Summer days

We’ve waited patiently for Summer to arrive here and suddenly, it’s here with knobs on!

Time to get the Indian sandals on, to sparkle and shine in the sunshine.

We celebrated my Hero’s birthday at our favourite Lumiere restaurant in Cheltenham, one of us appreciating the very creative non-alcoholic drinks pairing with the tasting menu. As a result, I’m going to investigate Lyre’s range of non-alcoholic spirits - after all, someone’s usually driving home.

Long summer days mean more time out in the garden, where “Barry the Pond” has worked his usual magic and not only is the water in the rill flowing well again but is clearer than ever - he understands how to achieve that balance so well.

I know, a bird photo!! (Aaagh!) This one was high in the pear tree, singing his heart out last evening and prompting me to get my phone app to identify it. I would actually have recognised it as a thrush, had I seen it before I’d heard it. Apparently there was also a greenfinch singing at the same time, too. Much as I’m scared of birds, I appreciate their song and often think that, were I to close my eyes and listen, I’d recognise the sound of “home” immediately.

I spent most of the afternoon sitting in the garden, making lavender rattles coming inside to cool down a little before tea and our weekly Zoom chat with Mary and Diana.

I thought I’d check my email and found this; on the warmest day of the year so far, someone chose to remind me that Christmas is coming.