Mr C has recently retired and this was the first opportunity to explore what retirement is about. We were pottering around and catching up on certain household projects that required a trip to Shrewsbury.

Then, with all the time in the world, rather than lunching in Shrewsbury we took a leisurely drive through the countryside to Boscobel House. The food options in Boscobel’s café were mostly sweet rather than savoury, but the sun was out and the birds were singing; a perfect day for lingering outside in the sunshine.

We learned, from the lady who served us in the café, that the small pile of crumbs on our table had been left there on purpose to attract the birds. The tasty treat was obviously appreciated, a sparrow landed a few inches away from me assessing the possibility of a duck and dive crumb grab, only to be scared away by someone that had spotted the sparrow from the table next to ours.

After lunch we enjoyed the gardens with their lovely spring blooms. We couldn’t venture further afield because I was wearing ‘town shoes’! I always have at least one pair of walking shoes/boots (and socks) in my car. I need to get another pair to leave in Mr C’s car