Sunday 18th May 2025

I woke up at half seven, and the house empty.

Jools had gone for an early walk.

I could barely walk to the bathroom and back.

Then get dressed and go downstairs to make a coffee, open the curtains and consider the day.

All that was planned was going out at midday to meet a new chap, Andy, from Devon, who wanted to see an orchid, and thought I could help.

I prepared breakfast, put the radio on, filled up the feeders, and still no wife.

Then I remembered the secret message: put the kettle on, and sure as anything, she appeared within five minutes as the coffee was freshly made.

It was cold, but fine once you were out.

Hmmmmm.

But I had to go out. Out at midday, and into the mad traffic from the port up the A2, before turning off down past the Black Robin to where Andy was waiting.

Andy had a van. A new van. Probably too big for the parking space, so he got his gear and climbed in our car, and off we went down the wooded valley to the parking space at the foot of the bridleway.

Then off up the track, where the sounds of modern life faded away, the sun shone down through the young leaved canopy of the beech trees, casting a unique light.

It was magical, and Andy got it, and was delighted.

First up was the white Lady he had wanted to see, so we fought through thickets of Dog's Mercury and Twayblades until, among more normal coloured ones, there she was.

Still not fully open.

But wonderful.

Then to find the Birds-nests: I had a grid code, but this is where I searched two days ago!

And yet, there they were. About ten spikes in four groups. Some just opening, and of a good size too.

Finally, And had never seen herb Paris. We have hundreds in that wood.

I pointed them out, as he has been searching Devon for years, I don't thin he believed me, but sure enough, two groups of about 100 plants each, most with just the one seed from their one flower.

Also delighted at that too.

It was two. I had lunch to cook. So bid Andy farewell, and we walked back to the car so I could drop him off back at his van.

I raced home, getting back at ten past two, five minutes before kick off.

Yay.

I made roast potatoes, cooked the two small pies and steamed vegetables, so that by quarter past two we were sitting down for a fine dinner, the potatoes perfectly crunchy and crispy.

Once the late game ended, just time before #Wildflowerhour to watch a documentary on TV, and the weekend was over again.