We ended the week by visiting Westonbirt Arboretum. We had to have pre-booked tickets with a twenty minute arrival slot. The arboretum opened at 9am and our slot started at 10am. We were surprised to find that the car park was already incredibly busy. On the first part of the walk we encountered a large number of dogs although they all seemed well controlled by their owners. The second part of the walk, through the “old arboretum” was a lot more pleasant as dogs were not allowed. The rhododendrons were over their best but still provided a colourful backdrop.

We have already been able to see our UK based children and families apart from Martin and Louise. For some the weather was kind for others there was a flurry of snow but at least it was predominately dry for our walks together and coffee etc in the garden
.

We continued with our daily walking and observed the horse chestnut trees bursting forth. It was quite something to watch the changes over just a few days after the first easing of lockdown.

On 12 April, with the next stage of lockdown easing, we were able to visit ‘non essential’ shops and enjoy food and drink at outdoor venues and the only immediate benefit for us was to be able to go swimming again which we did at 7am.
We actually hesitated about going as we awoke to snow! However, it was not much, and it had melted on contact with the road surface. It was lovely to get back into a (warm) swimming pool. After swimming we went for our daily walk from Eastleach to Southrop and return via Fyfield. Below are some of the scenes we encountered:

The next day was totally different with the sun shining, although not very warm, the same snow covered plants looked so much brighter.

We were able to sit in the garden (in our ‘bus shelter’) during the afternoon and although there is some colour in the garden we look forward to planting the summer plants in the next few weeks. In the evening neighbours joined us for a glass of wine and we only packed up when it got quite cold at about 8pm!

On our walk that day we both learned something that surprised us. We came across a chicken beside the road pecking at a dead mole. We had not realised that such carnivorous behaviour was normal.

The weather for our walks varied between needing full wet weather gear and just waterproof tops.  Not only did we have to contend with the rain, but the wind was often very gusty and bitingly cold. However, we had the right equipment and thoroughly enjoyed our walks. The views were often limited by the weather and greyness prevailed.

.

.

.

Our walks around the walls of the town were as pleasant as usual.

.

.

.

One area of the town was undergoing major redevelopment but we could not determine whether the charm of the old town will be retained or replaced with modern uninspiring buildings. It would be a shame if the character and history of Montreuil were to be destroyed. That said, there was an outstanding piece of renovation on the spire of the church attached to our hotel – we were truly impressed.

Once again we had a really enjoyable break in what is certainly one of our favourite towns.

.

What an interesting month January has been.

In Cornwall, we have seen Daffodils, Camelias and snowdrops(but none in the photos).

.

.

During a walk with Hannah, Rosie and Ptolemy at Stourhead we saw snowdrops and aconites,

At the end of the month, we came upon daffodils and hyacinths during a walk at Blenheim Palace.

However, the first of February brought 12cm of snow to Fairford.

Throughout
our week we enjoyed really good weather with temperatures  so much warmer than we would expect. We came across quite a few wild daffodils, Camellia and other flowers and bushes.  It was hard to imagine it was the second week of January.  As a result of the good weather, we managed to walk every day including National Trust sites at Penrose, Godolphin and Trelissick.  Additionally, we walked on the Cornish Coast Path at The Lizard and St Ives. Views from The lizard and of St Ives across the beach are shown below.

Whilst we were in St Ives, we took the opportunity to visit the Tate Gallery.

We
also visited and were quite disappointed with Land End a profit making and tacky sort of place as far as we are concerned.

However, we then visited the Minack Theatre which was, by contrast, spectacular.  Not only was the theatre itself great to look at so were the views from various parts of the theatre. including the rocks going down to the sea from the back of the stage! and Porthcurno Beach

We also visited Mevagissey.
It was quite a drive from Mousehole but walking along the breakwater and  eating a pasty sitting on a seat overlooking the harbour is something we seem to do every time we visit Cornwall!

With the weather so good it was not surprising that we had some lovely sunrises and sunsets. This view is sunrise from the deck of our bungalow and is a fitting end to this blog entry.

James, Hannah, Rosy, Ptolemy, Lucy, (Dr) James and Emma all came to stay. We had glorious weather and were able to spend a lot of time in the garden with the paddling pool for the children.

We also walked to the park early on Sunday morning – Rosy enjoyed pushing Emma in the pushchair.

The planes were fantastic and below are just a few photos taken from The Nook.

Many thanks to the staff at The Great Western Hospital Swindon for their care and kindness (and the visit from Santa and the turkey lunch).

PS If you are ever unfortunate enough to be admitted to the hospital do not despair the food is brilliant especially the soups!

Three days after seeing the swan’s eggs, this was the sight.  Seven of the eight eggs had hatched and the 7 cygnets were all doing well.  Although there are only 6 visible, the seventh was on the mother’s back.

It was a windy but dry day when we set out to explore Stonehenge.  We entered through the new visitor centre and took the shuttle to the site.  Despite the cold wind, walking around was enjoyable and made more so by the excellent audio tour.  However, it was noticeable how the pleasure diminished slightly as the crowds started to arrive!!

After our visit we enjoyed a cup of coffee and picnic lunch before heading off to see Rosie (and parents Hannah and James).  Now 6 months old, Rosie remains as gorgeous as ever.