2024 Diary - Page 42

31 March

Easter Sunday!

A quick visit to the gym then church for the Easter Sunday service. It was 1.5 hours long (rather than the usual hour) but Wendy was the preacher so it was interesting. There was a full communion as part of the service - the only communion service I go to in any year because it's not my thing.

1 April

Had a bit of a sleep in to make the most of the bank holiday and no class. Still went to the gym and did some treadmill - this month's challenge is to walk 12.79 km per day for 14 days.

I noticed the hairdressers was open so called in to get my hair cut. It seemed to take ages evn though it was only a dry cut!

Alma came to do the cleaning and I managed a bit of gardening between showers.

I caught up with Christine. Helen is coming over from The States late June but we'll miss her by a couple of days which is a shame.

I took the Knoll Active walkers for a bit longer walk today. We set off at 5 p.m. to take advantage of the hour change and lighter nights.

We went along Willett Close and Willett Way because Mr. Willett was the insitgator of the "British Summer Time". I gave them a choice of walking in Petts Wood wood or along the streets round the outside. Needless to say, the streets won but there was still a bit of woodland to walk through (it was quite muddy).

2 April

Gym then work. Work was supposed to be busy but it turned out that I didn't have all the access privileges I should have had to test the system so I had to wait for that to be sorted. It still hadn't been sorted by the time I left the office!

Met Gilda in Bromley and went to see "And then there were none". Good version with a really ingenious stage set (unfortunately no photos allowed!)

3 April

Today is Amelie's 9th birthday so my first job was to drop her card round. I think they are on holiday but at least I know it was delivered on the right day. I went for a quick stroll round on the way home.

The view from London Bridge was very dramatic as I walked to work. Amazingly there was no storm to follow so I'm not sure where the cloud all disappeared to.

Still not got the access I need but had other jobs to do today so it didn't matter.

While I was busy enjoying myself, Jonathon was dealing with the insurance company and emergency repair man because our back door lock decided to break meaning we couldn't lock it. Jonathon had made it safe using an iron bar and lots of zip ties so nobody would have been able to get in. The emergency repair man came and fixed it while I was out so all safe again.

Oli was waiting for me at the top of Oatfield when I came home from the restaurant and showed me the way which was rather sweet of him!

4 April

Ela is in Albania so we had a new teacher called Annie for circuits this morning. She was pretty good and it was a nice change.

On the way home, I noticed that Jonathon's favourite cherry tree was starting to blossom.

One of my jobs for today was to walk and measure the walk for Sunday so I could let people know how long it is.

It was a bit drizzly for part of the walk (but not too bad) and plenty of puddles to negotiate (but none that weren't passable).

There were loads of spring flowers to admire on the way round.

We went down to the High Street with the intention of having lunch at Xi'an but Victor has gone away for most of April so we went to Masala Dabbas instead. There were 3 mums with 6 kids thereand they were quite noisy but the food was lovely. We didn't stay for coffee.

I did some gardening after dinner. The paeony tree is now staked up using my birthday present from Carole.

Our other main job for today was to finalise the details of our holiday for my 65th birthday next year. It's now booked and the deposit paid so we are going to Costa Rica for just over 2 weeks next March.

5 April

Started today with yoga but I didn't do anything in the gym because I knew I'd be going on a long walk with Jo.

We caught the train to Shoreham and walked the long way round to Otford. It's a lovely walk but it was really muddy today so I was glad I'd taken walking poles with me (I wouldn't have managed the hills and really slippy bits otherwise!) The worst part was when we had to walk through a farmyard (that was the official route) and it was like walking through a slurry pit - really awful and smelt dreadful. It didn't help that the bullocks were standing in the wet and bawling or looking miserable - not a great advert for farming. It was good to see some other beasts out in the fields later in the walk.

We stopped for our picnic lunch and enjoyed the view on the right before descending down a long, steep hill to reach Otford where we called into The Bull for a drink. We were supposed to book a table for Jo's walkers tomorrow (today was a practice run) but their kitchen is closed until the end of the month. The Woodman, the other pub in Otford, has stopped serving food altogether but The Bull said it would be OK for Jo and co to bring a packed lunch and eat it in their garden (or inside if damp or cold).

We just missed train at Shoreham (we saw it leaving the station) but there was another one 30 minutes later so we got on that and got home safe and sound.

I didn't have long at home before it was time to go down to the High Street to join Carol and Jo for dinner at Ephesus.

Jonathon also had a busy day with two photoshoots - one in Croydon during the day and the other in Battersea in the evening.

Unfortunately he took a tumble on the way home so was feeling a bit battered and bruised but at least nothing broken.

6 April

After all the going out yesterday, today was a day at home because I had a lot of jobs to catch up with.

Thankfully, it was a dry and windy day so I could get the sheets on the line to dry and my boots could be cleaned and left outside to dry. It was even nice enough for me to have breakfast outside and enjoy the birdsong.

We went to Dobbies to get some compost, veg seed etc. then Jonathon took a whole load of garden rubbish sacks to the tip (four journeys but they are now all cleared).

I finally got to the gym early afternoon to make sure I did my steps for the day before Skyping with Mum.

I did a bit more gardening before tea then sat down and let my feet have a well-earned rest!

I spent a while in the garden. Jonathon had bought some courgette seeds so I got those planted and got the tomato grow bags ready for when the tomatoes are big enough to plant.

I wandered around with my camera after that to take some photos of the various flowers and different colours.

8 April

No gym class because Ela is still away and it seems nobody would cover for her. Went to the gym and did my own thing instead.

Gilda came and we tested out the next Charity Clue walk. We needed to make a few tweaks but it's now ready for early may when I'll launch it on the Knoll Group. We saw some very strange fungus along the way. Having looked it up when we got home, it's apparently a form of Slime Mould. The lilacs have suddenly started to flower and looked pretty along the way.

We went to Masala Dabbas for lunch (Jonathon as well) - couldn't think of anywhere else we wanted to go instead and it will be Gilda's last walk with me for a while because she's going on jury service next week.

Alma was at our house when we got back and I went to do some gardening.

I got the broad beans planted and then took a couple of our surplus recycling boxes and filled them with a mix of our own compost and bought compost then planted out the first tray of carrot seedlings. Let's see how they do!

Pleased to see the Cotinus is starting to leaf up - it provides a lovely splash of red at the end of the lawn.

9 April

Gym then work - a typical Tuesday.

Work was frustrating as I still couldn't do all the testing even though Stephanie has released the access rights request so I'm guessing there must be something else that needs to be done.

Met Mark at Cote, Hay's Galleria. It's just reopened and was packed.

10 April

Gym and managed to squeeze 20 minutes or so of badminton in as well before I left the leisure centre.

Had time to walk over Tower Bridge on my way to work (the trains are quieter during school holidays). As a result I saw the chess playing statue without the crowds that are inevitably around it at busier times of day.

Work was reasonably busy but not doing anything I thought I would be.

There was no room at the Cricketers for the Flamingos for this month's quiz so we flocked to the GPO Orpington instead. Great fun. We came 4th out of 7 so not too bad.

11 April

Ela was back today so Jo and I went to her early morning class - it was as tough as usual!

Today was lovely weather and my shed had become quite warm and snug over the last few days so I earthed up the potatoes that had peeped through and got the leeks planted out. I used the last "spare" recycling box for some of them and the rest went into the veg beds next to the broad beans.

Vixie made an appearance for breakfast. I think she might have youngsters because it looks like she's lactating but I've not seen any cubs yet.

It's National Pets Day today so it's only right and proper that I include a couple of photos of Oli on today's entry. He was taking full advantage of the sunnier weather (after he'd taken himself out of the grass bed where he was camouflaged and watching the pigeons closely.

He'd already brought a mouse into the house earlier today. The mouse had managed to get itself into one of the humane traps so I could easily get it outside but whether or not it will survive remains to be seen.

My main job for today was to test the walk for Saturday. The woods were far too wet to walk through so I've had to change the route but think I now know what my plan is.

Thick mud in Crofton Woods

12 April

Yoga and treadmill to start the day.

I wanted a new pair of gym leggings so wandered down to M&S to get some. It was a lovely sunny day so a pleasant walk. The River Cray was higher than I've seen it for a long, long time - must be all the rain we've had!

Did some gardening in the afternoon - mainly weeding today - so it looks a lot better.

Jonathon sorted out the feed from the PV panels to the water heating system. It didn't appear to be working and we've established that we need to switch the ASHPs off at the mains if we're not using them because they still eat electricity otherwise. Very annoying but at least we got it working so we're not wasting valuable sunshine.

Jonathon went to do a photo shoot in the evening and I went to Tai Chi.

13 April

Gym first then it was time to lead a Knoll Active walk. There were 14 of us so quite a crowd.

We went to Richmal Crompton Fields - the fresh greenery looked lovely in the sunshine. Crofton Woods was still too muddy to walk through so we skirted the edge then returned through a couple of other parks before catching the bus back to Orpington.

Reading about Richmal Crompton to the walkers.

I think Whitelegs likes the combination of long grass and sunshine but she wasn't so keen on the wind.

Jonathon had two photo jobs today - one locally (Angela and Frank's Golden Wedding celebration) and one in town. He was home by 7 p.m. so not a late night today for a change.

I did a load of cutting back in the front garden and removed the ivy that had sneaked into the pond then met Ginny and Jane at the Methodist Church for a Whodunnit. Great fun.

14 April

Did most of my steps in the gym this morning so I didn't have to venture very far for the rest of the day.

Church was good - Jo Patterson, formerly of our church but now a minister in Peckham, lead the service. her sermon was based around sandcastles, particularly those in Filey so it was quite relateable.

Angela gave Jonathon a cheese box from Chapter One as a thank you for yesterday - it's now stinking the fridge out!

Jonathon had another very busy day with a photoshoot in Tunbridge Wells then straight up to London for a second one. He'll have thousands of photos to sort out but it will keep him out of mischief.

Didn't do a lot for the rest of the day but caught up with the newspapers from yesterday and today.

I planted the two largest tomato plants into the greenhouse. The other two aren't ready to leave the warmth of the shed yet.

Had a Skype call with Mum - nothing new up there.

My wheelbarrow that has been out on loan was returned with a bottle of fizz so that will make a useful raffle prize.

With no rain for a few days, I watered the pots to make sure they didn't dry out. I was really surprised to see one of the hydrangeas in flower - it's very early.

The clematis along the fence is putting on a great show. We might have moaned about the wet, mild winter but a lot of the plants have loved it!

Had a chat with Christine - the craft fare had gone really well yesterday so she was pleased about that. Probably less pleased that not many helpers turned up but that seems to be the norm.

Read on Greenwich Wildlife Network's Facebook page that one of their regular volunteers lost his home today when a block of flats went up in flames. Donated to his fund raising page. Thank goodness he and his dog both got out safely.

15 April

Ela's class to start the day. No need for treadmill because I knew I'd be able to get my steps done without.

Our yellow roses at the front of the house are looking lovely. They are really early this year and I've noticed quite a few people stopping to look a them.

I think Spring has finished for now - cold and wet this morning!

With Gilda on jury service this week and next, Jo and I met up and went to Bromley for a quick walk round Church House Gardens and part of Queensmead Recreation Ground before joining Jonathon for lunch at Etna in Bromley High Street (Jo's treat).

Jonathon went home whilst Jo and I went to Beckenham to test out a walk for Saturday for the Knoll Active group. We had found a walk on the internet but realised that wasn't going to work for us so made one up as we went along. Thankfully, the rain held off while we were walking around and there were plenty of bluebells to see.

I didn't see Alma today but she must have been because the house is cleaner!

Peitra popped round once I'd got home to have a look at the garden for inspiration and collect the fizz for the raffle. I'll need to pot up some forget-me-nots for her later this week and deliver them.

16 April

Walked via Tesco on the way to the gym so didn't have much time to pound on the treadmill but I caught the slightly later (but faster) train so bought myself a bit of time that way.

Work was better because I now appear to have the right access codes and could do some testing.

Met Mark at Caravaggio for dinner. Very tasty.

Walked a slightly longer way home so I could get my steps completed. I only need to meet my stretch target two more days this month then I'm done so I'm quite confident that I'll achieve that.

Didn't see Jonathon today because he was out on a video shoot when I got home.

17 April

Gym and work as normal. The clouds looked really dramatic this morning.

I went for a walk by the Tower at lunchtime and was pleased to see the wildflowers are starting to come out. Later in the afternoon, I wandered up to the Sky Garden (it was really busy with a corner of it closed off but I don't know why). The bird of paradise flowers are looking lovely as are the various other flowers up there.

Mum messaged to tell us that the man who bought the three-cornered field had planted about 50 trees but they've all been stolen. He must be so disappointed.

18 April

Bob's Rhododendron is looking stunning! I didn't realise until today that it is over 100 years old and one of the few surviving plants of the old house and stable area. Bob thinks it will reach its peak next week (subject to the weather).

Our yellow rose is also looking lovely, especially in the morning sunshine.

I finished this month's challenge (not too much of a challenge really but good to get it done!)

Whitelegs, on the other hand, didn't look like she was interested in challenges at all today - she was too busy enjoying the sunshine.

Did some gardening this afternoon. Peitra came and collected her forget-me-nots that I'd potted up for her and I'll give Andy his alstromaerias at church on Sunday.

19 April

Yoga as usual for a Friday then treadmill for a while so I wouldn't need to go for a walk later.

The ASHP service person was here when I got back from the gym. It wasn't Jonny himself this time but one of his team - hope he knows what he's doing.

Did a load of gardening after dinner despite the black clouds threatening rain more often than not (we had the occasional shower).

A lot of the veg is still tucked up safe and sound in the shed because of the chilly night temperatures.

Gregg came in the afternoon to collect a whole load of CDs from Jonathon.

I hadn't finished my steps by evening because a lot of my gardening was hard pruning down near the pond area (therefore not much movement). I even used my pruning saw so my arms got a good workout.

I went to the gym to finish my steps and then joined Luis's Tai Chi class.

20 April

Gym for a tiny while then I took the Knoll Active walkers to Beckenham Place Park for a Bluebell Walk. The flowers were lovely and, although it was cold, it was quite bright so they shimmered beautifully.

A few of the walkers decided to climb the mound. It's not that high and it was quite busy so I stayed with the non-climbers at the bottom.

The gardens, as always, looked lovely - full of colour and very well kept.

21 April

Gym then church. Saw Sharon and Janet, both back from their respective holidays - I think everyone is home at the moment but not for long!

Delivered the alstromaerias to Andy but they don't look particularly happy - if they don't take we can always try again as there are loads in our front garden.

Jonathon went to Sainsbury's to collect some shopping and dropped me at Alicia's so I could leave a load of newspapers for her (she collects them for Greenwich Wildlife Rescue). She lives near Crofton Wood so I did a mud check while I was there. I guess it's now 8/10, a distinct improvement from the 11/10 a week or so ago.

Had a Skype call with Mum and phone call with Christine - no real news in either case.

22 April

Ela's class then treadmill before doing some work in the garden. The tomatoes are all in the greenhouse now and Jo's carrots have been deivered so she can pot them up on her balcony.

Jonathon went up to London to meet Derek, visit a photo exhibition at Somerset House and enjoy lunch at Clos Maggiore.

I met with a few of the gym group for afternoon tea at BR6 Brasserie. They had a special offer on so it was really good value and the food was lovely (and plentiful).

Alma was here when I got back so the house is nice and clean again.

Angela came back to Jonathon about her photos. I'm not sure she fully understands digital files so I've offered to help her put a photo book together when we get back from Yorkshire. Jonathon's also offered to go to their house and take some photos of her and Frank together to add in the mix (they were too busy being host and hostess at their party so they were never together on the day!). Let's see what she says.

23 April

Gym and work today. I waslked a slightly different way to work and came across the hippo statue - I don't remember seeing this one before. I was tempted to sit and join in with their picnic but had to get to the office!

I think this was probably one of the most boring days I've ever had at work. There was not much for me to do other than join a couple of on-line training courses that gave me no encouragement about the new system! No testing for me at all to do as all my cases are either solved and "passed" or waiting for IT to find a solution.

24 April

Lots to do this morning because I hadn't even started packing for Yorkshire. Got things ready, watered the veg, fed the foxes (and Oli of course), topped up the bird food then scampered round with the newsletter so the neighbours have them rather than waiting until we get back.

Next stop was the gym because I knew we'd be sitting in the car for a few hours so unlikely to have much ca=hance to walk about.

Finally did the packing when I got home and we left the home just before 12 noon, having bribed Oli into the kitchen with a Lik-e-lix (cat yoghurt) so we could set the house alarm.

Arrived in Knaresborough about 5 pm., having stopped for lunch at the OK Diner, unpacked and flopped for the evening!

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