Seeds are popping up in pots all over the place

My lovely brother and sister in law went to see mum in her care home this afternoon. Luckily mum has a ground floor room with a large window facing the front of the building. Brother called mum on her landline (she is no longer able to use her mobile) and she spoke to him whilst looking at him and sis in law through her window.

I have my brother’s daughter staying with us at The Gables. She is furloughed at the moment and has offered to help out with the gardening. Yay! Although she is also revising her Hindi, refining her Bollywood dancing and her burlesque moves. She’s a woman of many parts!

Strange times indeed !

Abundant apple blossom promises a good crop – here’s hoping

Another hen has gone broody and is sitting on eight brown eggs

The gander, who has been savagely attacked by one of the other ganders, has been living with the ducks since last week.

Three days ago we got quite a surprise. The gander is, in fact, a GOOSE and has since laid two eggs

We are reluctant to put her back with an abusive partner so she will, for the time being, remain in the refuge.

Our darling son will be 40 years old on Thursday, the last day of Passover. He will spend it in London and we at The Gables. I can’t even make him a cake – I owe him one. He was the first grandchild for both sets of grandparents and all his grandparents held his own first child.

He has brought us great joy and, yes, we miraculously survived the teenage years just about intact. A man of many parts, his first book felt like an early taste of grand parenthood – although the real grandchildren came later and give more pleasure than any book can offer us.

A working life that veered from stockbroker to army to journalist, author and whistleblower, films, tv appearances and inventor and much more besides. It’s a journey in which we play a part as audience, occasional advisors and amazed parents. Darling son I will miss you so much this week that my heart aches. May we be reunited, along with your children, as soon as circumstances allow. Happy Birthday 💕

Broccoli and lettuce from the garden with some grated cheese and green grapes

Tonight the sky holds no promise of rain.