup. People were really generous so I'm hopeful that we raised a good amount.

I collected some Christmas decorations from a lady round the corner to use on the Knoll tree. There were some really pretty items that should be usable on the tree but there were other things that can't be used on the tree (candles, tinsel, lights etc.). We kept a couple of bits and Jonathon took the rest to YMCA.

Caught up with Mum on FaceTime - not much news but she seemed in good form.

Quiet night in.

30 November

Gym then church this morning.

I led the Knoll Active Group on a local walk today because we needed to meet other Knoll folk on Broxbourne Gardens by 4 p.m.

It was lovely weather for an autumn walk and the sunset was beautiful.

When we arrived at the tree, Steve and others were busy decorating it and we joined in. Steve made a short speech and Simon, one of our local councillors, did the countdown for the lights to be switched on. It looks very pretty and it's certainly "community". I'm sure there won't be another tree like it in the Tree Festival at the Methodist Church.

Caught up with Christine. She's been very busy at the village hall this week as she's had decorators in. I think she's glad they've gone.

1 December

Had a quick visit to the gym then met up with Ginny, Jane and Gilda for a day trip to St. Albans. We arrived at the cathedral in time for a guided tour - Jon Easter, our guide, was brilliant.

The cathedral is stunning. We had a cuppa in the cafe then headed off to St. Michael's.

It was wet!

St. Alban's Shrine

We had lunch at The Six Bells along the way (very tasty) and admired the church. By that time, the rain was coming down harder and it was starting to be dusk so we decided to check what time the museum closed (4 p.m.). We didn't have enough time to do that justice so we walked through the park back to the station.

There were a few problems with the trains on the way home but we got back safely. It was good to be somewhere dry again!

2 December

It's Mum and Dad's wedding anniversary today (67 years). Pauline took Mum to see Dad but he was asleep for the whole visit. Carole and Pauline then took her out for lunch to make the day a bit special.

I went to the gym (no space in Matt's class) then it was time to run errands. Newspapers to Orpington Cat Rescue, collect orders for Gilda and me from Hobbycraft, Pets at Home for Oli, Pret for lunch today and M&S for lunch later in the week then home. I decided the bus was a better option than walking with all my shopping. Had a nice chat with a lady on the bus and showed her the photos from St. Albans cathedral.

Carol B needed more greenery for her wreath workshop so I filled up the bags and boxes she'd provided and wheeled them round so they weren't hanging about.

While I was doing all that, Jonathon popped into London to collect some Rohan stuff then created our Advent 8 for this year (all I did was add the pretty beads).

Part of the Rohan order was for Pauline so I wrapped up the Foxes' presents and got Mum's Christmas present ready to post. I wrote all the paper cards we send so that's another job done.

Gill came round with a log to add to our stumpery. She has three more but they are too heavy for her to lift so I've said I'll pop round to her house and help her load them into her car then wheelbarrow them into our garden when we can get our diaries to match up.

Our tree decorating isn't quite finished but has enough on it to justify lighting it up - Christmas has started at 8 Lucerne Road!

3 December

Gym first including Ela's class then home for a little while before heading off to the Knoll Chit Chat Gathering at Masala Dabbas. Four of us stayed for lunch which was yummy. It's the first time for Irene, Veronica and Gerd and they all enjoyed the food so, hopefully, they'll go back at some point.

The weather was lovely today (sunrise was spectacular) so I walked the dogs because rain is forecast for tomorrow.

Choir practice in the evening finished off the day.

4 December

Ticked a few more things off my jobs list today. Went to Jo's, delivered the next batch of hearts to Francis Chappell and checked on Jo's flat.

John let me know that I'd collected £109.26 for Marie Curie at the weekend.

I can't go to dance fit tomorrow so I went to line dancing today instead. It was fun but, as usual, Karen seemed to get bored giving us directions towards the end so it was a bit hit and miss.

Carole phoned to let me know that Dad had been taken into hospital but was expected to be sent back to Larchfield tomorrow.

I met up with a few friends and went to Sadlers Wells East to see the brilliant ZooNation perform Ebony Scrooge.

5 December

Had a tiny bit of a sleep in this morning with being late home last night then popped to the shops to get my paper and something for dinner.

Joined June and co for our Friday walk - it wasn't as muddy as expected and my new "non-pretty" boots lived up to the adverts and my feet stayed dry and warm.

I joined a webinar - invite from the MET. It was quite interesting but I don't think I learnt much.

I finally got the Christmas decorations put up so another job ticked off.

Pauline went to see Dad, who was later sent home to Larchfield having been given some blood and stabilised. He's too poorly to cope with any treatment so no point in him staying in hospital.

Janet called to sign Lorraine's birthday card ready for next week.

Ginny and I went to see "Just Voices" at St. Andrew's Church in the evening.

6 December

I had a lot of things to do today while it was still light so up quite early and a quick pound on the treadmill before heading to Bromley to map and measure the walk for tomorrow.

I got my favourite salad from M&S (they don't sell it in the Nugent store) and a wrap for Jonathon so we could have a quick lunch before we both headed out in different directions.

I went round to Gill's to collect two very large logs (part of a tree trunk that she'd had cut down). She was very grateful and gave me some lovely roses. The logs are now in our garden "stumpery" near the bird feeders.

Carole phoned to update on Dad. He's been referred to the End of Life care team. The consultant doesn't think Dad will die within the next few weeks but that team will be best placed to support Larchfield rather him having to go to and fro to hospital.

Had a FaceTime catch up with Mum - she seemed to be in good spirits.

I went to the new Indian restuarant to deliver an "On the High Street" flyer but there was quite a long queue of people waiting to eat there so I did some Boots shopping and came home to try another day when they might be quieter.

7 December

A quick run round the gym, a few household jobs and it was time to meet up with a few others for the Bromley walk (4 parks). It was damp most of the time we were walking round but not too bad.

Interesting that, despite having lived here for many years, a couple of the walkers hadn't visited a couple of the parks before.

We saw an old Routemaster bus on our walk. When we reached The Glades we all went our separate ways and I caught one of the old buses as far as Bromley Bus Garage. I'd forgotten how smelly the fumes were - so pleased we don't have them any more. I eventually got home, having caught another couple of buses. As a result, dinner was later than planned but it was slow oven cooked so it didn't matter.

I checked the tunes / notes for choir, ordered some bird food and caught up with Christine. She's a bit nervous about her pre-op check for her knee replacement but she'll know by next weekend whether she can go ahead (operation scheduled for 2 January).

Jonathon secured the Advent 8 by roping it through the windows so hopefully it will cope with the strong winds we seem to be having these days.

8 December

Gym first then Gilda and Mark came and we went for a local walk. There were quite a few Christmas decorations around and Foxy now has his Christmas outfit on.

We put a couple of decorations that Gilda had made on the Knoll tree and delivered Lorraine's birthday card on route.

Gilda had to scoot off after the walk but Jonathon joined Mark and me for lunch at A Mano.

I put some juice and milk in Jo's fridge ready for her return tomorrow.

Alma came so the house is spick and span again.

As it's the 8th, we lit up our Advent number. It will light up every day between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m. until New Year now.

9 December

I had a fasting blood test this morning so no food after 11.15 p.m. last night. To take my mind off missing breakfast, I went to the gym and straight from there to the surgery. All done very smoothly and back home to eat and have a pot of green tea.

I tested the walk for Saturday so I can tick that off my list. There weren't many Christmas decorations around but there was a parrot!

Jonathon and I went to the Orpington for our Christmas lunch. I had Sea Bream then aple crumble, J had beef bourginon and panna cotta. All very tasty.

I went to the surgery again, this time for my Shingles vaccination. A few of my friends have reacted quite badly to this one so I was dreading it. So far, so good!

Choir practice in the evening and that was the end of another busy day.

10 December

Unsurprisingly I felt a bit stiff and sore (left arm, neck and shoulders) and a bit heady this morning. Ifthat's as bad as it gets it won't be too bad. I decided the best thing to do would be to take things easy and not risk making it worse so I went for a walk (the very long way round to the gym). There were a few more Christmas decorations around to brighten up a dull early morning.

By the time I got to the gym, I only needed to do about 2.5 km so that was relatively easy, especially as I didn't go too fast.

A bird food order arrived but Jonathon had to carry it inside for me. Once I'd split it into its component parts I managed to move them into the garage.

Emma came to collect the "Santa's Extra Nice List" supplement from this weekend's Times. Her children are in the list but, for some reason, she forgot to buy one. Problem easily solved so she can show her children now.

By mid afternoon, I was really tired but felt much better after a hot shower and hair wash so I was able to go to the GPO monthly quiz. We came 3rd with 51/70 so not a bad effort.

11 December

I woke up feeling back to normal so all systems go.

Gym first then over to Carol's to walk the dogs. She had the decorators in so it was a bit chaotic but we managed.

Straight after dinner, I went to help with the dismantling of the Knoll tree ready for moving it to the Christmas Tree Festival at the Methodist church. Steve dealt with the greenery while Chris and I took all the decorations off. We then carried it into Steve's car so he and Ravi could carry it into the church.

Ravi managed to get the lights to work despite them being damaged in transit.

Chris, Steve and Ravi all had to leave so I put as many of the decorations back on to the tree as I could then left the rest of them (pending more clips being sourced). Steve went back in the evening to tidy all the boxes etc. away and finish it off.

12 December

A short walk and visit to Sainsbury's then I caught up with the pile of ironing before joining June, Benji and co on the Friday walk. They went out for lunch after the walk but, having already been out to eat three times this week and due to be out tomorrow evening, I decided to come home and cook risotto for Jonathon and me.

I had my hair cut in the afternoon, bought a couple of toys for the tory service on Sunday, got a few birthday cards for January and dropped some used stamps to Dalaine for RNIB.

Thera Dance Fit in the evening completed my Friday.

13 December

Went to the gym then down to the market place to join in the Carol Singing with Churches Together in Orpington. There was such a good turn out that they ran out of song sheets.

We went from there straight onto the weekend walk, enjoying the winter sunshine along the way.

Our walk ended at the Christmas Tree Festivalat the Methodist Church. We expected to arrive after the official opening but they were running late so we saw that as well. Steve had his photo taken by our tree with our local MP, Gareth Bacon, and I had mine taken with the Mayor of Bromley, Jonathan Andrews. There was a really good variety of trees but there were so many visitors it was hard to get a good look at them. I'll be there again tomorrow so I'll have a better view then.

Mum and I caught up on FaceTime - she seemed to be in good spirits.

June, Ginny, Fiona and I had dinner at Xi'an. It was a fun evening with lovely food. We had booked quite early and it was quiet when we got there but completely packed by the time we left.

14 December

A quick treadmill, admiring the beautiful sunrise on the way, then church for the Nativity Play. It was very well done. Needless to say, the music group kept well out of the way.

I went to the bottom of the garden to check everything (lost a wallflower or two in the weather) and Robin came to say "Hi" as he often does so I put some seed down there as well as filling up the feeders.

Delivered some old newspapers to Peitra and saw Mia and Tisha being taken for a walk along the way.

I went to the Carol Service at the Methodist Church (very traditional 9 lessons and carols) then admired the trees before I left. It was much easier to see and photograph them today because most people went into the link for coffee after the service. There's a lovely variety of trees and decorating styles.

Caught up with Christine - she's already fretting about her operation (due 2 January) but says she'll be fine!

15 December

Went to the gym and did some weight work before Gilda came for our Monday walk. We tested out the Advent One walk (then I did part of it again because I thought of a better way).

Jonathon joined us at The Maxwell for dinner - typical pub food.

My blood test results are shoing on the NHS app and it says to contact the surgery via the website but it didn't say why so I went down to ask. The receptionist didn't know why either but explained what I needed to do so I came home and did it!

Alma came and did the cleaning - she does very well around the decorations.

Choir practice in the evening - hard to think the service is less than a week away!

16 December

Lots of jobs to do today including going to M&S to get some pies for dinner and mapping and measuring Advent Walk 2.

My latest flowers arrived - very pretty. I think I'll have to move some into another vase because they're a bit crowded in the one I usually use.

Gilda and I went to see "Top Hat" at the Queen Elizabeth Hall in the evening - very slick, professional and enjoyable.

17 December

Today started with breakfast at Jo's. There were a couple of flamingos missing but most of us got there.

That was followed by a quick visit to the gym.

Delighted to see my photo of the Knoll tree and one other tree at the festival was included in the local paper.

I met Mark at Canada Water tube station and we walked through Southwark to Deptford, stopping off in Southwark Park cafe for lunch.

It was a really interesting walk with plenty of history and different things to see.

I joined Jonathon at his work place (Toulouse Lautrec) this evening for a swing concert - Victoria Bass Trio - excellent evening of musical fun.

18 December

It rained and rained and rained today so no dog walking(we moved it to tomorrow).

Went to the gym to do a load of steps and lift some weights then met up with the Flamingos for lunch at BR6. I had duck terrine followed by salmon - very tasty. I brought my mince pie and mint chocs home for Jonathon.

19 December

I went to Tesco to get some food and my newspaper then headed off to join June and co for our Friday walk. The lovely, bright sunshine was very welcome after yesterday's rain and we enjoyed our walk over to Chislehurst. Benji loves chasing trains and he could hear one but not see it when he got to the top of this bridge so posed nicely for a photo without realising it.

20 December

Choir practice today after I'd run down to get my paper and done a couple of loads of washing. It all seemed to go well so I hope we haven't peaked too early.

I went to the gym after church then had a few hours at home. Caught up with Mum on FaceTime - she was tired but OK apart from that.

Next job was going down to the Methodist Church to dismantle the Knoll tree and bring it back to Broxbourne where we redecorated it in time for Steve's Solstice Walk. Our tree came third in the public vote. As it was our first time and there were 37 trees that was a decent result and we've already been invited back for next year.

I missed the Solstice walk because I was due at church for the Candlelit Carol Service and didn't have time to do both.

The church was packed and the service went well. I read the story of the Wise Men (Matthew 2, 1-12) and sang with the choir so a busy day all in all.

Photo screen shot from YouTube stream.

22 December

Did some strength exercises at home then went to get some shopping before Gilda arrived.

We went for a local walk - the day didn't ever seem to get light but the sun was making a valiant effort.

The River Cray is really low at the moment so I don't think the rain we had on Thursday and yesterday have done much to fill it up.

We finished our walk via the Chimps and met Jonathon at Masala Dabbas for lunch.

Alma came and brought us presents (and collected hers). She's going to Albania next week so we'll miss her.

Ginny and I went to see "Go Your Own Way" at The Gillian Lynne Theatre. Great seats, shame about the show. The sound balance was all wrong (drums and guitars too loud for the vocals). The Christine McVie representative had a lovely voice but the Stevie Nicks one was a bit flat and we think there was too much echo on her mic so we couldn't hear the words. Thankfully we didn't pay much for the tickets.

23 December

A strange morning today. I went to Tescoto get Jonathon's dinner (success) then Sainsbury's for mine (failure) then I went to the gym. As I was getting ready to leave I got a message from the doctor's surgery asking me to be there in 15 minutes! I got there and asked the receptionist what the appointment was for - to see a doctor but she had no more idea than me. I eventually saw the doctor who also didn't seem to know why I was there. We agreed it was to discuss my cough and he suggested that I should be referred to the Respiratory Team so I'll wait to see what they come up with.

Ben came and we moved a load of pebbles to the muddy patch under the bird feeders to make it less slippery when I top them up.

Next up was Advent Window Walk part 1. A few people turned up and we had a wander round 12 of the windows.

Caught up with Christine having not had a chance to chat since last weekend then Jonathon and I watched a film called "Nativity".

25 December

No gym today becausee it's shut for Christmas. I finished the prep for dinner, did a load of washing and then went to church for the Christmas Day service.

I was very happy to find a fox forraging around in our garden when I got back. He was understandably skittish but I hope we see him again.

Dinner went to plan and was very tasty. I like turkey for a change but wouldn't want it regularly.

26 December

A quieter day today. Went to check Priory Gardens (all OK), checked Jo's flat (also all OK) then to Tesco for fruit and back to Londis because Tesco didn't have any newspapers.

Led the Knoll group on a 9 km walk after dinner. It wasn't as cold as yesterday and there was plenty to see in parks, woodland and general Christmassy streets.

27 December

I offered to lead a walk again today but nobody was interested soI had the day to myself. I went to the gym for a little while, made turkey and apple curry (it tasted horrible because we couldn't get our usual coconut cream) then went for a solo walk in the afternoon.

The Knoll committee are talking about getting the railway tunnel "decorated" by a mural or two but we don't know who owns it so investigation is needed.

Caught up with Mum on FaceTime - she was well and had had a lovely Christmas.

Carole sent through Dad's end of life care plan so I sent her my (very limited) comments.

28 December

Came home from the gym to find Oli pretending to be a Christmas tree ornament.

Church wasn't very busy but Janet led a good service.

Went for a walk in the afternoon while Jonathon sorted out our visas for Kenya and filled in the registration forms with Audley, travel agent.

Caught up with Christine in the evening. She's understandably apprehensive about her operation but should be fine.

29 December

Gym then Gilda came over for our usual Monday walk. This week's walk was a bit further, not least becasue I'd tested out the nuddiness of the local woods over the past few days and was pleasantly surprised so we could visit two woods and a country park. We went through Covet Wood, paused in Petts Wood wood for a slurp of tea (from my new flask that Jonathon had got for me) and went through Jubilee Park.

We met Jonathon at Cyprianis in Petts Wood centre for lunch then back home on the train and it was time for me to do some housework (Alma has gone home to Albania for a few days).

30 December

I dropped a book round to Ginny, wandered through Priory Gardens and checked Jo's flat on my way to the gym.

I took the dogs for a walk today because it was slightly less cold than the forecast for Thursday.

The kitchen and bathrooms are now clean (I'll be happy to see Alma back next week!).

My new "jumper" arrived. It's not what I expected - more like a sweatshirt than a jumper but it's very warm and comfy.

That was pretty much it for today.

31 December

Had a call with the Surgery nurse first thing. She confirmed we don't need any jabs for Kenya so we now need to see the travel person at Boots for the malaria tablets (booked for next week).

Did some weights at home then met Mark for a London walk - St. John's Wood, Abbey Road, The Regent's Park, Grand Union Canal and home via St. Pancras.

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