Thursday 17th May 2012

Of course, the problem with holidays is when they end. And particularly when you come back and head back to work the next day, thus making it seem even more obvious that vacation time has stopped. Even if the working week now comprises of just two days before the weekend rolls round again.

Anyway, we managed to get ourselves out of bed and off to work on time, to be greeted with full e mail inboxes and no time to sort them out. So, Thursday passed in a flash, and so did Friday, mainly because I was preparing for this week’s events; a road trip to Belgium and Holland for more audits and hotel food. But, soon enough four o’clock rolled round and it was time to leave and have another fine weekend ahead of us; or would have if the weather would play ball. In fact, it was almost spring-like on Saturday, so we got out of bed nice and early, as the sun was shining brightly through the curtains, and headed out to look for bluebells.

We headed once again to Kings Wood near Challock, and found the car park with just two other cars in it. After putting on our walking shoes, we set off along the path through the trees, and already on both side, bluebells covered the floor in a carpet of blue. But we knew that they would be even better further on. All around us, there was just the sound of nature, no sound of any other people could be heard. It was wonderful, and with the sunlight falling through the canopy of leaves, it made for wonderfully bright colours in amongst the trees.

Along the paths, and over the managed clearing; down the slope to the main forest track and along to where the main body of bluebells still lay. On the left they could be seen covering the forest floor as far as the eye could see. And on the other side of the track, the winding path passes the hole where the cloud chamber used to be, and just beyond the bluebells begin again, stretching far into the distance and into the light of the rising sun. It is perfect, and we had it all to ourselves. Needless to say, I snap away like crazy. We could have stayed there all day, but in truth once we got the shots we wanted we turned round and headed back for the car, pausing just to snap some uncurling ferns that we had spotted beside the path.

And we had been up so early and got round snapping our way round the wood, that we were back in Dover hat just before nine, and sat down at a table at a French café having ordered toasted sandwiches in no time at all. I went to the street market and bought some vegetables for Sunday dinner, and having achieved all our tasks, we head home and are sat down once again drining big cups of fresh coffee by half ten.

Super.

And as the weather was so nice, we went into the garden; Jools did weeding and I got the mower out and gave the lawn a good trim. And before long it was looking very good indeed in the sunshine. And that set me up for an afternoon of watching playoff football on TV; despite the season having ended for the Football League, it somehow manages to struggle on making that death rattle last longer and longer. That night we dined well on lots of stinky French cheese we brought back last week, and washed it down with good German beer too; being the good Europeans that we are.

Sunday was bright and sunny too, and having done most of the chores we go out for a walk in the morning, just a short one along the lane from our street to see the pigs in the wood. And they have now been joined by four piglets that will go to make fine sausages come the autumn. Such is the country way.

Jools went up to pick Nan up, as we were going to have her over for Sunday lunch, but on the way take her via Kings Wood so she could see the bluebells from the car. And whilst they were sightseeing, I listened to some radio on the i-player and prepared the roast lamb and vegetables for dinner before Nan and myself sat down to watch the drama of the final afternoon in the Premier League season unfold. And what drama it was! Before the game I said that I expected it to be with no drama at all with the issues being decided along the lines of the way the table stood before three. And I was right, but what twists and turns there were: all Manchester City had to do was to beat QPR at home. City had played 18 games at home before Sunday, and won 17 of them and drawing the other one. City took the lead before half time, which should have calmed the nerves and meant a stress-free day for City fans. Instead, Rangers came back to score twice, including the second after Mr J Barton, professional idiot got himself sent off and then kicked out and attempted to head-butt Kompany.

And that is the way it stayed until the 90th minute; City laying siege to the Rangers goal, and yet City never looking like scoring. City Equalise in the 91st minute, but that still meant United would still win the title. Until the 94th minute when City grab a winner and the stadium goes wild. And then some. I know its been said, but if you saw this in a film you would say that’s not how it happens in real life.

But it did.

And, for the time being, I am pleased for the City fans who have experience more than their fair share of disappointment over the years. If they make a habit of it, my attitude will change.

Norwich won their final game to end up in 12th place on 47 points and very, very safe. And Delia and Co will spend the summer trying to keep Paul Lambert at the club. But that is for another day.