Family tree

Up very early thanks to Calliope leaping on me. Got up and went to the gym for 8.00am. Then to Brighton Station to meet Lorraine, and we travelled off to Ashford by train, where we were collected by Pat, Lorraine's Dad.

Then back home to meet Lorraine's brother Derek, his wife Laura and their children Jason and Claudia. They live in Finland, and Laura is Finnish. Really nice family. Derek a quiet man, and his wife talkative and friendly, as are their two teenage children. Jason who is 17 is in some demand as a soccer referee. Claudia who is 15 and independently minded, has willowy model looks, and has considered work as a model. Laura has had crippling rheumatoid arthritis since her teens, and needs help walking and standing, but has not a shred of self pity. She and Derek seem devoted to one another, and her English and the children's is something close to perfect.

Lorraine, Derek, Claudia and Jason went for a walk to some nearby woods which Lorraine called the Broomies, which were beautiful. There must have been a million bluebells there in spring too. L hugging a tree of course. Then we walked past Lorraine's old school, which has been converted into houses.

Maureen making me laugh with her aquarium, which is full and thriving. One of the fish, a Siamese fighter called Lucky, had been looking quite poorly, so Maureen had been feeding it by hand. She lifted the tank top up and stroked it, and pushed some others away, saying they were jealous.

Much watching of the world cup, including England's lamentable game against the USA. Then home on the train to Brighton, with loud people on the carriage. Finally, blissful bed.

Below in the broomies a family tree drawn on a stump, and the rusty orange lichen on the trees.