under another sun

A busy day. Once the girls were up, Lorraine and I fed them all a large breakfast, the Lorraine drove us off to Middle Farm where Betty, Olivia and Emily cooed over a multiplicity of creatures and kept up various comedy routines, voices and so on as they went. Olivia, not over fond of birds, was menaced and rushed at by free running chickens. Betty exiting rapidly from the milking shed as the smell of warm milk was making her go green. Then to buy some veg from the farm shop for our Sunday roast, and we also sensibly invest in some good cider from the barrel to take home. Home and Lorraine and I dug a new flower bed. I dug bits of it with my left leg not the right, and we were pleased with ourselves and it makes the back garden look more interesting. Then indoors to cook a big supper for everyone, and then watch the Baftas, which, being actresses, the girls naturally wanted to watch. Below Olivia, Emily and Beth in the back of the car. One of the things with a nice face. ...

Anton around with Klaudia and Oskar early this morning, and after a while Lorraine, Betty and I took them to Drusillas Park . An ideal spot to take them (and Betty who loves zoos) as it was full of things to do for children. As well as all kinds of smaller animals, there were farm animals, an artificial cow to milk, little trail books for the children to stamp once they have seen certain animals, and a telephone box to go into and shout into enabling you to compare yourself to various animals. (Mine although not full throated was a disappointing 96 decibels, and only as loud as a Humboldt penguin). Bumped into Tom Norrell with his new baby at the zoo too. Much enjoyable mooching about in the zoo ensued. Luckily the children enjoyed it too, as there was also an adventure playground, a maze complete with clue spilling talking statues and parrots, restaurants, and a miniature railway that Lorraine and I squeezed into. In short the children were able to get a...

Apples and young Oskar Sunday morning with Anna and Anton and the bairns to Middle Farm near Lewes where there was an Apple Festival. Teeming rain all morning, soaking the farm and fields. And probably significantly lowering attendance. (Although the core support was there.) Had a good laugh however tasting cider, and buying speciality foods such as smoked cheddar and sloe gin and honey. Of the attractions my favourite was Mouse Town, a small dripping tent filled with a big glass case containing a wonderful streetscene populated by mice. There were mice everywhere looking through miniature windows and doors, lurking in miniature shops and even a boozer too, where no doubt they went to get ratted. We also met Martin and Sam there too with their young nipper Charlie. I enjoyed going for a walk with Baby Klauds, when she got bored sitting around in the cafe tent, and loved watching her zigzagging happily from puddle to puddle. Dripping but happy we then all drove back to Brighton. Excell...