24 June

Even hotter today so did about 80% of my steps this morning as I wanted to get home to pick strawberries and gooseberries before it got too hot.  Think the strawberries are about finished but we have loads of gooseberries so Sheila got some as well as some Charlotte potatoes and we kept the rest.  We’ll probably have them with ice cream tomorrow as we didn’t get round to eating them today.  We did finish off Gilda’s lemon drizzle cake though – very nice! 

Skype called with Mum and Dad (they’d had a nice picnic in Poppleton) and then went to WH Smith for some birthday cards to put in the diary, not least as I’m posting them 1 week before the due date at the moment in the hope they get there for the due date.  By the time I got back from there I’d done my steps so no additional evening walk was needed.  Did a bit of a workout instead but it was really too sticky so not pleasant.  It was definitely too hot for Oli – poor thing, he really doesn’t like it above 25C (bit like Jonathon and me).

25 June

Another scorcher so not much done.  Did a shorter walk alongside the River Cray and Sainsbury’s shopping then stayed in the shade.  All my neighbours have now stood me down as they are going to do their own shopping, prescription collection etc. 

Esther (church friend) popped in on her walk around. As an employment lawyer she’s had plenty to do in lockdown with furlough payment scheme etc.  Peter and Jenny (No 4) were having a clear out of books so Jonathon chose some to bring home. 

Prepared the quiz for the family Skype on 12 July.  Although it’s a bit early, the theme for the tea is going to be cricket and the quiz scoring system will be in a 6-ball over format.  Needless to say, the scoring systems sounds a lot more complicated than it is when I tried to write it down.  Went for a second little walk around in the evening then Jonathon wanted to take a parcel to the Co-op for Hermes as Hermes had not come to collect it for two days and he was getting frustrated with them.  It’s on its way now!

26 June

Very wet when I got up this morning so went back to bed for half an hour then decided to get up and go to Tesco.  Came home and baked some buns then got ready for the workout in the park!  By that time, the sun was blazing down so we tried to hide under the trees to get some shade so we didn’t melt completely.  It all went well and I didn’t disgrace myself.  It was lovely to see the gang again and the plan is to have a class on a weekly basis although it might be Sundays rather than Fridays as that suits Fay (instructor) better. 

Didn’t do much in the afternoon until a nut and a washer flew off the umbrella.  There was another washer as well but we haven’t been able to find that so J had to phone Bambrella to ask them for replacements but the person he needed to speak to wasn’t there.  Good job really because when J went up the stepladders to put the nut and washer on temporarily he found another problem so he needs to speak to them about that as well. 

In the middle of all that, we noticed a baby great tit on the floor.  It was struggling so we managed to round it up and popped it into the pyracantha where we know there’s a nest, if nothing else it should mean it’s safe from Oli.

Jonathon also mended my favourite walking sandals (superglue!).  Goodness knows how long they’ll last but at least I can use them for a little while.  Hermes dared to appear to collect the parcel that they had claimed to try and collect tomorrow (see above).  I think the man got the message that J wasn’t impressed, a. that the parcel hadn’t been collected and b. that the man had claimed to come and collect it yesterday (we know he hadn’t because J had waited all day for him and there is no sign of him on the external cameras).

Went for a walk in the evening just to make up my steps (and got caught in sharp showers so came home wet).

Dinner was a yummy takeaway from Chapter One. 

27 June

It was wet when I got up this morning so a quick workout whilst watching the foxes, who are clearly happy that the weather is cooler – full of mischief today.  The rain stopped, I went the long way round to get my paper and got both rained on and poo’d on by a bird!  Got a call from Mary (No 6) to let me know they are having a diamond wedding party in their garden on Saturday (family only, socially distanced etc.) so we’ve offered the use of our drive for parking if needed.  Got a call from Gina (No 16) to let me know that Ernie had collected their paper but that she had had a fall and had ended up in A&E.  The medics diagnosed a heart problem so she was kept in overnight (not what she wanted).  Gina is now home again and has to take it very easy so usual offer if help needed, call me etc. 

Started sorting out the stuff needed for my tax return so that took all afternoon (not my favourite job but has to be done).  There’s still some stuff that I need from various finance providers but at least the basics are done.  Went for another walk, planning a route for Gilda and me for Monday.  It was really windy so any cobwebs I had from being inside and looking at a computer all afternoon were soon blown away.

28 June

Tried to find a way into Knowlhill Wood today (wood is opposite the Bromley sign) but without going through someone’s back garden it wasn’t to be.  Headed off to Keston Common and had a lovely walk through there on the boardwalk made of old sleepers.  Arrived at the lakes – they looked beautiful in the bright morning sunshine.  Got back home in time for the on-line service (one of the Lockdown music group songs was included) then straight into the garden to pick broad beans, peas, courgette and potatoes for dinner (and beetroot for tea).   Somehow managed to fit three loads of washing in which I raced to take back inside straight after dinner as it felt like rain (it poured down about 5 minutes later). 

Skype called with Mum and Dad – Mum very excited because she was going into Knaresborough later in the week.  Picked a whole load of gooseberries and did a bit of gardening.  There were about half a dozen raspberries ready but I ate those in the garden so Jonathon doesn’t know about them!  Nicola called to ask me to have a look at a document she’s sent me (job for tomorrow); had a long chat with Christine and then Liba called to ask a question about work – what a busy day!  Jonathon is still busy sorting out his study and doing lots of shredding.

29 June

Did a record number of steps (27,342) and distance (18.3km) today as I went for my usual walk in the morning then another walk with Gilda in the afternoon.  Although I’d planned a route a couple of days ago, and redone it this morning, we still did a different one this afternoon around Darrick & Newtead Woods and Tubbenden Meadows, all of which were looking lovely.   I have no idea why I can’t remember the route from one visit to another!  Gilda brought Jonathon’s trousers back all nicely mended.  Nicola had the nerve to chase me for comments on the document – really???  She now has my comments but I don’t expect they are what she wants to read.  Watched Pitch Perfect 3 to relax before bedtime.

30 June

Tried out a potential walk for next Monday with Gilda but I think it’s going to be too long so will need to think of a way to shorten it but still include the main elements.  Along the way a witch and black cat weather vane caught my eye and I tried using the panorama setting on my phone camera – not sure I like the way it seems to curve the photo but it was quite fun playing.

Part of the walk was through a cornfield (public footpath obviously).  The farmer was busy doing something on the non-corn bit of the field and the corn appears to be coming along nicely.  I got home just before the rain started. 

We watched Nanny McPhee then I had a walk to the park to finish my steps and get some air.  Saw Bing and Shana (church friends) in the park.  Again, I got home just before the rain started!  Watched Die Hard 4 then caught up with some recorded programmes and watched Jive Stream before bed.

1 July

Hard to believe it’s already July.  Wandered off to Petts Wood this morning and dropped Janet’s cake box off en route.   Not sure how I managed it but I ended up at Jubilee Country park – took a different exit from the woods and there I was!  Passed quite a few pretty gardens along the way.  I don’t grow summer bedding as it uses too much water but I admire other people’s gardens so I don’t miss out totally. 

Teresa came to restart cleaning for us.  Today’s main task was dusting – apparently Jonathon’s bedroom was the dustiest!!  As I type the house looks so much better. Skype called with Mum and Dad.  Mum’s going to the dentist tomorrow and is looking forward to being out.  She’s also hoping to pop into a couple of small shops.  Hope she’s careful – no doubt she has clear instructions from Carole and Pauline. 

Went for a walk round the block after Skype (got wet) and was pleased to see our new lilies are starting to flower.  We watched Spectre (again).

2 July

With the rain yesterday afternoon and evening, the ground was pretty wet this morning and my feet were very damp by the time I got home.  Walked a potential route for my walk with Gilda on Monday and happy with it now.  There’s a red, blue and white “tree” near the War Memorial and there are a lot of barriers waiting to be put together, no idea why.

 I pass the duck house quite often.  Two things were different today – the dog that lives there wasn’t around so I didn’t get barked at; and there was a duck in the house! 

I try to wear earrings about once a week so the little holes don’t close up.  I don’t know if that would happen but I’m not prepared to risk it. 

Jonathon went to the big Sainsbury’s for the shopping.  With J doing the shopping and Teresa back cleaning, I’ll have to find new things to fill my days!  There’s still baking and cooking but that doesn’t take that much time.  I went for a second little walk just before dinner – got wet!  

Janet (gym friend) has spoken with Luis (gym instructor) and he’s agreed to run a weekly workout for us in the park.  I set up a new WhatsApp group for this Thursday gym gathering - we now have 2 hours a week of organised workout.  Did about an hour’s workout at home – spooky to turn around and see a fox giving me the evil eye through the patio doors!   

We watched Big Hero 6 – a lovely animation film - and an episode of Vera. 

3 July

Decided to do a mega walk this morning and ended up going for 10.68 miles (17+ km), all before breakfast. I easily did my steps, ending the day at > 25k.  I went to Green Street Green, Cudham (lovely 11th century church), Downe (Darwin’s stamping group) then back home.  The mystery of the barriers has been solved.  They have been put in front of the restaurants that are due to open at the weekend to ensure no parking outside their doors where they might interfere with the queues / outside seating.  Managed not to get wet today but it has been really windy. 

Picked a few broad beans, peas, courgettes, beetroot and gooseberries.  Had the beans and peas and one of the courgettes for my tea (raw) with tuna – Jonathon didn’t join me!

4 July

Did a bit of house cleaning and washing before going out for a shorter walk round the local park to see the birdlife this morning.  I was very happy to get a decent photo of moorhen chicks – I find moorhens so hard to photograph.  When I got home I got ready to go out for brunch.  I can’t tell you how lovely it was to go to The Orpington and enjoy their delicious scrambled eggs and smoked salmon – so yummy.  As we expected, it was really well organised and felt completely safe.  We’ve booked to go again on Tuesday morning. 

Watched a live stream by Ben Eaton then went on a longer walk in the afternoon and was delighted to see that Pret was open as well.   Popped in there to get some cranberries covered in yoghurt and a Pret bar (and ate them on my walk!!).  Checked in with Norbert.  He can finally come back to the UK for a visit (from Switzerland) without being quarantined.  He works in Switzerland but his other half, Stephen, is in Surrey so they’ve been apart a long time through Lockdown.  He’s grown a beard that really suits him! 

The evening’s entertainment was live streams from Georgia (without her usual band, The Vintage Youth) and Biddy Ronelle (again without her band).  Both excellent musicians who we enjoy watching.

5 July

Wandered around Goddington Park this morning before joining the gym group and had an hour’s workout.  Good fun - we got wet but the sun dried us out.  Interesting to see there was an impromptu cricket match underway on the other side of the trees.  Got home for the on-line service while making chicken and apple curry for dinner and some buns.  Finally got to sit down with my paper and crossword after dinner.  

Skype called with Mum and Dad – Mum was thrilled to have had two lots of visitors yesterday and is looking forward to seeing Carole for drinkings tomorrow – getting back to normal.  Spent the rest of the afternoon in the garden and did some conifer trimming. It was a lot better wearing a mask – no nasty sap getting into my throat etc.  Also tidied the whole of that area so it all looks a lot better.  Got an email from Hillie with a Yorkshire quiz and the news that she will become a grandma in August all being well.  Called Christine – no real news from her. 

6 July

Went to Petts Wood to test out how far it was as a potential route for a Monday Gilda walk – I think it will be fine.  Oli wanted to come with me so he sat at the end of the drive very pointedly then followed me along the road for a while.  He finally lost interest in me in a nearby garden so off I went.  As I did a second walk with Gilda, I’ve had a record day of walking with 31,359 steps and 21.1km as I write. 

I made a strawberry jelly with pears before I went out first thing so it had time to set before Gilda and I got back.  Gilda’s diet is gluten and dairy free so a bit tricky to think of treats but I know she loves jelly and it’s so easy to make! 

Jonathon cut the grass (we are trying to cut it only once a month this year).  I did a bit of gardening between walks and made “pink pie” for dinner.  This is a new creation – basically leftover chicken curry from yesterday with added courgette and beetroot (hence pink) and potatoes sliced on top.  As there wasn’t much curry sauce left, I made a white sauce and that went really pink – cerise really.  It looked very pretty and tasted good so all OK.

7 July

Did the 3 parks walk today then home to get ready to go to The Orpington for brunch (just as yummy as it was Saturday).  Saw some interesting signs in a couple of shops in Nugent shopping park – the “abuse” one was in Next and the “queuing” one in Hobbycraft.  Also saw my first sunflower of the season.  Did gardening for the rest of the day – weeding and generally tidying up so nothing exciting.

8 July

Very wet morning so I did a short walk before popping into Tesco for my paper and a few bits.  Jonathon made his first pizza (gammon and pineapple) for lunch (under strict supervision) – it was very tasty.  Went out for a second walk in the afternoon as it was raining less.  Teresa came to do the cleaning. 

Christine posted that she’d finally given her 100th pint of blood – she’s been having trouble getting a slot to give the last pint and was getting quite frustrated.  Skype with Mum and Dad (they seem to be doing a bit more these days), listened to an RSPB Zoom presentation about shark and marine conservation (really interesting) then WhatsApp’d with Mark.

9 July

Wimped out this morning and waited until the rain had stopped before venturing out.  It was all a bit of a rush today because I had a gym session in the park led by Luis at 10 a.m. (great fun) followed by lunch at Chapter One. 

It was very well organised with the tables nicely spaced out, hand sanitiser on the way in, single use menus etc.  The best thing was the food – just as good (if not even better) than we remembered.  We both had Burrata to start with, for main course Jonathon had Beef Tournedos and I had Black Bream and for dessert Summer Pudding with meringue (J) and lemon tart (me) – sooooo delicious.  The only downside was the increase in prices but that’s mainly because we chose the A La Carte menu rather than the Menu du Jour. 

Got an email from Stefan at pbb to ask if I could hang fire until at least September – review towards the end of August.  Seems OK to me so kicked my potential work restart date forward for a couple of months. 

Enjoyed watching “Finding your Feet” (film) then Jive Stream. 

10 July

Back down to earth with a bump today with pasty and chips for dinner!  It was raining when I first got up so enjoyed watching the latest batch of baby starlings on the feeders while I did some washing then went out for a walk around.  I was only going to go to Priory Gardens but then decided I really should walk round Monday’s walk (with Gilda) in an anti-clockwise direction as I haven’t done that before and it helps if I know where I’m going.  Part of it is in what I call the Robin Hood development and the street names make me smile.  

Did weeding all afternoon (not so interesting!) then went out for a short walk to finish today’s steps.  Spotted a Death Head Hawk Moth on the gatepost, not that I knew what it was.  It’s the biggest moth I’ve ever seen in this country.  As I walked past The Orpington it looked pretty quiet so rang J and suggested we meet there.  Duly met and had a drink and ice cream – very nice.

12 July

The moon was still in the sky when I set off this morning.  Only a short walk because I needed to get home back out to Goddington Park for the 8.30 gym session.   Back home after that and watched the On-line church service whilst making sultana bread and decorated the buns for this afternoon’s Skype family gathering. 

Skype was a bit hit and miss re sound and vision but the quiz went OK with Carole and Gareth (31) narrowly beating the Foxes (28) and Mum and Dad bringing up the rear (15).  Halfway through the quiz we saw Oli trot past the patio doors carrying a mouse so I don’t hold out much hope for that poor creature.  After the quiz I was going to do some gardening but it was such a lovely afternoon that I put the cushions on a sun lounger (in the shade) and sat and read my book! 

Jonathon’s legs (burning sensation) and tiredness seem to be getting worse so he’s emailed the doctor and hoping for a call back tomorrow.  Hope it’s nothing serious.

13 July

Usual morning walk then Gilda arrived for brunch at The Orpington followed by a walk, taking in Canadian Corner, a Commonwealth War Commissions section in Orpington cemetery.  The boundary marker is in Crofton Woods (I was there for my early morning walk).  Seems a bit strange because Isleworth is right over the other side of London but apparently the school was gifted c.50 acres of the wood and the boundary markers were added some time in the 1800s. 

Jonathon not very well at all today and went to see our GP then we went to hospital for full blood scan (I stayed in the car park).  GP gave him some tablets to help him sleep so hopefully he’ll get plenty of shut eye and feel a bit better tomorrow.  We might have to wait 7-10 days for the blood results so it’ll be a bit of a worrying time. 

Didn’t hear back from HSBC insurance re holiday (they were supposed to call today) so J will give them until Wednesday then start getting everything ready to go to the Ombudsman.  Bambrella agreed they’d send us the wrong washers so new ones will be sent! 

Joined a Zoom call about St. John’s and how it could open / stay closed etc.  General consensus seemed to be a lack of enthusiasm for the church to re-open until such time as it could be as close to “normal” as possible.  As the restrictions include a limit on the number of people (less than half our normal congregation), no singing, no coffee after church etc. that might well be a long time in the future.  In the meantime, the on-line services will continue and most of us on the call agreed that they should continue even after the church is re-opened. 

The vixen was very interested in the call and kept a close eye on me then and while I was reading!  Started to rain just after I’d got the cushions back in – phew!

14 July

Had a lovely walk in Paul Cray Hill Park – as far as I know, I was the only human there – and St. Mary Cray cemetery.  It was lovely to see and hear skylarks as they soared around the sky (impossible to photograph).  The park is quite high and it feels like you’re on top of the world. 

Jonathon doesn’t seem quite as bad today but still a long way from 100%.  He filed a claim with ABTA against our travel agent as a second string to the refund claim. 

Popped down to The Orpington in the afternoon, supposedly so J could have bread and butter pudding but he changed his mind when he got there and we both had ice cream instead.  As we hadn’t pre-booked, we had to check in using our phones. 

Did a bit of weeding in the front garden before we went and then sat and read my book in the garden when we got back – no four legged friends keeping an eye on me today.  Caught up with an old episode of Vera on TV – nice and easy to watch while knitting.

Had a Skype call with Mum and Dad and a surprise Skype “visit” from Marie, Andy and George with some lovely news about Baby Number 2 (due January). 

Heard back from the travel insurance company – they are standing by their decision not to pay us.  We will wait to hear back from ABTA before going to the insurance ombudsman – what a pain! Did more weeding in the garden. 

Gilda sent a facemask for Jonathon.  I think it’s a little bit too big but it fits him better than the ones we have (too small).  She’ll have a tweak and bring another one with her on Monday.  Saw some baby acorns on my short evening walk – lovely to see but not as keen on them when the squirrels “plant” them in my garden. 

16 July

Went over to Petts Wood to suss out the best route for the Gilda walk on Monday – think I need to revamp and use a different entrance to the Wood so we don’t go there and back on the same roads.  Not a problem to revisit the wood on a regular basis as it is beautiful.  Oli was determined to come with me today and was a bit too far from home for my liking.  Another Maine Coon cat (even bigger than Oli) appeared so Oli turned tail and started homeward bound.  On my way around I spotted a cross shaped insect hotel in the grounds of Christ Church URC which I thought was rather good.  I decided I’d better go back past where I’d left Oli and there he was so I brought him back home, much to his disgust (and I suspect relief). 

While I was doing my gym in the park, Jonathon went off to the docs and the hospital for the next batch of tests. Made courgette fritters for dinner which were surprisingly tasty so we might be able to have them again at some point.  We certainly have enough courgettes. 

Went through Nicola’s revised document in advance of joining a call with her tomorrow.  Booked a hair appointment for next Wednesday.  Booked a table at Chapter One using the “Eat out to help out” for Gilda and us in August.  The postman brought the replacement bits for the umbrella and Jonathon wanted to get it done so that’s now usable again which is great news with sunny weather forecast for the next few days. 

17 July

Walked to Keston Common and Lakes today – lovely walk but noticeably more traffic on the roads than last time I ventured in that direction.  

Went to Masala Dabbas for lunch – lovely, proper Indian food.  Jonathon had Kozhi Malliarachi (Kerala Syrian Christian chicken in the most delicious sauce – I ate quite a lot of the sauce!) and I had Saufiyani Salmon (my favourite dish there). 

Spent a little bit of time on the phone with Nicola prior to her call with her lawyers then much longer on a second call after that.  Basically she just needed somebody to talk things through with but I think she’s coming to terms with things slowly.  At least I didn’t have to spend 2 hours on the call with the lawyer as well so that’s a blessing. 

Other than that, I sat outside and enjoyed the warm sunshine whilst reading my book.

18 July

Checked out the route for Monday so Petts Wood today.  I didn’t expect to be doing much else – perhaps a bit of gardening - but Jonathon had been asked / invited to go to a pop up gig in Kings Cross and felt well enough to go so, after dinner, we braved public transport for the first time since lockdown.  Jonathon was a bit annoyed that not everyone was wearing a mask but there was plenty of space in the carriages we were in so there was no need to worry. 

The concert (Daisy Chute, Veronika Shoot and Louise Golbey, the latter for one song) was really good and it was so nice to see live music.  Needless to say Jonathon was exhausted when we got home (obviously not as “better” as he thought) so went straight to bed for a nap before getting up and working on his photos.

19 July

Yesterday totally knocked Jonathon back so he was bit spacy this morning but recovered a bit by the afternoon.  As he didn’t get up until 11 a.m. we didn’t have dinner until after the Skype call with Mum and Dad (no real news).  As it turns out, Jonathon had no appetite so didn’t eat dinner after all. 

I did gym in the park (got damp as it was drizzling) and went to M&S early afternoon to collect some new flannels for Jonathon’s bathroom.  Spoke to Christine.  Seems Gordon also had nightmares from the tablets Jonathon’s on and one of the side effects is no appetite so that explains a lot.  Gordon stopped taking his and Jonathon’s thinking of doing the same.  As he’s only been on them for a few days he should be OK to stop but I’ve suggested he drop an email to the doctor to provide an update.

20 July

Decided to go to Goddington today, not for gym group but for a “normal” walk.  It was a lovely morning and the cornfield is now looking beautiful and yellow.  No doubt the combine will be out soon.  Some of the girls weren’t too keen on me using the photo of them as our group photo so I changed it for a photo of one of my favourite roses on the way to the park. 

Jonathon seems quite a bit better today and I helped him take a couple of parcels to the post office (EBay sales). He introduced me to his favourite PO cashier (Val) who seemed really friendly.  That was my third time in the High Street for today – I called in at Tesco on the way back from my walk; couldn’t get everything that I needed so went back down to Sainsbury’s and then back again for the PO. 

Gilda came in the afternoon and we went round the green route in Petts Wood.  By time I’d done all that I’d done a huge 30,263 steps / 22.4 km so was ready for a rest.  The little vixen decided she’d sit with us for a while and took a fancy to my sun lounger but didn’t stay long.  This evening’s job was a final read through Nicola’s letter – think it’s almost done.

21 July

Went for a long walk today – Crofton Woods, Richmal Crompton Fields and then Bromley.  I’d ordered some bits from Lakeland and decided I’d use that as a reason for walking to Bromley but, as I had loads of time, I took the longer way around so did about 22k steps and 16km.  That included walking round Church Gardens and Queensmead Recreation Ground - who knew there were such lovely places in Bromley!  The High Street was really quiet, even at 9.30 a.m., as was the train that I caught back to Orpington.  I got home just in time for Pop Master, not that we did any good, but we’ll miss it tomorrow and on Thursday as we’ll be doing other things.  

Jonathon managed some ham and fruit for dinner - a definite improvement, especially as he managed some cornflakes and yoghurt during the course of the afternoon as well. 

I did some cutting back during the afternoon to tidy up the garden while listening to Daisy Chute’s latest live stream video.

22 July

The big event for today was having my hair cut – feels a lot better and pleased she didn’t cut too much off. 

Jonathon sent an email to the GP surgery and had a call from a different GP who seems far more engaged.  Yet more tests but hopefully these will show something so it can be treated. 

Had brunch at the Orpington (yummy as ever).  Although improving, Jonathon still hasn’t got his appetite back in full so had a child portion of scrambled eggs. 

Did a bit of work in the veg beds while Teresa did her cleaning jobs.  No Skype today because Graeme was going to Mum’s for drinkings so deferred until tomorrow.  

A few weeks ago Jonathon bought some jellies but we couldn’t find them at all today (goodness only knows what he did with them) so more were bought from Tesco and a strawberry jelly made for tomorrow. 

Before

After

23 July

I chose Crofton Woods for this morning’s walk.  The sky was amazing and I was delighted to find a few animals en route – the foal was very cute.  Gym in the park was fun – there were 9 women plus Luis’s 3 kids and Lorraine’s 2 grandchildren so quite a good group for some of the challenges (the children chose which bits they wanted to join in, of those that Luis said they could). 

Jonathon slept better so hopefully is on the mend but still not eating biscuits so a long way from 100%.  He went to Boots for his repeat asthma prescription only to find they hadn’t received the request from the docs so came home not happy. 

Decided to have a day off from gardening so did puzzles and reading either side of Skype with Mum and Dad.  The dentist phoned and brought my appointment forward by a week so that’s now tomorrow.  Jonathon went to bed about 7 p.m., hedgehog appeared in the garden about 8.30 p.m. – life is one big whirl!

24 July

With the dentist appointment in my diary, I didn’t go too far for my morning walk but was really pleased to see the zebra – so clever.  It’s park of the Enchanted Trail that Orpington 1st are running this week for the local kids.  There was more street art in the market place and there’s apparently a trail but those are the only bits I saw this morning. 

The dentist was a real palaver with all the C19 requirements and the worst news is that one of my wisdom teeth needs a filling so I’ll have to go back in August.  As I was in that area, I popped in to see John and Margaret (former next door neighbours).  John looked quite old and frail (he’s in his 90s) but was still trying to cut the grass, much to Margaret’s concern.  At least my visit made him sit down for a while.  One of their neighbours has been helping out with shopping etc. but Margaret is now doing it again.  To help with my steps for the day (did I mention that my target is now 16 km and 22k steps per day?), I walked from there to Beckenham Junction station, passing the flat where Trevor lived when I first met him. 

While I was busy doing all that Jonathon went to the tip with a load of garden rubbish – he made the appointment weeks ago.  By the time I got home there wasn’t much time to do anything meaningful so made some soup for Jonathon (that’s what he fancied today) then finished my puzzles in the paper, read my Kindle and generally relaxed.

25 July – (no photos today).  

Had a quick walk around Crofton Woods after doing a load of washing and various other household chores.  The Orpington for brunch because Jonathon fancied a sausage sandwich albeit that he didn’t fancy it when we got there!  Did a bit of harvesting for my tea / late lunch and took some potatoes round to Jenny & Peter (Number 4).  Did a second walk in the afternoon around Priory Gardens and St. Mary Cray to complete my daily steps. 

Nicola phoned in the evening to thank me for the flowers I’d sent her for her birthday and to tell me she’d been to the gym today. 

Our gym was supposed to open the booking system for 1 August physical opening but nothing on the app when I checked so I haven’t been able to book a slot yet.  Not sure if they’re going to wait until nearer 1 August before they update the app – they’re not the most organised bunch!

Peter (number 4) brought me a whole lettuce so had tuna salad for lunch (Jonathon still not really eating) before both of us went to The Orpington to test out their new ice cream selection – cherry and clotted cream is now my new favourite. 

Finished today’s steps with a walk in the Priory Gardens to see the waterfowl.  Got wet on the way home – it only rained for about 10 minutes all day, I just got caught in it. 

Skype called with Mum and Dad (delayed because P&P were visiting).  They didn’t have any real news.  Christine phoned – no news from her either.

27 July

It was a wet start today but I still needed to do my steps so off I went with my waterproofs on.  Def. got wet but did quite a few steps / km.  Interesting to note that I must have smaller steps when wearing my Crocs as I don’t go as far in km per step in those than either my trainers or walking sandals. 

I was a bit concerned to see the notice about dog stealers in Poverest Park.  I’d heard about dog stealing in general but didn’t realise it was happening in that particular park. 

Went to The Orpington for brunch – Jonathon managed a children’s portion of porridge and seems a bit better today.  Finished my steps after that and saw the air ambulance in Priory Gardens – as far as I know they were there to raise awareness / funds rather than for an emergency as the pilot was standing chatting. 

Christine asked me for an update on the cornfield I walk through quite regularly so walked to take a photo of that as well for her.  Got back home for a Zoom call with Gilda.  She’s not had any more nose bleeds since Thursday but seems to have lost her confidence for going out again as she’s worried in case she gets another one.  She and Val (her next door neighbour) are going for a walk round the block where they live tomorrow or Wednesday so hopefully that will start to get her on her feet again.

Got a load more garden rubbish bags ready for Jonathon to take to the tip tomorrow.  Mark phoned – the bungalow sale seems to be moving along as expected. He’s coming down south soon so will also pop over here to say Hello. 

28 July

Decided I hadn’t been to Jubilee Country Park for a while so that was my destination for this morning.  Went out of the park at a different exit and ended up in Hawkwood Estate so had a really good mooch around then back into Jubilee and home.  The grey horse was very friendly and really, really wanted to say hello. 

Popped into Morrison, Petts Wood for a change of scenery and found some mini meals for Jonathon.  He said yesterday he fancied a children’s portion of cottage pie so that’s what he got!  He said it tasted a bit like Worcestershire sauce but it was “OK”.  I had red fish for my dinner but managed to do a bit of gardening before I ate and Jonathon went to the tip as he had managed to get an appointment. 

Did a bit more gardening in the afternoon then rewarded myself by going to The Orpington as their desert special using local plums looked delicious and it was going to be off the menu tomorrow.  It was as good as it looked in the adverts. 

29 July

Had a good wander around this morning, spotting the Orpington FC logo and the Coal and Wine Tax post en route. 

Got home in time for Mark’s visit.  He got delayed on his way here firstly by a broken down car (A2) and then by a rogue wheelie bin (M25).  He got here in time to go for lunch at The Orpington then we had a stroll round Priory Gardens.  He’s bought a new car (another Lexus) – it looks lovely.  The inside is quite similar to his last one but with more buttons etc. but this one is a beautiful colour called Sonic White.  He’d had a good time in Cornwall where he went with Debra to scatter his parents’ ashes.  He went to a place near Newquay where he and his mum and dad used to go for family holidays. 

As I’d got myself clean and tidy I didn’t do any gardening so caught up with the puzzles in The Times etc. and generally relaxed.

30 July

As usual, I had a shorter walk prior to gym in the park this morning.  Spotted a very interesting school gate and a very large windmill ornament in a small front garden.  Christine has one that’s similar but it looks a lot more suitable, size-wise, in her larger area.  Gym in the park was fine.  Luis is going on holiday at the weekend so is sorting out a replacement instructor to keep us in trim while he’s away.  Managed (finally) to get through to the gym and reactivate my membership.  Also booked a few dates for the next week in the gym so it will be interesting to see what that’s like under the new rules. 

Jonathon took his car in for a service then remembered (in the afternoon) that he should also have asked them to do the MOT.  They can fit it in but it will have to stay overnight so we will go collect it tomorrow. 

Had a Skype call with Mum (Dad was up at Margaret James’s garden).  She’s looking forward to a visit from Andy, Marie and George pencilled in for tomorrow.  Apparently Graeme is going through a tricky time with bad knees (so no more cricket), job concerns and a broken car – never rains but it pours.

31 July

Wandered around Crofton Woods this morning but not for long as I was meeting Gill, friend from church, for a coffee (or juice in my case).  Gill phoned to say she’d not been inside anywhere since lockdown so was very nervous about going to the Orpington but I convinced her that it would be fine because we could sit outside and told her if she really didn’t feel safe when we got there we could come to our garden instead.  She was fine and is even thinking of going there with a friend for lunch sometime in the near future. 

Jonathon ate lunch!  Hopefully his appetite is starting to come back and he’s getting better.  The afternoon was taken up retrieving Arty (Jonathon’s car) from the garage in Bromley.  When Jonathon drove it out of the garage it was making a horrible scraping noise so we had to take it back (thankfully not far) and wait for them to reattach the bit that was dragging along the floor – just some plastic cover or something.  I was pleased that they let me wait inside their air-conditioned waiting room rather than in the 33C heat! 

I went to deliver some more baby knitting to Alix and collect some more facemasks.  She’s made some larger ones for Jonathon, which fit him much better so he now has a good supply.  Watched Mad Hatter’s Party (Zoo Nation / Royal Opera House) stream – fabulous show.  We saw this production live but not this specific performance.