1 August

Had a short walk today, taking in Tintagel Road, which is where Ramsden Boys School used to be.  A fellow Twitcher who watches the Jive Streams used to go there and he asked me if it was still there / open.  Having investigated, it seems it closed in 1989 and was demolished in 1991. 

Spotted a couple of Softee ice cream vans - Mr. and Mrs Softee.  Don’t remember seeing a Mrs one before. 

Went to the Gym!  It reopened today and I booked one of the morning sessions.  Each sessions is only 45 minutes, which is a bit short but better than nothing.  It was very well organised, good spaces marked out and loads of cleaning equipment so you could wipe down before and after use. 

Thought we were having sausage casserole for dinner but when Jonathon got up he’d changed his mind as to what he wanted so we went to The Orpington so he could have scrambled eggs.  Sausage casserole will have to be for tomorrow. 

Went for a second walk to finish my steps in the afternoon then did not much for the rest of the day.

2 August – (no photos).  

Poverest Park and Covet Wood were my destination for this morning’s walk before going to Park Gym for 8.30 a.m.  It’s been agreed that the Sunday morning sessions will move to Saturday mornings, slightly later as that suits the majority of the group and, more importantly, Fay.  I’m not sure whether or not I’ll go as I have gym booked for Friday and a Body Pump class for Sunday! 

The sausage casserole was eaten and enjoyed.  After Skype with Mum and Dad (Mum very excited about her new chair), I went to finish my steps and check on the cornfield.  Seems the combine has been out since I was last there.  Chatted to Christine (no real news) and that was the end of another day.

3 August

I’d been meaning to visit Shoreham for a while and with no gym today thought it would be a good chance.  It was about a 6-mile walk so took quite a while to get there but it was a lovely walk once I’d left the A224 with lots to see along the way, including various farm animals (I love to see pigs in a field).  Shoreham was really pretty with lots of olde worlde buildings and the Darent river.  There are several walks in and around the village but as I’d already walked that far to get there, and at least a half hour walk from the train station when I went home, the idea of doing another 5 mile walk was too much!  Next time, perhaps I’ll take a train there and back and do one (or more) of the walks. 

We went to The Orpington for brunch, enjoying the “Eat Out to Help Out” scheme and getting our meal for half price (less than £20 before the discount).  Zoomed with Gilda in the afternoon then spent the rest of the day gardening, including giving the grass its monthly mow.

4 August

Today’s mission was to check on the heather in Petts Wood.  Pleased to say it is flowering nicely.  Another few days and it should be in full bloom so I’ll need to go again soon. 

I had a gym session booked so went to that then back home to find Jonathon had been told that the blood tests were clear, those that they had remembered to do.  They’d forgotten to do the PSA test so he had to go back to Orpington hospital for yet another blood test.  The blood lady marked it as urgent and we heard later in the afternoon that that was clear as well (phew).  He also has to have a chest x-ray but when he asked for that at the hospital, the shooed him away and told them they’d be in contact to let him know when he could go (since heard – Thursday morning). 

In the middle of all this, Jon Keeling came to do the ASHP service – he still can’t explain why the water heating behaves as it does but has given Jonathon some monitoring to do.  The water was still hot from yesterday this afternoon (and from the solar heat) so we need to manage it differently tomorrow. 

To celebrate the clear results, we went to The Orpington for ice cream – yummy  - then I went for a walk round Priory Gardens to finish my steps.  The circular beds look lovely now – in full colour.

6 August

Wandered up towards the Pru (hospital) / Sainsbury’s today then through Darrick & Newstead Woods towards home before going to Goddington Park for our gym session.  We had a new trainer today – Tracey – as Luis is away on holiday.  She was a lot gentler than Luis is!  On my walk, I saw various bits of information (see photos).  The jigsaw is typical of the playground signs in Bromley Borough. 

Jonathon went to have his chest x-ray and was most perturbed to find the usual way in blocked so had to find another way in.  He was very stressed with it all but, having left early, he still got there on time.  We just have to wait for the results now – he should hear within 48 hours. 

By lunchtime the weather had turned hot and sticky – quite unpleasant.  Had a Skype call with Mum and Dad. Mum had found her trip to Morrisons tiring but OK and intends to do her own shopping from now on.  Went to Boots, Smiths and Sainsbury’s in a mini shopping trip (almost like “normal” were it not for the obligatory face mask).

7 August

It was hot even when I set off this morning and only got hotter as the day progressed.  Checked I knew the way to Chelsfield hospital in readiness for taking Nicola there a week on Monday (assuming she still comes).  On the way I passed Chelsfield Primary School and admired their plaque.  I walked through the cornfield – all harvested and only stubble left now.  Popped into Sainsbury’s on the way home and went to gym for a while (45 minute pre-booked sessions are all we can do at the moment) then just lolled around for the day.  I really wasn’t sure whether I’d get my final steps done but the cloud came over and made it a bit easier so wandered (slowly) down to Priory Gardens to take some photos of the birds for Jo (gym friend who’s in hospital). 

Jonathon received a holding note from the doctors – apparently the consultant radiologist needs to check the x-ray before doc can give Jonathon any feedback.  The doctor he was been dealing with has apparently finished her one year placement and left so Dr. Jay sent the email. 

We watched Biddy on “Nash Nights UK” (Facebook stream).

8 August

Today was another very hot day so I sent my apologies for the park gym and went to the inside air-conditioned gym instead.  Went to Crofton Woods for my early morning walk.  Some of the leaves are already changing colour – possibly because it’s been so hot and dry whereas our yellow rose has decided to flower again! 

Greg (Jonathon’s friend who has the record stall in the market) brought about 500 CDs to be sorted out and matched with the CD sleeves / covers (we had offered to help).  We spent most of the afternoon working on those and have definitely made progress. 

Called into A Mano on my short evening walk for an ice cream and a couple of lemon aragostine (Italian pastries) - yummy.  Jonathon managed to eat one and he’s also had some Ritz crackers as a snack today so definitely showing signs of improvement.

9 August

Covet Wood and River Cray were my destinations this morning before going to the gym for 8.30 a.m.  As I was coming out of the gym I saw Shreena who runs the body pump classes and explained why I didn’t like them very much.  Re the weights, she will try a different approach on Wednesday and report back to me; re the loudness, she’ll try with the music quieter so it’s easier to hear her.  Let’s see where she gets to before I make a decision as to whether to go to another one. 

J and I finished sorting out the CDs for Greg so they are ready to be collected on Tuesday when he’s next in Orpington.  Had a Skype with Mum and Dad and a call with Christine – as usual no real news.  Did a short walk round Priory Gardens (despite the heat!) and was delighted to see some new cooties (baby coots).

10 August

Did the ironing and an hour’s gardening before going for a short walk round Priory Gardens this morning.  Finally got a decent shot of the three most recent arrivals (2 white ducks and 1 brown duck - not sure what species they are but they move like running ducks, very upright).  Despite the notice asking people not to feed the birds white bread, they still do.  

On the way home I noticed the alley way nearest our house had been closed off but no indication as to why.

After a quick trip to the hairdressers to get shorn and brunch at The Orpington, I started to tackle the apples that I’d taken off the tree first thing.  Gilda will get the other half of them on Wednesday. 

We had some very sad news from David and Kelly (J’s brother and sister-in-law).  They arrived back from Spain early this morning (having been there since February) and one of the first things they did was take Nuggy (spaniel) to the vets where she had to be put to sleep.  She was a very old dog but they are devastated and Moss (another spaniel) will miss her terribly. 

I seriously thought about not finishing my steps today because it was so hot and sticky but off I went then collapsed into a chair and dozed in front of Endeavour until bedtime.

11 August

Did one of my favourite walks this morning to Paul Cray Hill Park – lovely views from the top, albeit a bit hazy today.  There are several interesting gypsy / Romany graves St. Mary cemetery, some of which are very ornate.   On the way back I checked out the other end of the closed alleyway where there is a great big trench and a link box (electricity) is being replaced. 

Went to the gym then,because it was so hot, I didn’t do a lot else until I went for a walk to M&S to get Jonathon some more cottage pies (and other ready meals) late afternoon.  The café at M&S and Pret were both closed so I went to Costa and had a yummy lemon curd tart and a drink before trying to find some shade to walk home in.  No idea when he’s going to eat proper food again but at least he’s eating something now so it’s an improvement.  He tells me he’s lost 9 kg – he’s certainly got less tummy than he used to have.

12 August

Went to High Elms today but didn’t have long there because I had a gym session booked for 9.30 a.m.  Immediately after Pop Master I got ready for lunch with Gilda at Chapter One – posh frock, sandals, make up – it’s quite a while since I did that last.  C1 was lovely as always and I must remember to ask for Table 25 when I next book for 2 of us.  I had a pre-paid voucher for my retirement party but, of course, that didn’t happen so I asked if C1 could help as it’s unlikely that 2 of us could actually spend that amount of money in one go.  I now have two vouchers and they have to be used by end of November so a good excuse to go back a couple of times! 

Nicola phoned to say her physio appointment had been cancelled but that she’d still like to join us for brunch on Monday.  She’ll still need collecting from and returning to the station because it’s a bit too far for her to walk. 

Gave Chris and Hilary (No.3A) a courgette and received tomatoes in return before I wandered off for a short final walk in the very hot weather.  Rain / storms forecast for tomorrow – can’t come too soon but not sure I’m committed enough to do park gym if it’s chucking it down! 

Watched Miranda Sykes’s last streamed concert before she goes into hospital tomorrow re her breast cancer – she’s so brave sharing her progress with the world and making a joke about having no hair left etc.

13 August

it was raining when I got up (hurrah) and as I didn’t fancy walking in the wet, I booked a gym session for treadmill walking instead.  It worked really well – there were even fewer people in the gym at 6.30 a.m. than I’ve seen at 9.30 a.m.  I did have a wander to Priory Gardens after that and by the time I’d got my paper at The Co-op the rain had stopped.  The weather held for gym in the park and it had got hot by then so we exercised under the trees for shelter.  The storms started when I was on the Skype call with Mum and Dad (Carole also joined us) but didn’t last very long so I could finish my steps with a very short walk before tea.

14 August

Went up to Petts Wood for this morning’s walk then used my morning gym session for a 15km cycle ride for a change.  It was noticeable how the leaves had started to change colour and the blackberries (brambles) were ripening. 

Went to a Paracise class in the afternoon – full work out but low impact so better for my knees!  Although it wasn’t as hot today, it was still very sticky so I was pleased not to have too many steps to do in the afternoon (went the long way home from my class). 

While all that was going on Jonathon was talking to the doctor.  His X-ray results could take up to another couple of weeks but he managed to persuade them to agree to a face-to-face consultation.  Yet another doctor but this one seemed to be quite thorough and she has arranged for yet more blood and other tests.  When J pressed her, her unofficial diagnosis is post Covid side effects but whether he’s had C19 or not has not yet been confirmed.  The saga continues.

15 August

Ventured up to the station today and took a train to Elmstead Woods (3 stops) to have a stroll around that wood for a change.  It was really pretty, even on a damp and drizzly day, but the walk around the wood was quite short so if I do it again when I have more time I’ll have to extend it somehow so I can get a few more steps done. 

I was delighted that park gym was cancelled because of the weather and booked a slot in the gym, only to find Fay (park instructor) was also in the gym.  I went a long way around to Tesco to get some bits of shopping and finish my steps before the rain in the afternoon.  On my walk I met Carol and then Steve and Jackie, all from church.  Carol is trying to get a few of us together to play tennis but it’s 30+ years since I last picked up a racket.  I’ve said if she can get someone to lend me a racket I’ll give it a go so let’s wait and see. 

Oli spent a lot of time indoors with us as it was cooler and wet.  By the time I’d had dinner and done my puzzles etc. it was about teatime so we watched a bit of telly then went to bed.

16 August

It was very misty and I knew I didn’t have much time for my walk because I was due at Body Pump (Shreena’s class as above).  However, what I didn’t realise (until I was what I thought was about two thirds of my walk) is that the class started at 8.15 not 8.45 so I had to cut it short and dash home to get ready. The class was much better today with dumbbells as well as the bars with weights so I’ll probably go again now that’s sorted out.  I still can’t hear Shreena but that’s because it echoes in the big hall and my ears aren’t good enough! 

Yesterday’s rain had made a lot of gardens look greener and the flowers looked lovely with the raindrops on them. 

I finished my steps by taking the very long way home and had to start watching the on-line service on my phone while I was still out – only about 5 minutes of it.  Clearly I’d overestimated how far I could walk in the time available. 

Had yummy tuna pie for dinner, from which you can work out that Jonathon still isn’t eating properly.  He continues to improve, albeit very slowly, and we should know more after the tests tomorrow.  Had a Skype call with Mum and Dad but no real news (as usual); same with the telephone conversation with Christine.

17 August

I went for a long walk to Scadbury Park this morning.  It was very misty on the way there but the sun got out and burnt the mist off so really lovely.  There were a couple of posts asking people to take photos and send them to Instagram.  Of course, I had to oblige! 

No sooner had I got home and it was time for Jonathon to go to the medical centre for yet more tests.  I walked down with him and popped into Sainsbury’s then we walked home together.  He’s still really struggling.  After half an hour’s sit down, Jonathon went to collect Nicola from the station and she and I went to the Orpington for brunch (her treat – a nice surprise as I didn’t expect her to pay). 

I managed to get a bit of gardening done without getting too wet (heavy showers in the afternoon) and that was about it for today.

18 August

Went up to Petts Woods to check on the heather and I was delighted to see that it was in full bloom and looking lovely.  As an added bonus, the sheep were bleating loudly – no idea why they were being so noisy.  The fire warning notice just confirms how dry it’s been down here. 

Down to Earth came to give us a quote for some tree work.  Sad that we will lose three trees but I’d already decided that they were dead or dying so it wasn’t a surprise.  The quote was lower than expected so that was definitely a nice surprise.  Just need to check with neighbours next door to make sure they’re OK with my plans for the trees that form the border between us. 

J decided he wanted to go to M&S and choose his dinners for the next few days so off we went.  We had to queue and I find it interesting to see how much people faff about at the tills.  Goodness what they’d do in Lidl (but they probably wouldn’t even shop there!).  The weather was perfect for gardening so that’s what kept me out of mischief for the rest of the day (until 19:45) with a bit of help from Oli when I was in the front garden and the pale coloured fox in the back!

19 August

The sunset was lovely this morning and it was definitely the best part of the day as it started raining at 9 a.m. and didn’t stop all day.  I had a short walk, body pump class and a second little walk before returning home to get ready for Mark’s visit. 

He and I went to the Orpington for brunch then back home for a long chat with Jonathon. 

Teresa came as usual to do the cleaning.  As it was too wet to do the rest of my steps in the afternoon, I went to the gym to pound on the treadmill for a little while so quite a busy day.

J's Xray results have come back and show his chest is clear which is great but means we still don't know what's wrong with him.

20 August (no photos)

Usual Thursday activity – started with a walk in Darrick and Newstead Woods (I’ve finally realised there is a marked route there!) and then went to Goddington Park for gym gathering.  A new person (Gill) joined us.  She’d seen us in the park when walking her dog and thought if she came along we might let her join in.  Of course, we did! 

I went to check with Peter and Mary (No. 6) re their wishes for the boundary trees.  Mary is more than happy to leave them as they are and, when Peter got home from the High Street, she explained to Peter why he was happy for that as well so no work needed on those.  We’ve accepted the quote for the rest of the tree work and just need to wait for a date. 

We also heard from ABTA and have written to Sandra, our travel agent, to ask her to speak to JLA (firm that booked the holiday) because it sounds like they might have got their wording wrong but, in effect, have committed to ABTA that they are going to pay up. 

Had a Skype call with Mum (Dad was at Alan’s) – they are looking forward to their few days away next week.  Checked with Gilda re next week – she’d like to walk about 1.5 hours so I ventured back to Darrick and Newstead to work out a route.  If we start at post 5 then go to 7, 11-14, 16-17 then 1-3 and back to 5 it should take about the right length of time after dinner.  I was going to cut the lavender but seemed to run out of time so will have to do that another day! 

21 August

It was a very cloudy and windy start to the day when I set off for Goddington Park.  Having wandered around there I had a quick stroll along the River Cray and a tour round the lake in Priory Gardens before heading off for the gym. 

Next stop was the dentist for a filling in a wisdom tooth – although a large tooth, the filling was quite small so not too painful, even without an injection. 

Jonathon surprised me by saying he fancied going to the Orpington for coffee, and even more so by having a mint choc chip ice-cream – must be starting to feel better. I tried the new malted banana ice-cream but I’ll go back to cherry and cream next time (assuming they have it). 

When we got home I found that one of the sacks of garden rubbish had blown over in the strong wind – typical that it was the one with holly, pyracantha and roses – all prickly stuff.  All put back in and I tied that bag to some of the heavier ones so it shouldn’t blow around again. 

Hillie sent a message to tell us Elizabeth has had a little girl – Freya June – so she’s now a grandma.

22 August

By the time I’d two loads of washing I didn’t have too much time for my walk this morning so I took a few photos of our garden then rechecked the walk for Monday with Gilda – it works fine so hope the weather holds. 

Went to a later session at the gym – it was just as quiet. 

Had salmon for lunch but it wasn’t very nice (not sure what was wrong with it) so we went to the Orpington for an ice cream later in the afternoon. 

Really pleased to see the Autumn crocuses in flower. Swept up the leaves at the front of the house but it was so windy I didn’t fancy doing any other gardening so caught up on some TV.

23 August

Walked along the River Cray before body pump then around Priory Garden afterwards where there were a couple of new notices on the gates. 

Joined the on-line service before dinner. Jonathon managed to eat a reasonable portion of a home cooked meal so he must be getting a bit better. 

Pruned the laurel hedge after Skype with Mum and Dad then finished my steps and had a chat with Christine.

24 August

Oli decided to snuggle up to me at about 5 a.m. this morning so we had a lie in until 6.30.  Today’s walk was to West Wood and Hollows Wood – both lovely places and a bit further than I have time to walk on a gym day or a day when we are going to the Orpington for brunch. 

Jonathon must be feeling a bit better as he decided to take himself off to the Orpington whereas Gilda and I went to Masala Dabbas for lunch followed by a walk around Newtead and Darrick Woods.  Just after Gilda left, the rain started.  It came down so fast it brought a load of moss off the roof and the drains started backing up.  Nothing for it but out I went to clear the offending drain – I got drenched!  The gutters also couldn’t hold it so water was going everywhere.  Thankfully, it didn’t last too long.

25 August

I had a "shall I / shan't I" moment first thing but then pulled myself together and went out. When I set off it wasn't raining but it didn't take long to add more water to the wet ground. I came home pretty damp but, at least, I'd had the sense to put waterproofs on. With the rain yesterday, there was a definite autumnal feel to the day.

Went to the gym and was really pleased to see Carol, gym friend, had reactivated her membership.

Spoke to Sandra, travel agent, who has since emailed JLA to explain why they should be giving us the refund based on their ABTA response.

Jonathon managed chicken Kiev and potatoes for dinner and finished off the fruit jelly for tea so still showing signs of improvement.

The rain stopped and the strong winds started but I still needed to do some steps. My afternoon walk was to Waitrose to get some different dinners for Jonathon to give him a change. Hope he likes them!

26 August

What a busy day I’ve had.  Body pump early at the gym so a bit of a walk before and after. 

Jonathon got his latest test results - they show nothing untoward.

Had brunch with Nicola at the Orpington (Jonathon acted as chauffeur then came home and had a Waitrose pizza - he wasn't impressed with it).  Decided I could do my afternoon walk around the City so went on the train with Nicola and had a good stroll.  A few weeks ago, Rhondda asked me to take some photos of the City buildings, particularly The Shard and the Gherkin, so I took various shots and sent them to her via WhatsApp. Her colleague Armando (who she wanted them for) laughed at the Gherkin but liked the Walkie Talkie.

Nigel was testing out the new protocol for work / getting into the office etc. so we met at Fortnum and Mason in The Royal Exchange for a cup of tea (very nice).  Seems the project I might be asked to return to work to help with isn’t going to be “audited” until 2021 so not sure whether they’ll need me.  Nigel would like me to help his team but I’d be a very expensive resource for that! 

Pauline phoned for a chat. We started to listen to a country music live stream but some of the musicians weren’t to our taste so watched an old “Endeavour” instead.

27 August

I intended to follow the yellow route round Hawkwood Estate today but lost the markers and ended up walking all the way around the pond and back the way I came.  It was still a lovely walk but took about 30 minutes longer than planned so it was a bit of a rush to get changed and ready for the park gym session.  Luis was back from Portugal so we had a lot more running and more energetic exercise than when Tracey was covering the class in his absence. 

Had leftovers for lunch while J had lasagne!  Popped to the Orpington for ice cream for drinkings and Scott told us that yesterday had been his busiest day ever. The “Eat Out to Help Out” campaign has really encouraged people to try new places to eat.  Jonathon also managed some porridge for tea / supper so definitely showing signs of improvement. 

Arranged for Emily (former colleague) and her two daughters to visit mid September so looking forward to that.  Carole called for a chat – all seems OK in Knaresborough and Graeme's back at work part time, with strong indication that he should be going back full time at some point.

28 August

The forecast was for rain so I was unsure whether to go out for an early morning walk.  I’m glad I decided to go because the sunrise was amazing and the weather was great. 

Went to the gym to use the recumbent cycle and did 15.5km.  Was pleased to see both Carol and Janet were there as well.  After dinner I went to Paracise class and Carol was there as well – her first time.  It’s a good fun class and Sharon is a really good instructor. 

The rain decided to arrive in force on my way between the class and Tesco.  I tried to shelter in a bus shelter but it was so strong the water was running down the street and, at one point, was over the top of my trainers!  I had a few steps to finish the day so wandered round the upstairs part of Tesco – hadn’t really been up there before so that was quite an adventure – they sell all sorts of stuff up there.  Came home with a new small roasting tin to replace our one that’s gone rusty!  Needless to say, by the time I got home I was pretty cold.  Jonathon lit the fire in the front room to warm us up!  My anorak kept the top half of me warm and dry but my thin trousers had got wet through.  They soon dried, unlike my trainers that will probably need a couple of days to dry out.

29 August

It was too wet to go for an early morning walk and park gym was cancelled so I booked a double session at the gym – one for treadmill (steps / km) and the second for a workout.  I was exhausted by the time I got home, not least because I went for a stroll round Priory Gardens, Poverest and Covet Wood!  At least that meant I didn’t need to go out again if I didn’t want to. 

In the end, we went down to the Orpington for ice cream (Jonathon) and a muffin (me). 

Watched Georgia and the Vintage Youth on Streamly, a new streaming platform.  Reminded me how much I’m missing live music / theatre. 

Did my tax return - I owe them a fair bit of money this year - all due to reduced personal allowance - so not particularly happy about that.

As it was so cold, we switched the heating on for the first time this season – and it’s August!  Stupid weather.

30 August

No rain and we even had blue sky momentarily!  Quick 5km walk on the way to the gym class then the same on the way back.  Foisted a courgette / marrow on Shreena – the rain has made them grow quite well! 

Jonathon was going to have some kind of ready meal for his dinner until he realised I was having sausage, beans and chips then he changed his mind.  Maybe he’s properly on the mend now. 

Did a bit of gardening and now have the first batch of hydrangea heads ready for Linda – drying in the shed.  I’ve not seen the pond as full as it is today for a while – just goes to show how much rain we’ve had. 

Had a Skype call with Mum (Dad was watching cricket on TV so just popped his head round the door to say hello then disappeared again).  Sounds like they had a good holiday despite the weather. Mum pleased that her new chair has arrived and is comfy and is also pleased with her new kitchen worktops so all good. 

31 August

Jonathon’s birthday and he received a lovely birdhouse from Carole and Gareth, a very useful Amazon voucher from P&P and an equally useful cheque from Mum and Dad as well as loads of egreetings and cards - very happy chap!

We had brunch at the Orpington (where else) and J managed to munch his way through scrambled eggs on toast quite easily so all pointing the right way. 

Before that I’d been for a wander around Hawkwood Estate and not got lost this time.  I worked out that there was a distinct lack of signs near the sheep field and that’s where I’d gone wrong last time but I’ll know for my next visit.  I also had a quick stroll in Crofton Woods and had no need to go out for a second walk this afternoon so I could get on with gardening. 

Principal gardening jobs today were harvesting lavender for Gilda (all done) and starting the autumn pruning (a long way to go yet!). 

Caught up with puzzles, TV etc. to finish the day.

1 September

Jonathon went for his scan this morning.  They found a small cist on one of his kidneys (no action needed) and a patch on the other so we are waiting to hear from the consultant as to whether that is anything to worry about. The blood tests re his kidneys came back clear a while ago so I’m hoping it’s just the after effects of the kidney troubles he seemed to have in July – frequent loo trips and a lot of pain in the kidney area.   Time will tell. 

2 September

While I was busy cycling, gym-ing and admiring the sunshine as I walked around Priory Gardens, Jonathon was having a busy morning booking Oli into the vets for his annual check up, booking the chimney sweep, liaising with one of his singer friends about taking some photos of her and reading an email saying we are going to get all the refund we are owed re our shortened holiday – HURRAY! 

More pruning in the afternoon while J went and queued at the tip again and Teresa came to do the cleaning. 

Dashed to get the washing in when it started to rain – it was mostly dry – then settled down in front of the telly for the evening.

3 September

With the nights lasting longer, I seem to be getting up a bit later so only did a “Gilda-sized” walk today – but reversed the route I’d done with her through Darrick and Newstead Woods. 

The weather really didn’t know what to do with blue skies in one direction and grey, threatening clouds in the other.  It managed to stay dry for gym in the park, even though very windy, so at least we could do that. 

Jonathon had a call from the doctors.  Doctor Jay is referring him to the cancer clinic.  He doesn’t think the shadow / patch is cancer but it’s the quickest way to get Jonathon into the hospital system to get seen as there is a two week deadline for cancer consultations whereas the others can take months, especially in these C-19 days. 

No pruning today so Jonathon’s trip to the tip (no queue!) just about cleared the bags that were ready.  Watched Royal Opera House streaming this evening – a concert of popular opera songs etc. 

Christine let me know this morning that Gordon’s card hadn’t arrived even though it was posted a week ago – grrr. Apparently there's a backlog at Leeds sorting office that's causing all kinds of problems and delays. Thankfully it arrived this afternoon so at least he had it for his birthday.

5 September

Had a lovely walk to Jubilee Country Park then off I went to gym in the park. It's the first time I've been to the Saturday gathering for a while - a few weeks have been cancelled because of the weather. Fay, as usual, worked us pretty hard so I was quite tired by the time I got home.

Autumn is definitely settling in with leaves changing colour and chrysanthemums now in flower (ours have yet to flower - often later than those in more sheltered places).

Jonathon decided he wanted a battered burger for dinner (yuck!) so I had cod and we shared some chips. All very tasty but not something I'd want very often.

We gave Shaun a spring clean in anticipation of his journey up north - he looks a lot better now. I also did some pruning to keep on top of it.

6 September

Pre and post gym walks today so Darrick & Newstead Wood first then a quick scoot round the pond in Priory Gardens and a skim of Poverest Park and Covet Wood to make sure I got home in time for the on-line service. It's amazing how many roses are still in flower as I walk around (we have a few out as well but not many).

Skype was early as I had offered to help with "stewarding" at church for private prayer and today was my first time. Having checked with Jennifer (minister) I needed to be there at 3.50 p.m. so Mum agreed to Skype at 2.30 p.m. to give us plenty of time, especially as she didn't really have anything to tell me.

Jonathon took Shaun to a local garage to check his tyre pressure ready for tomorrow. Good job he did because the driver's side rear one needed quite a bit of air. If needs be, I can ask Gordon to re-check it on Wednesday when I go see Christine.

So ... I went to church and had a good chat with Jennifer for 30 minutes or so then read my book. Jon (Church Secretary) popped in but he was the only person we saw. Jon and Jennifer are thinking of cancelling the private prayer sessions because they are not proving popular so the second one I'm scheduled to "steward" might not go ahead.

Ras phoned Jonathon to see how he is and to offer help if needed. She's been to 4 Zoom funerals since all this started and her aunt has just died so it sounds like she'll be going to another one.

Spoke to Christine (bit of harvest done but not much because of the weather). My plan is to go see her on Wednesday. If she's harvesting, I'll just drop some stuff off for her; if not we'll be able to have a chat - to be decided on Wednesday!

7 September

Big day today - the first trip north since lockdown. I've reduced my target steps / km to 14,000 and 10 respectively for the next few days as I don't expect to be able to do the full whack while I'm staying with Mum and Dad even if I get up early and walk before breakfast. To start me of today, I went to Crofton then Darrick / Newstead Woods then popped into Tesco to get some new tea bags and choccie biscuits for Terry who was due to arrive to do various odd jobs / repairs etc. today. He was there by the time I got home. I think the stables must be fed up of people feeding / stroking the horses hence the new notice - horses in lockdown!

The journey north wasn't too bad in the southern half (i.e. before lunch stop at the OK Diner) but the northern half was horrible - loads of wagons and really heavy rain / spray which made driving far from pleasant.

It was lovely to get to Knaresborough and see Mum and Dad after all this time. It was even nicer that Carole called round as well so I got to see her sooner than I thought. Mum is very proud of her new chair!!

8 September

Walked along Abbey Road and Waterside in Knaresborough today so a bit different to my regular places. The weather was also different to what I've been used to with grey skies and drizzle!

Mum and I went shopping in Knaresborough after breakfast. Dad and I did some cleaning when we got back and then Mum, Dad and I went to Harlow Carr for the afternoon. Despite booking a slot we had to queue to get in but it wasn't too busy once we were in the garden.

Dad had hoped to get some wild flower seed for the front garden from the RHS shop but there were very few flower seeds at all so that wasn't possible.

We had to queue again to get into Betty's but, again, very organised etc. once inside.

That was enough for today, Mum and Dad slept through the news - think I'd tired them both out (even though I left them to wander around the gardens slowly while I explored).

10 September

The sunrise was lovely this morning as I walked alonside the River Nidd. I've been sharing photos on Facebook so I wandered through the market place to snap the statues, cross etc. (a real tourist!). After breakfast it was the long drive back down south so quite a while sitting in Shaun. I was really stiff by the time I got home.

Lunch was at the OK Diner (yummy) - they make the best milk shakes ever.

With everything unpacked, put away and my lovely new bird bath in its new home, we were really pleased to see a magpie on it within a few minutes.

It was lovely to see Mum, Dad, Carole, Angie and Co but it was also good to get home to Jonathon and Oli and settle back into my "normal".

11 September

An update re Jonathon - he has a telephone triage apointment for 21 September and a face to face with a consultant at the critical care unit at Beckenham on 22 September - not too long to wait but still a worrying time, especially for Jonathon who has not been through anything like this before.

I celebrated being back home by revisiting some of my favourite, regular haunts. Amazingly, after three days, they haven't changed much but it was good to be at all there again. The summer bedding has been removed from Priory Gardens - that was possibly the biggest change!

I won't be able to go to Paul Cray Country Park for a while as there was a police raid on the travellers' camp just up the road from there while I was in Yorkshire so I think it's better to stay clear for the time being. The police seized a whole load of guns and stolen property as well as retrieving a lot of stolen dogs, many of which have been returned to their humans. Even more importantly, they found some people who had been kept as slaves and freed them.

By the time I got home from my walk, Terry had arrived and has now finished all the odd jobs we needed doing including fixing the leak in the pond, repainting bits of my shed, some house painting etc. I think that means we're ready for winter.

Obviously we had to go to the Orpington for brunch - they were really busy which was good to see, especially as Lou said they'd been really quiet for the past couple of days.

Paracise was the order of the afternoon - even that felt tough after so much driving. Hope I fare better in the park tomorrow!

Delighted to receive an email from Sadlers Wells so tickets booked for Gilda and me to go see Birmingham Royal Ballet on 31 October. Jonathon has also booked tickets for us to go to a Covid friendly concert for one of his favourite musicians (James Sayer) on 24 October. Are things getting back to normal? Not really but at least we should be able to enjoy some live entertainment.

The Illegal Eagles put on their first live stream in the evening - so good to see and hear them after all this time.

Covet Wood and Poverest Park

River Cray

Priory Gardens