9th April
Despite still not knowing the destination of Silver Wedding holiday, I am
risking a little trip to M&S at Sandhurst today, (just to look you
understand). Spencer dropped me off in the Bentley on his way to
taking Marcus to a study course in London that he wanted to do. These
A Levels do seem to put young people under so much pressure. I did
offer to go with them for the drive, but then Spencer actually suggested
that I might prefer to go to Sandhurst instead- and for once he wasn’t
wrong.
When Spencer came back later to pick me up, I was astonished to find that
Marcus wasn’t in the car with him. It transpires that this course in
London was residential for 10 days! That was why they didn’t want me to
accompany them to London. So that has put paid to my plans for a
family Easter together at the Manor. I consoled myself with the thought that
at least Marcus would be putting in a lot of revision for his A Levels which
start in May.
11th April - Easter Saturday
Went to visit the Northern branch of the Paulet family who live in Luton.
You may remember that these were the ones who arrived very late for my New
Year’s Eve party and I was determined that we wouldn’t do the same to them.
After waking the family up at 6am we were on the road by 7am and arrived in
time for breakfast. They did look a bit surprised to see us so early,
but I wanted to make a full day of it.
I thought that Spencer wouldn’t be able to resist dropping a hint about our
Silver wedding holiday, but he managed to remain tight lipped throughout,
even after a couple of beers. The traditional Easter BBQ was a bit of
a wash out, but we made the best of things and had an indoor one instead.
Easter Sunday
My carrots have started to shoot- Jeff Owen eat your heart out! I have also sown beetroot, radish, kohl rabi and onions and they are all doing well so far. I intend to enter some different classes in the Village show this year, and am gearing up for it already. I am attempting to grow lots of annuals in the cottage garden area of the Manor gardens this year, so that they will be nice for my Garden Party at the end of May. I decided upon Marigolds (African), Asters, Penstemon- all usually classes in the Village Show, as well as sweet peas, nasturtiums and mesembryanthamums. I have kept Spencer busy keeping the large shrubs and trees pruned and tidy, and he has worked hard to make the edges of the lawn all neat. Weeds are being attacked on a daily basis (by me), and we are well on track at the moment. I have planted up my hanging baskets after my recent successful visit to Conkers, and everything is looking good in the garden.