12th July 2020

Dear All,

Another week dominated by ZOOMs, walking and gardening, but with the relaxation of lockdown we have also been to a garden centre and started serious work on the cricket square. With a couple of damp days, we have also added to our biographies and I have been reading round “Vermuyden” for my contribution to the U3A “Biographies”.

Kate and I were leading the chapel Sunday afternoon ZOOM this week – which was an interesting experience with multiple contributors, 3 or 4 seems plenty for a successful session! On Monday we had a virtual deacon’s meeting then Thursday a regular appointment with local walking friends. Friday a 4pm slot with The U3A walkers and the highlight of course a 6pm meeting with family. How did we survive without ZOOM?

We took Merv & Pat for another walk after the Sunday ZOOM from Swavesey Square to the river and round via the Lakes. Pat was born and bred in Over but each week we seem to walk a path she has not ventured on before! As the forecast was not promising for Thursday, we did a shorter walk and postponed the longer one until Saturday. In the event it did not rain while we out Thursday and we over heated in water proof clothing. On Saturday we were joined by Lawrie & Maureen and walked through the orchard to Swavesey, then to the river and along the river to Webb’s Hole, on to Overcote then back along the flood bank to Mill Pits, along the road to the church to show them the Hardinge statue. On to Overcote Road, the Ouse Bank way, The Gravel, Middle Way, Furtherford, Fen End and home. The weather was just right, not too hot or cold and a good walk of 3.5 hours.

Swavesey Lake

By the River Ouse

 

Bullrushes - without Moses!

The Hardinge Statue

We ventured as far as Coton on Wednesday to replace filters in the fish tank, buy a couple of Panda Corys, a door mat and a few other essentials calling in at Berrycroft Stores on the way home.

After the walk yesterday we had a serious session on the cricket square as it seems likely that there will be games next weekend. We spent 2.5 hours cutting, rolling and marking out and after the walk I was not too frisky at the end of it!

Garden wise we harvested early and 2^nd early potatoes this week, and had a surprise when I found climbing French Beams were ready. Raspberries have been fantastic this year but are drawing to a close. Kate harvested a few apricots but hey have not been good this year. I planted fennel and the next batch of lettuce and thinned swedes, turnips, Pak Choi and Tatsoi. Courgettes, cucumber and tomatoes are kicking in and we harvested the first marrow.

We are off to Hutton to have lunch with Esther and Emma today – it will be the first time we have seen them in the flesh since Christmas.

Amélie and Albert have both got second hand all weather swim suits now so watch out for news of cross channel conquests!

Next Stop Calais!

With love

Mike & Kate