I did promise you I’d get out and about to take some pics – better than those in my last post. I don’t make many promises but never let it be said that I don’t keep the ones I do.
One of the ways I spend my time these days is to act as companion to a lovely lady in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. She’s great. She’s a happy soul, laughs a lot…
Karen.
Does arty crafty stuff…
And of course, I get to play too…
She enjoys gardening, wildlife…
And loves to walk in the great outdoors. This is good for me because it makes me do these things too.
We’ve had some lovely walks along the river…
Through Hatfield Forest and around local parks, days at the seaside…
Frinton-on-Sea, don’t you know.
We’ve visited the likes of RHS Wisley butterfly house…
Damned difficult to capture these flutterbies.
And RHS gardens at Hyde Hall…
We’ve painted by numbers, done colouring in, sang and danced to Buddy Holly (her favourite) laughed together at the smelly tele, had pub lunches and afternoon teas…
It’s a hard job, but someone has to do it.
Recently, we went along to Audley End. It’s only about a twenty minute drive away but I’d never, in all my seven years here, ventured there. There’s a miniature steam railway there so, wanting a ride on the puff puff, I headed that way first. We hadn’t even got out of the car (luckily) before it chucked it down – a thundery downpour that came from nowhere – so we made a dash for the tea room. Like you do.
We emerged when it was over but, by this time, my charge has lost the will to accompany me on the chuff chuff and wanted to go home. Well, the seats would have been wet anyway. I’ll be back someday soon for a ride and a listen to the toot-toot, with boatbloke maybe, who loves steam engines and stuff…
As you can see.
By the time we’d walked a few steps, Karen had clean forgotten she wanted to go home so we crossed the road and entered the grounds of Audley End House. Being the muppet I am, I’d brought the National Trust cards – it’s an English Heritage site – but the young girl on the gate let us in anyway. Without the card it’s £19 odd each, with it it’s free, so thanks again that girl.
Karen has been here before and went romping off up the drive…
Before I had chance to re-stow the wrong cards in my purse. She’s a fast walker, unlike me, so I have to work hard to keep up. Story of my life.
We were fairly late arriving so didn’t do the house; instead wandering around the grounds…
There’s various different areas…
A smart henhouse…
With handsome occupant…
And interesting buildings…
Housing stuff like this…
Sadly, we didn’t complete the tour because Karen’s new shoes were hurting. I’ve been there (often) so we retraced our steps…
Back to the car and home.
So there’s the here and here’s the there…
South Africa. There’s snow on those mountains…
Oh yes there is.
Safe in the knowledge it is cold there, I can bear being here, enjoying the heatwave. Well I was.
John has flown south – people to see, places to be – but has sent a few images. Stunning as ever.
There’s been nasty wild fires at Knysna…
Just when he was staying with his friend there. 150 properties were destroyed but fortunately Rudi and his property were undamaged, despite it getting uncomfortably close.
Back at the bus…
John is maintaining his usual levels of luxury and technology…
To be fair, he did fit the whole bus with LED lighting the other year. Annoyingly, this has has been nicked while John’s been in th UK, making him very cross. Hence the candles.
I’m glad to say he has installed a wood burner…
For heat and cooking. Needs must.
Beats the before picture…
He’s driven the long road to PE a couple of times to see his dad, 91 next month, and doing just fine.
That’s the here and there then.
Where to next?
I vote for a boaty mc boat post. See what I can do.
Boatbird
Boatbird 
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