2023 Diary - Page 31

9 April

Easter Sunday!

Got up quite early to pound on the treadmill for an hour before the big service at church. The wall hanging looked very pretty.

It was a lovely, sunny day and Oli was taking advantage by lounging about in the warmest part of the hall.

Spent the afternoon creating a "cage" for the strawberry beds using the poles and nets that I brought down from Knaresborough.

Had a Skype chat with Mum - she's determined not to move to Starbeck (no surprise) but is OK about going to have a look-see on Thursday.

Had a chat with Christine - no real news from her side.

10 April

No early class today because of the bank holiday so went and did my own thing at the gym.

Gilda came over and we went for a wet walk (hard to believe it was so rainy today after the lovely couple of days we've had). We dropped a load of bags round to Alix en route so they can clutter her house up rather than ours. Jonathon met us at the Black Horse for lunch.

Went through the contract for the sale of the Entitlements to Dean and sent my comments to Alice - I really don't like dealing with things I don't fully understand but Alice is very helpful so I'm sure we'll get to where we need to be.

Other than catching up with the newspapers, crosswords etc. and watching TV, that was about it for today.

11 April

Gym and work today (usual Tuesday). I had a quick walk round the garden to take a few photos between the two.

Managed to have a short walk at lunchtime to take advantage of the sunshine before the rain started.

12 April

The two vixens were taking care of each other very well this morning when I got back from the gym. After a lovely sunny walk into work from London Bridge station and a dry walk at lunchtime the rain started. At least I could see a beautiful rainbow from my window.

The Flamingoes fielded a team at the pub quiz. There were 6 of us this time: Lisa, Jane and me from the last team; we were joined by Veronica, Judy and Sharon. Jane had made us some lovely badges to wear. We didn't win this time - 32 points - but didn't disgrace ourselves - 3rd place got 35. The winners got a massive 47 so the questions must have really suited them!

13 April

I spent even longer at the gym than normal this morning because I had my quarterly health assessment. Ela seemed quite pleased with my progress so that was good. Tabata, treadmill and Pilates followed so back to my normal routine.

We'd put Jonathon's sheets on the line outside but soon after Teresa arrived to do the cleaning, we had a hail storm. As there was no "precipitation" forecast it was a bit of a surprise and a scramble to get everything inside before it got drenched.

I was hoping to do some gardening and the sun looked inviting. Almost as soon as I'd gone outside, the drizzle started so I only managed to deal with the plants in my shed. The Charlotte potatoes are doing well so I needed to add more compost to them. Everything else has yet to peep through.

Jonathon didn't have a photo shoot so gave Jo and me a lift to and from the Community Choir because none of the others who usually drive were able to go.

14 April

Tai Chi to start then Yoga at Crofton Halls with breakfast in between.

Carole phoned to say the visit to the extra care flats in Starbeck had been worth a visit but definitely not suitable for Mum so we can cross that option off the list for now. The flat Mum liked in Vale Court is back on the market so Carole has arrangedto take Mum to see it again on Monday morning.

Pauline messaged to say that there were 6 viewings of the bungalow lined up for tomorrow with another one on Monday so, hopefully, somebody who's in a position to move quite quickly will put a decent offer in.

Jo, Coco and I went to Beckenham Place Park for our walk today. It was dull and grey with the odd spot of rain but not too bad. It's a good park to have a walk around and Coco had a lovely time.

We weren't too late getting back from Beckenham so Coco visited Jonathon for a quick cuddle before J went off to Tunbridge Wells.

Jonathon was asked to shoot a new show this evening - Frankie, the Concert - so he went off mid afternoon and I followed on a later train as I'd been given a comp ticket. The second half was better than the first. The light show was spectacular - probably too good for the show really and very, very bright.

15 April

Got some shopping from Tesco and dropped my skirt into the dry cleaners then set off for the gym. Popped in to the hairdressers to book an appointment for this afternoon and they had time to do it straightaway so ticked that off my list. Finally got to the gym.

Every time I went out to do some gardening the drizzle started. I got the Duke of York and Rooster potatoes out of the shed (they've also been fleeced now), got the netting up for the peas and planted a few peas. I also got the bird baths scrubbed clean, the bird feeders topped up etc. so quite a productive day.

16 April

Oli and I had a lie in until 7.30 a.m. this morning then I trotted off to the gym to do a few of today's steps.

Martin led the service at church today. He's usually at Petts Wood but we know him as he's the main scout leader in our church and I also know him from the gym.

We had beef stew and Yorkshire puddings for dinner - the puddings were particualrly yummy today.

I took another bag of stuff round to Alix's to finish my steps then spent a while in the garden, mainly weeding after I'd cut the "cross / paths" into the grass. We let most of the grass / wildflowers grow through the summer in four areas but still need to get across the grass and to the beds hence the paths.

Had a Skype call with Mum. She seems to be coping quite well with all the upheaval and is looking forward to visiting the flat in Vale Court again tomorrow.

Had a chat with Christine. Nigel's funeral is on Wednesday so she'll be glad when that's all over.

17 April

I really didn't want to get up for Ela's class (or anything else) when the alarm went off this morning. I got to the gym on time and managed the class but I was shattered by the end of it.

Gilda came round for our usual Monday walk. We went a bit further today (River Cray, St. Mary Cray, St. Paul's Cray, Poverest Park) so we had to walk a bit faster, especially up the hills. Jonathon met us at The Maxwell for lunch. It was taken over recently, completely refurbished and has just reopened. It was really nice inside, very good food and reasonably priced so definitely on our list to visit again sometime.

I bumped into Caroline and Pebby so had a chat with them and collected some jars from Donna to take to Christine next time we go North in the car then spent the rest of the afternoon in the garden. The bluebells are just starting to come into flower and the spring sunshine made everything look lovely. Half way through the afternoon, two men arrived to disconnect the mains gas at street level (we stopped using gas a few years' ago). They've left a big hole in the pavement outside one of the entrances to our drive with a fairly flimsy cover - should be tidied up on or by Friday so let's hope so.

Julie brought some magazines round so I'll take those to Alix next time I do a delivery run to her. Sorted through the rest of Dad's papers in the evening so I have another pile to take to Confidential Waste tomorrow and Wednesday.

18 April

Gym and work. Took Ela's advice and did a few weighty things before pounding on the treadmill - let's see if it does any good if I do that regularly.

It was lovely and sunny when I got to London (it clouded over later) and I had enough to do today to keep me occupied.

Carole and I are now debating whether Mum should move or stay in the bungalow. No offers on the bungalow yet (still early days perhaps) but the numbers don'r work out that different now we've got the standing orders, council tax etc. sorted out for the bungalow so at least we've got some breathing room. I'll be a lot happier when I've had a chat with the financial assessment team at North Yorkshire Council - nothing at all from them so far which is really frustrating.

Met Nicola at Cento Alla Torre for dinner - they've changed the menu and put the prices up (a lot!) so we'll find somewhere else for next time.

19 April

Gym and work.

Liba asked me to do some work to help her so the day went reasonably quickly.

Carole messaged mid morning to say that she'd taken Mum to A&E because she was really dizzy. Mum was at hospital all day having various tests so we now have to wait for the results. At least they let her go home in the evening.

It was still daylight (and sunny) when I left work.

I spent the evening trying to work out how much Mum spends and receives on a monthly basis before I have a chat with Carole on Friday.

Pauline messaged to say someone has asked for a second viewing of the bungalow but they haven't got an offer on the house they are selling so we're not getting our hopes up too much.

20 April

I came downstairs to find two sleepy foxes in the garden - they looked very relaxed and comfy.

Jon Keeling (ASHP engineer) and Danny from Blu-Lite Electricals met at our house to discuss what, if anything, can be done to ease our electric bills off. They now appear to have a plan and we should receive a quote for the work shortly.

I went to the gym for Tabata, treadmill and Pilates. They had gone when I got back but there was avan outside - seems the next team had arrived to put a layer of hard core in the hole made by the gas men earlier in the week. Next step is the tarmac team then, hopefully, another team will come and remove all the barriers that are propped up against our fence.

It was really windy when I ran a few errands and went to collect my dry cleaning. The bunting that Orpington 1st have put up ready for the Coronation celebrations was being blown all over the place.

I spent a couple of hours in the garden, assisted by my lovely assistant who was soaking up the sun! Terry has made a good job of re-netting the pond - it looks a lot better.

Carole phoned. She's concerned that Mum feels that she has no choice about selling the bungalow and moving even though Mum seems quite happy about it. She also had an update on Dad who had had a DOL test and was happy that the tester agreed with Carole that Dad needs to have plenty of activity and stimulation.

I met up with Gilda, Irene, Nigel and Rona to watch Dans Nederlands Teater at Sadlers Wells. The first dance was downright weird, the second beautiful and the third thought provoking so, pretty good, on balance.

21 April

Started today with Tai Chi and a bit of shopping then went to Yoga at Crofton Halls. Mark was going to come over for a walk before lunch but it was a bit damp with a dry forecast for the afternoon so we changed our plans and had lunch first then a walk. I met him at the station and we delivered some potato sets for Sindhu so she can try and grow them for the first time ever.

Lunch was with Jonathon at D'Angelo and very tasty it was. The weather had faired up so Mark and I went through Priory Gardens, alongside the Cray and through Poverest Park before heading back to the station.

Pauline reported back that there are three viewings lined up for early next week - two on Monday and one on Tuesday. One of the Monday viewings is a second one. Gareth popped round to Mum's to borrower the scarifier and Mum confirmed that she wants to sell the bungalow and move to Vale Court so it seems there was no need for Carole to be so worried despite what Mum had told one or two people in Knaresborough!

Jonathon went to the Saatchi Gallery to photograph some belly dancers and I caught up with admin, did a poster for Christine and enjoyed a relaxing night.

22 April

Delivered another couple of bag loads of "stuff" to Alix, went to Tesco and went to the gym - just weights today for a change.

Rather than lead a walk for the Knoll Active walkers, I arranged for anyone who wanted to, to join Kirsty's Well-being walk at Scadbury Park. There were quite a few of us, including these three. They did really well but the walk was incredibly slow and took ages but it was a lovely day, the sun was shining, the bluebells were pretty and the woodlands etc. were beautiful.

Ginny came around to talk cameras with Jonathon. She's going to South America for a special holiday in May and needed to make sure she had the best kit available for a tiny budget. Three hours later, they'd agreed a solution and she went home with a couple of discs and a dock to move the photos from the camera to her phone. She's got some gadget ordered via Jonathon's Amazon Prime account so we will take that round to her when it arrives. I did some gardening while they were talking tech.

The barriers from the gas work were collected after a phone call to SGN so all back to normal at the front of the house now.

23 April

Gym then church as usual but Shreena's HIIT class has restarted so I went to that as well as doing a few steps on the treadmill.

Janet, a member of our congregation, was commissioned as a Lay Preacher at chuch so that was something a bit different. She didn't want a fuss so it was short and sweet.

Had a long chat with Christine. Nigel's funeral had gone well with plenty of attendees. Sam had driven his Dad to church on a tractor and trailer - very farm-like.

Had Skype with Mum. She was very tired - not surprised after the week she's had. She's still waiting for the test results from the hospital and assures me she'll take it a bit more steady this week.

Went with Jonathon to Pizza Express Live in Soho for a Miss Kiddy and the Cads concert. They were excellent.

24 April

Ela's circuits class to start the day - I'm sure she makes it harder each week!

Pauline messaged to say one of the viewings at the bungalow had been cancelled but the other one was still going ahead.

I spent a good part of the morning on the phone to Prudential (Dad's pension), TV licence people and Yorkshire Building Society. I'm not sure if I made much progress!

26 April

Gym and work. I walked via the latest pocket garden on the Riverside on the way to work - it's settling in really well.

Gilda and I went to Guys and Dolls at the Bridge Theatre. The theatre is very flexible space with moveable stage sections that they made full use of - very imaginative. As I had time to kill between work and the theatre, I treated myself to a beetroot tartlet at Cafe Rouge in St. Katharine Dock - really tasty.

For once, I was home later than Jonathon so he kindly gave me a lift from the station.

27 April

As usual, I spent the morning at the gym - Tabata, treadmill and Pilates.

Teresa came to do the cleaning in the afternoon. I went to see John and Margaret, next door to where I used to live. John is quite frail now but could still hold a decent conversation, even if he looked very tired towards the end of my visit. Margaret seemed pleased to have some different company.

I went to Dobbies on my way home to get some more compost and clematis. By the time I got home, it was pouring with rain so the clematis was put near the greenhouse to enjoy the water but the compost will be sorted out tomorrow.

Claire, from North Yorkshire Council, phoned me so we could start the financial assessment for Dad and Mum. I answered her questions for today and should hear from her again before the end of next week. At least things have started moving which helps.

I spent the evening at the Community Choir at St. Barnabas. Always good fun, even if I didn't know one of the songs tonight.

28 April

Tai Chi and Yoga for my usual stretchy, breathe-y Friday exercise. I forgot to take the voucher for my Times so had to pop to the shop in between.

We went to the Cricketers for lunch - Fish Friday, and lovely cod it was too. Jonathon had chicken! He also had a message while we were there to say his new lens was ready for him to collect so he went off to Gray's of Westminster then stayed in London for tonight's photo shoot.

I went for a walk to finish my steps and check out part of the route for Sunday evening then spent the rest of the afternoon gardening.

Our Tree Paeony is starting to flower and the yellow tulips I brought from Knaresborough are flowering well.

I had a surprise when I went to check on my potatoes - Whitelegs, fox, was sprawled out on the top of the grow sacks, sunbathing, even though they were fleeced up. The sacks are now staked and stringed instead to try and stop her doing it again. I'm sure she sees whatever I do as a challenge to be got around.

29 April

Had a quick run around the gym before we set off for Penshurst Place for their craft fare. We tend to go every year - the goods are high quality and it's nice to have a look around and some home made cake in the tea tent. The journey there (20 miles) was a nightmare. It took nearly 2 hours. There'd been a couple of nasty accidents on the A21 so the road was closed for a little while to allow the emergency services to clear the vehicle(s) off the road and deal with the people. The second accident involved a car rolling off the road into a ditch so the recovery vehicle was there, trying to get it out. Thankfully, the journey home was a lot easier.

I spent what was left of the afternoon in the garden and my shed. The leeks are now potted on so, hopefully, they'll fatten up ready to be planted into the garden.

30 April

I didn't do much at the gym this morning because I had to be at church by 9.45 a.m. It was my turn to pay for the flowers and I was really pleased with the arrangement that Morag had created.

Jennifer retired from the ministry today so we started singing to welcome people in at 10.10 a.m. and the service started at the usual 10.30 a.m. It went on for ages! I didn't stay for the lunch but 180 people had signed up for it so she would have a good send off.

Jean popped round to borrow our old pump so she could try and pump water out of the old air raid shelter in her garden. I've no idea if it will do the job but she's promised she'll let me know.

Got the carrots planted and some weeding done then had a Skype call with Mum. No real news other than there are three people interested in the bungalow. Unfortunately they each have a property to sell so they can't yet put in an offer.

I'd agreed to lead a Knoll Active walk so off we went. There were a good few of us and Jude had brought Mario, who he insisted should have his photo taken. Lilian, his big sister, didn't seem too impressed.

Had a long chat with Christine. Her craft fare (yesterday) had gone well. She didn't have any other news.

1 May

Did mainly weights in the gym this morning. It opened later than usual (Bank Holiday) so our regular class wasn't running so I thought I'd better do something other than just treadmill.

Mark and Gilda both came over today. We tested out a possible walk for the Knoll Active on Saturday - it was pretty with the oilseed rape in full flower, lots of blossom and plenty of cowslips. It's one of the few places around here that you can see cowslips, such pretty flowers.

Jonathon met us at A Mano for lunch, the other two then went home and we started out jobs for the day.

We spent a lot of the afternoon power washing the patio (or, at least, making a start). It's easier with two people - Jonathon using the machine and me runing around moving stuff out of the way (then putting it back). It looks a lot better and you can easily see where we've been. We couldn't do it last year because of the hose pipe ban so I'm really hoping we get it finished before they put a ban on us this year (if they do).

The slugs were hiding under one of the bricks that a hydrangea pot stands on. They were very cosy under there but had to be moved.

2 May

I had a quick runaround the gym before work. Work was really quiet so I took time to send an email to Ulrike (boss) and Josef (HR) to ask if they expected me to leave at the end of the month. My contract end date is 31 May and, if they want me to extend, they should have ask ed before the end of April. I've not heard anything from them so thought I'd better ask rather than just not turn up. Ulrike has sent me a holding note so I'll wait and see what she says.

Jonathon beavered away on the patio so another bit is now done, as are the loungers - they look a lot better.

I met Nicola for dinner at Chiccheti in Covent Garden. Rather than walk alongside the river, I decided to walk through town and admire St. Paul's Cathedral in the sunshine. The food was lovely, the service quite friendly but it was really noisy.

Ian dropped the Coronation wreath round that I'd bought from Alix. She's done a really good job. Anne-Marie also brought a wreath round but that one's for Angela. She knows it's here so no doubt it will be collected soon.

4 May

I was surprised to notice our apple tree in blossom this morning. I've not been at home much in daylight for the past couple of days but it wasn't in flower on Monday.

Did my usual big stint in the gym with Tabata, treadmill and Pilates.

5 May

Today was a bit manic! I even had to cancel yoga to fit it all in.

First stop Tai Chi (but not until I'd pounded for a short while on the treadmill). Jo invited some of us over for breakfast - I've never had scones with cream and jam for breakfast before but they were very nice.

I parked in Petts Wood (not far from the park) and had a really lovely walk around in the sunshine before collecting Amelie from school.

Rather than taking her straight home, I brought Amelie here so she could have a look at Jonathon's piano (her Mum is thinking of buying her one). We also fed the birds and the fish, tidied up in the garden a bit etc. until Shreena came to collect her. By that time, Jonathon had disappeared up to London for his photo shoot of the evening.

I had received a message from TrainLine to say my train to Yorkshire next Friday was cancelled because of strike action. I spent a while changing my train tickets and hotel booking so I'll be going up on Thursday now and still comeing back on Sunday so, hopefully, missing most of the turmoil.

6 May

I had a run around in the gym quite early so I could get ready to watch the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla. Jonathon and I watched it together at home on the BBC.

The photos are taken from our television of the BBC coverage. The whole thing was done with precision from the arrival in one carriage to the actual service and coronation and the leaving procession in the gold carriage.

Penny Mourdant, the lady carrying the sword, did an amazing job. After the king and queen, she was the star of the coronation for us.

There were hundreds of service personnel involved throughout and all the different faiths were involved. Even the rain didn't seem to dampen anyone's spirits.

7 May

Managed to get to the gym for Shreena's HiiT class before going round to Jenny and Peter's to get set up for the Lucerne Road coronation party. It went really well and there was a good turnout with 24 guests so I was kept very busy serving teas and coffees, replenishing biscuit and cake plates etc. I did manage to sit down for about 5 minutes twice.

Straight after dinner, I went to Broomhill Common for the Knoll Residents' Association's coronation celebration and world record attempt. I was in charge of the archery. It was only supposed to be for an hour but I was there from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. so I was more than ready for a cup of tea by the time I got home.

Our world record was the number of people in a crown. The record stood at 250, set in Dover yesterday. We were 539 so, hopefully, the Guinness Book of Records will accept it and we will be world record holders. We have plenty of photos, including drone footage (thanks Steve) and a clicker count so we should stand a good chance of having it recognised.

8 May

I don't think I'd realised how tired I'd got yesterday - it was really hard to get up this morning. I still crawled out of bed in time to go to the gym (thankfully no early morning class with it being a Bank Holiday) before Gilda came over for a walk and lunch.

Jonathon and I had decided to try the Queen's Head at Green Street Green for lunch so I arranged a walk that ended up there. It's another Ember Inn (same as The Black Horse) so a very similar menu. The staff were very friendly and I'm sure we'll go there again.

Ginny came round to see Jonathon to get some more phone / photo / IT advice. I do hope her phone doesn't collapse completely while she's on her big holiday round South America.

I potted out the courgettes then went to get my hair cut. My normal hairdressing salon is closed for refurbishment so I went to Headmasters instead. They seem to have done quite a good job so I'll probably go there again. They put some texture powder in my hair - I have no idea what that is or what it's supposed to do!

Had a chat with Christine. Their village coronation street party went well yesterday. She had been to her neighbours to watch the coronation on TV (she doesn't have a TV at home) and thoroughly enjoyed it. The shock of the week is that her local councillors are now all three liberal party members rather than the conservatives that held power for many years prior to that.

9 May

Major trauma to start the day because Oli was missing. We'd not seen him since lunch time yesterday and he never knowingly misses a meal time. Jonathon had been out looking for him a few times before going to bed with no success and there was no sign of him before I went to gym or to work. I messaged all our immediate neighbours, asking them to check garages and sheds etc. Jonathon finally heard him calling from Chris and Hilary's so knocked on their door and asked them to let him out of their shed. He bolted out and across the road to the sanctuary of home. Phew! He spent most of the day asleep upstairs and finally gathered enough courage to go outside once I'd got home from work.

I gave up waiting for Josef in HR to tell me what was happening with my contract so asked Mark who, coincidentally, had been asked to countersign a letter extending it to 31 July 2023. It hardly seems worth the paper for 2 months!

I went for a nice walk at lunchtime and noticed the wild flowers in the Tower of London Moat had started to bloom again.

We both stayed at home this evening and caught up with the Coronation Concert.

Pauline phoned to say Dad had been admitted to the Acute Frailty Unit at Harrogate hospital with a nasty infection. He seems to contract them all too frequently these days, poor Dad

10 May

Gym then work. I managed a quick walk round the garden to admire some of the pink flowers, including the Judas Tree that seems to be doing really well this year.

Went for a walk at lunch time. There was a huge cruise ship (Silver Wind) moored alongside HMS Belfast so that was something different to see.

I signed my contract to extend to end July - Jacob accepted all my requested amendments to his letter.

11 May

No gym today - I'm not sure where the time went this morning but I couldn't afford to miss my train to Yorkshire so something had to give. I did manage to get my peas planted out and the slug nematodes watered in along with a load of other jobs (including my packing!).

I got to Kings Cross with no trouble at all, gathered my provisions (food, drink, newspaper) for the journey and got on the train to Leeds which left on time. Unfortunately, there had been flooding on the line near Retford and some toerag had stolen some of the cables near Doncaster so we were over an hour late into Leeds. The connecting train to Harrogate had left well before we got there but they run every half an hour at that time of day so I got on the next one (standing room only) and eventually got to The Frankin guest house.

I walked over the stray to the hospital to meet up with Carole and see Dad. Carole showed me how to get to his ward (now on Jervaux) and scooted off because she'd already been with him in the afternoon. I stayed for about an hour. Dad was drifting in an out of consciousness and didn't make a lot of sense but the consultant is satisfied that he is making progress, albeit gradual. He is clearly a very poorly person.

I had a lovely walk back, admiring the setting sun.

12 May

I went for a short walk before breakfast - just round the Valley Gardens then into Harrogate town centre for a paper.

Went on the bus to Mum's and caught up with the filing. she's a bit better than yesterday but still a bit squiffy from her Covid booster.

We tried the fish and chips from the new fish shop (Fish 0 Rama). Chips were the best chip shop chips I've had in Knaresborough but the fish wasn't the best so probably not go there again.

While I was at Mum's Pauline phoned to tell me a viewing of the bungalow was arranged for 9.30 a.m. tomorrow so could I be there to supervise - of course, especially as they are in rented accommodation so might be good buyers if they like it.

13 May

Another busy day so with no time for a pre-breakfast walk because I needed to be in Knaresborough by 9.15 a.m. latest. Angela from Stephensons arrived with the couple who wanted a look around arriving 15 minutes later. They stayed for about 40 minutes so were clearly interested in having a proper look. They like the area, the fact the bungalow is on the crag top etc.so let's hope they like it enough to put an offer in. All our fingers are tightly crossed.

Angela phoned while I was on my way back to Harrogate (via the Nidd) to arrange another couple of viewings for this week so it seems there is plenty of interest. With Pauline away, me heading back south and Carole running after Mum and Dad so much, we asked that the viewings wait until Pauline is back so they are scheduled for Saturday.

I popped into The Black Mulberry for lunch (jacket potato) before catching the bus back to Harrogate. Even though they only start serving lunch at 12 noon (and I was there just before), I got the next to last potato. It seems everybody wanted one today.

My primary job for this afternoon was taking Dad's shoes back to Larchfield Manor so I did that. I had already planned to visit Hookstone Wood (not been there before) and it was only 30 minutes walk from Larchfield so I still went for a walk about. By that time, the sun had come out and it was a beautiful, sunny day so the wood (and its big pond) looked particularly lovely. The route in my phone said to go alongside the sheep field but the farmer clearly had other ideas becasue the gate was double padlocked!

I went back into Harrogate via the Stray and noticed a few rabbits bopping around - very surprising but they were at the railway line end so perhaps the council are more relaxed there.

I went to The Harrogate Tea Room for a yummy scone and a cup of tea on the way back.

Carole and Mum went to see Dad who was much more aware of what was going on and managing to eat and drink something - a definite improvement.

I went to see Dad in the evening. Similar to how Carole and Mum found him this afternoon but quite muddled.

By the time I got back to the hotel, I'd walked almost 21 km and done more than 30,000 steps! It will be good to sit on the train tomorrow and have a rest!!

14 May

Had a quick walk before breakfast to get my paper then wandered round Valley Gardens after breakfast and before it was time to go for my train. The trains from Harrogate to York and York to Kings Cross both went to plan but there was a bit of a problem getting across London. I ended up going to Blackfriars then walking across to London Bridge and getting a train from there - not what I needed with my bags but it was a sunny afternoon and I got my steps done! The train to Kings Cross was packed - I guess everyone travelling today who couldn't travel on Friday or yesterday because of the strikes.

Jonathon had already gone out by the time I got home - hope he has more luck with the trains!

Although Jonathon had done quite a few jobs while I was away there was still plenty to do and I finally sat down about half past six. At least everyone was fed and watered. The birds seem to be amazingly hungry at the moment and I've had to order yet more food for them. I don't think they'll starve before it arrives.

To 2023 Diary Page 32