3^rd November 2013.

Dear All,

It was good to see you all last Sunday, I hope you all enjoyed the occasion and have returned your “Vintage” clothes to the back of your wardrobe? It was nice to see Esther with her work colleagues, choir and other friends. One of her work team told me what a good manager she is, but I won’t repeat that in case it swells her head (touch of my father?)

  

I hope you all survived the gales without undue damage, we escaped very lightly here.

Gardeners amongst you will know that this is digging time so no need to explain how I have filled my leisure hours this week. This week’s tip is that it is a good time to sow “Cut & Come Again” salads for winter use. I have sown Rocket, Corn Salad, Lettuce, Mizuna and Mustards.

In “Just Vegetating” this week we covered “Salads – Roots, Shoots & Leaves”. It seems to be going OK but the sun has the annoying habit of coming out every Tuesday am to compete with the Powerpoint.

The U3A film was “We have a Pope” and another example of one that you might not choose to watch, but was in fact very good. The opening scenes included a gathering of cardinals assembled to choose a new Pope all praying “Please don’t choose me Lord”, “Please let it be somebody else” etc. and when they eventually chose an inoffensive old codger he panicked and ran away. It was very amusing – but tastefully done.

My car sailed through it’s MOT this week – which is unusual as the local garage usually finds something to expand the bill!

Our Thursday walk started at Ardeley, near Stevenage and took in Wood End and Cottered; 10.25 miles and a bit sticky underfoot. The pub was quite small but has an arrangement with the cafe at the Open Farm opposite, so we were split up for lunch. This did not go well so Philip was forced to take command – this did not, however,  result in speedier service!

The “Biography” topic this week was “Charles Dickens”. It was presented by a rather nervous lady who spoke at a rapid rate of knots and even then did not half finish all she had prepared, so there will be another session next term.

I watched a thriller yesterday as Over travelled to West Wratting and triumphed 4 – 5. Defences were not on top.

Mary-Ann applied for a job at a branch of London University near Brighton together with 150 others and has been offered it – so well done to her.

Love

Mike & Kate