Saturday 24th February 2024

Saturday morning, and the usual task of going to Tesco. Our early start was rewarded with a splendid morning, and stunning sunrise over stormclouds over Northern France again.

It would stay clear all morning, but rain would rapidly spread from the west after lunch.

The colours and dramatic skies was too good not to stop on the side of the road near Wallett's Court to take a shot.

Then to home to unpack, have breakfast and a shower.

We had a fine day planned:

First up was going to a country pub to meet the two other Mods from the orchid group and discuss the upcoming season and our plans to see the remainder of UK species. And to have a bite to eat.

Secondly, Sean and Ang were coming for dinner, so I had a three course Italian meal to plan and cook.

Between, there would be football and rugby.

Of course.

At half ten we drove out along the A2, through Bridge and over the fruit orchards to Stone Street, then up to Nackington to visit the church.

I have been twice recently, but found the door locked, which I thought unusual, I mailed the wardens and was told the church is unlocked during daylight hours.

It was open this time, Jools pushed the inner door open and the cool interior was revealled.

I wanted to come for yet another revisit as the church as two of the oldest windows in England, dating from the early C13th, depicting the Tree of Jessie and the other a representation of St Thomas Becket, so early that the maker of the window might have been alive then the Archbishop was martyred.

So I take my shots and am soon done, the next job is to drive back to Stone Street and then to the crossroads to The Granville where we were to meet Ian and Terry.

It is the start of another orchid season, and the first Kentish spikes could just be four weeks away, if the mild weather holds up. So we have an annual meeting to discuss changes to group rules and so on, but also to discuss our plans for the upcoming season, and maybe I will complete the task of seeing all UK species this year.

We also have lunch, and a beer each, which goes down well, and the hour soon slips by. I had also offered a member meeting afterwards, but no one turned up, so come half one, we all shook hands and left.

Jools drove us home, where once inside and having had a brew, I had to make the filling for lemon tart, and get the ingredients out for dinner.

First up was a small Caprese, with a tomato each and a small mozzarella too, and a Tesco made Italian loaf. There just wasn't time for me to make one.

All preparation having been done by three, I could relax and follow the football, where Norwich only draw 1-1 at Blackburn.

Sigh.

Then there is Scotland v England rugby, which we watch most of, but as the thrilling climax is reached, Sean and Ang arrive, so I switch the TV off, and pour drinks.

We have the Caprese, chat, then I make Cabonara. All good, really good. And we round off with the tart.

Tart.

Somehow, it was gone ten by the time they leave. Two wine bottles were empty, as was a bottle of Chimay, and we had made a dent on the bottle of port Sean brought too.

A fabulous day, but one that left me tired and wanting sleep.