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.

26 August

I went for a pre-breakfast walk. Rye is a pretty town and quite small so easy to navigate. It's quite hilly so plenty of ups and downs.

Our windmill looked lovely in the morning sun and Jonathon's car looked quite at home.

I'd found an interesting sounding walk before we left home so kind of followed the first part of that as a "where to go" guide.

The Old Harbour was very dried up but when we passed that way in the afternoon it was much fuller. Perhaps they'd opened the lock gates further up?

Rye is one of the Cinque Ports so there's a lot of history to explore and read about.

After breakfast, I went to visit St. Mary the Virgin's church with it's beautiful stained glass windows, followed by Ypres Tower and the Gun Garden.

I came across some very pretty, well-preserved, old streets.

After refreshements in the town centre, we went to Kiko's cat cafe. We had high hopes for this but there were too many people for the number of cats so we were a bit disappointed.

Some of the cats were quite friendly and a couple of them took particular interest in Jonathon's phone strap but we won't be going again.

Next and final stop for today (other than dinner at Simply Italian) was a trip to Rye Harbour Nature Reserve. Sadly, they have had to close about two thirds of the reserve because of a suspected outbreak of Avian Bottulism. The part that was open was quite interesting but there were very few birds around. Unfortunately, near one of the hides, we spotted two dead ducks so reported them when we got back to the information centre. I suspect the whole reserve will now need to be closed so we won't be going back tomorrow.

27 August

We had quite a bit of rain overnight. Thankfully, it had also rained at home so the garden will be happier. I still went for a pre-breakfast walk but came back drenched, not least because I forgot to bring my walking boots with me so had to wear my trainers.

I had a quick look in some of the gift shop windows on the way to get my paper. There are quite a few antique shops, gift shops and also quite a lot that seem to sell tat. The platter caught my eye in one of the nicer shops.

The rain stopped not long after breakfast so we decided to go to Lamb House, a National Trust property, only to find it was closed today. We didn't really want to go to Rye Harbour Nature Reserve again with the risk of Avian Botulism so we had a wander round Rye (I showed Jonathon some of the places I'd visited yesterday) and popped into St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church. It was not as ornate as some catholic churches we've been in but there was a lot of "ornamentation", including stained glass windows and plaques for the Stations of the Cross.

We then considered Camber Sands but were totally incapable of working out which bus we needed and which stop to get off so decided to go to Hastings instead. We had a lovely walk around there with good, fresh sea air.

The seagull was eyeing up Jonathon's ice cream (needless to say he didn't get any).

Jonathon, of course, had to visit as many charity shops as we could find so yet more CDs are making their way back to Orpington.

It was drizzling by the time we got back to the Windmill so I took my brolly with me when I finished my steps for the day.

The sunset was really pretty.

28 August

Today was our last day and the sun was shining when I got up and went for my walk.

I followed quite a few different paths and alleyways then went to the newsagent in the town centre for my paper.

I always seemed to spot something new when I was walking through the town.

Jonathon went to get some cheese from Rye Deli for Peter and Jenny then we set off. The drive home was a lot easier than the drive there so we made good time.

I did two loads of washing and got it all out on the line. Thankfully, it was dry and inside by the time the thunder storm came.

I had my hair cut (and got wet) and went to Tai Chi (and stayed dry). The garden is happier now we've had rain.

29 August

A much quieter day today.

I started with gym in the morning. As it was raining I did most of my steps on the treadmill. I cut Jonathon's hair so he looks a lot tidier now.

The fish are very happy because their pond is lovely and full with fresh rainwater. I pulled some leaves out of the pond and swept yet more catalpa beans and leaves off the patio - never ending jobs!

We cleaned out the gutter near the back door, removing the bits of grape vine that had managed to creep in there.

Caught up with Mum - she's looking forward to going to Emmaus on Tuesday for 6 weeks (or for ever if that's what she decides).

I think the birds (and squirrels) are pleased to see us back because their feeders are now all full.

30 August

Gym then church this morning.

The Autumn Crocuses have really enjoyed the rain followed by this morning's wunshine. They are looking lovely.

Our Knoll walk was to Hayes today and included a visit to an Open Garden - raising money for St. Christopher's Hospice. It wasn't a flower garden at all but had a model railway layout in the back garden and a telephone museum with loads of different phones to see.

From there, we walked back to Bromley through a couple of parks.

31 August

It's Jonathon's birthday - 64 today.

We decided to go to see "Imagining Animals" at The Tower of London, not really knowing what to expect. They were amazing. Either people of puppets, being birds, insects or animals.

There were musicians accompnaying some of the dancers and Jonathon realised he knew the cellist so he had a chat with her and her partner (and wished he'd taken his big camera with him!)

From there, we went to The Ivy for lunch - delicious as always.

I went to tennis late afternoon. There was only Angela and me to start with but then two young tearaways asked if they could have a go so, when Angela left at 6 p.m., I let them knock a ball around with me until our booked time ran out.

1 September

Treadmill and circuits then tennis with Sharon so a very active morning (as usual for a Tuesday).

It was lovely to see Bushytail back for breakfast. He's looking really healthy now but he made it quite clear that he was really hungry!

I tested out a walk after dinner that I intend to use for the Saturday of the flower festival. It might be slightly too long for the Knoll walkers, even though I shortened it, but I think it should work if I give them a second joining point to make it a bit shorter.

2 September

I went to the gym first thing and did most of my steps there because I wasn't sure how long things were going to take today.

Jonathon and I went to Bluewater Shopping Centre because that's where the medic who arranged my lung function test advised us to park. I got a bus from there to the hospital (only one stop) after we'd had a snack lunch at M&S. The hospital car park was jam packed so it was definitely good advice.

We saw a couple of the decorated bears (they are part of the same trail as the ones we saw in Dartford recently).

3 September

Busy day today. Dog walking first (only Tisha and Nellie and one by one so Mia didn't get too stressed out by being left on her own).

Derek and Maureen called in on their way to Eastbourne and we went to Chapter One for lunch - yummy as always.

Joan and Morag came round to have a look at what foliage is available in our garden for the flower festival.

Final job for the day was pulling together a walk based on filming locations in our local area.

4 September

A Knoll based day today - one of a few to come over this weekend.

Went to the gym first so I could burn some calories off and play with the EGYM machines. Jo was there as well, bemoaning the fact that she seems to have lost her strength over the past 10 days or so while she was in France. I'm sure she'll soon get it back.

Our Friday Knoll Active walk was around Crystal Palace Park. The dinosaurs have recently been restored / refurbished and look amazing. A lot of work has been done on other areas of the park as well, including cleaning up the sphinx and the Italianate terraces - really well done and looks fabulous. They still need to sort out the grassy area where the heavy plant was parked while the work was being done but it's been too hot and dry to do that over the past few weeks.

I managed to squeeze some gardening in (cutting the hydrangea heads for Linda), caught up with Mum's accounts and went to T'ai Chi before it was time to marshal at the Knoll Open Air Cinema. This evening's film was "Mrs Doubtfire" and it seemed to go down well with the 150 or so attendees.

The sunset was spectacular, setting the scene for an enjoyable evening. We'll do it all again tomorrow with a different film and a bigger audience.

5 September

Tescos then checked the common where the open air cinema is being held to make sure all OK (it was).

Gym waas next. Pleased to report I have now attained Platinum level for the EGYM - not sure what comes next but there are, apparently, 6 levels to aim for.

The recent rain seems to have reinvigorated one of Clematis and it's really showing off at the moment.

Finally found time to catch up with the ironing so we have enough to pack for our holiday later in the week.

Had a call with Mum. She seems settled in Emmaus House but there's an annoying alarm going off that apparently can't be dealt with until Monday. She'll end up with a headache if they don't sort it out soon.

Tonight's open air cinema film was "Paddington in Peru" and we served marmalade sandwiches that went down well. There were lots of people there and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.

6 September

Gym then litter picking, being the first Sunday of the month. We gathered up 6 huge bags of rubbish between us so our area looks much tidier again now.

Had a lovely, quiet afternoon - lunch, pots of green tea, a chat with Christine, read my paper etc. then took the Knoll Active walkers on the Film and TV based walk.

There were quite a few walkers; some remembered the adverts, cinemas etc from days gone by but none of them knew the films. I think they found it interesting but it was hard to tell!

Me telling the walkers about the films the walk was based on

7 September

Back to a normal Monday today with Gilda coming over for a walk. She now has a class on Monday afternoon so no restaurant lunch, instead we had a snack lunch in the garden. We tested out the Church walk for the day Jonathon and I get back from holiday. It seems fine so I can tick that box for now.

Jonathon strimmed the long grass - the garden looks a lot bigger when the grass is down. I'll leave it laying until we get back from holiday to give all the seeds time to set.

It was good to have a couple of new people at tennis this evening. Hopefully, they'll come again in a couple of weeks time (no tennis next week because neither Ravi nor I are around).

8 September

It was raining hard when I got up and continued for most of the day - up to about tea time. Too wet to do much so I sorted out the holiday packing.

I went to circuits but Sharon and I decided it was far too wet for tennis so I cancelled the court.

Jonathon and I went to see The Comedy About Spies - we enjoyed it so much last time, we booked to see it again. It was just as good second time around.

9 September

Only a quick visit to the gym this morning because we had Dawn's 70th birthday breakfast at Jo's. It was good fun.

I cut some courgettes, got rid of the runner beans in the beds and emptied the last sack of potatoes so there's not much left in the garden now. I dropped some stuff round to Diane's and had a walk through Poverest Park and Covet Wood to do my steps and went to Boots for some last minute packing stuff .

Tina's away so I was in charge of Knit and Natter this week. Gill arrived with her keys to open up and it was quite busy, especially around 10 to 6 when the Beavers started to arrive. At that point, I left them all to it.

The Flamingos' quiz team fared quite badly, coming 10th out of 11 teams with 41/70. The winning team got 61 so we were way behind.

10 September

Gym then dog walking. Mia was a lot brighter today but, sadly, Carol wasn't too well.

I noticed the direct debit from Thames Water had shot up so asked Jonathon what was going on. He'd received a letter from them so we spent quite a bit of time locating the leak (thankfully in the garden) and sorting out a re-routing of the water to the pond.

We went to Xi'an for lunch because we had no food left in the house.

11 September

A quick visit to the gym before finalising the packing and travelling to Gatwick North for our holiday in Gran Canaria.

The flight was straightforward with very dramatic cloud views. Getting through EES for the first time was a lot easier than we expected so we were at the transfer coach and arrived at the hotel in no time at all.

We are staying at Riu Palace, Maspalomas for a week - the view from our room is directly to the famous dunes. First impressions of the hotel are favourable so we should have a lovely time.

12 September

I didn't wake up until after 8.30 a.m. this morning - very late for me. I knew I was tired but hadn't realised just how tired I'd got. The sun was lighting up the sea nicely (view from our balcony).

After a leisurely breakfast, a crossword or two and a visit to the gym, we went for a stroll in the dunes area. Although there is no climbing allowed on the dunes themselves, there is a marked path you can walk along to admire them. It was hard work walking in the sand but definitely worth it.

From there, we went along to Playa des Ingles. I'm very glad we are not staying in the centre there - it looks noisy and very busy. After a reviving ice cream for Jonathon and a smoothie for me we made our way back to our hotel to get ready for dinner.

We wandered over to Playa Del Ingles for ice cream and a drink. There is a closer ice cream parlour but the ice cream is nowhere as nice and going to this one gives us a good excuse to stretch our legs.

It was still quite breezy and there were plenty of white horses on the surf.

Dinner was my last "activity" of the day. Jonathon took his camera out for the undramatic sunset. As he goes straight after dinner, he takes his camera with him to the restaurant. It certainly attracts a lot of comments and is even provided with its own chair if we are at a table for two.

14 September

Monday and off I went for a pre-breakfast wander only to receive a message from Jonathon saying that we needed to go to Las Palmas after breakfast because his camera needed a sensor clean and he'd forgotten to bring his kit with him.

I finished my walk, enjoying the sunrise as I strolled along, marvelled at a man shimming up a very tall tree and wondered what the strange black "Bird of Paradise" type fruit was - turns out it was wild bananas.

Last time we in Maspalomas, we were over by the lighthouse - you can see it from our side of the dunes as well.

The patterns on the dunes looked spectacular.

After breakfast, off we went on a number 30 bus to Las Palmas. The journey was very straightforward but took about an hour so seemed very long.

We found the camera shop easily. Unfortunately, they weren't able to clean the sensor but they phoned another shop who would be able to help. Sadly, they would need to keep the camera overnight (that wasn't going to happen) so Jonathon bought a sensor cleaning kit and sorted it our himself when we got back to the hotel - it took two goes to get it done.

We also found a lovely cafe (Lisboa Coffee and Bakery) that baked their own pastires etc. every day on the premises. The pastel del nata were yummy, as was the freshly squeezed orange juice.

We had a stroll along the promenade before heading back to the bus station for our journey back. We didn't venture into the old town which, I understand, is a lot prettier than the part we were in. The part we visited was definitely prettier than some of the barren land the bus went through.

Rather than go all the way back to the hotel to walk back to the ice cream parlour, we got off the bus early and had a shorter walk.

After dinner, Jonathon went off with his camera to see what the sunset looked like. I had a wander about in the hotel and caught sight of the sunset from a balcony on our floor so not too far for me to go.

We didn't do much else for the rest of the day, other than a short trip to the gym along with lots of puzzles and book reading.

Hopefully, the weather will be kinder tomorrow.

We weren't too late back for breakfast then we had a bit of a rest before I trotted off to the gym for a while.

We'd decided to catch a bus to Lake Charca late afternoon (near where we stayed last time we were in Gran Canaria) so Jonathon could do some bird photography. There were loads of birds to see so we spent quite a bit of time there before coming back for dinner.

I took a few photos as well - Waxwing and Whimbrel below.

With the sand being wetter, I could finally get a photo of my footprints. I decided to take a selfie shadow as well!

There were some lovely sand sculptures to admire.

Another Gallotia - this one was much bigger.

The elephant stands at the entrance to one of the shops.

We went to get an ice cream once we'd recovered from our trip. I started doing the packing after tea while Jonathon went to watch the sun go down.

I don't think Jonathon has ever done so many steps in one day before.

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