2024 Diary - Page 50

15 of the 18 walkers from today - a record crowd

Took the Knoll Group up to London today, using the route that Mark showed me on Monday. There were a lot of walkers today!

We went to the Cutty Sark DLR, walked under the Thames through the foot tunnel then to Canary Wharf via Mudchute Park and City Farm and Millwall Docks.

Although it was a relatively short walk, it took ages so I was glad to get home!

20 October

Thank goodness we went for our walk yesterday - today is very, very wet and really windy!

Did most of my steps in the gym to save going far later.

Church was all about Commitment for Life so quite interesting.

Had a Skype catch up with Mum - she seemed OK and had enjoyed the theatre yesterday afternoon.

Went to Debs to collect a video recorder thingy she was getting rid of in Jonathon's direction (I wasn't aware that we needed one but apparently we do).

I swept a few more leaves up (they are falling thick and fast) and got the garden sacks put away from yesterday then caught up with Christine.

21 October

Ela's class and treadmill to start.

Gilda came and we went to Sevenoaks to follow a Kent Quiz Trail. It was quite short but interesting and fun so we'll try another one in the future. I have already bought the ones for Rochester and Tunbridge Wells (I think).

We went back to Petts Wood on the train and Jonathon joined us at Orpington. Lunch was at Aqua - very tasty.

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

I spent the rest of the daylight hours planting and "fox-proofing" the wallflowers. I've no idea how long the netting will last - hopefully long enough for the plants to get established before they are attacked / dug up!

Spoke to Pauline about plans for next week so all sorted and we know what we are doing now.

22 October

Gym then work. I noticed HMS Belfast had its flags flying this morning - apparently they are for Trafalgar Day.

Had a walk alongside the river at lunchtime. The Tower has a Halloween display with lots of pumpkins. The Walkie Talkie looked lovely in the sunshine with autumn leaves in the foreground.

Met Mark for dinner at Thai Square then walked back to the station over Tower Bridge. This is yet another thing I'll miss when we move to the west side of the City.

23 October

Gym and work today.

It was lovely to see my squirrel photo in the local paper - seems a while since I had a photo in there.

I went for a walk at lunch time and decided to test how long it would take me to walk from our new offices to HMS Belfast - should be do-able in my lunch hour.

Today was our last day in the Walkie Talkie so I cleared my desk into a crate before I left for the day.

I walked to Waterloo after work to meet Jonathon at The Young Vic theatre to see A Face in the Crowd. The play was strange but OK but the seats were amazingly uncomfortable so we left at the interval and passed Jonathon's extra leg room seat to another man who had equally long legs - until then he'd been totally squashed in his seat - even more uncomfy than we were!

24 October

What a lovely, sunny, Autumn day - the trees on Oatfield Road looked spectacular in the sunshine. Oli was making the most of it, finding the sunniest spot in the house to have a sleep.

Circuits was really tough this morning and, after more squats than enough, my right knee told me there was no chance of me going on the treadmill!

I went to walk the dogs for Carol but only Nellie was well enough. Carol had another visitor who had brought a new ball and Nellie couldn't get round the walking route fast enough because she wanted to get back to her new toy.

After lunch at A Mano, I delivered three buckets to Liz for the Mind Allotments and then collected a crook lock for Jonathon from Debs. Unfortunately the crook lock doesn't fit Jonathon's car so that's a waste of time.

I spent an hour or so in the garden, with Shadow living up to his/her name and following me round while I tidied up the hostas and did a bit of pruning.

25 October

Yoga helped get rid of the aches, soreness and stiffness from yesterday's circuits class. My knee is fine again so I did 30 minutes on the treadmill.

Led the Knoll Active group on a local walk - alleyways and woodland. Saw loads of fungi - not sure what they black one is but it's quite striking.

Spent the afternoon in the garden. The acers look amazing this year.

Brought the last few potatoes in - they've been really good this year.

Did the packing for tomorrow after admiring the spectacular sunset.

26 October

A quick treadmill at the gym to try and get some steps under my belt before heading north. OK Diner for dinner than Mansfield to collect an essential bit of photography equipment so it was all a bit of a rush when we got to Harrogate to get the car unpacked and back to Doncaster for the Chicago Blues Brothers new show.

The show was great (despite the not such good lighting from time to time). Thankfully there was one space in the hotel car park so we snuck into there rather than park on the street.

27 October

The clocks went back to British Summer Time overnight so we had an extra hour in bed - good after such a late night.

I had a lovely walk round Valley Gardens before breakfast and enjoyed watching a beautiful sunrise. Sainsbury's Local being open was an additional bonus so I could get my newspaper rather than having to go out again.

Breakfast was a bit chaotic - very busy and the hotel kept running out of basic things like plates, mugs etc. The food itself was very tasty and we didn't miss out on anything!

We went over to see Christine and Gordon for Sunday dinner. I walked round to the pub to take advantage of the lovely sunny weather.

We didn't have time for a pudding (and were probably too full anyway) so I promised Jonathon he could have a pudding for tea instead).

So ... we popped into Vivido who squeezed us in for a pudding and a drink.

Dad seemed to like the card we'd given him with pop-up cows on it.

He definitely liked the birthday cake that Carole had made for him and just about tolerated the fuss we were making of him but was very keen to get back to the morning's activities.

This was the first time in months that I'd seen Dad awake and out of bed so, although he had deteriorated quite considerably in the last year, he was much better than the last few times I've visited him.

Mum took it all in her stride - it's easier for her when one or more of us is with her when she visits.

Carole, Pauline and I went to Barker and Stonehouse for a snack lunch. We had a good chat about Mum and Dad, and their health and finances etc. so I can now cancel the CHC discussions which will save me a job.

After lunch, I walked alongside the River Nidd then caught a bus back to Harrogate.

Jonathon and I had dinner at the Tannin Levels - delicious!

It's really nice when we can just walk to the restaurant rather than getting a bus, train or car.

29 October

MUM IS 87 TODAY!

I only walked as far as the Stray today because I knew I'd be doing a lot of walking later on.

We went to see Mum after breakfast and met up with Pauline who was there as well. Mum liked the lap tray we'd got her.

I paid Dad's CGT bill so that's done and out of the way and caught up with filing and admin.

We went to RHS Harlow Carr in the afternoon. We decided not to drive anywhere today - we had found a nice, wide parking space at the hotel and felt the car was safer there than anywhere else so used buses all day. It worked really well.

Harlow Carr was really busy because of the school holidays - there were kids running about all over the place.

Jonathon went off to the bird hide only to find he was missing a vital piece of camera equipment so couldn't take the photos he wanted.

We decided to go to Betty's for a drink and cake (toasted teacake in my case) - very nice!

We went to Vivido for another delicious tea - we certainly eat well when we are in Harrogate.

The biggest surprise of the day was Jonathon saying No to a dessert! That didn't stop me though - my raspberry pavlova was very tasty.

30 October

Went for my usual sunrise walk around Harrogate then breakfast and checked out. We collected the cheese that Jonathon had bought for Peter and Jenny as a thank you for looking after Oli (and returned the mug we'd borrowed from Mum) then started our journey home.

All was fine for the first half but then we learned that the M25 was shut because of a nasty accident involving a motorcyclist. As a result, it took us about 2 hours longer than it should have done to get home. So much for me checking our this weekend's walk when we got here! We were very relieved to get home.

I went to get some fruit from Tesco and had a nice surprise seeing one of my sunset photos in this week's local paper.

31 October

Gym first thing. Ela is on holiday in Albania at the moment so we had a different person to lead the class. Irene left after 5 minutes, Jo after 10 and I left after 15 - it was just too hard! I did some treadmill then home for a cup of tea and my crossword.

I took Mia out for her short walk and Nellie for a longer one. Tisha still isn't well enough to go out but should be next week hopefully.

I delivered my batch of the newsletters after dinner. Carol set a challenge for something Halloween for her Creative Connections group and I spotted this (almost) tasteful wreath so submitted that.

We booked The Harrogate Inn for our next planned northern trip (January).

I phoned Compass CHC to let them know that we wouldn't be using their services to apply for Continuing Health Care Funding for Dad - they didn't seem very happy about it but that's the decision Carole, Pauline and I came to so they'll have to live with it.

I cleared yet more leaves then met Gilda for the theatre (Bromley) to see An Officer and a Gentleman.

Oli is clearly delighted that Jonathon is back home!

1 November

Gym to start the day (after a few jobs around home) then I actually put a skirt on to meet Derek and Maureen for lunch at Clos Maggiore. We went to London a bit earlier so we had time to pop into the Apple Store, allegedly to look at MacBooks because my 9 year old one "black screened" recently and we were concerned that it might be getting to the end of its useful life. In the end, we pre-ordered a new MacBook Pro that Jonathon can collect next Friday. Some of the software I use won't be usable on the new laptop, including the software I use to update my website and diary, so we'll have to find a way to deal with that. I'll also have to get used to Pages and Numbers instead of Word and Excel so a bit of a learning curve.

Covent Garden was looking very festive with both Harvest and Christmas decorations in abundance. Clos Maggiore was fully decked out in Christmas baubles, reindeers etc. Lunch was delicious (J and I both had venison which was really tender).

Back to earth with a bump when we got home because there was a pile of ironing to tackle, accounts to balance etc.

2 November

Started in the gym then took the Knoll Active group on a short, dampish, local walk. We stayed local because there is a harder, longer walk tomorrow.

It was good to see some dandelions still in flower and the "clocks" looked interesting with the raindrops on them.

Finally caught up with all the washing from earlier in the week so I can tick that box.

Had a Skype call with Mum - no news as I only saw her on Tuesday!

Jane (Bob next door's daughter) popped round. Bob is still with us but it's just a matter of time so either she or Paul, her brother, are likely to be here most of the time, supported by carers and St. Christopher's Hospice team.

3 November

Gym as usual then I met up with some of the Knoll Group for a walk to Keston and Nash. It was a longer walk than normal (8 km / 5 miles) and quite narrow in parts but a lovely walk.

The autumn colours were lovely and a lot of the time we were walking in woodland, farmland or common land - very rural.

There were a few horses in the fields, one of which was pretending to be a zebra!

I'd left a beef stew and jacket potatoes in the oven so they were ready when I got home about 2 p.m.

I spent the rest of the afternoon reading my newspaper, doing my puzzles etc.

Caught up with Christine - no real news.

4 November

Simona covered Ela's class today - it was really good!

The flamingos then flocked to Jo's for coffee (or tea in my case) and croissants. No birthday today so just a general get together.

Gilda came and we tested a walk for next weeked. She is going to Australia tomorrow so I won't see her for the rest of this month.

We went on the train to London Bridge, over Tower Bridge and along the north bank before crossing the Millennium Bridge and walking along the south bank to the London Eye. From there, we headed south to the Leake Street ARches and Graffiti Tunnel - fascinating range of artwork.

This is the history mosaic of England, not in the graffiti tunnel.

We caught the train back with plenty of time to go to Masala Dabbas for lunch.

I spent some time in the garden in the afternoon - 30 fronds of pampas have now been cut and delivered to Jess and Michelle. I was pleased to see the broad beans are already peeping through but a bit concerned that the mild weather means the slugs haven't gone to hibernate yet! Let's see if they survive!

5 November

We moved into our new office today and very nice it is too.

Gym first to get some steps done then I caught my usual train but stayed on board to Cannon Street and walked up from there. Seemed to work fine.

Carmen and Dani have done a great job with the office fit out - I had a good view from my desk for the day. There are three lifts to our floor or 147 steps (not too bad to walk down but not sure about walking up). My only "complaint" is that the hot water from the fancy tap isn't really hot enough for tea so it makes my tea taste funny.

I walked past St. Paul's Cathedral on the way to Obica to meet Mark for dinner.

6 November

Gym and work as usual for a Wednesday.

I caught the slightly earlier, fast train to London Bridge and walked along Bankside before crossing the Millennium Bridge to get to the office. Quite a nice walk and definitely a good route to addto the list.

Work was quite quiet so I had a wander round at lunch time.

I met Nicola for dinner at Haz but had a bit of time before meeting up so I went for another walk by the river. The Thames looks lovely with the lights on the bridges.

Donald Trump was re-elected as president of the USA - God help the world.

8 November

Yoga then a quick treadmill before joining June's Friday walk.

We went through Crofton Woods (as normal) then I left the walk when the others decided to go to The Harvester for a coffee. I was lucky because a bus came within 3 minutes and the train came into the station as I was walking along the platform.

9 November

A quick trip to the gym to butn some calories then I took a few of the Knoll Active group into London for a walk alongside the Thames. Although the weather was really dull and grey, it was dry and not too cold so pretty good for walking.

We watch a sand sculpturer work on his amazing creation for a while; admired the cat outside the British Film Institute (I think it's from a Disney type film) and went to admire the graffiti in the tunnel.

10 November

Remembrance Sunday today so Church after gym. We singers stayed in the pews rather than going to the front to sing for a change.

The service and parade at the war memorial were at the same time as our church service so I didn't get to see the laying of the wreaths etc. but "stole" Carol Pitman's photo from the event to use on this page.

I collected a bird feeder that someone was getting rid of and filled that up along with the other feeders.

Chris and Hilary, across the road, are getting rid of their pond so Chris brought a couple of fish round - he has another four or five to catch so I lent him our bigger net.

Caught up with Christine while Jonathon was at a photo shoot and got the numbers ready to talk to North Yorkshire Council tomorrow about financing Dad's care costs.

11 November

It was so lovely to see the sun this morning after a few days of anticyclonic gloom - very welcome, even if it does mean chillier temperatures. The sun stayed with us all day and the autumn colours seemed to sparkle.

Went to Ela's Circuits class then did a few steps on the treadmill because I wasn't sure what the agenda for the rest of the day was.

Nigel and Rona came over with loads of records that we delivered to Bromley for the Smile of Hope charity. Back in Orpington, we went to A Mano for lunch (with Jonathon). They then had to dash home so I took some old newspapers to Orpington Cat Rescue to finish my steps.

Went to choir practice in the evening - an interesting selection of songs from around the world for us to learn this year.

12 November

Gym then work - same as usual on a Tuesday.

Had time to go for a wander at lunchtime - there are plenty of alleyways / narrow streets to explore and enough bridges to make for a variety of routes.

Had an office meeting to discuss the good and bad of the new office but I didn't go to the pub with the others afterwards.

13 November

Gym then work. Walked alongside the river for a while this morning to try a different route into the office - it worked well.

Went for a walk at lunch time - turned right out of the door for a change of scenery. Liked this lovely insect hotel at 200 Aldersgate.

Jonathon and I joined Ginny, Jane, Swati and Margaret for tonight's quiz - we went to the GPO quiz for a change and came joint top. The music round suited us much better than the one at The Cricketers.

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