1st April 2012

1st April 2012.

Dear All,

Monday did not turn out quite as expected as we had a 2 year old dumped on us whose parents are going through difficulties. He slept most of the morning and was cheerful enough in the afternoon so it could have been worse. In the evening it was the annual chapel trip to Pidley for 10 pin bowling. There were more than 20 of us for a meal and 2 games.
John Law came over on Tuesday to plan the next trip to Moldova a little more. He has negotiated 20 kg extra baggage allowance free for each of us as it is a charity. All we need now is a couple of sherpas. We plan to depart on the 26th April. John is a bit creaky at present with skin cancer spots on his back, a stiff neck and gout in his knee.
He is on a team that have been negotiating to buy 45 acres round Moggerhanger and this has just gone through after long and painful deliberations. Kate and I went over on Friday to look at the land and anchor some of John’s plans to the floor as he tends to get a bit carried away.


Moggerhanger Walled garden

Moggerhanger Hall

I have been asked to give a talk on Costa Rica to a bird group in St Neots. As this is a new venture I have been sorting the photos from our 2010 trip which has brought back many memories and a realisation of how much wildlife we saw – a sloth a day keeps the boredom away!

Costa Rican wildlife

Our Thursday walk started at Howlett End and took in Thaxted. Undulating countryside and firm under foot so very enjoyable.



Thaxted

We finished to ACC Pastoral care course yesterday with sessions 9 and 10. Kate was chief cook again. 19 of the 22 starters were present and the others had good excuses so it has been a worthwhile – if long exercise.
We currently have two ladies from the Faroe Islands at our church and one has been to lunch today with her geologist husband and lively 2 year old daughter.

love
Mike & Kate