Saturday 21st March 2026

The first orchid in Kent was found to be in flower on Fray. An Early Purple in the Faversham area.

In previous years I would have gone out to all the sites I know, checking spikes for one in flower.

But I am different now.

Also, we had to go out at weekends, as we worked during the week, but now we go out during the week, mostly to avoid people.

So, although it took willpower on my part, we did not go orchiding over the weekend.

But we did go to the gym Saturday morning. Me with my new headphones too. Jools went swimming, so I cycled alone, which is fine.

Another fine Spring morning, cool enough for a ground frost on some cars and the field at Westcliffe, but would warm up.

After phys, I popped to Tesco for a few things to tide us over until mid-week. I bought no beer, but did buy cider for Jools so she didn't run out.

Then back to the sports centre to pick Jools up when she came out of the sauna and had a shower. So back home for half eight for breakfast of short life savoury stuffed eggs and a fresh brew.

Jools did gardening, and I had a shower, prepared potatoes for hash, then vacuumed the utility room, kitchen, living room and stairs.

The vacuum is also the Mk1 cat scaring device, so they either went upstairs or out.

At half midday the football marathon began: Ipswich v Millwall which ended a fair 1-1 draw.

Then to the radio to follow Norwich at Charlton, as our injury crisis deepened, and yet City won 1-0 so now have 54 points and are 12th.

At some point I cooked hash, and we ate whilst the radio or TV burbled.

Then to Coventry at Swansea, and Coventry were 3-0 up at half time and cruising, with all teams just below them either lost or drew. So I switched over to watch the second half of Everton v Chelsea, and was rewarded with a 3-0 home win as the cheats lost again.

I couldn't face a 5th game, Leeds v Brentford, so went to bed at half eight, so missed the 0-0 draw.