2026 Diary - Page 73

18 August

Gym and circuits first. Darcey had somehow not realised the class started at 9 a.m. so we only had 20 minutes instead of 25.

Today's Chit Chat gathering was well attended (Gill joined us after the photo was taken). Gerd, Irene and I stayed for lunch. The Masala Dosa I had was very tasty.

Sharon and I were supposed to play tennis this afternoon but she wasn't well enough so she cancelled. Instead, I caught up with some shopping - toiletries, birthday cards etc. so that's done for a while.

I did some gardening before tea - I've now run out of large garden sacks so it's time for Jonathon to go to the tip again.

19 August

We had enough rain overnight to leave puddles, brighten up the patio and give the garden a drink. It was still raining when I went to the gym but stopped before I came home. Hopefully, we'll have some more soon.

I walked round to Diane's to hide a parcel that had been left outside her door - she won't be home until late tonight. Hopefully, it will stay safe.

Carole let me know she'd persuaded Mum to try Emmaus for 6 weeks rather than commit to permanent but said Mum's very frail today.

Joined Tina and Gill at Knit and Natter. Quite a quiet day.

20 August

Had a quick visit to the gym before dog walking. Mia really didn't want to go out and fought all the way. She eventually managed to wriggle out of her harness which was a real concern because she started heading for home with no road sense whatsoever. Thankfully, another dog walker managed to delay her so I could catch her and clip her lead onto her collar. She wasn't at all happy about that but we went straight back to Carol. I suspect it might be the last time I take Mia out unless it's something the vet can sort out.

Jonathon headed off to the opticians - he needs new glasses so we had a video call to let me see the frames he was choosing from.

While he was there, I delivered the latest batch of hearts to Francis Chappell. I didn't see anyone there but noticed a group of hearts on a side table so added the new ones to those and came away.

We went to see The Comedy about Spies in the evening. It was brilliant. Mischief Theatre company were at their absolute best.

21 August

Got ready to go to the gym only to hear that it was closed because of a water leak so that idea was scuppered. Went to check Jo's flat and get my paper then rehydrated (didn't drink enough yesterday evening) before joining June and co for the Friday walk.

En route, we admired the new post box topper in Petts Wood.

22 August

Gym first then a bit of shopping. On the way to the gym, I popped into Jo's and picked the tomatoes that were ripe - she won't be back in time to eat them and it would be a shame to waste them.

Jonathon took ten bags of garden waste to the green tip. The other two bags can wait until he's going again (he can only fit 5 in the car at a time). There was no queue so he was there and back both times very quickly.

I'm surprised about the number of berries on the Pyracantha. Firstly, because the weather has been so hot and dry and secondly, because it's about two months earlier than usual for berries. It's only the bushes with orange berries that seem to be full of fruit - the reds and yellows are showing no sign at all so far.

I swept up yet more leaves and beans from the Catalpa tree. The least bit of wind and more fall off. The beans are bigger than I've seen them before so they must have liked the hot, dry summer as well.

Caught up with Mum who seemed to be on remarkably good form.

Joined June, Ginny, Diane, Margaret, Anne and Claire for dinner at Fiesta Mexicana. It was Diane's birthday last week and June's is next week so two reasons to celebrate.

23 August

Gym then church as per normal this morning.

Pauline and I exchanged messages because I wanted to check how she's getting on. She's taking quite a few pain killers now and needing lots of rest but, providing she paces herself, she is still able to do bits and pieces.

Caught up with Christine. She'd been to a mutual friend's funeral this week, another Christine. Christine A had been suffering with various forms of cancer over the years but was actively volunteering for a couple of cancer charities until only a few weeks from the end.

The Knoll walk was round the parks in Bromley today. Dogs were banned from one of the parks so we had to change the route a little bit and could only visit three parks instead of four. It was still a decent walk and a good number of people turned up.

24 August

WEnt to get my paper then headed off to Peckham Rye to meet Mark for a walk from there to Brixton. We thought it would be really urban and it was at both ends of the walk but we were pleasantly surprised how suburban some of the route felt and how much green space there was. It was a really interesting walk and quite flat so I think it should work for my weekend walkers.

We had a yummy lunch at San Marino not far from Brixton station then made our way back to our respective homes.

Del Boy's car from Only Fools and Horses (but possibly not the original!)

Renewed Mum's house insurance but we'll need to speak to them again (with Mum to authorise the conversation) if she decides to stay in Emmaus full time.

It was good to see Matthew and Daniel back at tennis. Matthew and I beat Angela and Daniel 6-3 but quite a few of the games went to deuce so it was quite close and good fun.

25 August

Circuits this morning. I popped into Jo's on the way there. Her herbs, that live inside, are not faring well at all. I moved them away from the patio doors and put them near the sink with plenty of water but I've no idea if they'll survive.

As we weren't going to Rye for our mini break until afternoon, I tested a walk for Sunday. It was a lovely route but I think it would be too long for the walkers, especially as we will be visiting an open garden first. I know where I can cut back so all good.

We drove to Rye after dinner for our three night stay in a windmill (B&B). Having checked in, we admired the view from our window then went to The Standard Inn for tea (pies were lovely). As Jonathon can't have mustard, they found a special, mustard free, beef and ale pie for him!

We had a wander round the town afterwards. It seems like a pretty place and should be lovely for our few days here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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