The title sums up my week so far. Yesterday was our monthly bird survey by the Severn. It was sadly underwhelming with few birds- the strong wind didn’t help – any self respecting bird was taking cover. The high tide wasn’t due till later so it was quiet out on the river.

Had a wonderful cycle over the hills on Wednesday with plenty of climbing. Got to get those miles in the legs!

I played cricket in a memorial match yesterday playing with plenty of people who I have either played against or with over the years. I am actually turning out for my club tomorrow.

I have been revisiting my Harriet the Hippo with the idea I might try and get it published.  It is one of my favourite stories to tell. Story Telling next week again.

At last the garden has had some rain- it needs it and making sure the garden doesn’t completely dry out is time consuming.

The bird feeders in the garden are very busy and i am filling them up frequently. Have enjoyed watching the starlings feeding their young this week. One welcome visitor that we have seen regularly over the last few weeks is the great spotted woodpecker. Old pictures below  from a couple of years ago on our crab apple.

An action packed weekend for me! It started on Friday when I went for a long cycle ride with a mate nearly 50 miles with quite a bit of climbing thrown in. Slowly increasing my miles and climbing for the Dartmoor Classic in three weeks.

Saturday our two delightful grandsons were left with us early on Saturday morning for the weekend. Clare of course is still recovering so much rested on my shoulders. We had a lovely time with the boys but  I am absolutely exhausted now

I was sitting in the hide yesterday with young people from Baguley Hall Primary School Manchester when I briefly saw a bird flying across the river towards us. “It couldn’t be could it?” I told the children “It’s a cuckoo!” I yelled with excitement! As it disappeared behind some  trees I began to have doubts- was it?  I told the children “Just wait and listen!” I was hoping the bird hadn’t disappeared and was a cuckoo. After what seemed ages we heard that evocative Spring sound that sadly is slowly disappearing from the countryside. None of the children had ever heard one before! A special moment!

I had a lovely story telling session with them tonight telling two old favourites – the shaggy dog story about the Saxons and the river and of course Mollie! 

Had a lovely ride over the tops yesterday. l went up beyond Randwick, including  Painswick Beacon and Bull’s Cross. I am pleased with my climbing legs at the moment as I continue to prepare for the Dartmoor Classic later next month.

Back at Wick Court tomorrow to take young people from Manchester bird watching there is a rarity forecast for tomorrow-RAIN!!!!

I am looking forward to Book Club tomorrow evening where we are discussing Skinny Legs And All by Tom Robbins. A fascinating read full of humour and it was certainly provocative. Be good to hear what others think.

Don’t think I can ever recall a Spring/early Summer that has been so long without rain- we even missed the thunderstorms of last week- never made it to Frampton!

Strange pattern of life here at the moment. Looking after Clare, popping out for the odd ride or bird watch and trying to make sure the plants don’t completely dry up! I also manage to watch the Giro d’Italia probably the most captivating of the cycling Grand Tours because of its unpredictability.

Birds in the garden have been good in recent weeks with occasional visits from siskins, blackcaps,  song thrush, great spotted woodpecker and goldcrest a welcome additions to our regular visitors. Add to that we often can hear from  the house –oystercatchers, cuckoo, common terns, barnacle geese and of course occasionally the booming bittern. 

I ventured down to Bristol yesterday to meet up with the India cricket tourists for the World Premiere of our tour video. Great to meet up again with everyone and remind ourselves what a great time we had – I am still pinching myself on the dream that came true! The video was very professional!

The patient is doing well and we had a delightful visit from our two grandsons (with their mum ) carrying little presents for their Granny! They are very entertaining and good for morale!

Is it Australia?

No it is Frampton- on-Severn! I went looking for a reported black tern on the Sailing Lake which I saw in the distance but too far for a picture. Took this one of the black swan instead. They do occasionally turn up in different parts of the country escapees from collections. Also heard the bittern booming tonight.

Sunset tonight over the river.

The pictures above is not from our garden – I took them a couple of weeks ago when Clare and I visited Hidcote Manor. 

I chose the pictures above because I have just written a poem for her and it reminded me of our visit. She has had a new hip today! I hope to bring her home tomorrow.

Short blog today. I turned out today for my cricket club and yes I was the oldest player on the pitch. However, the “Old Man”  thoroughly enjoyed himself in the field with a diving stop to a fierce drive. His big moment came when the batsman thought they could take a quick single to the “Old Man”. I came running in and picked up the ball dived forward to hit the stumps with an underarm throw. I was delighted and my team mates mobbed me afterwards. We won as well!