under another sun

A lazy morning, and breakfast. Chatted with Mum, before making off to Squirrel's End, what we have decided to call Beth and James's house. Sure enough as we arrived and looked out at the expanse of their back garden, a squirrel was obligingly sitting on its haunches in the middle of the lawn. Naturally lots of organising still to be done, but they are definitely installed now.  Lots of spiders in the conservatory, and Beth is no fan of our arachnid friends. I offered to wrangle the spiders next week if it was still a problem. James rallied, having felt peaky all week.  He was watching cycling in the background on TV as he got things ready. I must say I was quite getting into it. As today was Mother's Day, it was another Mum summit and treat for Lorraine and Julie, who arrived with Lorenzo and Andy. Beth had cooked up roast chicken and ham, and salads and roast small potatoes and so on. We toasted their new house and Julie and Lorraine with Prosecco. A cheery afternoon. I li...

Breakfast with Pat and Maureen, who have colds. The heatwave continues, and maybe it was this that was making me feel a bit drained too.  This afternoon Lorraine drove me off to Seafield Close to meet Beth and James, and James's brother Lorenzo to have another look around the house they've had their offer accepted on. Joe, their estate agent, Lorraine and I had met last year. A nice young guy who looked to me like a First World War poet. The house is compact and characterful and opens out into an excellent conservatory, leading to the most fabulous garden. This is also a cabin in it which can be used as an office. They're all kinds of zones: a patio, lawn, and a wilder bit with trees. There is also a koi pond with half a dozen hefty fish in there.  Keeping my fingers crossed now that their offer has been accepted.  We all returned home, to lurk in the garden with Pat and Maureen and have a bit of family time. Then they zoomed off, as they were about to join in a surprise ...