The chooks are fed up with being “cooped up” all winter because of the avian flu restrictions. For the past week we have found hens and cockerels that have made their way out of the polytunnel and into the run. Fair play to them. However, just now I found a hen in the sheep field

Unusually I visited mum this morning (not Tuesday) and she was on great form. Her nails are long and painted red – how my dad would have loved that look!

The children met me at the window and that gave mum great pleasure

My son and his grandma talked about horse racing and the times when mum and dad attended Royal Ascot on Ladies Day – guests of their close friend who owned a racehorse. One weekend dad accompanied his friend to Paris to watch the annual L’Arc de Triomphe horse race. The brilliant horse, Nijinsky, was being ridden by Lester Piggot and was the favourite in the race. My dad’s friend played Chemin de fer at the prestigious casino, Le Circle, the night before the big race. Dad sat next to his friend who lost £100,000 that night! The next day they lunched at the best restaurant in Longchamps. Dad’s friend had a large bet on the favourite, Nijinsky. Sadly the great horse and rider lost by a head at the winning post. It was a very expensive weekend yet dad said that, as always, his friend was as calm and relaxed as if he had won on the big day. My son and his grandma talked about this on the phone this morning. Extraordinary amounts of money won or lost in minutes. My dad loved the glitz and the glamour that he watched and if he ever had a bet on a horse his maximum was £1!

Their first night (with their mothers) away from the optional cover of the barn. All survived!

Children helping with animals and gardening

As grandson plays with his extended marble run before bath time

First Friday night daffodils

It started well with high clouds in a blue sky

And delicate speedwell flowers in bloom beside the path

But suddenly two ownerless, collarless dogs appeared and decided to accompany me on my walk

They wanted to jump and play and, although I knew the house from whence they came, they refused to return across the field to their home. I walked on a while but worried that the dogs would go with me even when I arrived at the road. So, reluctantly, I turned tail and retraced my steps and the dogs retreated to the field behind their garden.

I knocked several times at the door where the dogs live but there was loud beat music blaring and, either no one heard or no one wanted to answer the door. Or maybe an exercise class was in progress. I don’t think I want such lively walking companions tomorrow.