2025 Diary - Page 54

9 February

The gym was lovely and quiet this morning so I had a good, long stint on the treadmill.

Church was Parade Sunday therefore not streamed. As there were only a few singers, we didn't go out to the front. I sat with Jean who had a medical problem during the third hymn so it was a good job we were still in the pews.

I took the Knoll Active group for a walk through lots of alleyways today. We had walked some of them on earlier walks but most of them were new to the group. Thankfully, the rain held off and it wasn't as cold as it had been in the morning.

Someone local was asking for a few potato sets for their little boy who wanted to try and grow potatoes so they came and collected 4 sets. I hope they grow for him.

I caught up with Christine who seems to be busier than ever now that she's retired.

10 February

This fox is getting far too cheeky! He appeared a few days ago (possibly lived here before but it's hard to tell them apart unless they have a particularly distinguishing feature). Today's trick was closely investigating Oli's cat flap.

I went to Ela's class as usual. She had us running up and down the hall in between other exercises - not my sort of thing at all!

Gilda came and we went for our Monday walk. This little cat was very friendly and walked a bit of the way with us. I'd based the walk around some of the local churches (Poverest and The Crays) and I think I'll use that walk for Sunday.

Jonathon met us at Masala Dabbas for lunch.

By the time we got back from MD, Terry had gone home and Alma had arrived. My compost had also been delivered. Unfortunately, 3 of the 14 bags were split so I ended up having to scoop quite a bit of compost up off the floor. A note has been sent to Wickes but I don't expect them to do much about it.

One of Terry's jobs this time was to fix my shower. Apparently I need a new diverter and that type of shower isn't made any more (hardly surprising as it is pretty old). So ... one of our jobs is to choose a new shower to replace it. Not as easy as it sounds as there is almost too much choice.

11 February

I had a space at Matt's 9 a.m. class (hurrah - they are like gold dust!). Jo was there as well so we had fun while working hard.

I met Mark at Limehouse station and we walked alongside the Regent Canal to Victoria Park in Hackney. It was a great walk and one I'll have to try out with the Knoll group at some point.

We had lunch at the cafe in Victoria Park - very tasty - then came home on a very convoluted route. We walked through the park and through to Hackney Wick station through a few graffiti'd streets and round some building works. From there, we caught the Mildmay Line to Stratford then the Jubilee Line to London Bridge and finally a train home. I wouldn't risk using that route with the Knoll walkers - a long walk and far too big a risk of losing someone en route!

Our health insurance is now with Vitality and they award points for activity which is less than I do as my personal target. I now have two cinema ticket vouchers so I booked a cinema trip for Jonathon using one of them to see how it works today. The maximum we can have (each) is one per month but a free ticket is a free ticket so we'll try and use them.

12 February

Had a sleep in today then went to the gym to pound on the treadmill for a while.

Good to see my sunrise photo had made it into the local paper.

Jonathon and I walked to Cray Avenue to try and find a new shower for my bathroom. the first showroom didn't provide much inspiration but had a lovely dog that required stroking. The second showroom, City Plumbing, had what we were looking for so it's now ordered and due to arrive later this week.

We went to M&S to get something for dinner tomorrow and had a snack at Pret a Manger before walking back along the Cray.

I had a long and helpful chat with the Department of Work and Pensions. Mum is not eligible for Pension Credit because of the amount she has in savings. At least we can put that issue to bed for now.

We got 51.5/70 in the GPO quiz and thought we'd done OK but we only came 5th.

13 February

It felt very early when my alarm went off but I crawled out of bed and got to Ela's circuits class on time.

I took Mia, Nellie and Tisha for a walk. Carol had forgotten it was Thursday when I got there so the dogs weren't ready but it didn't take long to get their jumpers on etc.

The scaffolders came to remove the scaffolding so we have the whole of our drive back again.

The Knoll Chit Chat group had our monthly meeting, this time at The Second Home. 13 of us so a decent turn out.

I tried to book tickets for The Churchill Theatre - must be the most frustrating website ever!

14 February

I forgot my yoga mat this morning, despite getting it out and putting it ready last night! Thankfully, there are some to borrow at the gym so I could still do the class.

I joined June and co for a walk in Dulwich today. The sun was out but it was still really chilly. I left the rest of them when they went for coffee and had a quick detour through Dulwich Art Gallery's garden. The path was closed at the far end of the garden so I couldn't exit that way. Instead, I had to retrace my steps and walk the longer way round back to the station.

Terry and Jonathon were still very busy replacing some of our security cameras when I got home so I waited until they'd finished before I cooked dinner.

I found some loppers at the end of the garden recently and I finally managed to speak to Peter, whose garden backs on to ours. He confirmed they were his and he had been missing them so he was very grateful that I'd returned them. We had quite a good chat before I came home.

Jonathon went to the Odeon using the free ticket we got from Vitality. It worked fine even though the film was rubbish!

15 February

No gym today because I was due in Stratford, East London by 10 a.m. to have a look around the new Sadlers Wells East. The train and tube worked well and I had time to have a wander around the former Olympic Park where the new theatre is situated.

The theatre is purpose built with a really large stage, seating capacity for 550 and plenty of studio space as well. Gilda and I are scheduled to go there in May so we'll see how it works for a performance.

I walked from there to Victoria Park so I could check out the bus route from the park to London Bridge ready for our walk next eekend. It worked fine, just a bit slow. It was good to travel through the East End and realise how much better we are in Orpington!

Had a Skype call with Mum - she's doing well and keeping busy,

16 February

Gym and church this morning.

I took the Knoll group on a walk round some of the local churches this afternoon. We started out with 11 but the walk was quite long and, to start with, quite hilly so a few dropped out along the way, catching a bus back into Orpington.

The rest of us walked past 12 churches during the walk. It was really cold but at least it stayed dry.

I caught up with Christine. Like me, she seems to be very busy in her retirement!

17 February

Got up early for Ela's class but no treadmill needed today because I knew I'd do my steps without it.

Gilda came over and we delivered the old newspapers to Orpington Cat Rescue then walked the longer way home. We had jacket potatoes for dinner because Gilda was covering a class in Bromley this afternoon so she didn't have time to eat out (and didn't want much to eat if she was doing keep fit anyway).

I started to cut back the pampas after dinner then went to do an hour of Park Watch and litter picking. There wasn't much litter and there were loads of families enjoying the sunshine so no trouble while I was there.

Joanthon had a funny / dizzy turn in the evening and his blood pressure spiked so we'll need to keep an eye on that.

18 February

I didn't get a space at the 9 a.m. class so I went to the gym and did my own thing instead.

I dropped the latest knitted hearts into Francis Chappell and put the next few pairs into a bag for Jonathon to take to Jenny.

We went to Aqua for lunch - very tasty J had my pudding as well as his own.

Did some more work on the pampas while Oli rediscovered the warmth of the greenhouse.

We went through the holiday documents so we could start sorting out what we need to pack etc.

19 February

I'm glad I saw the sunrise becasue I wouldn't have believed it was sunny at all otherwise - it was really dull all day.

Jonathon created a map of where we are stopping in Costa Rica so we have a rough idea of the geography of the route.

I went to the gym then finished the pampas (at last).

We went to the GPs to get our jabs for holiday - Jonathon had typhoid and I had typhoid, diptheria, polio and tetanus - I feel like a pin cushion.

We cleaned Jonathon's car, Arty, so it's nice and clean ready for John's funeral on Monday.

20 February

I went to the gym and then had an inside day because of the wet weather. Carol messaged to cancel dog walking so I didn't even have that to do. Instead, I caught up with ironing, did a bit of housework etc. and updated the packing lists for our holiday.

Jonathon had ordered me a desk tidy and assembled it this morning so I can keep my bits and pieces together. I had comtemplated getting a desk and office chair but I don't think I need one so am trying this out instead.

We went to the Peacock Theatre in the evening (with others) to see "Trash!". It was bonkers but quite good fun and clever in parts.

22 February

I did my usual Saturday morning jobs then popped to the gym for a while.

After lunch, I took the walkers to Limehouse (train and DLR) and we had a lovely, sunny walk alongside the Regent's Canal through to Victoria Park in Hackney (the walk Mark showed to me recently). Coco especially liked this poster!

We had a good wander around the park, spotted a trio of red-crested pochards, admired the pagoda, bandstand and monument then stopped for a cuppa in the park cafe before catching a bus back to London Bridge. Our journey was through the East End of London - makes you appreciate Orpington and suburbia! Train for the final leg of our journey. It was a long afternoon even though we didn't walk very far.

23 February

I decided to do things in a different order today becasue rain was forecast for this afternoon. I went for a walk first thing, dropping Jonathon's old sandals into the shoe bank and picking up my newspaper en route. The Egyptian geese were on lookout duty - possibly something to do with the police that were very much in evidence following an incident near the park last night (no details as yet).

Spring flowers are popping up everywhere. The primulas were in a neighbouring street but the yellow crocuses are ours.

Church was good with a first time service leader.

I went to the gym after church / before lunch then stayed inside for the rest of the day.

Had a Skype catch up with Mum - she's had a busy week and has another one coming up.

Had a phone catch up with Christine - she's not quite used to being retired yet.

24 February

I went to Ela's class to find Simona was covering so it was very different but still good. I did quite a few steps on the treadmill because I wasn't sure what other time I would have to walk today.

The reason for this was John's Celebration of Life service over in Croydon. It was a lovely service with poetry and music and, thankfully, the rain held off while we were there. As there were more people than expected, we came home straight after the service rather than go to the reception.

25 February

I got a space in Matt's class only tro find Vicky was covering for him - it was fun but exhausting!

Mark came over and we went for a walk then met Jonathon at Xi'an for lunch.

Terry can=me and replaced the pump - the cables had been chewed through by (we think) rats. More protection will be needed going forward.

J and I went to see Mrs Doubtfire in the evening. I think I enjoyed it more than Jonathon did.

26 February

Happy 20th Wedding Anniversary to us!

It seems we both had more and darker hair 20 years ago!

I met some of the flamingos at the gym then Jonathon and I went to Chapter One for lunch. They gave us a little cake to celebrate.

We had tete-a-tete daffodils at our wedding and it's nice to see them flowering this month.

It was also nice to see the first blossom on our early flowering cherry this morning, not to mention the first daisies and some lovely blossom in the re-vamped church garden.

27 February

Ela was back so all normal at the gym again.

Terry came and finished fitting my shower. Loretta came and got Jonathon's feet "holiday ready".

I took the dogs for a walk. Carol had managed to get a photo of all three of them together and shared it with me.

I spread compost in the fruit cage and veg beds and dug the veg beds over ready for Spring planting. Who needs the gym when you can lug bags of compost around at home?!

28 February

I wasn't sure whether to go to yoga or not but I was awake quite early so off I went only to find it was cancelled. I did some running and cycling instead.

I spent a lot of the day packing. The bags are almost done and are now downstairs so I felt like I'd made some progress.

I had a wander round the garden with my camera. Lots of colour and the crocuses are at their best now.

1 March

What a busy morning!

I returned a carry box to someone and delivered a miniature liqueur to Diane (it was a gift and we weren't going to drink it!).

I dropped a load of papers round to Orpington Cat Rescue and came home via M&S, Priory Gardens and Sainsbury's.

Final stop was the gym - it was really busy but I did what I needed to and came home to prepare dinner and sit for a while.

Had a Skype with Mum - she seemed fine but Dad is asleep most of the time at the moment.

Did a bit of gardening (edged grass and some weeding) then in for the evening.

2 March

I went for a very misty walk before breakfast. We moved all Oli's kit into the kitchen and den so he's got lots of familiar things around him while we are away. He really likes snuggling down in Jonathon's chair, especially with Jonathon's dressing gown draped over it!

The taxi arrived early and the journey to Heathrow was uneventful so we were at the airport a bit earlier than expected (better than being late). The flight to Amsterdam was easy and on time so I went for a sunset walk after we'd checked in at CitizenM hotel for the night.

3 March

It was very chilly when I went for my early morning walk from CitizenM and much busier than the night before with all the people going to work.

Most of today was spent either in airports or in a plane. The security guard who had to check Jonathon's camera bag was also into photography so he took great care and discussed lenses etc which made the experience more pleasant.

KLM had put out a display of all their houses in the airport so J could have a look and choose which one(s) he'd like to add to his growing collection. In the end, two of the other passengers said he could have theirs so he now has an extra 5 (no idea how he managed to wangle an extra one!)

The journey was smooth and the aircrew really friendly. The views of the clouds were spectacular and, although long, the journey was quite enjoyable.

We were met at the airport and guided through there then driven (in the dark) round some bendy roads to El Silencio Lodge and Spa where we were given a lovely welcome. We were offered dinner but we just wanted to sleep!

4 March

Tuesday morning, having had a good night's sleep, we woke up early (based on CR time rather than UK where it was almost lunchtime). El Silencio is in the Cloud Forest so it's cool and damp (as expected). The views from our balconies were lovely and the sound of the tropical bird song confirmed we were on holiday.

Our hut is nestled in the forest but within easy walking distance of the restaurant, reception etc.

We had a private jacuzzi which was a real treat.

There was a hike up to three waterfalls within the grounds of the hotel so I thought I'd tackle that and report back to Jonathon as to whether it would be suitable for him to try. I used the "melody" route up and the "mystery" route down. The latter was a lot easier so we agreed to decide tomorrow.

There are more photos on our Costa Rica pages, including the bird photos that Jonathon took from our balcony.

We called in at the Hummingbird Garden on the way back to the lodge. There were plenty of pretty flowers and we did catch a glimpse of a hummingbird but he/she soon disappeared.

We were supposed to go on a night walk today but the rain started so the guide suggested we postpone it until tomorrow. We did that and had a leisurely and delicious dinner.

With a trout farm on the premises, it seemed like a good choice - it was yummy.

5 March

Jacky let me know that I'd had a photo in this week's local paper which was a nice surprise.

Today's first activity was a pre-breakfast birdwatching walk with Jeancarlo. Although we'd not booked for a private tour, nobody else turned up. JC and JC got on really well and our two hour tour turned into three hours so I was definitely ready for breakfast by the time we got to the restaurant.

While they were busy with the birds, I took a few photos of the local surroundings (still all within the grounds of our accomodation). They have nine horses here and they were enjoying a relaxing time in a shady field. Jonathon's bird photos are on the Costa Rica page rather than here.

The plant below right is wild banana - apparently OK for humans to eat but only if cooked.

Rain Frog

6 March

Thursday and our last morning here before moving on.

Jonathon went off on another pre-breakfast bird watching tour while I went for a wander. I said goodbye to the horses and had a better inspection of the greenhouses and trout lakes. I was intrigued by the watering system for the lettuce - simple but so effective.

I didn't wander too far - didn't want to get lost either figuratively or literally when we had a deadline for pick-up. I couldn't resist one more walk across one of the bouncy bridges.

There are three pet ducks here. Apparently there were more but the others wandered too far from the human area and the predators got them.

It reminds him of happy times in Africa but there were no lions roaring here.

The hotel has a couple of trails - the Tapir trail and the Armadillo trail, they join up to make a loop so we decided to try them out. They were very up and down and in the heat and humidity of the tropical rain forest, it was hard work. The view of the turquoise Rio Celeste was breathtaking.

We were decidedly less keen on the stone walk across the stream on the way back.

Dinner was lovely and we booked a trip for tomorrow morning before we went to bed.

That's it for this page. On to the next ...

To 2025 Diary (Page 55)