Sunday 26th January 2025

Sunday.

And a day that began with sunshine and fairly calm conditions which would turn to gales and heavy rain in the afternoon, so if we were going to do anything, it would have to be early.

So it was that soon after half eight we were heading to Samphire Hoe to get some steps in and for me to look for orchid rosettes.

Jools had come down on Saturday, and found the place jammed due to the sunny weather, but on a now dull and increasingly breezy Sunday morning, just us and the dogwalkers about, as the sea wall was too dangerous for fishing.

I walked up and down the metalled track beside the railway, looking hard, but I saw no sign of an orchid. The ground had been churned up well by the cattle, and the orchids will survive that, but not one rosette to be seen.

And just gorse in flower, the Carline Thistle seen was last summer's gone to seed.

After 90 minutes we were back at the car and driving home. Jen was watching the Australian Open final, so we let her be, instead going home so I could prepare lunch, peel and soak the potatoes for lunch of toad in the hole, roast potatoes and steamed veg.

Toad in the hole is the bastard offspring of Yorkshire pudding and sausages: simply a Yorkshire with sausages in it. And I had thought on Friday how good it would be to have toad in the hole over the weekend.

The sausages were rolled up sausage meat, just like Grandad used to make. The batter had to be prepared the day before, so to rise properly.

I don't know how to describe the flavours of toad in the hole, roast potatoes, vegetables and gravy, but the flavours, textures, especially with the crispy ends of the pudding and the superb roast potatoes made it a delight.

Just what I had wanted.

Only problem was to stay awake during the afternoon. The first half of the Palace v Brentford game was 1-0 at half time, but when I awake from my slumber, it was 1-2.

Villa v West Ham was underwhelming to be honest, ended 1-1.

By which time the weekend was nearly over with, and with hot cross buns for supper and a fresh, strong brew, it was soon time for bed, and the week ahead beckoned.