Busy day

Sunny and warm, as promised by the weather folk. After Archie’s round the block walk, we set off on the bikes round the Links and also the Meadows this morning. I look longingly at everyone else on bikes, casually sailing along without a care in the world, possibly with no hands (on the handlebars...). Will I ever get like that? I doubt it. I’m still hanging on for dear life, and after going round the Meadows, looking out for hazards everywhere, my hands, fingers and arms were aching - even my armpits! Then it got busy - too many people out jogging.

Archie had a hectic morning in the back garden with the wee girls. He was hassled non stop, but was very patient. Our kitchen door was open, so he could have escaped if he got too fed up. The parents were packing all their belongings in a removal van.

We then drove round to Morningside to try to donate loads of stuff to any charity shop. We’ve had a big suitcase and many big bags cluttering up the house since beginning of lockdown. Our local charity shops are not open yet, but ignorant people leave their bags beside the sign saying ‘Do not leave bags here’. What is wrong with them??

The first shop we managed to get a park near (suddenly new bollards all the way down the road to stop parking) was open. Well - the sign on the door said it was open, but the woman inside said she wasn’t. There was another charity shop nearby. It was open and taking donations, but only till 1pm. We just made it at 12.59! It felt just as good as when we got rid of stuff at the dump. Not that it was rubbish, mind you - all good stuff.

I had a fiddle with my barbecue, and I see what’s wrong. I need a new knob. It’s fixable, so I won’t convert it to a coal one yet.

JR popped down to get some goodies at the local fish shop - scallops, prawns, shrimps, chicken and M&S salmon patties (YUM YUM) to share with our neighbours, who did such a sterling job of cooking the other day.

What a super feast we had. (Extra 1 - only a fraction) The neighbours did the honours. A lovely balmy evening. Hazel came across (not expecting a bbq) and Elizabeth came back with Archie, so had a surprise feast too. Finishing with huge marshmallows, of course.

Brian from next door popped his head over the wall to say hello. (Extra 2)