8 March

The schools went back today so, with Amelie happily back with her friends, Shreena was able to join me for a walk this afternoon. For the morning, it was shopping, chores etc.

Afternoon was the walk (muddy!) then Zoom with Gilda. Christine phoned and we've added another three villages to her spreadsheet. Quite a lot more to do but still progress.

9 March

First time I've got up this early for a long time but with Body Pump having been brought forward to 6.30 a.m. to allow for it to finish in time for the school run I had to get up and get on with life!

It was a beautiful day so went for a walk through Covet Wood, Poverest Park and alongside the River Cray to enjoy the sunshine. I popped some sugar pearls round to Judy (gym friend) en route as I'd been clearing out a cupboard and didn't think we'd need "cricket balls" any more. As she does loads of cake decorating and sugar craft she said she'd take them off my hands.

Got the weeding done in the strawberry beds before popping to the Orpington to collect my dinner. Jonathon came with me - he can manage that walk pretty well now.

10 March

Wet and windy today so didn't venture too far from home. Took Shaun to the garage for new tyres and to sort out a binding / grating noise then walked home (with Jonathon) from there. Pleased to report that new tyres were not needed and the grating noise will wear off once Shaun starts getting out and about more. Wandered the streets rather than going to woods / parks etc. and had a good nosy in front gardens. There are lots of flowers out now so plenty to admire.

Saw Bob on my travels. He had no idea how big his fire had seemed from a distance as he was close to it, monitoring it etc. He now has the photo to send to Max. The vixen spent most of the day curled up on the ash so there must have been some warmth left in it.

Teresa came early because she was helping someone "sparkle" their flat before they handed the keys back as they'd just moved.

Christine's Mum is very poorly. She made it through the night but is just hanging on now so it's only a matter of time.

Had a notification of a change of date for a show but the new date clashes with something else in the diary so need to try and rearrange the show (it's on for a few nights).

Had the usual Skype call with Mum and Dad. Very excited because Marie had taken George and Henry to see them (at a distance) this morning.

Did Fay's class in the evening.

11 March

Today was wet and windy and started with the sad news that Christine's Mum died peacefully during the night, just after midnight. I've ordered some flowers so they should arrive next week and I'll post a card tomorrow having bought it today.

We have a mystery - somebody sent Jonathon a DVD but we have no idea who it's come from or why they've sent it to him. Guess we might never know but we will watch it as it sounds quite interesting.

Spotted a lovely bumble bee on our blossom on my way back from Tesco - lovely to see them buzzing around. Spring is definitely here as our furst hyacinths are also in flower - I'm sure they weren't yesterday. Went to the garden centre to get some compost so I can plant my potatoes in a couple of weeks. I did as Tim at the garage suggested and put the seats back up and the parcel shelf in place so I can't hear the grinding noise and won't find it as worrying!

Jo was a bit better today so we went for a short, slow walk round the lake in Priory Gardens. Thankfully we avoided the showers but I got wet once I'd left her back at home and taken myself off down to the river to finish my steps. The best part of walking in the rain is spotting a rainbow!

Heard back from the theatre and tickets are now changed so diary clash is sorted out and Gilda and I can go to the show. Something to look forward to.

12 March

Usually I'm somewhere warm and sunny for my birthday but not this year!

Did my pilates class on line then it was time to take Jonathon to his first appointment with the neurophysiotherapist - another place in Sevenoaks I'd not been to before. I took myself off for a walk while he had his appointment but it was really cold and wet so I didn't wander far. Knole Park is not too far away and I skirted the edge of that before going back to the car. In the end, Jonathon's appointment was 1 hour, 10 minutes so pretty thorough. The physio will send a schedule of exercises and instructions through for Jonathon to follow pending his next appointment in 3 weeks time.

By the time we'd got home, had a drink and a piece of birthday cake, it was about lunch time so fish and peas were ordered from the local fish shop. Jonathon cooked some oven chips and heated up his posh sausage roll while I went to collect my fish.

As we'd missed Ken Bruce on Radio 2, we caught up with that because Pauline had arranged to have my name called out at 10.15 a.m. It was very exciting. We also caught up with Pop Master - we were rubbish as usual.

Got loads of cards and a few presents. P&P got me a lovely new bobble hat and an OS map based on our home; C&G got me a book of walks in the Home Counties and some lovely warm socks; Mum and Dad sent me a cheque that will probably be spent on compost!

Went over to Goddington Park to finish my steps for the day, spoke to Christine (she seems OK), chatted with Pauline and Carole (separately) and watched ROH's "Elite Syncopations".

13 March

Went for a walk then did Fay's gym class and picked up from the Orpington (usual Saturday routine!). Dinner (lunch) was yummy but enormous. Special menu for Mother's Day weekend so lots of cream, butter, sauce etc. We had the starter for tea - no way could we have eaten it all at once (no pudding today).

Jonathon went for a shortish walk in the afternoon and received his list of exercises from the physio. Just have to make sure he does them now.

We were supposed to watch Chicago Blues Brothers stream in the evening but they had troubles with the IT so they've postponed it until tomorrow.

14 March

Mother's Day and P&P's wedding anniversary - 2 good reasons for a family Zoom.

The day started with body pump then walked down to the High Street with Jonathon when he went for his first Covid vaccination. He had to wait quite a while outside (hard with his poorly legs) but he said it was very well organised once we got inside and he is now jabbed. He had a bit of headache in the evening but seems OK apart from that.

Went for my walk between dinner and Zoom. Wandered as far as Goddington Park, River Cray and Priory Gardens and got home before it started raining. Amazingly, we actually won the quiz - first time ever!

Had a chat with Christine - busy organising everything for her Mum's funeral but seems OK. While she was going through her Mum's stuff, she came across a school photo. We think it was from the school year 1972-3 so we'd have been 12/13 - so long ago!

Enjoyed watching CBB in the evening.

15 March

Main focus for today was gardening with "Project Pond" and "Project Pampas" being my main tasks. First of all, I popped down to the Post Office, via PG, to check on the goslings and then helped Jonathon with his exercises - good exercise for me as well!

Project Pond:
1. clearing the area near the filter so Terry can actually get to the filter if / when he comes on Friday to service it;
2. tidying up the irises and other plants around the pond ready for this year's growth.

Project Pampas: cutting all the fronds down and generally tidying up the pampas grass - an annual event!

Project Pond: completed. Project Pampas: started and about two thirds done, to be finished when we next have dry(ish) weather..

Zoomed with Gilda, did another Covid test, did Jonathon's second lot of exercises and listed to Ninebarrow in concert.

16 March

Project Pampas 2021 is complete - hurrah!

Having done body pump with Shreena and Jonathon's exercises with him, popped to Sainsbury's and failed dismally at Pop Master I finished the pampas. We now have loads of bags to go to the tip so we'll have to work out the best way to do that.

I took a few photos of the garden as a record and to share on Facebook - makes a change from local woodland, parks etc.

Jonathon heard from Dr. Saldanha. Dr. S. doesn't think he needs to do a lumber puncture procedure after all but does want Jonathon to have some more MRI scans to see if they show anything different. This will be at Sevenoaks Medical Centre becuase they've got their machine mended but date TBA.

I collected my lunch from the Orpington then walked down to the High Street with Jonathon, left him there to make his own way home and wandered off to Goddington Park / Lily's Wood.

17 March

Jo felt well enough to go for a walk today so we headed towards the River Cray. It was lovely to see all the new leaves starting to appear.

Teresa came to do cleaning; we had the usual Skype call with Mum and Dad; did Fay's class in the evening so all as usual for a Wednesday.

18 March

Quite a productive day!

I've been meaning to do this new walk for a while and final got around to it today. Set off early because rain was forecast from late morning. It was quite a long way along a lovely route and the destination, Foots Cray Meadows, was well worth the walk. I got a bus back, just as well because the rain started earlier than forecast.

Jonathon had done his walk by the time I got back and had managed to negotiate his way down a very uneven hill - today's special challenge. Caught up with the ironing and cut our hair - Jonathon's is easy because it's clippers, mine a bit more tricky.

I was supposed to have a call with Nigel from work mid afternoon but he cancelled so we worked out what we needed from the big Sainsbury's and Jonathon drove Arty for the first time in months. A bit kangaroo-y at first but he settled in and felt more confident by the time we got home. He's not quite ready to drive himself to the physio yet.

I helped Christine with some more wording etc. for her Mum's funeral. Hard to believe it will be next Wednesday but the service sounds lovely - just right for her Mum.

Had a chat with Mark in the evening. He's better now, has had his eyes tested, has already booked a hair appointment and is in my diary for the end of March.

19 March

Terry and his new trainee / assistant came to service the pond filter. They discovered that the UV light had fallen on the floor and when they tried to move it the hose split so repairs were called for! The pump was also really clogged up so that was given a spring clean and the netting at the far end was replaced so hopefully the pond is now heron-secure once again.

I was delighted to see so much frog spawn in the pond. Terry tells me the fish will eat it which is something I've suspected in earlier years so it was interesting to have my suspicions confirned.

While they were here they carried the log store round to the back of the house for us. Unfortunately the firm that made it for us had forgotten about the doors so Jonathon phoned them. They were very apologetic and doors will follow shortly.

I managed to get quite a bit of gardening done. I spread some compost around the veg and strawberry beds and spread some ash on the raspberries (Christine tells me they like it). In the afternoon I edged the outer rim of the grass. At least we have an idea where we should be cutting to next time we mow which will, hopefully, be in the next few days as we are forecast to have a few dry days.

Jonathon and I went to the Orpington. They have reopened their ice cream bar for the spring / summer. Scott had ordered mint choc chip in especially for Jonathon so it would have been mean not to go and get some.

I finished my steps for the day with a walk to Priory Gardens. I thought my eyes were deceiving me when I saw a cob (horse) being taken for a walk (not in the park). The two men were trying to train it but the animal was none too keen.

Whilst in the park, the sun very obligingly decided to put on a good show so I was happy to take a photo!

20 March

Gym was a bit earlier this morning so shopping was done after gym class and Mail delivered to Gena. Unfortunately her daughter, Joanne, has been diagnosed with breast cancer but the NHS seem to be treating her very well, she's had her op and is now waiting for radiotherapy.

My main job for today was power washing the part of the patio that we can see from the kitchen door. Duly done and it looks better but there are two other sections that will take as long to do so that's the next couple of days' work. For a change of muscle use, I chopped up a few logs!

Jonathon managed to cut the grass. His legs were wobbly afterwards but he got it done and it looks a lot tidier. He was fine after a cup of coffee and able to do his physio exercises.

We had a Chinese takeaway for tea - first Chinese food for a year or so and it was yummy.

21 March

Body pump then more patio power washing and log splitting for me today - not very exciting but the patio looks better for it and the logs needed to be split to start drying out.

Delighted to see the rhubarb seems to be doing well so looking forward to having crumble in a few weeks.

Jonathon went for his walk to Sainsbury's to get my paper. I didn't go for a walk until after Skype with Mum and Dad. On my walk I noticed that there were bluebells near the River Cray - they are amazingly early - and a new notice warrning about Covid. No idea when it was put on the common but I'm sure it wasn't there a couple of days ago.

Just managed to finish the Easter chick for Jonathon's jumper for the next Zoom family call before watching the latest series of "Line of Duty".

22 March

Decided to go for a nice long walk this morning but not before spotting a fox in our clematis pots. Not sure what she was burying but it will help me pull the weeds in those pots in the next few days.

Main gardening job for today was scarifying but when we got our machine out it wouldn't start - no fuel was getting to the carburettor. It's booked to go into Pacey's to get it mended but not for a couple of weeks so I sent an SOS out to my gym friends and Veronica very kindly lent me hers. It's lovely and light and gets loads of moss and thatch out so I'll give the grass another run over tomorrow then return the machine to her (probably with a nice Easter Egg as a thank you!)

Had the usual Zoom call with Gilda. Restrictions are expected to be lifted slightly next week so we should be able to meet in person which will be nice.

Jonathon is getting on pretty well with his exercises - managing to do them twice a day. They certainly seem to be helping with his balance. With messing about with the scarifier and doing a different walk today that included some steeper hills, he was tired late afternoon but soon recovered after a little nap.

23 March

Scarifying finished after body pump and machine returned to Veronica, complete with Easter egg as a thank you. In the end, I had 4 dumpy bags of moss, thatch etc.

Gardening tasks for the afternoon were sweeping around and tidying up the clematis pots, a bit of pruning and cutting back the sedum. Still lots on the list to be done but progress is being made.

It's a year since the first lockdown. To recognise this, and the people who have lost their lives through Covid 19, there was a "light up your street" event at 8 p.m. We went out but, as far as we could see, we were the only people on our street that did.

24 March

MRI scan day so a quick trip to Tesco and a tiny bit of gardening then drove Jonathon to Sevenoaks Medical Centre for his next scans. These took longer than we expected but he survived and we are now waiting for the results. While he was getting scanned I went for a walk in that area and found Riverhead Parkland. A nice place to walk around with some interesting sculptures.

I also walked along one side of Montreal Park, where there was a lot of moss, but couldn't get into the main part because it was marked private and I don't know if the angling club were trying it on or if it really was private so didn't risk it.

25 March

I set off very early this morning, determined to visit Chelsfield Lakes before the golfers are allowed back. The last time I was on the way here, Jo had her fall so it was strange going back to Chelsfield Recreation Ground but thankfully no mishaps. The morning was lovely and clear so I had a good view over to the City. I saw quite a few flowers, blossoms etc. even some magnolia starting to flower (seems early).

The lakes were beautiful in the Spring sunshine and well worth the walk; the green keepers were busy getting ready to reopen and there was nobody else much around.

I went home via Lilly's Wood and Goddington Park.

Once home it was time to split a few more logs. There are quite a few that aren't ready to be split yet but all the logs are either in the bottom greenhouse or in the log shed. Hopefully they'll be ready to use next Winter.

I spread a bit of grass, clover and trefoil seed in the patches left in the grass by the scarifying and got the potato grow sacks ready for planting the potatoes either tomorrow or in a few days' time.

Stefan contacted me late afternoon to ask if I'd be prepared to speak to Pete McPherson at work. Apparently the Work Out team don't need my "helping hands" but Pete's team does. This is the team that Liba and Niamh work on (amongst others) so I'll wait to hear from Pete to see what he's after.

26 March

We started today with 2 trips to the tip with loads of garden rubblsh, not the most exciting job in the world but it has to be done. Still 3 more loads to go but that was enough queueing for one day. I've got 5 more bags to the front of the house under the porch to dry off a bit - it's been raining most of the day. I didn't do my steps target today but I've had a couple of longer walks this week so my average is fine! I managed a quick tour around Priory Gardens on the way to collect my fish from Crispy Cod - surprising how fast the goslings are growing - they're changing into adult plumage now.

I got my potatoes planted in grow bags in the shed so all we have to do now is wait and see if they grow. They'd chitted really well so fingers crossed. I'm trying new varieties this year so it will be interesting to see what they taste like.

In the evening, we watched Royal Ballet's stream of "Concerto" by Kenneth MacMillan featuring music by Shostakovich then a stream by Georgia and the Vintage Youth in aid of one her ardent supporters who died recently - 2 very different forms of entertainment.

27 March

Started today with a walk - testing out a route for Mark and me on Wednesday. Mark doesn't like mud at all so it has to be hard paving or very dry! Delighted to see the an egret in Crofton Woods.

Part way round it struck me that a much shorter version of the alleyway walk would be good for Jonathon as part of his physio so did that bit again this afternoon with him. It includes some rough terrain, some steps up and steps down, up and down hill and a tiny bit of flat so ideal for his "varied" walking.

Did Fay's class in between walks and collected food from the Orpington for lunch then did not much for the rest of the day until it was time to watch James Sayer's stream in the evening.

28 March

I think my Christmas Cactus is having an identity crisis because it's started to flower again - maybe it thinks it's an Easter Cactus as well?

Did body pump then tested out the walks for Gilda (Monday) and Mark (Wednesday) back to back. Neither of them want to go too far so when I add the two walks together it makes a decent distance and gets my steps done. It's lovely to see trees in full blossom and there seems to be even more this year, as if nature knows we all need cheering up. As usual, I put a few photos up on Facebook and the most commented photo was a discussion on what kind of Berberis the orange flowered plant was - how strange but it's a good international discussion.

Had a Skype call with Mum and Dad - late today because P&P had been to do some essential jobs (seemed to involve changing the clocks more than anything else) and deliver some shopping.

Christine phoned. She was really pleased with how the funeral had gone, even the weather was kind. Now that's behind her, she has a far bit of paperwork to deal with to close the estate. She says she'll call me this week so we can start working on the "village list" for her milkround again.

29 March

Restrictions eased a bit today so Gilda was allowed to come over for a walk and outside lunch - progress indeed. We didn't walk too far but had a stroll through Poverest Park and along the river, cutting through Priory Gardens on the way to the Orpington to pick up lunch. The weather was sunny and warm (16C) so a great morning.

Jonathon managed the "steps" walk again today - we did it in the opposite direction to Saturday for a bit of variety. To make the most of the lovely weather I finished off the patio so it's all done for another year. I didn't move the pots (too heavy on my own) so we'll have to make sure everything gets moved properly next year.

30 March

Seems to have been a busy day today. Sainsbury's then the opticians where they told me I need new glasses and I've got the start of a cataract in my left eye. Nothing I can do about it but they'll keep an eye on it (no pun intended) and, other than collecting my new glasses, I don't have to go back for 2 years so they can't be too worried.

Went for a walk with Judy (gym friend) all afternoon. She grew up around here so knows the area really well and we walked for miles! We set off through Scadbury Park, through a selection of fields and past some posh houses before walking through Hawkwood Estate and Petts Wood. A lovely walk. I was out for almost 4 hours and, at the end of the day, I'd walked more than 20km and done almost 28k steps.

31 March

A quick trip to Sainsbury's and Greggs before another tip run then waited for Mark to arrive. We went for a 1.5 hour walk as he had requested, taking in Crofton Woods and Newstead Wood, before popping into the Orpington to pick up our lunch (J had a pasty from Greggs). We had lunch outside but the weather wasn't as good as yesterday - far more cloudy and I didn't believe the weather forecast app when it said 22C - didn't feel anywhere near as warm as that.

Carole let us know that Mum was having some after effects from her second Pfizer Covid vaccination. She'd had a sleep and was well enough to Skype but intended to take another couple of paracetomol and have another sleep after the call.

Teresa came and did her usual cleaning and we went out for Jonathon's walk. His legs were very tired today but we don't know why.

1 April

Had quite a relaxing morning, not getting up as early as I have recently. Still managed to do a load of washing and pop to Tesco but no walk.

Gilda parked on our drive while she went for her physio appointment and very kindly gave us a jar of home made lemon curd and some lemon drizzle cake - she's been practicing for this weekend. Her sister has set her the task of making the cake and a pavlova and she's intending to take her niece some lemon curd so we were lucky beneficiaries of the practice run!

After an early lunch I started to harvest and tidy up the bamboo - a big job! Jonathon had a physio appointment in Sevenoaks so got to walk around Knole Park and was lucky to see the herd of wild deer while I was there. It's a lovely National Trust park with lots of open space and old trees. Although there were a few other people there it was easy to stay away from them.

Jonathon's neurophysiotherapist (Elissa) was really pleased with his progress so the hard work has been worth it. More of the same exercises, with some tweaks, to be done before his next appointment in about 4 weeks time.

Dad had his second jab today so that's both Mum and Dad done now. Mum had a fall in the sun room - nothing broken but she's bruised and battered.

I finished the bamboo (hurrah) then had a gym class (deferred from yesterday). Fay has set us a challenge of 100 sit ups per day through April. Not sure I'll quite manage that but I'll try and do 100 abs exercises of one sort or another every day and see how I get on.

2 April

Did my 100 abs exercises, washed my sheets and put them outside on the line (more in hope than expectation that they'd dry), went to Sainsbury's then met Jo for a walk. She seemed much better today and no longer has to wear her sling. We went to check up on the goslings - they are almost as big as the adults now and they've lost most of their downy feathers, just a bit left on their heads. Romeo, the male swan, was making his presence felt and chasing off any other bird that dared to come near him. Not sure why he was doing it in the big pond when their nest, and Juliet, were in the small pond but boys will be boys.

The flowers are one raised bed done by the local council. They do a fabulous job every year and there are loads of other beds with the same kind of flowers in. The magnolia is one of many along a wall in Priory Gardens - they look stunning.

Collected our Easter food from the Oprington - last week for their cook at home dinners because they are expecting to open on 12 April, outside seating only so they full lunch menu will be available to order (we won't starve!).

Did some more tidying up in the garden - at least two more trips to the tip required now. Watched the videos from Jonathon's physio so we can make sure we're doing the exercises correctly. Don't think we were too far off!

3 April

A quick visit to the Co-op for battenburg (for tomorrow), birthday cupcakes (for this afternoon) and milk (still on offer) before Sainsbury's and Fay's gym class. Fay had a special treat in store for us today - she had a secret numbered list of exercises and we took it turns to choose a number. It made a nice change.

We had visitors after lunch. It was Amelie's birthday so she came round to feed the fish (with her Mum and Dad, Shreena and Mike). She also helped me plant some peas and then was rewarded with cupcakes, chocolate Hobnobs and a birthday card. It was really nice to be able to share in her birthday and make it a bit special for her in lockdown, even if we had to stay outside in the chilly weather.

4 April

Today was much better than forecast - we even managed to sit outside for lunch. The sun was out, the sky was blue - what more could you ask for? A bit of warmth perhaps!

Did body pump to start the day followed by a trip to church to hand over our donation for foodbank. Having checked with the organisers, it was agreed I'd donate cash rather than go to Tesco - much easier for me so very happy about that.

Tested out a walk for Mark next week (Poverest and River Cray, noticed the egg hanging from a tree by the river (very strange). Lounged around until it was time for Family Zoom. We won the quiz!!

Had a long chat with Christine. She's spoken with her solicitor so knows what she's got to do re her Mum's will and she's very pleased to have received lots of positive comments about the funeral, providing the service sheets to those who couldn't come etc.

7 April

Oli watched me through our sparkly clean windows as I setting off early for Tesco before catching up with ironing then venturing off to meet Netta and Miro, her little dog. We had a lovely walk in the Spring sunshine but it was pretty cold.

I was pleased to be able to show her various places that she hadn't been to before and show her how they linked together with alleyways etc.

Teresa came to do her usual stuff but no Skype today because Jonathon had an appointment with Dr. Saldanha to get the results of his recent MRI scans. Delighted to report that he doesn't have to go back for another 6 months. Dr. S confirmed that it was going to take months before Jonathon is fully recovered but with physio, exercise and determination there is every likelihood that he should be able to drive again and get back to "normal" in due course.

Did Fay's class in the evening so a pretty full day all in all.

8 April

A quick trip to the tip before Mark came for a walk. We went across Goddington Park, along the public footpath through the field and into Lilly's Wood. The weather was much better than expected so rather than just a cup of tea after the walk, we popped to the Orpington to get a takeaway and ate outside.

Had the usual Skype call with Mum and Dad. Dad has a poorly eye but the cream he's got seems to be helping. He's having a knee Xray on 19th to see what, if anything, can be done.

9 April

Today was much better than forecast so I managed to get the washing outside to dry. I was delighted to see that my potatoes are already peeping through so earthed them up a bit. They are in the shed so safe from frost but I still treat them as if they are outside because they will be when the weather warms up. Got some more peas planted as well as some French beans and courgettes so quite a gardening morning.

Went for a walk with Jo in the afternoon. She is so much better and we managed a much longer walk - about 8 km - in the lovely spring sunshine. We ended up our walk by going througb Priory Gardens. The Egyptian Geese goslings are almost as big as their mum now but there are some new ducklings (we saw three) and apparently some new cooties but we didn't see them today. I'll look out for them next time I'm there.

HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh died today. He was 99 - such a shame he didn't live to see his 100th birthday which would have been in June. He married Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 1947 - a long time ago. There's a one minute silence in tribute tomorrow so the gym group have agreed to observe that during our class tomorrow morning.

11 April

Body pump, got my paper, went for a walk - sound familiar? Thankfully, as it's been dry recently, I can now get into the wood rather than just skirt the edge. The pathways are really badly rutted in places with so many people walking through the mud but at least they are passable now.

Jonathon thinks he's a bit better today but still not where he was pre kneel-down.

Had the usual Skype call with Mum and Dad. No real news but they are looking forward to having their hair cut on Wednesday. Had a long chat with Christine. Things appear to be trundling along up north, despite hailstones and now snow!

That's it for this page. The lockdown restrictions relax a bit again tomorrow so it seems appropriate to start a new page.