15 May

We have had a rainy day today - good steady rain - perfect for the garden but it put paid to any weeding and/or gardening that I was planning to do.

I went to Shreena's class and pounded the treadmill for a while then went to church. We had a double baptism today. Nancy was supposed to be baptised in August 2020 but Covid meant it had to be postponed. She and her little sister, Lilah, were then supposed to be baptised in February 2022 but their Dad was poorly. At last, today the service happened. Nancy looked incredibly cute in her pretty frock with her naturally curly blond hair.

Had the usual Skype call with Mum. Her leg is still hurting if she does anything but she looks a lot better.

Had a call with Christine. No real news but she gave me yet another poster to do for her Jubilee celebrations!

17 May

Walked along the River Cray before work - really lovely day.

Work was reasonably busy this morning but I had plenty of time to go for a walk alongside the River Thames and round St. Katharine Docks and The City at lunchtime.

Jonathon had gone out to a photo shoot by the time I got home.

I did a bit of gardening then called Dad. He was very muddled at first but perked up a bit while we talked. I'm sure he's getting more frail as the days go by.

18 May

No time for the gym this morning because I had to be in the office and ready for my first meeting by 9 a.m. Got up a bit earlier so I could at least go for a walk - the light was lovely.

Work was really busy - 3 meetings back to back - almost felt like I had a proper job! Thank goodness the fourth meeting was cancelled so I could get out at lunchtime.

Carole went to see Dad and reported back that he was a lot perkier today. He realised he'd been muddled last night so he obviously has a sense of self-awareness. Angela let us know that Uncle Dave was a bit better today but still very poorly.

Anoher day when I've not seen Jonathon - he'd gone out with his cameras before I got home.

19 May

Time to go north. Didn't do much before I went other than make fruit salad for Jonathon for a couple of days (he eats fruit if I do that!).

Got to Orpington station to find there were no trains and those that were running were severely delayed (signalling problems). Perhaps SouthEastern decided they didn't want to take on the wrath of all us grey haired folk so they diverted one train so we could go to London Bridge. It was packed!

Managed to catch my trains to York and Knaresborough so all good in the end.

Popped in to Manor House to see Dad - I knew he wouldn't have long because the afternoon activities start at 2.30 p.m. - then walked via the Market Place to pick up a couple of apple tarts for Mum and me.

Finally a walk by the River Nidd to go back to the Dower House to check in and have a snack for dinner.

20 May

A day of visiting. First visit was to the gym - I was the only person in there for a while so had my choice of equipment.

Next ... Dad. He was in pretty good form. Seemed surprised when the care lady came to ask him if he wanted to join in the morning activity (didn't know there was one). As it was "crafts" he opted to speak to his friend, Alan, instead so I helped him dial the number and left them chatting.

Then ... Mum. Graeme was there when I arrived. Haven't seen him since before Covid so it was lovely to catch up. Had the usual fish and chips for dinner then sorted out the finances and filing.

Finally ... Carole collected me from the hotel and we went to see Pauline and Paul for "tea". Chilli followed by Pauline's version of Eton Mess - very tasty. We had a nice walk after tea, even saw some donkeys.

I've caught up with most of the family now so time to go home tomorrow.

21 May

I woke up early so went to Jacob Smith Park for a walk round and popped into the Co-op to get food and drink for my train journey home. As I had a bit of time left before breakfast, I then went to Conyngham Hall and Grounds for a second walk. It was a lovely, fresh morning after the rain yesterday.

The train journey home was uneventful. Sunderland AFC were due to play at Wembley and there were a lot of excited supporters on the very full train.

Having got unpacked and done a load of washing, Jonathon and I caught up with the Pop Master and other quizzes we'd missed then I did some tidying up in the garden.

22 May

Had a lovely night's sleep with my furry friend so I was raring to go when I got up. Gym and treadmill followed by church (as usual).

There's a lovely, new hanging in church of the daffodil cross. Each of the daffodils is 3D so the photo doesn't really do it justice.

Popped my spare French beans and courgette plants round to Jenny and Brendan's. By the time I got back from there I'd done my target steps for the day.

Someone on our local sharing group was wanting to borrow a wheelbarrow so they came to collect one of ours. I checked they weren't moving gravel / shingle before I lent it to them.

Had the usual Skype call with Mum. No news as we'd only seen each other on Friday.

My new iPad arrived so Jonathon and I got it set up so I can use it for Mum and Dad's banking. Hopefully that should make it easier than using my laptop where the payment limits are so low.

Spoke to Christine. Her plans for the Jubilee party are progressing well.

23 May

Ela's class, breakfast and then Gilda arrived. We walked to Jubilee Park today - she'd not been there before. It started to rain as we left the park so we "cheated" and caught the bus back to Orpington.

Jonathon joined us at A Mano for lunch. My food was delicious - burrata, avocado and tomatoes with herbs etc.

Gilda and I ordered the next batch of Sadlers Wells tickets before she left.

I went off to Swan Watch. It was very quiet - the only "trouble" being a crow killing a wood pigeon. I had a chat with Alicia and Lizzie, helped Michael getting a ball out of the pond, met a new Caroline and had a walk round with Dennis. I think the team members outnumbered the other park visitors.

Phoned Dad. He was on good form and full of chat and is looking forward to going home tomorrow but is concerned about how Mum will cope with him.

24 May

Our Alstromaeria are starting to flower - it must be almost Summer. The weather certainly gave no hint of Summer today but I didn't get wet while out for my pre-work wander.

On the way to work was a different story altogether - at least my Rohans dry off quickly.

At lunch time the sky was very dark and threatening. It's an interesting experience sitting near a window on the 23rd floor being surrounded by thunder and lightning!

I got my work iPhone unlocked and, hopefully, I'll remember the passcode now.

Mum texted to let me know that Dad had arrived home. I really hope they cope OK otherwise there will have to be some serious changes which will involve lots of thinking.

Gilda and I went to see Animal Farm at the Churchill Theatre. It was excellent, the puppets were first class. The story was just as depressing as you would imagine but, somehow, the puppets made it even more real.

Jonathon was busy elsewhere with his cameras.

25 May

Body pump to start with. Vicky is still covering for Shreena but she thinks Shreena should be back next week.

On my walk alongside the Thames, I came across a couple of scultures of chimps. I'm guessing there must be a trail of them somewhere so I might investigate. I mentioned it to Jo but apparently the one they saw yesterday frightened Coco so I don't think we'll be dog walking the route.

Texted Mum to see how things were. They'd had a bad night. Carole messaged later to say they'd perked up a bit. The District Nurse had been and done a load of tests on Dad - all appeared to be OK. Hopefully they will settle back into a routine before too long.

During my lunchtime walk I heard a jazz band. I've no idea what was going on but they were leading a whole load of people out of a church - perhaps a wedding? I'll probably never know but I enjoyed the music.

Met Mark for dinner after work - we went to Taberna Etrusca. It's a long time since we've been there but it was just as good as I remembered.

26 May

Jo, Coco and I went to Rochester for our walk today. We walked today rather than our usual Friday because Jo's got a full diary tomorrow. I'd not been to Rochester before but it was lovely. Full of history and not only Dickens (although there was definitely a strong Dickens link!)

Jonathon went to Smithfield to photograph various musicians. I was supposed to go as well but J said the trains were playing up so I decided to stay at home for the evening instead.

I phoned Mum and Dad. They are struggling a bit now they're both at home. They are thinking of increasing the carers' hours so they can do jobs for Mum as well as personal care for Dad. I offered to call the carers on Monday but Mum wants to talk to Carole about it first. No doubt, one of them will let me know if they need me to do anything.

27 May

I spent most of today working in the garden. The courgettes are now planted, the broad beans tipped out and staked up, the vegetable beds weeded, some pruning done and the grass edged ready for when we cut it next week (after May). I popped to the garden centre to get some plants to replace the hydrangeas in three of our pots that don't look too healthy. This time I chose dahlias for a change.

Jonathon went to see the Tom Cruise "Maverick / Top Gun" film again - on the big, big screen this time. Apparently it was even more brilliant than two days ago.

I finished my steps with a quick walk after tea then finally put my feet up.

28 May

Gym then quite an early lunch so Jonathon could go to North London for a photo shoot. While he was out I did some gardening, including marking up the paths through the grass. By the time I got back from my extra Swan Watch the foxes had already chewed through the string but, at least, we have a starting position to finesse.

Our first lot of strawberries are ready so I picked those and was very restrained, leaving half of them for Jonathon.

Popped round to a neighbour's to collect a load of jars and bottles that she was throwing out. They'll go north for Christine when we go up in June.

Jonathon went to his second gig but the artist was a bit pretentious so he came home rather than upset anyone.

Mum seems to be getting worse instead of better. When I was in Yorkshire we agreed that bending over and resting on her walking trolley was not doing her back any good but she seems far too attached to it and refuses to try and walk any other way.

29 May

Usual start to Sunday. Pleased to see Shreena back in action leading the gym class. She said she's feeling a lot better but work isn't going as well as she'd hoped. Saw Lisa (haven't seen her for quite a while). Her Dad's been in hospital so Lisa has now full custody of his dog. Since she retired she's basically looked after her Dad one way or another but hopefully he's on the mend now.

Church was next on my agenda. We sang Happy Birthday to Naomi (6 today) during the service. After the service I coloured in a bit of bunting ready for the 50th anniversary of the United Reform Church. There are still quite a few flags to do so I might end up doing more colouring another Sunday.

Checked out our new local convenience store. It's very shiny and new and seems to carry quite a lot of stock. The man was really friendly so I'll be tempted to go there again.

Dalaine brought our wheelbarrow back and I went to collect more jars for Christine from Donna. We cut the grass - making four quadrants to keep "wild". Oli decided the best place to hide from the lawnmower was on top of my shed.

Had the usual Skype call with Mum and Dad. Dad's hearing aid wasn't working so he didn't join in much. Mum is thinking of calling the GP tomorrow to see if she should be exercising her leg so at least some progress!

Spoke to Christine. She's just about ready for her Fun at the Farm Jubilee celebrations on Thursday.

30 May

I never thought I'd say this but I do believe Ela's class was the easiest of the three this week, not that it was easy so perhaps least hard would be a better description!

Gilda came for our usual walk. I decided we'd go and see if the rhododendrons were in flower - there's a pathway in Petts Wood known as the Rhododendron Walk. They were and it looked lovely.

I popped to Crispy Cod for our fish and chips lunch and was collared by Stephen Sangster (Chairman of our local residents' association) who was being interviewed by Nigel Farage (politician). I'm now on YouTube talking very briefly about health and safety's silly rules around Jubilee bunting.

I did my Swan Watch shift. Juliet is still sitting on her two eggs - they are due to hatch any day so we've all got our fingers tightly crossed. Julie and Doug took over from me - the birds were very pleased to see one of their chief feeders arrive.

31 May

Went for a walk before work and called in to Priory Gardens. Romeo was having a lovely morning stretch which was good to see.

Shreena messaged to see if I could do school run next Tuesday morning - just waiting for details but will help if I can.

Work was OK. I got wet at lunchtime then very wet coming home. The double rainbow that I saw all the way home more than made up for the heavy rain.

Jonathon went to the dentist (all good) and spent the evening taking photos at Toulouse Lautrec.

1 June

After the amazing weather and following light last night, we were back to normal today.

Shreena led out body pump class - she's waiting to hear back from Amelie's school re breakfast club for Tuesday before she can let me know timing.

It was nice to see the soldiers guarding the huts outside the gym!

Work was quite busy - I'm helping Niamh with one of her deals because the workout team don't have a lot for me to do.

I did a bit of gardening when I got home from work - tying peas up a bit and picking lots of strawberries.

Jonathon was out when I got home - he has been given a photo pass for Jools Holland and friends - probably the most famous person he's photographed recently.

2 June

Today was all about Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II who celebrated 70 years on the throne - a major achievement (Platinum Jubilee) and easily the longest serving monarch in our country. Lots of military parades and a big fly past were the formal part of the day and Orpington 1st arranged for the BBC coverage to be streamed onto a big screen in the Market Place.

In the afternoon, we had plenty of entertainment including live music from the Polkadots and others.

Shreena, Mike and Amelie joined me there in the afternoon and we took full advantage of the opportunities for youngsters so Amelie made a crown, had her face painted, watched Punch and Judy (twice) and enjoyed ice cream.

After a short break, it was time to head for church for a short service then a candle lit walk down to Broomhill Common for the lighting of the beacon.

Everything was really well attended, the weather was kind to us and a good day was had by all.

3 June

I went for a walk across the wheat field behind St. Mary Cray Recreation Ground before breakfast. The walk took a bit longer than anticipated because, when I went through Priory Gardens, I came across two baby Moorhens that appeared to have been abandoned. Having sat fairly close to them for about 15 minutes, their mum finally reappeared and all was well (phew!).

We went to The Orpington for lunch - I had Coronation Chicken wrap and Jonathon had Chicken Satay followed by Jubilee trifle - all very tasty.

The sunny weather over the last couple of days has brought the paeony out into flower - it's looking lovely.

The starling chicks are also with us in great numbers (for a garden). This is the second lot that we've had this year - we can't keep the bird feeders topped up at all.

4 June

There were no spaces in Fay's class this morning and the timing would have been a bit too tight so I did my own circuit rather than nothing. Saw Jo, Judy and Luis at the gym. Luis has resigned from his Health SErvice job (too much paperwork) but hasn't got another job to go to yet. HOpefully he'll find something that suits him better before long.

Jo, Coco and I caught a bus to Footscray and joined a Well-being Walk, led by Kirsty and her mum, Marcia. Footscray Meadows (AKA 5 Arches) is a lovely area (Jo hadn't been before but I think she'll go again). Ellie and Elsie-Mae really enjoyed playing with Coco and Coco, as usual, had a lovely time. She's such an enthusiastic dog - loves every minute of life what ever we seem to do with her.

Jonathon went out with his cameras in the evening and Gilda and I went to The Orchard Theatre at Dartford to see Oti Mabuse's dance show.

5 June

Shreena worked us hard as usual but no church today. Instead, I went round to Jenny and Peter's at Number 4 to help set up for the street Jubilee garden party. The weather forecast was awful so we had three gazebos to erect and a whole load of tables and chairs to fit in them.

After a quick lunch, I went back to put sandwiches and savouries on plates and generally get the tables ready in advance of the guests arriving. Jenny had collected some memorabilia and that was set out on a table in the "shed" for people to admire.

I think I was the youngest person there (Jonathon was at a gig in London) so I did the "running", making sure the people were fed, tea cups topped up etc. Some of the guests brought cake with them so cutting and plating up was another job for me to do.

Everybody seemed to have a lovely time with plenty of chat from beginning to end.

Jonathon arrived just as we were packing up so he helped break everything down and deliver tables and chairs back to their rightful owners. We brought some fruit cake home for him as his reward for helping.

I had my usual chat with Christine. She was full of news about her village fare / Fun at the Farm on Thursday which was a resounding success. This week should be a bit quieter.

6 June

Another damp day so I got wet going to the gym.

Had a Skype call today instead of yesterday with Mum and Dad. The carers were still there at the start of the call which meant they were a bit unsettled. Mum's left leg is now giving her a problem (her right side, where the small bone was broken appears to be OK).

Mark bottled out of joining Gilda and me for a walk so just joined us (and Jonathon) for lunch at D'Angelo.

I did my usual swan watch shift. A friendly family told me that they'd seen a gun in the playground area. Thankfully it was a toy one (cap gun I think) but it was duly removed and disposed of.

Jonathon went off to a gig. We knew the tube drivers were on strike so worked out another route for him. Unfortunately the artist and compere hadn't done the same so it was late starting!

7 June

I did my first ever school run today. Amelie was booked in for breakfast club so we met at 7 a.m. and walked to her school. I went on a quick walk alongside Kyd Brook before going to work.

Gilda and I went to the Churchill Theatre to see Jersey Boys in the evening (mediocre).

Jonathon spent the day with a musician called Fudge - talking about concepts for his new album etc. He then went to Toulouse Lautrec in the evening and still got home before me.

8 June

Despite being out last night I managed to get up in time to go to body pump.

The wild flowers for Superbloom at The Tower of London are coming along nicely. We have tickets for early July but I can walk that way to work and peep over the fence.

Work was pretty busy and I met Nicola for dinner in the evening. She was a lot better than last time I saw her.

Jonathon took his car for its MOT - passed with flying colours.

He spent the evening at Smithfield Piano Bar.

9 June

I decided to get my steps done early so I set off and did 10 km before doing today's pop master with Jonathon (we also caught up with pop master from Tuesday and Wednesday).

Derek and Maureen treated us to lunch at Chapter One - lovely as always and good to catch up with them on their way home from Eastbourne.

Teresa came and did the cleaning. I still haven't got used to her coming on a Thursday.

Jonathon got a an official Thank You note for allowing The Knoll (residents' association) to use his photo from the Jubilee beacon lighting.

When Jonathon had left to go into town with his cameras I pulled up the first batch of this year's potatoes (Jazzys), picked yet more strawberries and did a few other bits in the garden under Oli's supervision.

10 June

Had an SOS from Shreena last night so picked Amelie up and walked to school with her before catching a train and tram to go to the dentist. Pleased to report that teeth are all good and dentist was very pleased with the way I'm cleaning my teeth. Next appointment is in 6 months.

Popped to Bywood Deli (opposite the dentist) for a quick cuppa then met Jo and Coco back at the tram stop and went for a lovely walk in South Norwood Country Park, South Norwood Lake and Grounds and Crystal Palace Park. We had lunch in Crystal Palace then got the train back to Orpington.

Jonaathon was still at home when I got there so we actually got to see each other for about half an hour before he headed into town with his cameras to shoot the Concert fot Children of Ukraine Child concert. I did a bit of tidying up in the garden once he'd gone and the temperature had dropped a little bit and picked another basin full of strawberries (it's a good crop this year!)

11 June

After a quick turn in the gym I met up with Caroline and Pebbie to visit London Square Open Gardens. Most of the "posh" gardens won't allow dogs, even on leads, so I'd made up a different route in North London starting at Manor House tube and working our way southwards.

Caroline has Grandma duties on Saturdays so we didn't set off until late morning. By the time we got to Manor Park it was lunchtime (very nice cafe at the Castle Climbing Centre). We planned to visit Castle Garden after eating but they had unexpectedly closed the garden by then so we didn't get to see it. The Woodberry Downs Wetland Centre was just next door so we had a wander round there instead then started out trip south.

We strolled through Clissold Park and visited Clissold Community Garden. They'd had a lot of people there in the morning but we were the only visitors at the time so we had a good chat with the gardener. Pebbie had a lovely time rolling about on the grass.

A whole crowd of people arrived as we were leaving so we had obviously timed it right.

Our next garden was St. Mary's Secret Garden - very pretty garden with some beautiful roses and and lovely, homemade cakes.

Despite only visiting two gardens, we ran out of time so we wended our way home from there, catching the Overground to New Cross from Shoreditch High Street tube station (so that was two new tube stations for me in one day!).

By the time we got back to Orpington Jonathon was on his way into London for the evening photo shoot at Toulouse Lautrec.

We came across a car that appeared to have been abandoned on the road up to the station / end of the alleyway so I reported it to the police when I got home then did lots of watering (no rain for a few days and none forecast for the foreseeable future. Thankfully, the water butts were have all been filled up with lovely rain over the last couple of weeks so we have plenty to go at.

Update - the car had gone by the following day.

12 June

Gym was a bit more eventful than normal because one of the particiapnts collapsed after the class. Shreena had to leave her because she had another class to run so I sat with her and provided her with water until the duty manager and the first aider came to take over. Jane (a nurse friend) also helped so I left her in good hands. I later learned that the lady had been taken into hospital. Hope she's OK.

Went for a walk to collect my paper and do some steps. I wandered through the rose gardens at Priory Gardens - they look spectacular at the moment. The church service was another Jubilee celebration. Jennifer was ably assisted by the Rainbows and we all ended up making and wearing a crown at one point!

After dinner (we had our own potatoes), Jonathon went up to town to suss out Ecclestone Yard (a regular outdoor venue) and then over to Richmond to shoot Chicago Blues Brothers. I decided getting home well after midnight would be far too late for me (must be getting old).

Had the usual Skype call with Mum and Dad. Mum's still suffering with her sciatica and Dad with his general health and his eyes in particular.

Tested out a walk for tomorrow. Got on an R3 bus to come home - that was a mistake! It went all round the houses and took ages. In the end I got off and walked through Poverest Park to get home. It would have been quicker to walk from the outset!

Had a call with Christine. Helen (Gordon's sister) is flying over from America at the end of the month - first time since lockdown started. Helen's main concerns are the cost of the hire car and the petrol to fill it (hardly surprising as he car and fuel is expected to cost as much as her flights).

13 June

Started the day as normal with the gym - Ela's class today. It was well attended so we were in pairs - I was with Jo.

Gilda came for our usual Monday walk. Today we went to Tubbenden Meadows, Darrick & Newstead Woods and Tugmutton Common - a good mix of meadows, woodland and parkland. Jonathon joined us at The Drawing Room, Locksbottom for lunch - our first visit there and we all enjoyed it. Jonathon then went off to Sainsbury's while Gilda and I made out way home via Crofton Woods and lots of alleyways.

The sunshine made the front garden look lovely and the paeony is particularly stunning at the moment.

Jonathon worked his way through various batches of photos while I went and did Swan Watch. Although it looks like there's still at least one egg, we don't think it's viable and it seems the adult swans are moving them away from the nest.

The carrot cake at the new cafe in the park was yummy - I didn't share it with the birds!

Still no rain so lots of watering had to be done and I picked lots more strawberries. I'll take some for Mark tomorrow.

14 June

Our front garden is looking lovely, especially in the early morning sunshine.

Went for a walk before work then into the City.

Met Mark for dinner at Giuseppe's Place (Borough High Street). Very nice food and reasonable prices with Tastecard.

Chimney sweep came for his annual clean so that's done for another year.

Mum went to the physio and now has some exercises to help get her sciatica better.

Jonathon went to Toulouse Lautrec in the evening with his camera.

15 June

Body pump to start the day then off to work. It was already warm when I went to work and got steadily warmer as the day went on. Coming home on the train was hot, sticky and horrible.

Jonathon caught up on some of the photos he's taken over the last few days and stayed indoors.

Lots of watering done once it had cooled down a bit.

16 June

Decided to catch up with ironing before the temperature rose too much. By the time that was done, I had to go to my hair appointment (nice and short again). With the temperature forecast to be "hot" in the afternoon, I went for a walk to get some steps done - it was a beautiful day. Both swans were off the nest and it's now pretty obvious that the eggs weren't viable so no cygnets this year.

Did quite a bit of gardening while Teresa was here doing the cleaning (I like to keep out of her way if I can). Jonathon finally caught up with his photos and stayed inside with Oli, away from the heat.

Jo and I were due to go for dinner at Carluccio's in St. Pancras and, because his concert didn't start until 8 p.m., Jonathon came as well. He went to Hoxton to see Lisa Canny, Jo and I went to Kings Cross to a Madison Violet concert - great music and good chat.

Jo's very worried about Charlotte, one of her granddaughters, who is quite poorly. Jenny is taking Charlotte for some more tests tomorrow to try and work out what's wrong. Fingers crossed it's nothing too serious.

17 June

I had a bit of a sleep in today, well, a read in really as I decided to finish my book before I got up.

Met Jo and we went for a walk to Jenny's (her daughter) to deliver a present for Charlotte, her granddaughter, who has been diagnosed with Crohn's disease today. She's being kept in hospital for a few days so the whole family are obviously worried.

Although we were following the Chelsfield Circular Route, a walk that Jo's done loads of times, she managed to get us a bit lost on the way there (took an impromptu detour) and we ended up walking past an asparagus project, then past it again and again! We eventually arrived at Jenny's, delivered the present and then went home a much shorter route, calling at The 5 Bells for a drink on the way.

Jonathon finally got a call from Gray's of Westminster to let him know his Nikon Z9 had arrived so he whizzed up to town to collect it.

We went to The Churchill in the evening to see The ELO Experience - tickets booked in 2020 and rescheduled. We had dinner at Studio Gusto before the show (yummy) and left the show at half time - the instruments weren't all in tune so it didn't sound good at all. Combine that with a crowd of people sitting in our row that talked all the way through and we'd had enough.

By leaving early it meant we could water the food beds and pots in daylight so that helped.

18 June

After such a busy day yesterday I decided to have a quieter day today. I still went to Fay's class (worked hard) and got my paper.

Having taken time to wander round the garden with my camera, that was pretty much it before dinner.

Jonathon finally got caught up with his photos so he'll be raring to go when we get back from Yorkshire (going there on Monday).

After dinner I introduced Jonathon to Lopeto Caffe, the new cafe in Priory Gardens and we had drinkings.

Jonathon went off to Sainsbury's to get some bits of shopping and I went for a walk. With the cooler air, walking was more pleasant today and it was lovely to go round a local field (public right of way) and listen to the skylarks.