Fresh Strength

Main aim of our Nature walk today was to find some snake's head fritillary that their Mummy had seen on her run yesterday, though I'm also working towards an annotated map of Rectory Park, for which we need familiarity with the whole area. Anyway, we saw a lot of things, including bluebells flowering and a whole load of wild garlic - but no fritillary. So, this afternoon, Deb took us there, and the light was lovely (and notice the nails, glitter added now).

I am amazed at two things, firstly, what a wonderful Park this is. Totally overshadowed by its much larger and more famous neighbour, Sutton Park, and I usually walked in Newhall Valley when I lived here - but both are just too dangerous to walk through at the moment - too many places you can't get away from people. And, secondly, that though I've "known" this Park for over forty years, I hardly knew it at all. So much to discover, so many hidden and delightful corners. Maybe it's the lockdown, but feels full of life and birds and flowers. It's perfect to go in with the kids, without having to go on any streets. When I walked out to take earplugs to Paul because he's had to move his bed to the lounge and gets disturbed by the buzzer all night, I almost felt frightened of the world of people and cars and pavements. What am I turning into??

Lent verse is Isaiah 40v31:
But those who wait upon God get fresh strength.
    They spread their wings and soar like eagles,
They run and don’t get tired,
    they walk and don’t lag behind.

Think I need to wait upon God more, feel tired most of the time at the moment...

Gratefuls:
- the forced opportunity to really appreciate Rectory Park, and England in the Spring
- the blind arriving today for our attic velux, and Mike putting it up, so much easier and more effective than trying to rig up the car sunshade every night
- Sam and Mike venturing out to buy food, having the cupboards stocked again, and Deb making delicious chili-con-carne for our dinner, with loads of fresh fruit for dessert