2023 Diary - Page 34

18 July

Gym and work. Work was remarkably busy for a change so the day flew by.

I met Mark for dinner at Zizzi. They have a new menu - very nice. Walked back to the station alongside the Thames - there are a lot of very pretty agapanthus along the way, both blue and white.

Jonathon had a very busy day - took his car into the garage for a service, booked an appointment with Hilary's blinds, dealt with HSBC and even went to the dentist. He was considering going to a concert but when he checked out where it was the journey would have been a nightmare so he stayed home.

Mum went to see Dad and said he was on really good form today.

19 July

Gym and work and another busy day at the office.

The pocket park in London Bridge City has settled in really well. It's a collaboration between St. Mungo's (a homeless charity) and Cityscapes. It won a Silver at Chelsea Flower Show in 2022 then was replanted near HMS Belfast on the south side of the Thames.

Jonathon went to Soho to do a photo shoot and I had a night in - watered the garden, did some washing, fed the birds and caught up with other such things!

20 July

Circuits to start today then treadmill and a cup of tea to recover!

I spent the rest of the morning in the garden doing tidying up. I filled 3 large sacks for Jonathon to take to the tip!

Hilary's Blinds lady came to measure up for replacement blinds in the bathrooms. She was supposed to come this afternoon but was running early - good news for us so it meant we could have dinner before Teresa came.

I did my shift at Priory Gardens. The first 45 minutes was peaceful but then the troublemakers arrived. There were quite a few of them - teenagers and early 20s together with two young children. They were chasing the birds so I asked them to stop and stayed with them until they split up and went their separate ways. They were also feeding the birds with whole slices of bread then threw the packet on the floor. No real problem - just a nuisance. Thankfully the birds weren't too upset and no harm was done. It was lovely to see Aaron with his Dad. Aaron is a hybrid - Dad is a white domestic goose and his Mum is a Greylag. Although he looks white in the photo, like Dad, he is starting to show bits of brown, like Mum. It will be interesting to see how he ends up.

Jonathon took my car to his Audi garage to see if they had any ideas about sourcing a new exhaust for him - they seem to think that it's no problem. They have ordered the spare parts needed and will fit it early August. Hopefully that will stop him sounding like a jet engine!

Carole went to see Dad who was on good form - she even had him outside for a little while.

21 July

Started the day with Yoga (even managed a shoulder stand but gave the headstand a miss!) then a short go on the treadmill.

Pleased to see the tomatoes are coming along nicely now. This is the first meaningful picking I've had this year. I have had one or two before now but not enough to bring into the house.

The Orpington has a fixed price / set brunch menu. We had a look at it and decided it would be too much for either of us but we could share it and add another "main" course. It worked really well - very tasty.

It was my turn for the dentist today so train and tram to go to Shirley, Croydon. I need a replacement filling one of my old ones is crumbling so I'll be there again in a few weeks for that.

I got to Shirley a bit early (due to train and tram timing) so had a nice wander about in South Norwood Country Park. The sky looked a bit threatening but it stayed dry and I had a lovely scruffle of an Old English Sheepdog.

I popped in to see John and Margaret. John will be 95 in a couple of weeks and is struggling a bit, getting frustrated because he can't do everything he'd like to. Margaret is insistent that he stays at home but she is really tired, caring for him 24/7.

The big news of the day was that my old house, next door to J&M, is now a care home for adults with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. It's driving Margaret mad because she can hear one of the residents' radio all day long through their adjoining wall. She's had a word with the care manager but her attitude just seems to be "tough luck". Not satisfactory at all.

Jonathon was just leaving home for a photo shoot as I got back so I watered the garden then put my feet up for the evening.

22 July

Gym as usual then I'd agreed to lead a walk. Gave me a good excuse to test a walk out for Gilda and me on Monday (and possibly Mark if it's not raining!). We went through Crfton Woods and into Jubilee Country Park but on a different route to the one Gilda and I used a couple of weeks ago. It went pretty well, we didn't get lost and we didn't get wet until we were almost home.

The wild flowers were really pretty, especially the chicory with its beautiful blue colour.

Jonathon went to the tip. Oli found the car fascinating when he got back, insisting on checking every square inch then settling down in the boot. Needless to say Jonathon got him out so he could close the car and lock the garage.

We went to The Cricketers for dinner - made a nice change. By then it was raining properly and continued to do so for the rest of the day so we stayed in and did nothing much. At least I didn't have to water anything so that saved me a job!

23 July

Gym and church so usual start to Sunday. Oliver was baptised today and Wendy, a URC minister and his grandma, did that part of the service so it was all very lovely.

Went across the road to check Chris and Hilary's garden (they are away until next Saturday). There were some green beans ready so picked those and we had them for dinner. We had the last of our peas, some broad beans, courgettes and potatoes from our garden with chicken.

I got a little bit of gardening done before Skype. Mum was on good form but didn't have any real news. Her friends seem to be recovering well from their car accident. Pauline went to see Dad who was also on good form.

Our Knoll Active Walk this evening was an old favourite - River Cray, St. Mary Cray Recreation Ground, wheat field and back.

24 July

Ela's circuits to start the day then straight home rather than treadmill because I knew I'd get my steps done on our walk today.

I got a tiny bit more clearing up done in the front garden before Gilda came over and we met Mark at the station. We followed the same route as I'd tested out on Saturday. Jonathon joined us at Aqua in Petts Wood for dinner.

I went back into the garden after the rain stopped but got wrapped up in fleece and long trousers because the weather had turned distinctly cooler. The front garden now looks a lot tidier. I need to put some compost on the part where the alstromaerias were. It's ready and waiting in my shed so, hopefully, I'll have time and suitable weather tomorrow.

Caught up with Christine - she'd been to a silver wedding party on Saturday so was too tired for a long chat yesterday!

25 July

No work for me today - working Thursday instead - so had a nice long and varied session in the gym.

Main job for today was speaking with Susan of Age UK to see if we could find any more income for Mum. Her immediate thinking was that Mum's got too much in savings to qualify for any state benefits but she could be entitled to up to half of Dad's private pensions to help with the costs of the bungalow so that will definitely help with her monthly cash flow. When she wrote to me after the call, it seems there might be a chance of Mum getting Pension Credit but only after the field is sold. I've sent the info through to Carole and Pauline with my suggestions to see what they think.

Jonathon had yet more calls with HSBC re the compensation they owe us for messing about with the credit card a month or so ago and EDF, also about compensation for the ongoing messing about. I think it's all sorted now but we'll see when the money comes in and the new meters are fitted.

Jonathon went to the dentist for a regular check up. He also needs a replacement filling so that's both of us the same!

I got another load of gardening done before lunch so there are even more bags for Jonathon to take to the tip on Saturday.

The main positive of it being school holidays is that there were lots of younger children and their parents in the park, feeding the birds and generally enjoying themselves (the playground was very busy). There was no trouble at all.

We were both at home in the evening so caught up on some TV recordings.

26 July

Gym then work. Work continues to be busy and it seems it will only get more so over the next few weeks and months - let's see.

Alice from Stephensons emailed to say she's almost ready with the draft sales particulars for the field so I've contacted Raworths to get a contact name from them (John Carter has dealt with the field in the past but with holidays etc. I'll just wait to see which solicitor they allocate to this job). I sent the email to Carole and Pauline so that's another thing for them to look at over the weekend.

27 July

Gym then work. I caught a slightly earlier train so had time to walk over Tower Bridge before going into the office. I found a few more Morphs en route!

Popped over to Chris and Hilary's to check if anything needed watering - it didn't but there were a few more beans ready so I picked them for dinner tomorrow. If it stays dry I'll water everything ready for them to come home to (due back Saturday).

28 July

Started the day with yoga and a quick go on the treadmill.

Picked the veg for dinner and took the broad beans and pea plants out because they're finished for this year. Picked the next bag of potatoes - Roosters this time. The crop looks really good.

Jo escorted her friend, Margaret, to hospital for some tests so Jonathon sat with Coco for about an hour in Jo's flat then I went and collected her for a 10.7 km walk. I think both Coco and I enjoyed it and she was as good as gold.

Jo and I were going to go to Keston for a walk this evening but we've postponed it until tomorrow!

Frustratingly, our garage door is stuck open. The control button hasn't been right since we had the electrics upgraded but whether that's what's caused the problem or if it's purely coincidental I don't know. Jonathon has to call them (yet again) on Monday morning.

Carole messaged to say Dad has been diagnosed with Anaemia but we've all agreed that Larchfield should keep as comfortable as possible and there is no need to subject him to lots of invasive tests.

29 July

Oli was very poorly overnight with diarrhea. Poor Jonathon had to clean up quite a bit of mess and Oli was distraught. He's been off-colour all day but seemed to buck up a bit towards evening.

I did weights and cycling at the gym then popped into the hairdressers to get my hair cut. My normal hairdresser wasn't there so her husband / the salon owner cut it instead. I don't think my hair has ever been this short before! I'm sure it will soon grow.

Jonathon did three trips to the local tip. With the expansion of the Ultra Low Emission Zone expanding into our area from 29 August, we are going to have to manage when we take Shaun out because it will cost us £12.50 for each day we venture out of the drive.

Went to Kyron's 6th birthday party after dinner. He is so much more confident that he was this time last year thanks to Netta. Had a good chat with some of her friends and neighbours but I left before cake time.

Met Jo and Coco and we went to Keston Common and Keston Ponds. It was a lovely evening for a walk.

30 July

I had time to walk via Priory Gardens on my way to the gym this morning. Although I wasn't the only person there, it was lovely and quiet (even some of the birds were still asleep!).

The church service was led by the Pastoral Care Group - very interesting but quite long at 1 hour, 20 minutes.

Oli and I did some gardening after dinner - weeding, planting Chinese Cabbage seeds and applying slug nematodes. The rain then started in earnest so we decided not to get any wetter and came in.

Had a Skype call with Mum. She seems to be keeping herself occupied with one thing and another.

Caught up with Christine. They have got some harvesting done but the weather isn't helping and they have lost most of their rape crop so they've a bit disheartened.

31 July

Sara covered for Ela for this morning's class so it was very different but still good.

Carole bought me a treasure hunt guide for my birthday and Gilda and I have been meaning to do it for a while so that's what we did today. It was really good fun exploring the West End. We know that area quite well (Gilda especially) but still found new things to look at and search for. It was a Whodunnit as well and we were pleased to get the answer right!

Terms are now agreed with Stephensons and Raworths are instructed in the sale of the field. The sales particulars look good - Alice managed to find a bright day for the photos which was quite an achievement last week.

Oli seems a lot better today.

1 August

Carole sent through some forms she'd been asked to complete re Dad's Advanced Care and End of Life Care needs and preferences. At least we all seem to be of the same mind so that makes it a bit more bearable.

Usual Tuesday morning - gym and work. Work was busy so the day went pretty quickly.

2 August

Gym and work. I did extra steps in the gym because the weather forecast was terrible (and came to fruition so I'm glad I did).

Today's main task was signing the Terms of Engagement for the sale of the three-cornered field. The sales brochure looks good so hopefully we'll get some offers and be able to sell cleanly and quickly.

3 August

Fay covered Ela's class this morning (Ela's still on holiday in Albania). It was good to see Fay back in action but I am a bit concerned that she isn't taking enough care of her health - she's not been out of hospital that long!

Our treat of the day was lunch at Clos Maggiore, Covent Garden. The food was delicious and remarkably priced for such a Central London location. The A La Carte was a different story but there was plenty for us all to choose from (us being Derek, Maureen and us two).

I only had about 20 minutes between getting home and having to set off for my Park Watch shift. Plenty of litter to pick up but nice and quiet with no trouble.

By the time I got back from there, Jonathon had gone out for a photo shoot.

4 August

Well, that was a busy and expensive day!

It started off quite normally with gym and yoga. I'd got an appointment at Rigby and Peller for some new underwear so off I went to London. As I got there early, I had time to wander about and take some photos in Trafalgar Square and Regent Street. I really like the Jo Malone windows at the moment and the eyes open and close slowly now and then. Amazing. I also popped into Ecco on Oxford Street to get some new walking sandals. We were looking at them on line but it's so much easier to go into a shop and try them on before you buy them.

R&P was very quick and easy (but expensive - what price comfort?!) so I came away with a pretty bag and more stuff on order.

Teresa changed her day this week so she was here when I got home. Jonathon and I went down to Xi'an for a quick lunch then into Tui to see about a holiday. After much um'ing and ah'ing, we finally booked to go to Gran Canaria for a week in November.

I did some gardening when we got back and waited for James, the tree man, to come. He didn't turn up but messaged to say he's coming tomorrow instead!

5 August

Today was Priory Live and it rained! I went to the gym as per normal but I didn't join Jonathon at the start of Priory Live - I waited until 4.30 p.m. when it was slightly less wet.

To make good use of the time before I left, I cleaned Oli's cat flap (then worried that I'd not left it in the right setting!) and sorted out a bag of clothes etc. to go to charity. James and Melissa came round to see what work we needed doing on the trees this year so just waiting for a quote now.

Jonathon was very busy with his cameras. Luckily, he had access to the artist's tent so he had somewhere dry to leave his camera bag and sit between acts / when it was pouring down.

There were three performance areas - the main stage (where Jonathon was), KMTV's stage for up and coming acts (some of which I preferred to the main acts) and a DJ tent.

The three main acts were Dodgy (hmm), TopLoader (very good) and Stereo MCS (I'd gone home by then).

It was lovely to see Shreena, Mike and Amelie but it was well past Amelie's bedtime so she was quite sleepy!

6 August

The sun was shining but it was chilly when I went to the gym.

Main activity today was leading a group of Knoll Active Walkers round part of the Chislehurst Bear Trail. There were 12 humans and one dog on the walk. We saw quite a few of the bears and Coco wasn't fazed at all.

The one to the immediate right is a new one in honour of King Charles III. We only knew about him because we bumped into the Chairperson of the Chislehurst Society who told us there were some new bears that aren't on the walking plan yet. This was one of them. We didn't find the other one we went to look for so we'll try and find him later (i.e. when the update map is published).

Coco posing nicely with Darwin Bear

Had the usual Skype call with Mum. She's had another busy week and this week coming seems to have something on every day.

Had a long chat with Christine. She's really fed up with the weather but the rape crop wasn't as bad as they'd feared because the moisture contact was OK. She's hoping they'll be able to get the straw harvested but the ground is too wet for the heavy machinery at the moment so they need a good few dry days.

Jonathon went out to take photos and the artist promised him pizza so I didn't need to feed him today!

7 August

A different kind of Monday! No circuits class becasue Ela's still on holiday and nobody offered to cover. Gilda was out with her sister Lorraine to celebrate Lorraine's 60th birthday so she didn't come for her Monday walk.

I spoke to HSBC because I couldn't see the direct debit for our credit card. Apparently they have a glitch on their system so I've had to make a manual payment - it has all the echoes of the problems of a couple of months ago.

Carol mentioned at church last weekend that she'd like to play tennis so I'd booked a court and we enjoyed chasing the balls around for an hour. I got there a bit early so had a short walk in the woods next door.

Will came and cleaned the windows so they're all sparkly again now.

Did Park Watch today because I'll be out on Thursday. Alicia and Lizzie were in Priory Gardens as well so the hour went quite quickly. It was all very quiet but there was plenty of tubbish to collect.

Whitelegs was waiting for me at the back door - she seems to think she's starving all the time!

Jonathon got a message from a jazz harpist to ask if there was any chance he could be in Doulston tonight with his camera. He didn't have anything in the diary so off he went!

8 August

After a bright day yesterday, today was just the opposite - dull, grey and damp.

Went to the gym then work. It was so misty I couldn't even see Canary Wharf from the office for most of the day. It flet like we were sitting inside the clouds!

Mum went to see Dad. She reported that he wasn't well today - very tired and feeling poorly. Hopefully, he'll be a bit better tomorrow if he gets a good night's sleep.

Hilary's Blinds came and fitted our new bathroom blinds - they look so much better than the previous ones.

Met Mark at Bar Douro and enjoyed some Portuguese tapas type food.

9 August

What a difference a day makes - such a lovely Summer's day today with blue skies, warmth and a gentle breeze - perfect!

Gym then work with a nice walk alongside the Thames at lunchtime to get some air. It was really busy - loads of tourists in London just now.

It was pub quiz at the Cricketers tonight and I could actually go for a change. We (the Flamingos) came 4th out of 13 teams so not too terrible!

Delighted to hear that the first of the defibrillators is now ordered and expected to arrive soon. Only one more to raise funds for, assuimg we are still aiming for two.

10 August

Started with circuits - Fay covered for Ela again. I'm not sure when Ela's due back but she seems to have been away a while.

Decided I'd test out a walk for Sunday so did that - 7.7 km. I needn't have done any steps on the treadmill after circuits after all. I sent the route round the walkers so let's see who turns up on Sunday.

I spent a couple of hours gardening - mainly tidying up the fruit cage and repairing the netting where the foxes had found their way in. A couple of the gooseberry bushes don't look healthy at all.

I mowed the paths in the grass. We are waiting to borrow the strimmer from Pacey's but that's still out with someone else so we'll have to wait.

Teresa came and did the cleaning - she was early today so we had to keep out of each other's way (hence the gardening!).

We met up with Gilda, Irene, Ras, Atul and Mark for dinner at Santore then Romeo and Juliet at Sadlers Wells.

By the end of the day I'd done more than 30k steps / 21.4 km - no wonder I was ready for my bed!

11 August

Yoga to start the day but I was really tired when my alarm went off so it was a bit of a struggle. I decided to take things a bit easier today but still had to go to the dentist for a replacement / top up filling. As usual, the timings of the trains and trams meant I had time for a nice wander round South Norwood Country Park before my appointment. I popped in to see John and Margaret while I was in that area. Margaret was very chatty but John wasn't as with it as three weeks ago and kept dozing off. I'm hoping it was just the warm, sticky weather that was affecting him but he was 95 a week ago.

Didn't do much when I got home - topped up the bird baths, fed the fish, did a few jobs that needed to be done etc. but nothing exciting.

12 August

Had a bit of a sleep in this morning. Washed my sheets and got them dried outside. Thankfully, we brought them and my quilt in before the 10 minute shower of rain!

Spent quite a bit of time in the gym and got most of my steps done for the day on the Cross Trainer and Treadmill.

Jonathon did a tip run while we can still take Shaun on the road without paying then we went to the Orpington for a treat (lemon posset and knickerbocker glory - shared between us. Both yummy).

I'd agreed to go suss out what was happening with the tennis court area in Poverest Park. No activity from the workmen today so suspect it will be Monday before they are back on site. they've cleared 3.5 sides of the court of invasive shrubbery and taken the same amount of old wire fencing down. No indication of what the end goal is but it already looks tidier!

Gathered up yet more apples from the pond netting. It's doing its job but is getting very stretched as a result. I put an extra zip tie in to try and give it a bit more support so let's see if that helps.

13 August

Gym first - got wet going there and I'm sure rain wasn't forecast but it didn't last long.

Church next - the audio visual got into a bit of a muddle so we had to start the second song again but nobody seemed to mind too much.

Did a couple of hours gardening after dinner so the bits I did look a bit tidier. The Echinops are looking lovely and attracting lots of insects.

Had the usual Skype call with Mum. She's stopped going to balance classes because she finds them too hard and was quite poorly after the one last week.

14 August

Gym but no class with Ela still being away.

Gilda came over and we tested out a route for the next part of the bear walk. It wasn't too far (about 7 km) but some of it was quite hard going so I'm not sure the Sunday walking crowd would enjoy it. It was interesting to see a field newly planted with what looked like grapes. We'll try an alternative route next week, probably leaving the Scadbury bears for a walk another day.

A PCSO came to have a chat with Jonathon about the yob who bashed our front door way back in May. I've met this officer before at a KRA meeting and she's really nice and helpful. I'm not sure there is much she can do but at least she took the time to call.

After a yummy lunch at Masala Dabbas I couldn't keep my eyes open so dropped off to sleep in my chair for a while. I felt a lot better after my sleep!

Christine phoned. They've finished harvesting, baling, leading etc. so she's very pleased (and relieved!).

15 August

It was a beautiful morning - bright sunshine and quite balmy when I went to the gym. Even our yellow rose is enjoying the warmer weather and has started flowering again.

Work was full of Swedish stuff today. Pete told me he's spoken to Stefan re me moving back to CRM. Ulrike and Stephanie haven't been told (and I don't think Stefan has even agreed) but I'll wait to see what they offer and take it from there! Pete's aware that, whateverpbb want me to do, it should be agreed by the end of August.

Jonathon went to the dentist for a filling / tooth reconstruction. He was starting to feel a bit better by the time I got home.

I watered the pots, topped up the bird baths etc. while Jonathon fed the fish then we watched a bit of TV.

Mum went to see Dad and said he wasn't too bad - he beat her at dominoes!

16 August

Nothing much to report today.

Gym then work. Part of the Riverside Walk was closed this morning so I had to detour into Hays Galleria. It looks very gaudy to the point of tacky in my opinion but I'm sure some people like it.

Work was definitely not busy. I finished the Swedish stuff then helped Nigel with some bits for underwriting until I gave up and went home.

Our team call was a waste of time because Ulrike had nothing to tell us but she didn't want to cancel too close to the meeting time so it went ahead anyway. She asked me if I had any news so don't know if something has been said to her about me changing teams but, as there's been nothing official, I played innocent.

At home, we appear to have lost a pair of scissors that usually live in the den. No doubt they'll turn up somewhere unexpected but, for now, they've disappeared.

18 August

Yoga this morning - I don't think I'm getting any better at it but I'm sure it does me good! I met a woman who was having trouble with her bicycle on the way home so stopped to help her by holding her bike while she got the chain back on.

I was supposed to take Miro for a walk today but it was raining this morning so Netta rang to cancel in case he went home wet and caused her a problem while she recovers from her recent operation. I spent the morning trying to sort out Mum's banking - calculating the mid-month transfer and moving direct debits from the joint account to her sole account. Unfortunately, most of the service providers need a phone call so I'll have to do that with her at the side of me when I'm next in Knaresborough.

It was dry this afternoon so I checked the walk for Sunday. I was surprised to see berries already out, especially as there are still so many lovely summer flowers in full bloom.

I did some pruning when I got home - filled another bag for the tip - and was very happy to see we had three strawberries in the garden so we ate those (half of each, each).

19 August

Gym first then litter picking with the Knoll group up near the train station. We collected bags and bags of rubbish but we couldn't fit the tyre in the bags so that had to stay where it was!

By the time I got home, Jonathon had already headed off to Sutton for Folk in the Park, an all day festival run by the Sound Lounge.

I got there early afternoon. The line up was pretty impressive with some very well-known names - Nick Lowe, Geraint Watkins and the Mosquitos, Dana Gillespie and the London Blues Band (amazing musicians!) and Iain Matthews to mention a few. Delamitri headlined so a good afternoon and evening all round.

20 August

Gym then church as normal for a Sunday. England Women's football team reached the World Cup Final and played Spain today. They were outplayed and Spain deservedly won 1-0 but they did amazingly well to get that far.

Had the usual Skype call with Mum. She wasn't feeling particularly well today but nothing specific. Her friend Brenda is in hospital with chest pains and breathlessness which doesn't sound good.

Led a Knoll Active walk - 11 of us today. We went round the Crofton Woods Circular Trail and it was a lovely evening for a walk.

Had a long chat with Christine. Her sister, Sylvia, is very concerned about her son's mental state. It might well be grief over losing his Dad earlier this year and he's just lashing out. I'm not sure there is much she can do to help because he doesn't seem to want to be helped or talk to anyone about it. A really tricky situation.

21 August

Ela's class first thing - I don't seem to be getting any fitter because I always find her classes really hard! I'm sure they must be doing me some good but it doesn't feel like it when I'm puffing and panting my way through them.

Gilda came over and we went to test a walk for "Bear Hunt Part 2". Part of the walk between Chislehurst Station and Belmont Open Space was long and very steep so I'm not sure all the Sunday walkers would be able to manage it. We'll try and find a different route next Monday. As we were in Chislehurst, we decided to try Ole Kyiv, a Ukranian restaurant. It was excellent so we'll definitely go there again.

22 August

Gym and work so a normal start to a Tuesday.

Went for a walk round The City at lunchtime to enjoy the warm, sunny weather.

Met Mark for dinner at VQ, Aldgate then walked back to London Bridge over Tower Bridge and admired the sunset.

Jonathon had a very busy day supervising tree people and carpet cleaners. I was too late home to see the trees (it was dark) but the carpets look a lot better!

Mum went to see Dad - he was on good form.

23 August

Gym and work! At about 11 a.m. Pete confirmed that pbb would like to extend my contract to the end of the year but I'd be moving back to the CRM team. When I received the letter around 3 p.m., the timing was still the end of the year but I was still on Workout. Having checked with HR, it seems it's been decided that Workout is where I should stay but continuing to support CRM as available (so just as now!).

Tom came and "Scotchguarded" the carpets so they're all done for another time now.

Met Gilda and we went to see La Bamba at the Peacock Theatre. It wasn't what we were expecting but it was OK with some good singing and dancing.

24 August

No gym this morning because I'd booked to go on a Woodlands Trust guided walk over in Ewell, Surrey so I had to catch a reasonably early train to get there on time.

There were only 4 guests turned up which was a shame because Warren Farm was a nice place to stroll around with David, a nature person; Rory, the site manager; Denise, the organiser and her lovely dog, Jess. We had a good look at some spiders and other creepy crawlies, plants and fungi.

As the venue was at the end of the street where Norbert and Stephen live I called in for a chat. Stephen was at the dentist but Norbert and I had a really good catch up for a couple of hours before I made the journey back.

Teresa came and did the cleaning while I was out.

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