15 May

Did lots of steps today!  Main mission was to visit the rhododendron walk in Petts Wood.  Found the walk but there weren’t many rhodies out so a bit disappointing.  Never mind, it was still a nice walk.  It was so cold to start with that I could see the frost steaming off the plants when the sun started to burn it off.  I took myself off to look for Scadbury Park but when I looked at the map, I decided that was probably a bit too far so put that on hold until tomorrow / later.  Had a good stroll around the area and found some lovely houses etc. to look at.  I got home to find a fox sitting in Oli’s favourite place in the grass bed but Oli wasn’t far away having tried to go shopping with me, taken Bob’s (No 10) shopping round and then trotted round to No 4 with me. 

I was surprised to see workmen at No 4 – both Jenny and Peter are supposed to be safeguarding but what can you do!  Butternut squash risotto for lunch – yummy - and more sultana buns made.  Gardening in the afternoon, under Oli’s supervision.  I’m not sure if he just wants to be near me when I’m outside or if he’s protecting me from the foxes but he’s never far away.  WhatsApp’d with Mark – he had to go to the eye clinic at Lincoln hospital yesterday but he’s OK.  Finished another dog blanket so really need to get some of them packed up ready to post – think I’ll send them to The Dogs’ Trust in Maidstone rather than Battersea as we already support DT so I wouldn’t end up joining yet another mailing list.  Loads of live streams to choose from this evening so spoilt for choice.

16 May

The day has arrived and it’s time to try and fix Shaun.  We hoped it was just his battery so Jonathon had the task of ordering a new one from Halfords (click and collect) then taking out the old one so we could give it to them to recycle when we got there.  Whilst on-line, his other task was to find some of his coffee as he’s got very little left and there is none to be had in either Tesco or Sainsbury around here.  He found some in a Tesco click and collect depot about 8 miles away so that’s ordered for collection on Tuesday along with other heavy stuff (lemonade, J20 etc.).

Lunch today was soup and leftovers!  The spare sauce from the butter chicken has been mixed in with chicken soup and the two remaining Italian flat breads made into wraps to go with it, using the leftover ham (Jonathon) but adding chicken to both.  I was going to plant French beans and courgettes today but with going to Halfords I decided to leave that as something to do tomorrow when the forecast is definitely warmer. 

Shaun is now working again.  While we had both cars on the drive we gave them a clean – they look a lot better.  Nicola phoned so chatted for an hour then watched “Cats” on YouTube.  I can remember seeing it in the West End when it first came out – soooo many years ago (1980s I think).

17 May

Today’s walk was to High Elms, somewhere I’ve been planning to visit for a while.  Lovely place to walk around but by 7.30 a.m. there were far too many other people there so it’s definitely a place to be in and out of early morning.  I’d be happy with the dogs but they seem to bring humans with them!  The church service was in the form of a video premiere today so we could leave comments at the time – good fun and I hope they continue to do it that way.  Used a new recipe for bread today – we both preferred it so will probably stick with this one for a while.  Skype’d with Mum and Dad; spoke to Christine and Skype’d with C&P – busy communications day.  We are now just over half way through “No Mow May” and the grass is starting to drive me crazy – it makes the garden look really untidy.  We already get loads of bees, butterflies and bugs so not sure what it’s adding but it gives us something to think about.

18 May

Back to one of my favourite woods today for a good mooch around.  Saw an amusing sticker on Abel & Cole’s van (they deliver veg, fruit etc. around here).  No neighbours’ shopping so easy run to Sainsbury’s today with not much of a queue.  Made some cherry buns for a change – wonder if they’ll last any longer?  Finally got around to planting the courgettes and French beans and also popped another row of peas in but the seed says “best before May 2018” so don’t hold out too much hope for the peas! 

Zoomed with Gilda in the afternoon and WhatsApp’d with Angela but no real news from either of them.  Angela and John are finding it pretty tough trying to work from home, manage home schooling etc. but they all seemed pretty cheerful.

19 May

I woke up to find a fox just outside the back door and the sun lighting up the roses at the front – a good start!  I did my walk in two parts today starting with my usual early morning for the first part in the park around the Cray River and Priory Gardens (new goslings to admire).  The boating lake  / paddling pool had water in – first time this season.  We collected a Click and Collect at Tesco so Jonathon should now have enough coffee to see him through to the end of this year.  Tesco was really efficient – they put all the shopping into the boot for us and we didn’t even get out of the car.  Jonathon dropped me off on the way home and I did the rest of my steps that way.  One of my Facebook friends has set me a challenge of posting a photo of a different flower each day for ten days – first one was a rose from the back garden.

20 May

Pension day (or one of them at least, my other pension day is 25th).  Sent off some forms for the one pension we’ve not done anything with so hopefully that will be moved to where it needs to be. Finally managed to find Scadbury Park – now that I know where it is there’s a much easier way to get there.  It was well worth the effort (20k+ steps) – lovely place.  Had to smile at a poster I saw at a school and was pleased to see some ducklings when I strolled through Priory Gardens on the way back.  Really hot (27C) here so stayed in the shade for Skype with Mum and Dad (no news). 

 

Had a long, tearful call from Nicola – she’s not coping with life very well at all but I’m not sure there’s much I can do as I’m not prepared to go into London.  I’ve set her a challenge per day for the next three days, today’s being make sure she eats something.  Popped down to A Mano to collect our Italian takeaway – yummy! 

Mark phoned – he’s had an offer on his mum’s house and wondered what I thought.  No chain and within less than 10% of the asking price so my recommendation was to accept it and see how things go.  Recorded a song for church and sent it to Steve.  It will be blended with other singers rather than a solo so hopefully that will work.  Quite a busy afternoon!

21 May

The weather just didn’t know what to do with itself today.  Thundershowers were forecast but didn’t materialise and the temperature hit 27C again in the afternoon – far too hot to do anything but I’m getting bored with not being able to do much.  Met Pat and Barbara (gym friends) whilst out walking so caught up with them. 

FaceTimed with Nigel – nothing going on at pbb so still don’t know whether they’ll need me back but the longer it goes on, the less likely I’ll want to go back.  At the moment, they could ask me by the end of June but it doesn’t mean I have to agree!  Did a tiny bit of tidying up in the garden (about 1 hour) but that was about it.

23 May

I decided to venture to Well Hill today.  It’s a place that I’ve seen signposted regularly but never been – some lovely houses there.  On the way back, I wandered through Hallows Wood, a very pretty Woodland Trust wood.  That meant walking over the top of the M25 and walking back underneath it!  It was really quiet – if only it could always be like that.  I called in to pick up a rainbow wreath from Alix (friend from church) – looks very pretty in our front window. 

Gardening was this afternoon’s job and I tipped out one of the potato grow sacks so we’ll be having new potatoes for lunch tomorrow.  Wendy (ex deputy minister at church) popped in to pick something up from next door while I was in the front garden so had a nice chat with her.  Watched “The Banker”, a film about 2 black men trying to get into the US Real Estate market in the 1950/60s – really interesting.

24 May

I set off with a vague notion of where I was heading (Hayes) and then decided (when I got there) that it wasn’t quite far enough so if I just went up here, I could go through the park ...  That would have worked had the park been open!!  Instead, by the time I got home I’d done 16 km / 23k+ steps.  I’m not sure if my feet will ever forgive me! 

 

25 May

Did one of my favourite 3 Parks walk today – thought I’d try something a bit more relaxing after yesterday’s tramp around.  The cooties are growing up fast but the Greylag goslings still look tiny (I couldn’t find the ducklings so hope they’re OK). 

Church have asked us to tie messages etc. to the fence so I wrote something and trotted round with it.  Zoomed with Gilda and, as it was a beautiful day with lovely blue skies and 25C, lolled about in the garden for most of the rest of the day, being deafened by the baby starlings demanding to be fed.

26 May

I did a shorter walk first thing because I knew I’d do quite a few steps to and from the skip, taking all the garden rubbish from the back yard to the front.  Everything was ready by early afternoon but no skip.  Jonathon chased to be told it would be here by 4.30 p.m. so had a sit down with lunch, puzzles etc. 

I “found” the Orpington cricket club on my walk today – sandwiched between a few rugby pitches, possibly explains the funding comment on the clubhouse. 

Jonathon is losing his patience with the holiday insurance company who, yet again, have told him that they haven’t received the attachments despite J having sent them three times.  He chased the skip people just after 4.30 p.m. – they’d run out of skips so we might get one tomorrow.  He’s not at all happy!

27 May

Happy days – the skip arrived this morning so all the garden rubbish is now in it (until I create some more) and there’s even room for some of Jonathon’s stuff from the loft.  Had a lovely 2 wood walk this morning and noticed that Crofton / Sparrow wood (Sparrow is part of Crofton Woods I think) are setting up a “friends” group so that might be something to think about post Lockdown. 

Skyped with Mum and Dad as usual in the afternoon but they had no real news, other than they’d enjoyed their ride out / picnic today.  We had our first strawberries from the garden (they didn’t last long enough for a photo). 

Both Jonathon and I commented on how much busier the sky has become in the last few days (guess the planes are going into Biggin Hill and wonder if the helicopters are doing something from Halstead as neither are far away). I thought Biggin Hill might be somewhere to walk to at the weekend but at 6.7 miles each way, possibly not!

28 May

The sky has been a lot quieter today thank goodness.  Went off to Jubilee Country Park and followed the Woodland trail this time.  Saw a sign on a shop door that amused me.  More gardening for me, and Jonathon is doing good loft clearance so the skip is filling up nicely.  Finally the insurance company have confirmed receipt of the holiday documents but that’s as far as we’ve got, albeit that it is a huge step forward! 

Sad news today is that the outside umbrella broke – the metal sheered completely so that’s not repairable and Bramblecrest don’t have any spare parts and don’t make that umbrella any more so J is on the case to find another one. 

Watched English National Ballet’s Swan Lake – beautiful performance, particularly liked the swans in bright white tutus dancing against a dark blue background and the quality of dance was superb.  Treat of the evening was seeing two hedgehogs on the back patio (along with two of our regular fox visitors).  We’ve never seen two hedgehogs there before (we very rarely see one) so very happy.

29 May

Petts Wood and Hawkwood Estate were my destination today, both visited before and lovely National Trust properties.  Not sure why but the light seemed particularly lovely this morning. 

Jonathon took the old umbrella to bits so it’s now in the skip and we used all the little stones in the base to refill the sinkhole that appeared in our garden last summer so that’s another job ticked off the list (and a good use of the pebbles as I wouldn’t have known what else to do with them and we definitely couldn’t have lifted the base with them still in there). 

We had Turkish takeaway for tea.  Was supposed to be for lunch but when we phoned them at 1 p.m. the earliest they could do was 4 p.m. – strange times!  Work phoned in the afternoon to ask me to think about going back as they are struggling a bit in a couple of areas.  I said I’d think about it but subject to max. 3 days per week and working in the office, not from home.  No money discussed yet! 

Stefan has gone to chat with others and will get back to me after he gets back to office (he’s away next week). 

Bit worried about Oli as he seems to be very snuffly – quite normal for this time of year and think it’s like a cat hay fever but not sure we want to be going to the vets at the moment.  We’ll keep an eye on him for a few days but if no better after the weekend we might have to make an appointment for him.

30 May

Took myself off to Hollows Wood today (I’ve been there before) and had a lovely stroll around.  Everywhere is incredibly dry (no rain since 1 May) as evidenced by the very dry pond next to the Deep Water sign.  Jonathon had his first walk to the High Street since Lockdown – we went to get an ice cream from the Italian Deli – very nice.  Now he’s done it once (and has seen how quiet the High Street is compared to normal) I dare say he’ll venture out again.  The grass is getting really long (and annoying) now but it can be cut in a couple of days’ time.  Thank goodness it’s been so dry otherwise goodness knows what it would look like.  Picked a load of strawberries – the new nets seem to be working as we are getting the strawberries instead of the squirrels this year (and they are yummy).

31 May

Found a new park today – Pausl Cray Hill Park - a lovely place with hardly any other people so had a good mooch around.  On the way back, I called into St. Mary Cray cemetery to admire the War Graves Commission graves for WW2 pilots from Biggin Hill. 

On-line service had more people watching on Facebook today.  Had our first broad beans for dinner along with our own new potatoes (and steak) – very tasty.  Skype called with Mum and Dad, phoned Christine – usual Sunday.

2 June

First the best news, Oli seems a lot better today.  He’s not wheezing and I haven’t seen him sneeze at all.  Unfortunately Gilda had double booked so she didn’t get here today.  Instead of next Monday’s Zoom call, she’s intending to come round, but only if the weather is nice enough to be outside. 

Back to normal news … Went to a new (to me) wood today – Lilly’s Wood. Apparently the name derives from Saxon times and means a cold place or field.  It was very pretty with lots of dappled sunlight. 

The courgettes are coming along nicely with flowers already so we should have some of those to eat soon.  As Gilda didn’t come I got on with some gardening – cutting back the shrubs near the patio mainly.  It’s all good stuff for the skip. 

Jonathon ventured down to the market by himself.  He was a bit anxious about it but he wanted to see his record stall friend Greg so off he went.  He was fine! 

The recycling men took what was left of the “if you’d like this, please take it” stuff at the end of the drive so that’s all gone now.  Marshalls agreed a refund for the tomato plants they hadn’t sent me so I can decide if I want to buy some different ones.  Might take myself off to the garden centre in the next couple of days.  The weather is forecast to change to cooler and damper from tomorrow.  We so need the rain but it’s only showing a 30-40% chance of rain so let’s see what happens.

3 June

Having been unsuccessful in getting into Kynaston Wood a few weeks ago, I thought I’d try again, pairing it up with Hockenden Wood.  Pleased to say I visited them both but won’t be going back to either.  Hockenden Wood was gated off for the most part and the one road I was allowed on was full of fly-tipping, including a burnt out 4x4.  Kynaston Wood was full of midges and another burnt out vehicle.  There were some lovely views on the way there/back and I walked through Priory Gardens to console myself.  Spotted a lovely Stag Beetle along the way and lots of goslings etc. in the park. 

 

We ordered a new umbrella for outside (bamboo this time) – that should come next week sometime.  Rain was forecast but all we got was a few spots that have done no real good at all but the temperature is a bit lower (19C) so easier for strawberry picking. 

Had a Skype call with Mum and Dad.  They were delighted to have seen Marie and George but no other news from them. 

4 June

It was cooler and greyer today so I took a lot of photographs of streets to set a challenge to my Facebook friends who know Orpington to work out where I’d been.  It also provides a useful selection of Orpington streets for diary photos.  In between the streets I also visited Covet Wood / Poverest Park, River Cray valley and Goddington Park before popping in to Sainsbury’s.

Went to Dobbies to pick up some compost and tomato plants and got them planted.  It was a great day for gardening so I got a lot done while Jonathon continued sorting out the loft.  The skip is just about full already. 

Dinner was takeaway from Chapter One – delicious.

Finished the second little jacket for prem. babies.

5 June

Only did half a walk this morning as I had stuff to do before we went to see Simon and Linda (and dogs) in the afternoon to collect some soap and bath salts and generally catch up with them.  Wandered round the garden to take a few photos as I knew I wouldn’t take many on my mini-walk – veg and fruit are coming along nicely.  Took S&L some potatoes, a small loaf of bread and a few sultana buns with us. The dogs were pleased to see us.  Maple made the most of having Jonathon’s knee to sit on.  Rooster was not quite as boisterous other than making us feel very welcome at the outset.  We had a lovely chat and a walk around their garden, admiring all the work they’ve been doing in Lockdown. 

Nigel emailed to find out if I’d heard more about return date to work etc. (I haven’t because Stefan has been away this week).  Did another walk after tea to make up for the lack of steps / kilometres earlier in the day.  We had rain (not much but enough to mean we didn’t need to water the food beds).

6 June

Busy, busy morning – veg and strawberries picked and a load of sheets washed before I went out for my walk.  Found some BMX jumps etc. in the wood that I hadn’t seen before (despite visiting that wood several times before).  Definitely had the best of the day early morning as we had showers later.  Back via Tesco then breakfast before heading out to collect prescriptions for 2 neighbours.  1 was easy, the other … Boots didn’t have it, nor did Superdrug so ended up at a local pharmacy that I didn’t even know existed until today.  Delivered the medicine and arrived back home to clean bathrooms, make scones and cook dinner.  Window cleaner came and did the windows in the showery rain but they look a lot better. 

Afternoon spent with my feet up!  Watched a couple of episodes of “Vera” while reading my paper, doing crosswords etc., and sending money back to friends re the latest Sadlers Wells’ cancellation.  Finally, at around 6 p.m. we had some “proper” rain so perhaps it will fill the water butts up a bit.

7 June

Visited Keston Ponds this morning – such a pretty place but definitely a Sunday place as a bit too far to walk on other days.  It’s part of a much bigger park area so more to explore another weekend. 

Sunday morning on-line service when I got back home.  That was followed by brunch then a whole family Skype.  It was lovely to see everyone and see how much George has grown.  I was responsible for setting a quiz (Carole and Gareth won with 12/19).  Had a chat with Christine – no real news. 

Jonathon ordered a new toaster as ours died.  It was 20+ years old and I’d been saying for a while we should replace it but the decision was taken out of our hands – think Jonathon mentioned something about flames! 

Watched a couple of streamed concerts in the evening (Daisy Chute and Show of Hands). 

8 June

I set off this morning with no specific destination in mind and ended up at Scadbury Park – part of it that I’d not visited before so that was interesting.  By the time I got home I’d already done my steps etc. then trotted down to Sainsbury’s for shopping for Bob (No. 10) and us.  Surprised to find that fish is in very short supply.  Managed to get Bob some cod but there was no haddock at all and very limited white fish over all.  He seemed quite happy and told me I’d done better than his daughter who couldn’t get any fish at all at her Tesco. 

Gilda came this afternoon so she and I went for a walk around Priory Gardens (thankfully it stayed dry) then back to our garden for homemade lemon drizzle cake (yummy, thanks Gilda) and tea before she went home.  It was lovely to see her in person and Oli was really friendly to her as always.  In between shopping and Gilda, I managed to cut most of the pond irises down and found at least one of the leaks in the pond. 

Jonathon has got a new streaming gadget which doesn’t seem to do what he was expecting so not sure if it will be staying or be sent back.   Live streams this evening were Ben Eaton followed by The Jive Aces. 

Looking at my Health App, it seems I walked 26,224 steps and 17.2km today.

9 June

A bit later getting up so didn’t venture too far from home today even though it was a lovely morning (have to be home in time for Pop Master at 10.30!)  Saw Carol (gym friend) en route so had a chat with her and her friend Gill. 

Took advantage of the nice weather and sat outside / did gardening most of the day so the skip is now officially full and we have booked for it to be collected later in the week.  Someone from Croydon has collected the old computers so Jonathon got his £30.  He also sold some other gadget so got a bit more money from them but how that person will collect (they live in Dudley) is anyone’s guess. 

Took some strawberries round to Sheila (No. 12) – an excuse to check she’s OK.  She’s bored but has seen a couple of friends over the last few days so starting to get a bit more back to normal.  Alix (friend from church) delivered 4 facemasks and collected the 6 prem. baby jackets that I’d knitted.  Joan (also from church) has asked for a pattern so I will drop one off on my walk tomorrow.

10 June

Dropped the knitting pattern off this morning so that dictated the route to some extent.  The other factor was the threat of rain so I didn’t want to be miles away.  As it turns out, I’d just picked up my paper on the way home when the first drops appeared so I got home pretty dry.  Called into Priory Gardens and the local cemetery as part of my route.  I remember, some years ago, Remembrance Sunday was celebrated in the Canadian Corner and the scouts laid a wooden cross with a poppy in each of the graves: very moving.  There are lots of youngsters in the park – goslings in particular.  The cooties are growing quite big and I think I took the best photo I’ve ever managed of a coot and almost grown up baby today.  Sent the photo of the church to All Saints (parish church) and they’ve used it on their Facebook page and asked if they can use it on their website which is nice.  The mowing of the rugby pitches was almost finished by 8 a.m. – very noisy so goodness only knows what the local residents think. 

Made some sultana bread when I got home so we had that for tea (yummy).  Skype called with Mum and Dad but no real news, as usual.  Replacement toaster arrived.  Joined a Zoom call in the evening for the local RSPB talk on “Birds of Northumberland” which was really interesting.

11 June

Did a double wood walk today – Crofton/Sparrow then Darrick/Newstead.  Had a quick chat with Pat and Barbara (gym friends) who were on their way out for their walk as I was on my way back.  The new garden umbrella arrived so when the rain had stopped (and after a spring clean of the kitchen and bathrooms) we had a go at putting it together.  We’ve got the base and the top arm in place.  The rain came before we could get the umbrella itself up.  The packaging went on the skip so now it’s suitably full (and checked by Oli!) ready for collection tomorrow. 

Had a takeaway from A Mano.  When I went down, I didn’t know whether I’d be getting salmon or asparagus risotto – living life on the edge!  In the end they didn’t have any fish so it was risotto – very tasty.  We watched “Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children” (very weird film!).

12 June

Ventured to Chislehurst Commons today for a change of scenery, calling in at Petts Wood / Hawkwood en route.  The Oak Tree was planted in memory of those who lost their lives in the Falklands conflict. 

The biggest job today was to finish putting the umbrella together, albeit that it wasn’t sunny enough to sit outside underneath it so it was tested then brought back down.  A replacement cover will be posted to us because they sent the wrong size.  Oli clearly likes the new base! 

Had a Facetime call with Nigel who says I can go into the office as soon as I like but doesn’t seem to know anything about logistics of registering to go in (if needed) etc.  Had a WhatsApp video call with Mark.  Everything is plodding along re the sale of the bungalow and he is in Debra’s bubble under the new rules so all’s good there.  The skip was collected so the drive now looks empty again. 

We watched “Pitch Perfect 2” – quite a fun film.  Pauline asked if we’d join a Zoom quiz to test out her questions for Wednesday night – so we did and came last with 21/40.

13 June

The sky was really interesting this morning with the sun peeping through and making everything look amazing.  It also gave us a reason to use the new umbrella! 

I was delighted to see the “flower towers” in the High Street and the summer bedding in the park (and around town). 

Made some sultana buns; picked yet more strawberries; enjoyed watching The Royal Opera’s stream of “La Fille Mal Gardee” – it was beautiful and great fun. 

When the heat had gone out of the day I sprayed the broad beans with diluted Fairy liquid – dratted black fly.

14 June

A new venue for my walk today, as recommended by Judy (gym friend) – I went to Richmal Crompton Fields and very nice it was too.  Coming back was more of an issue as I was sure I knew which lane I needed to go down but there was a notice on the gate saying “Private Road.  Please don’t feed the horses” so I thought I shouldn’t go there!  Having checked with Judy (after I got back) it seems I wasn’t even close (even though I’m sure I’ve come out of the woods I was trying to get to along that lane in the past!).  It was a long way home without that shortcut so needless to say I managed my steps quite easily today. 

It must have rained a little bit overnight because J’s car was wet but it was lovely and sunny for my walk.  The clouds came in after I got home but there was no rain forecast so the towels went on the line to dry. 

The on-line service was parade day and it was the Beavers turn – really inventive and good acting on their part. 

Skype called with Mum and Dad and phoned Christine in the afternoon – no news from Yorkshire today!

15 June

Did 2/3 of a walk this morning as Gilda was due to come over for a walk in the afternoon (weather permitting).  My morning walk included Covet Wood / Poverest Park, Priory Gardens (lots of baby birds) and alongside the River Cray – they all looked lovely in the bright morning sunshine.  Made a quiche for lunch and then realised the time so flew round the garden picking strawberries to share with Gilda after our walk and quickly got changed – thank goodness I’d had a shower / hair wash in the morning! 

Gilda and I walked to Crofton Woods and followed the circular walk with no detours (not like me at all!).  Ordered some new walking sandals as my Mephistos are split almost across the bottom on both soles now – such a shame because they are really comfy. 

16 June

Went to High Elms Country Park, via Farnborough today – lovely place.  The blessing is from St Giles The Abbot Parish Church.  Had a great wander around and had to smile at the golf notice.  Whizzed into Tesco on the way home so got everything done in one journey. 

Got a bit wet when I was doing the grass edging but the rain didn’t last very long and I wanted to get it finished.  Also raked some of the moss out of the lawn but it’s a losing battle.  Had the first lot of our Charlotte potatoes for lunch today as well as home grown courgettes – yummy.

17 June

Tried out a potential route for Monday with Gilda but it didn’t work – too much street and not enough green but at least I can cross it off the list.  We could still do the usual walk alongside the Cray River, just not the “far end”.  It was lovely to see a wild fox (or wilder than our visitors) pouncing on prey.  I think it caught something but didn’t get very close. 

18 June

Far too wet for walking this morning so did about 1.5 hours of workout instead.  As per earlier mentioned “rule”, 10 minutes for every 1k steps I don’t do of my target so that equated to 9,000 steps – only another 8.5k steps to do!  Walked around the garden to take some photos – the peas are looking good, as is most of rest of the food garden (only the beans are struggling).  Did the first proper lot of steps taking the long way round (via the park) to Sainsbury’s.  It was lovely to see the Egyptian Geese family all grown up.  Second lot of steps was to collect a Chinese takeaway – nice for a change but not something I’d want too often.  And then … the sun came out so I went for a walk after all. 

Planned the route for Monday and I think Gilda wants to pop into Hobbycraft to collect some elastic (assuming they have it – she’ll check online).  As a result of that I was way over my target for the day so the workout was just a bonus! 

19 June

Back to Petts Wood and Hawkwood Estate but this time I followed the Yellow trail until it joined up with the Green trail so I visited part of the estate I’d not been to before and even saw some cattle.  It was quite wet in places and very slippery but I managed not to fall over and some of the puddle reflections were really lovely.  Thought I’d call in at Tesco on the way home but saw Lisa (gym friend) as I was coming back and she and her husband, Richard, were heading towards the wood.  She’d been to Tesco and they didn’t have enough tills open so it was a bit chaotic. When I walked past, to go to Sainsbury’s, the queue was way back into the car park. 

The weather didn’t know what to do with itself today but it managed to stay dry most of the time so got quite a bit of gardening done.  Picked the gooseberries from one of our three bushes and will have them tomorrow with custard.  Popped round to Peter and Jenny’s with some strawberries (there were too many for us today). 

Heard from Irene and Veronica (more gym friends) who have been speaking with Fay, a trainer (I don’t know her).  Fay has agreed to run a workout for us at 10 a.m. next Friday in Goddington Park so I’ve put that in the diary and hope the weather is OK on the day. 

Watched ROH’s “The Magic Flute” in the evening – excellent performance.

20 June

Decided to try and get to Knowl Wood and Knowlehill Wood today (and failed).  However, I did confirm that the path I decided not to go down the other day on the way back from Richmal Crompton Fields was the one I should have chosen and I also managed to find the path down the side of the broad bean field that Judy mentioned so not a complete disaster!  Was really pleased to get a decent photo of a Small Tortoiseshell butterfly. 

Went to Tesco but disappointed that they had sold out of salted caramel mousse (bit of a first world problem, I know). 

Watched a couple of live streams, read a lot of my book and patched up the foxholes in the lawn.  The only thing I could think to use to cover them to try and stop the pigeons eating the grass seed were old hanging basket frames but I didn’t have any spare pegs to I dare say the foxes will play with them overnight. 

21 June

Usual Sunday stuff.  Did about 1 hour workout first thing.  The Brown family’s interpretation of the Parable of the Talents for the online service was hilarious.  It should be on YouTube – best kind of evangelism ever! 

Skype called with Mum and Dad (no real news).  Spoke to Christine – she’s now had her training to allow her to carry out speed traps in the village (with others).  WhatsApp called with Angela – no news there either. 

Split walk because it was drizzling in the morning so only went as far as Goddington (to check how long it would take me to get to the relevant entrance for Friday) and Priory Gardens.  Collected J’s masks in the afternoon and finished off my steps.

Delighted to see greenfinch in the garden – they don’t come very often.  Weather just didn’t know what to do with itself but made for interesting skies.

22 June

Did a 30-minute work out than half a walk (or a bit more) round Newstead and Darrick Woods – lots of lovely wildflowers to walk through.  I only did a short walk because Gilda was coming over so I knew I’d do a second walk in the afternoon – we went alongside the River Cray.  She had checked and Hobby Craft didn’t have the type of elastic she wanted so we didn’t go in. 

Gilda has taken a pair of Jonathon’s Rohan trousers home with her to sort out the zip that broke this morning.  She also went home with some soap and potatoes and courgettes from the garden and left us with most of the lemon drizzle cake that we didn’t eat while she was here and a book for me to read (Dear Mrs Bird).  She quizzed Jonathon about how to get a decent WiFi signal to her sewing studio at the end of her garden so J was busy explaining the options by showing various bits of kit we have around.  Gilda was very excited because she’s going to Chichester on Thursday to look at a new “long arm” sewing machine for her quilting.  It’ll be the furthest she’s been for months and she’s really looking forward to it.

23 June

Today I went back to the lovely Jubilee Country Park as it’s a while since I’d been there.  Hadn’t done quite enough steps by the time I left so did a quick detour via Crofton Woods on the way to Sainsbury’s and met Lisa so caught up with her. 

A couple of local schools have been painting stones to brighten the place up.  The local council / Orpington 1st have been busy planting the bedding plants and they look really pretty. 

It was a really hot day so I sat in the garden under the umbrella for most of the day once I’d got home.  Jenny (No 4) brought a large amount of lettuce round – it will take me a few days to munch my way through that lot.  Phoned Nicola.  Her acupuncturist is working again and she has a new physio so things are looking up.  WhatsApp video called with Mark.  The sale of the bungalow is progressing nicely and expected to go through in about 7-8 weeks. Had an exchange of emails with Stefan from pbb who expects to be in a better position next week to update me as to whether they’d like me to go back.  

Designed a flyer for Christine as she has a new sort of orange juice on offer for her customers.  Doused the broad beans in soapy water again as the blackfly seemed to be re-gathering but actually had a few broad beans for my tea which was a treat so perhaps the soapy water trick worked.