Mr C and I had lunch ‘Al Fresco’ in the Bowring Park before making our way to Haughmond Hill for an impromptu afternoon walk.

After we arrived at Haughmond Hill Mr C didn’t set of on the more direct way up the hill as I expected he would. Instead he set off on what I knew was the longest trail which was a bonus for me. Mr C didn’t religiously stick to the trail and at one point I realised that we had gone in a circle and arrived back at a familiar viewpoint near to the start of our walk.

We retraced our steps to locate the viewpoint he was aiming for then walked along the ridge enjoying the viewpoints but failing (as I thought) to locate the ‘bench’ I really wanted to see.

It was only later that I realised that I had seen the back of the bench. It was the intriguing fallen tree shape at the end of a short path, the only path that I didn’t walk to look at the view even though the curious tree trunk was calling me to have a closer look. Ironically Mr C walked along the path to see the view and didn’t notice the log/bench! After taking in the view he retraced his steps to find me waiting for him by some delightful lilac trees.

After an enjoyable five mile adventure we arrived back at the car park just too late to enjoy refreshments from the café. Maybe next time

I got a bit carried away taking photos on my recent holiday (nearly 1000). It is taking me a while to work my way through them…

So for now here a few photos from this afternoons walk.

After many sunny April days the sun was tired and put its hat in a box to recharge its batteries.

This meant that the ‘Boris’ walkers rather than regular dog walkers and walkers stopped at home giving me a window of opportunity to venture out on a much missed local walk.

The pathways were back to how I love them, apart from one occasion when a runner was charging (huffing and puffing) towards me with no care for anyone but themselves. No slowing down or moving to one side to let me pass by. I had to step around off the pathway to accommodate the runner.

I walked along my special off route path to see the Wisteria and Laburnum arches sprouting their blooms. And in that place where I have a special bench I was amazed to see that the lime tree (I think it is a Lime) was now in full leaf as were the pollarded limes that surround the trees location. I didn’t linger there as I normally would.

It was lovely to walk along my local pathways again. I have come up with a potential route, avoiding the ‘Boris Walker’ crowds to visit my local woodland area.

Brendan Graham

Lunch today was intended to be earlier than usual due to my scheduled hair appointment at 1pm. Following my hair appointment, Mr C and I planned to visit a particular garden centre to track down (and see) a garden bench that we had in mind.

Whilst I was quietly reading before lunch, the phone rang… It was my FIL offering to bring his jet washer round to clean off our patio table and chairs, to spruce them up. Of course I accepted the offer but this put our plans off track a little, lunch in particular and I was worried about being late for my appointment.

We got back on track and after my hair appointment we went to the garden centre and although the garden centre stocked the range of garden benches we were looking for the bench we had in mind was not on display. We have one other place we can visit to see if they have the bench on display, this will involve a visit to Sugnall Walled Garden for lunch. What a hardship

Whilst we were out on our travels we bought a shrub for the newly dug border, then Mr C went in search of the missing ingredient for this evenings meal; Fennel seed. It was nowhere to be found. I had given up and was ready to go home so I searched on line (via my phone) for suitable alternatives, many of these we have in our cupboard. But Mr C was determined and we eventually found the illusive seeds in Holland & Barrett.

Eventually we returned home just in time to prepare dinner so that it could be enjoyed on the patio before the temperature got too chilly.

The Pork & Fennel meatballs were delicious

The sun was shining through the trees showing the leaves off in a glowy light.   There was a gentle breeze, the birds were singing, the rabbits were grazing and I tuned a few heads as I cycled past…

A perfect evening