Sunday 09 August
A quieter day today as we returned home after our eight nights away in Norfolk. The usual post-holiday chores on our return; washing clothes, putting cases back in the loft.
We spent some time in the garden this afternoon and evening. I had a go at the grape vine which has spread its tendrils and off-shoots while we’ve been away. Lisa has been dead-heading the flowers and caring for the plants in the greenhouse and patio. Stan has been celebrating the size of the courgettes that have gone bonkers over the last week.
The day started in the misty coolness of Wells-next-the-Sea and ended with the balmy heat of Ardleigh. We played backgammon outside with a cool glass of wine underneath the lights and the vine.
We are very lucky to live on an island so rich in variety and with so many opportunities for simple distractions. In just a couple of hours we were back home and although we have loved being away, it is great to be back.
A realisation that has hit me this past week though, has been how important walking has become to me. If I have a few days not stretching my legs and seeing the world around me, I start to become irritable and insular. It doesn’t have to be on the scale of our coastal walks like yesterday but does need to provide me the chance to see wonderful things and breath deep gulps of fresh air. Fortunatley, I can get that all year round by stepping outside my own front door.
Finally, I was really interested by a new initiative been set up called Earthwatch Naturehood which focusses on people actively protecting the natural world around where they live. No matter how big or small. I have signed up and will see what its all about over the coming days and weeks.
The Bald Birder 