22 September

A lovely sunny day to start a new page.

Jonathon de-moused the kitchen (after I'd taken Mouse 2 outside to join Mouse 1) and I went to Body Pump then work.

Had lunch with Liba - she's finding it tough to cope after her family's move to the country. I don't think the girls are settled in their new school and everything seems more difficult than she expected. I'm sure it will settle down but she's struggling just now.

Gilda and I went to see Motionhouse at the Peacock Theatre and left at half time because the music was far too loud. Hardly anyone was wearing a mask even though it was really busy and it was very warm / airless. There was a crow theme to the show (it was as odd as that sounds) with images of crows flying around and cawing but the caws were at the wrong pitch and really annoying. The dance / movement was very clever and skilful but not enough to make us stay.

23 September

Busy day today. Park Gym first. Luis was late getting there because he was knocked off his bike by a car on the way to the park. He said he was OK, just scratched and bleeding a bit. I dare say he'll be bruised and a bit stiff tomorrow. I saw this lovely spider's web, backlit by the morning sun, on the way there - perfection.

Managed to get some washing done before Jonathon's physio appointment with Elissa. She was really pleased with his progress and doesn't need to see him again unless he has something specific that he wants her to help him focus on.

While Jonathon was with Elissa I went for a walk in Knole to look for the deer (found a few).

It was a lovely sunny day so lunch in the park was very enjoyable - much better than eating at my desk!

24 September

Today started with Garden Gym and a trip to Sainsbury's. Started attacking the laurel hedge at the front of the house / side of the drive but ran out of time before I ran out of hedge.

Met up with Jo and had a lovely, sunny walk. She's had a lovely time in France and reported back that Covid restrictions over there are much stricter than they are here. You need a Covid pass to even enter a restaurant and you definitely wouldn't be allowed to sit down without one, even outside.

Jonathon had gone to the cinema to see "Respect" before I got back and I went out to meet Gilda at The Orchard Theatre, Dartford before he got back. We saw "The Play That Goes Wrong" - it was hilarious! Just as good as it was in the West End (seen it three times there). It's the same company that are performing it - Mischief Theatre - their timing is spot on.

25 September

Gym free day today so finished what I could do with the laurel hedge - looks better. I'd just about finished doing the pruning and ready to clear it all away when my bulk compost was delivered. The delivery man was really nice but frustrated because he'd been delayed on the way here, having to go round queues at filling stations.

The bag was much bigger than I imagined and it was steaming (literally) hot. Jonathon helped me get it into smaller dumpy bags by holding the bags open for me as I wheelbarrowed it from frot to back. Hope it doesn't self combust!

Met up with Jo, Irene, Lorraine, Caroline and Pebbie for a walk round Scadbury Park. We went on the bus to make sure it wasn't too far for Irene and Lorraine and had a picnic half way round. We saw a beautiful Bengal cat being taken for a walk. Such a pretty animal.

Jo and I walked home while the others took a bus. It was a lovely afternoon.

Got pinged by the NHS Test and Trace team so I did yet another Covid test (negative). Jonathon also did one just in case (also negative) and I asked Gilda to do one as she is the person I've spent most time with this week (other than Jonathon).

26 September

Usual morning with gym, body pump, church and shopping followed by dinner.

Started spreading the compost around the garden after dinner. Splitting it up yesterday has done the trick re the gas / fumes - much easier to handle today.

Had a Skype call with Mum and Dad. Mum still tired but she looks a lot better today than last week. Dad's back is very bruised from a fall earlier in the week so he's suffering but still no Covid symptoms which is good.

Did more gardening until tea time. Christine rang - their friend's funeral had gone well on Thursday and Christine and Gordon had managed to sit outside at the reception. They'd filled up their pick ups on before the panic buying started so Christine should be OK for her milk round for this week at least.

27 September

Gym first and then a trip to the tip was planned but it was pouring down so decided against that - the steps up to the skips are slippy enough when it's dry!

Caught up with the ironing and caught up with fish and bird food ordering before going out for lunch as Aksular, a Turkish restaurant in the High Street that changed hands through the pandemic. The food was lovely, the service really friendly and the portions pretty huge! The service was friendly enough in the restaurant that was there before but the food wasn't up to much so it was a big improvement and definitely another one to add to our growing list of places to eat in Orpington.

I spent the afternoon in the garden, pruning - it's that time of year. Finally managed to finish the Hazelnut tree - it gets bigger every year (despite being cut back) which means pruning gets harder every year. It's a lovely tree so wouldn't be without it and the squirrels love the nuts. Perhaps one day we'll get some of them but I doubt it.

Alison Facetimed Jonathon and they spent a good hour or two chatting.

Gilda and I went to The Orchard Theatre in the evening to see Matthew Bourne's new dance - The Midnight Bell.

28 September

Gym and work today. I managed to miss the showers every time I went out so very lucky.

Met Mark at lunchtime - we went to Cote. He's had a lovely time in Cyprus despite all the forms he had to fill in. He's also been pinged by Test and Trace and is testing negative but his ping was a close contact rather than a venue (mine) so he has to have a PCR test. He's ordered it and will do it when he gets it (probably tomorrow).

Jonathon went to the cinema but didn't enjoy the film. He did enjoy his Chicken Kiev so that was a success.

Teresa came and did cleaning but Jonathon says she had no news.

29 September

Today seemed really cold - as much because of the wind as anything else - so I got well wrapped up to go to body pump.

Work was work, when I eventually got there. Power supply problems at Charing Cross so our train stopped at New Cross rather than going into London Bridge which was a nuisance.

Jonathon went to the GPO for brunch and Oli took advantage by claiming J's chair for the whole of the afternoon.

We lit the fire for the first time this autumn to take the chill out of the air - very snug!

30 September

I cancelled my attendance at Park Gym - I don't see any real point in getting cold and damp and the forecast wasn't great. Did Covid Test (negative) washing, shopping, tidying up, topping up the bird feeders etc. so it wasn't like I had a relaxing time!! Went to the gym late morning while Jonathon prowled around the High Street doing various errands.

Managed to get some gardening done in the afternoon when the weather picked up a bit. Hydrangea Heads are harvested to take to Linda next week and potatoes are all gathered in for this year. Really pleased with the crop we've had and the varieties have been very tasty so might do that selection again.

Went to Masala Dabbas for tea - yummy as always and even better with the Orpington Food Festival discount.

1 October

Not a lot to report today. Gym then work. The heavens opened on the way to the station and I got absolutely drenched. No rain when I got to London so I walked over Tower Bridge to discover it was flooded - still passable by vehicles but there was a lot of standing water.

I popped into M&S to get some trousers and socks so I didn't have to sit around in wet clothes all day. My boots were still wet at lunchtime when I met Nicola at Haz.

Jonathon was stuck at home all day waiting for an Amazon delivery - it arrived at 5.50 p.m.

2 October

No gym today but Fay's new daily challenge has started so at least I did that rather than nothing.

Jo and I were supposed to go walking in the afternoon but we postponed because the weather forecast was horrible. For once, the forecast was correct and it rained and rained from about 11 a.m. onwards! Oli had the best idea - funny how cats always find the good places to settle down.

Jonathon and I went to The Orpington for brunch - our final meal out for Flavours of Orpington week. It was really busy which was good to see. I went for a short (damp) walk round Priory Gardens after brunch just to get some steps done.

Because it was so cold and wet we finally succumbed and switched the central heating on for the first time this season. Didn't do much else for the rest of the day other than stay in and keep dry.

3 October

Gym and body pump to start the day as usual but no church for me today because it was a Communion Service. Instead, Jo and I went for a walk round some of the local woods and green spaces to make up for missing our walk yesterday. I've caught up on the steps I missed yesterday so back on track.

We had dinner outside but the wind got up quite strongly in the afternoon so we didn't sit out for long.

Had a Skype call with Mum and Dad - they seemed a bit brighter today but Dad's knee is still giving him a lot of pain.

Managed to get a bit of gardening done before the wind got too cold.

Christine phoned and we chatted for ages but neither or us had any news for the other so not sure what we talked about.

4 October

Gym and work - typical Monday. Our office building (the Walkie Talkie) is now fully open and pbb sent us all a "Welcome Back" present which I brought home for Jonathon. Despite the building being fully open, pbb have asked us to continue wearing masks in our own part of the building and wherever there are other people, e.g. lifts so there's no real change other than we can enter and leave the building from either north or south rather than there being a one way system.

I've found myself a little project to do at work. Necessary but boring is probably the best way I ca describe it. It should keep me busy for quite a while.

Gilda came to see Jonathon and went home armed with potaotes, tomatoes, a book Jonathon had found for her, an empty jar and the tickets for this month's theatre visits.

5 October

Gym and work (sounds familiar!). The rain woke me up at something past four in the morning so everything was lovely and fresh when I went out.

Went for a walk around Leadenhall at lunchtime - stayed close to somewhere in case the drizzle changed into rain but I didn't get too wet.

Jonathon had a busy day. All Gleaming Clean (Tom Sultana and his son, Ben) came to clean the carpets. No sooner has they gone than Teresa came to do the cleaning. At least she didn't need to vacuum the carpets! Jonathon left her to it and went to the GPO for their burger lunch special.

6 October

Body pump and work today. Met Mark for lunch - we went to Pizza Express for a change. They had a lovely new salad on the menu (chicken and grains) so I had that while Mark had pizza.

With Emily having resigned, I've been asked to extend my contract again. I've offered to stay until the end of February next year but then that's it. I don't want to work through another Spring.

Jonathon supervised the Sultana men - they came to Scotchguard the carpets. He put a lot of the stuff back where it lives and I sorted the rest out when I got home.

Jonathon spent quite a bit of time on the phone in the evening, speaking to someone about the problems we've had with the ASHPs. Seems the other man had problems as well so they were comparing notes.

The sunset was lovely!

7 October

I went down to my shed first thing to get the hydrangea heads to take to Linda and Simon only to find that the man at the end had had his conifers cut and, as usual, hadn't asked the tree people to clear up after themselves on my side of the fence. He seems to go for the cheapest option when choosing who to use for the work and I end up clearing up. I didn't have time before park gym so had to leave it as a mess - not a good start to the day.

Park gym was fun. There were 7 of us today with both Lorraine and Jo able to join us for the first time in a while. Luis has lost his phone so I'm acting as temporary "secretary" until he has access to WhatsApp again.

Went to see Linda and Simon for lunch, deliver stuff from us and collect Merrywood stuff for both Gilda and us. It was great to catch up with them and their friendly dogs. Maple is particularly affectionate and likes to sit on people's knees. Jonathon managed to drive both ways.

Got the mess cleared up when we got home but that was at the expense of finishing my steps so I'll have to walk extra steps tomorrow.

8 October

Started with the gym (I think Fay's class on a Friday morning has dies a natural death which is no bad thing as there were only two of us doing it at the end so it really wasn't worth Fay's while doing it).

The main "job" for today was a nice, long walk with Jo. She didn't even know there was a park in Bromley so it was good to show her somewhere new.

The bear seat has a friend - a horse seat. Very nice they are too and they really brighten up the area outside Bromley theatre.

We went around Church House Gardens and Queensmead Recreation Park before heading towards Norman Park.

Unfortunately, the path into Norman Park that I had intended to take wasn't there any more so we had a bit of a detour but found the park int the end and had a good wander around before catching a bus home.By the end of the afternoon I'd done 27k steps and 18.7km so I'd definitely caught up with yesterday's shortfall.

Jonathon had walked a longer walk for him as well - Tesco then all along the High Street and back home.

Neither of us did much in what was left of the afternoon / evening.

9 October

No gym today but I still seemed to manage to fill my morning with household jobs before meeting Caroline and Pebbie for our trip to Kelsey Park. It was really misty first thing (and definitely web season) but the sun burnt through before we finished our walk about and the sky turned a beatiful blue.

We had dinner outside before Jonathon took some pampas to Michelle in the YMCA (his second trip to the shop today). Apparently he got a few funny looks in the High Street - can't imagine why! There's plenty more in the garden if Michelle's daughter, Jess, wants some as well.

Shreena, Mike and Amelie came round in the afternoon. Amelie and I did a whole load of gardening / outdoor chores while the others took the umbrella in for the winter. It's so much easier when we have help.

10 October

Covid test (negative), gym, body pump, church and shopping - all normal stuff for a Sunday morning.

Managed to get some gardening done either side of Skype with Mum and Dad. Dad is trying a new mens' club on Tuesday so hope that goes well and he makes some new friends.

Had a long chat with Christine, again with no real news other than her final aunty died this week. Christine isn't sure what the problem was but it wasn't Covid.

11 October

It was still dark when I went to the gym - how did that happen? It wasn't dark last week at that time of morning.

Went to work. Stefan phoned and asked me to stay "for ever". Not interested in doing that (and definitely not interested in going back full time on workout to replace Emily). I re-confirmed I could stay until the end of February. I'll be helping on the workout team as well as the credit team (no change there then because I'm already doing that!)

Bought some boots at dinner time. My feet seemed to have changed shape through Lockdown and my work shoes aren't very comfy any more. The boots are similar to walking boots but a bit smarter and very easy to wear.

Jonathon drove my car to Sainsbury's and put some petrol in. The petrol situation seems to be calming down a bit so hopefully there will be no more panic buying and long queues.

Joey Richardson (wood turner friend ) came and parked on the drive. It's Wizardry in Wood in London from Wednesday to Saturday this week and it's easier for her to park here because there's no parking space at her friend's house where she's staying.

12 October

Gym and work!

Decided re work and sent an email to Stefan suggesting I work to end of February as agreed yesterday then have March off (using accrued holiday). I offered to follow that up with 2DW from 1 April to 30 September and Stefan was very quick to agree. I'll be based in the Workout team from the start of this year albeit that I'll be sitting at the same desk.

Had a short walk at lunchtime to get some air but that was about it for me.

Jonathon went to the opticians to have his eyes tested. As expected, he needs new glasses and delighted to say that Boots had some that were wide enough to fit him. He collects them later this month.

Teresa came and did the cleaning. She has foxes near her now and her cat flap isn't linked to her cat's collar or chip so she's worried that the foxes could make themselves at home.

Spent the evening knitting yet more Christmas stockings to go to the YMCA for fund raising. Got a message from Alix (church friend) who'd like the claret and blue one! That's already gone so have knit another one (different design, same colours) and now she wants a blue, yellow and white one!

13 October

Body pump and work but something different at lunchtime because it's Wizardry in Wood at Carpenters Hall this week. Jonathon made his own way there and back using trains, buses and feet - his first solo trip into London for months. I met him there in my lunch hour. We had a good catch up with various turners and collected Jonathon Bod (Shirley Bod needed a friend). Mo and Pete weren't there today but they'd left him in the care of Ron so we could bring him home.

Went to the Peacock Theatre with Gilda in the evening to see Kate Prince's "Message in a Bottle". It was even better than we remembered.

14 October

I really didn't feel like getting up for Park Gym today after being out last night but off I went. The sunrise was lovely so that helped and I really enjoyed it when I got there.

The sun came out and the sky was blue (for wa while) so I managed to get the grass cut and some garden sacks taken to the front of the house ready for tomorrow's exciting trip to the tip.

Oli decided he wanted some snuggle time so that was the best excuse for sitting by the pond for a while and just being.

Went to Xi'an for tea - we haven't been there for ages but we are spoilt for choice in Orpington nowadays.

15 October

Not a very exciting morning - tip run, Sainsbury's and ironing.

Met Jo for a walk round local woods and meadows in the afternoon. The weather wasn't sure what to do - we had bright blue skies and sun as well as dark clouds but at least it stayed dry.

On the way home we dropped the Christmas stockings that Alix had asked for at her house. She had three in the end - one each for her, her husband (Crystal Palace colours) and her son (Leeds United). Alix paid by bank transfer so Jonathon surprised the team at YMCA when he gave them the money rather than knitting for them to sell.

16 October

Popped to Tesco first thing. They have started collecting "thin" plastic for recycling but I suspect they might have underestimated the demand because the receptacle was over-flowing when I tried to add ours. Managed to balance it on the top but I don't think much more could be added.

Went to the gym. No need to do treadmill today because we had a long walk planned with the gym group so did a few resistance machines etc. and didn't stay too long.

Met with Judy, Janet, Jo, Irene and Lorraine and went on a train from St. Mary Cray to Shoreham for a lovely country walk. The weather stayed dry most of the time so we were quite lucky.

We followed the circular walk and walked up to the big white cross that is carved into the hillside (WW1 memorial) and enjoyed the lovely views from up there while we had our picnic.

We got back to the village and enjoyed more lovely views of the River Darent. We decided a cup of tea was in order so called into the Honeypot - lovely cake to go with the tea!

As we had a few minutes before the train back to Orpington, we called into the local church to admire the pretty stained glass windows.

Carole phoned in the evening. Dad doesn't seem to be able to do much at all now and Mum is struggling to cope with having to deal with everything and think for both of them. We are going to take over the finances.

Gareth is going round there on Monday to try and sort out where things stand on day one then we'll take over. Although I've been expecting something along these lines I wasn't expecting it quite so soon so it was a bit of a shock.

17 October

Woke up with a really sore throat and full of cold. I've been trying to fight it off for a few days but finally I've succumbed. Did a Covid test - negative - so I'm confident it is only a cold.

To be on the safe side, I didn't go to gym, body pump or church. Instead I took myself off for a nice long walk through Poverest Park, along the Cray, round St. Mary Cray Recreation Ground and the adjacent field and back via Priory Gardens. It's a lovely walk that I haven't done for a while so it was good to see what had changed. it was very autumnal!

Went to D'Angelo for dinner. The meat and veg were lovely but the puddings left a bit to be desired so we gave them some feedback but I dare say we'll go back. The meals there are usually delicious so perhaps we'll use them for other days of the week!

Had the usual Skype call with Mum and Dad. As Carole said, Dad's fine if he's in place and sitting ready and we had a good chat today about all sorts.

Spoke to Christine. She had visitors (Jocelyn and George - niece and boyfriend) so she called me back when they'd gone. Usual chit chat!

18 October

No gym today because I'm still full of cold. I went to Tesco for a few bits so did get outside before I went to work.

Went for a walk at dinner time to get my steps done and had my flu jab at Boots. The pharmacist was lovely - really gentle. It was a much better experience than the doctor last year.

Gilda came over to see Jonathon and they went to Aksular for lunch. Gilda was suitably impressed.

Tried to register Mum for Online Banking only to find we didn't have all the information we needed. We needed her Debit Card number as well as her Sort Code and Account Number. Grrr. Carole will get it on Wednesday when she's there.

19 October

Still no gym as not 100% but off I went to work having tested to make sure I was Covid negative.

Met Mark at lunchtime and tried out the Coppa Club, somewhere new. It was quite pricey but that's possibly because it's close to the Tower and by the Thames. Also very loud so I dare say we won't be going there again.

Jonathon went to Miso in the High Street for his dinner but he wasn't impressed so that's another one that won't be visited again.

20 October

I woke up feeling grotty. Not sure if it's because of my cold or reaction to the flu jab (possibly both). Either way, with a nasty cough I let work know I wouldn't be in today. It's the first sick day I've had since starting work at pbb.

We had a lot of rain overnight. Popped to Sainsbury's for my paper while it wasn't raining and enjoyed time for breakfast and crossword. Now I know what Jonathon and Oli get up to while I'm at work. Apparently, it's quite normal for Oli to spend a while on J's knee - clearly his long legs are very comfy to sit on.

The sun came out for a while so I went for a shortish walk and had just got back before the heavens opened again.

Carole phoned with Mum's debit card number so tried again to register Mum for On-line Banking. Got to page 2 this time but the bank sent a 6 digit PIN to her landline which, of course, is hopeless because you can't collect it from there! We've agreed I'll sort it out when we go up to Yorkshire in November.

Shaun went for his MOT and delighted to report that he passed with a few bits and bobs (new windscreen wipers etc) but nothing too major. Jonathon did his walking today by taking Shaun and walking home this morning then walking to collect him and driving him home this afternoon.

We're on a weather warning for this evening and overnight so hope it's not too awful.

21 October

Feeling a bit better today but not well enough for gym yet so an easy morning with breakfast, paper and pot of tea.

Helped Jonathon get Oli into his basket because it was time for his annual check up and booster jab. He was such a good puss cat - the people at the vets seem to think he's lovely and really like his basket.

While Jonathon was at the vets, I popped down to the High Street to have a look at the revised development plans. The only real difference is the 25 storey tower is now 19 storeys. It will definitely be an improvement on what's there now!

Jonathon went to have a look at the plans after dinner but the queues were too long for him to bother with so he came straight back home.

Met up with Swati and Carol for a walk in the afternoon. We went along the same walk I'd done the other day but there were a couple of big differences. Firstly, the crops were starting to show through so the fields were green rather than brown. Apart from ... the parts of the fields that had suffered from a mud slide in the storm last night. That had created a total mess.

When we got back to St. Mary Cray Recreation Ground (after a diversion because the path was waterlogged), there was a large truck with a suction pump near the houses so I really hope they hadn't had mud in their homes.

The rest of the walk passed uneventfully - it was a bright and sunny afternoon and the very full River Cray looked lovely.

The day ended with a beautiful sunset but the heating is back on because the very mild weather of the last few days has now gone and we are back in single figures.

22 October

Tip run first thing then Jonathon went to collect his new glasses. They really suit him and fit him much better than the last pair.

While Jo, Coco and I went for a walk, Jonathon spent the afternoon at the Cinema watching Dune. He really enjoyed it.

Coco really enjoyed her walk, especially chasing squirrels. She even tried to climb up one of the trees but without success so I think the squirrels are pretty safe.

23 October

Went for a solo, relatively early walk this morning and admired some of the pretty flowers along the way. It was a bit of a dull morning but stayed dry and the reason for the early morning wander was because we went out for lunch, in London.

Jonathon coped really well with the walk to the station, train ride and walk to Indigo at one Aldwych (and back again). It was great to catch up with Derek and Maureen albeit that Maureen and I had no real idea what those two were talking about a lot of the time (SciFi, Tech, Cars). It's the first time we've got dressed up in goodness knows how long - very strange to wear make-up, dress and boots that weren't walking boots!

Mark messaged me to say he'd been pinged (again) for close contact so he has to have a PCR test tomorrow. He's trying a drive-thru rather than doing it at home so it'll be interesting to know how he gets on.

24 October

I've now been pinged as well so yet another PCR test has been ordered albeit that my Lateral Flow test this morning was negative. I dropped a note to Gilda suggesting she should take a test to be on the safe side.

No church or gym again for me today because I've not got rid of my cold. Instead, I went out for an autumn walk then popped into Tesco for my paper and some milk, only to find they didn't have any of the milk we like. Off to Sainsbury's I went where they had plenty.

25 October

Back to the gym and work today. The train and the office were both very quiet with it being school holiday time. There were loads of tourist in The City / around the Tower of London but they didn't get in my way too much.

Mark messaged to let me know his Covid test was negative so we can meet up tomorrow for lunch.

Gilda came over to see Jonathon (coffee today) and took some potatoes and her birthday card home with her.

Did yet another PCR test when I got home from work. I imagine that will also come back negative but I'm always on tenterhooks until I get the result.

26 October

No gym today - don't want to overdo it - but I did manage Fay's daily challenge for the first time in a while.

Met Mark for lunch and had a nice walk round, putting off the work I had to do in the afternoon.

Jonathon had a prowl round the High Street while Teresa was here cleaning.

Did yet another Covid test (lateral flow) when I got home - negative.

27 October

Gym today then work. It was nice to see the poppies in the trees in the High Street again. They put them up every year for Remembrance Day.

Met Nicola for lunch. Mark mentioned that he'd bought a new TV and therefore had an old one looking for a home yesterday. Nicola said today that she needs a new TV so I've put them in touch with each other and, hopefully, they'll sort it out between them.

Jonathon did his usual meander round town but, otherwise, it was a quiet day.

28 October

Gave park gym a miss. I'm definitely getting better but not quite 100% yet so went to the inside gym instead. It was good to be able to spend a bit of time there rather than the 30-40 minutes I usually have before work.

We went to The Cricketers for dinner. I'd hoped for fish and chips but they weren't on the menu so I had pie and chips instead. Not exactly healthy but very nice.

I cut the grass after dinner (yes, on 28 October!) then went for a walk in the lovely autumn sunshine while Jonathon wandered along the High Street. He spoke to Jess at YMCA and it seems her mum didn't share the pampas with her so I cut some more and J went back to the shop to give it to her.

Spoke to Dad (his birthday today). He seems to have had a good day.

29 October

Jo and I set off for Greenwich with our main aim to see the Sir David Attenborough icebreaker ship. We got off the train at Lewisham and walked through Blackheath to Greenwich, via the park. The views and the autumn colours were lovely.

The tide was out so the river low and we went on the "beach" for a little while. Coco was in her element but I'm glad I'm not the one who has to bath her because she was filthy. Paddling in the Thames probably didn't help.

We had a really lovely view of the boat / ship and were surprised at how few people there were around to see it, especially as it's half term.

Rather than walk the same way back we decided to walk along the Thames Path , heading west, and see where we ended up. London Bridge was the answer - quite a long walk! Coco had a lovely nap on the train on the way home.

Gilda and I met at The Orchard Theatre in Dartford to see "Rock of Ages". The music was good but the smutty content and swearing weren't to our taste so we left at half time.

And ... we've reached the end of this page so on to the next one.