under another sun

Up early, and making strides now on the long poem about memory and time and have found a form for it. Feeling quite pleased with myself and that I am doing good work. In the afternoon we went off to a garden centre near the village of Laughton called Merchants Gardens and Nursery. Here we looked at a few plants and bought some. While we were there a big tree emitted a creaky crunch and a large branch was dramatically broken off by the wind. Not long after a Spitfire flew over. The sky is full of Spitfires in East Sussex.   We came away with a box of plants. Home and some courgette cake made by Lorraine and a cup of tea. Went out for a walk but turned back quickly realising I was dehydrated. Drank two pints of water and then recommenced. The sea dramatic and lovely. The wind and sea very lively. Sort of end of days-ish feel to it, but gorgeous Meanwhile Lorraine playing piano, then working on curtains. I cooked on my return, and we lurked happily indoors in the stormy weather. ...

A beautiful Sunday, with a Spitfire blue sky. We simply spent doing light gardening, including some watering then sprawling about on our garden furniture. Just lovely to be relaxing in the sun, and it genuinely felt as if we were on holiday. Talked to Mum and Mas. Several times today we saw a Spitfire, sometimes with an accompanying light aircraft which I think is filming it, do a Victory roll over the cliffs. There is a business nearby ( this one I think ) where people can be flown alongside a Spitfire above the white cliffs, and take all the photographs and film you want. On one occasion I saw there were two Spitfires and a light aircraft. The sound of the aircraft's Merlin engine is so distinct it alerts you to look up. Calliope rushed a seagull at one point but luckily for her, didn't catch it.    A few random snaps of the back garden.  One looking back at the house from over the raised beds, the summer house with Calliope, and a shot into the glasshouse, with Lorrain...

Torrential rain this morning, Lorraine drove me down to Preston Park station, I bought a ticket for the week. My phone told me I was already late for a meeting in Teddington, which I'd completely forgotten about. I called Matty to apologise and tell him I would be late, and found that wires had been crossed and I wasn't actually required. Luckily I hadn't boarded a train yet, so walked back up the hill, drinking the large cup of tea I had bought at the station. A bit of diary haywire stuff going on. Matt who had reassuring news about the security that will be in place for the Chad trip. We will be based is a lowest risk area in the country. Surprised to learn that mobile phone coverage there is good too -- Chad having moved straight to mobile -- and we will be given local sim cards so I will be able to phone home. The day not a write off financially as my French amis piped up with a bit of work on cows with sore udders, so I was gainfully employed for the day. And quite...

Spitfire in a blue sky Off into the countryside this afternoon, to Borde Hill. It is a heavenly English garden with some quirky dells and ponds. Annoyingly my camera battery ran out the second I fixed on a scene. However Lorraine, Beth and I wandered about happily in the mysteriously empty gardens. There were old fashioned roses that I could have smelled for hours, lavender, mock orange, and all kinds of fragrances, including a strange deep red, poppy-sized flower with an unmistakable aroma of chocolate. We sat the dappled shade under a stately tree, and listened to the wind moving through the trees all around. The sky was faultless blue and the day had a timeless quality, only enhanced when a wartime Spitfire flew low over the green valley. Later went to the fish shop, and I bought some bloodworms for my fish and also eight red eyed tetras which were divided between Beth's aquarium and mine. In the evening watched the world cup final. A fairly dour uninspiring affair where Spain ...