2^nd April 2017

Dear All,

We were down at Hove again this week, fortunately without breaking down but we were very aware of the spot when we drove past! The weather was not great but we managed to walk to the beach as well as carry out some shopping for the next Maldova trip. Amélie is showing signs of artistic talent – especially on any available wall! and Albert seems to pick things up very quickly and is not what you would call a fussy eater!

 

Before travelling down on Tuesday we attended the funeral of Phil Doggett an ex deacon and fruit grower in the village. He was a classic case of being stuck in the wrong job as he was a sensitive soul who loved reading and writing but ended up doing a practical job that he was not cut out for. In later life he took to going round dustbins collecting items that could be cleaned up and reused – but he did not reuse them but stored them in his house and sheds which gradually overflowed.

We had an excellent walk on Thursday starting at Clophill in Bedfordshire. Philip Shaw was meant to be leading the short walk but has returned from a 10 week cruise round South America somewhat worse for wear with a persistent chest infection. His wife described the cruise boat as “a bed of infection” with 13 people being invalided home. It did not make me want to go on a cruise but I guess it was just a poor example? The walk took in the “Greensand Ridge” and several woods. The first bluebells were just showing in flower and there were copious celandines, primroses and anemones. We saw three buzzards – one very close and a roe deer.

Maulden Mauseleum

Greensand Ridge, Clophill

Another good week in the garden planting late potatoes, celeriac, lettuce, cabbage, cauliflowers and tomatoes and sowing parsnips, salsify and carrots.

Merv and Pat returned from St Lucia having underestimated the power of the sun on the first day with red and peeling flesh!

Love

Mike & Kate